How To Sharpen Ceramic Knives Using 6 Effective Methods

Whoever told you ceramic knives don’t get blunt either didn’t know what he’s talking about or was trying to sell you one. 

We hear about the forever sharpness of ceramic knives all the time. But let me tell you, that’s a plain lie. They may not need sharpening as frequently as steel knives do, but that’s all.

Sharpening a ceramic knife can be challenging. It doesn’t get blunt very quickly, but when it does, it requires extra attention. 

That is why today, I’ll talk about a few exclusive ways of  sharpening ceramic knives. Buckle up. You’re going to learn about some fun facts today. 

You can sharpen your ceramic knives using a diamond stone, an electric sharpener, sandpaper, sharpening rod, tool sharpener and using ceramic plates. 

How To Sharpen Ceramic Knives Using A Diamond Stone

Ceramic knives are rigid in construction but not more than diamond. That makes diamond stone the perfect thing to use while sharpening ceramic knives. 

Things You’ll Need

• Blunt Ceramic Knife
• 200 Grit Diamond Stone
• 600 Grit Diamond Stone &
• 1000 Grit Diamond Stone

Step-by-step Process

Step-1: I’m assuming that you keep your knife clean after every use. That’s what a responsible cook would do. 

Still, it’s better to wash the blade before you get to the next step. If your knife is clean, you can now get started with sharpening it. 

Step-2: Use the 200 grit diamond stone first. Keep the blade facing opposite from you. Angle your knife over the stone and smoothly slide forward, touching the stone. 

Do not go back and forth. Use a one-way direction. Do it a few times, depending on the bluntness. Avoid pressuring the blade on the stone. Perform the same process with the other side of the blade. 

Step-3: Next, take the 600 grit diamond stone and repeat the same process as before. Then use the 1000 grit diamond stone to do the same procedure.

Step-4: Check if the sharpness has reached your desired level. If so, wash the knife to remove any crushed particles.  

Here is my top selection where you will get 3 in 1 diamond stone.

These three types of stones play different roles in this procedure. If your knife has become wholly damaged, you’ll have to use all three of them. You can also use a 1500 grit diamond stone for more sharpness. 

If, however, the blade isn’t that damaged, you can avoid using the 200 grit diamond stone. The 600 grit diamond stone will sharpen the blade, whereas the 1000 grit diamond stone will help get the smoothness. 

Also Read: Best Electric Knife For Cutting Frozen Meat (Top 6 Picks)

How To Sharpen Ceramic Knives With An Electric Sharpener

If you’re only a beginner in sharpening knives or you stay busy with your chores, an electric sharpener is the best you can do. 

It’s an efficient way to sharpen kitchen knives or your ceramic knife and requires less time than others. 

However, electric sharpeners can be expensive. Besides, not all electric sharpeners can sharpen a ceramic knife. 

Make sure to get one that’s compatible with your ceramic knife.

Let’s jump to the Process: 

Step-1: Clean your knife. Most of the time, we find out our knives have gone dull while using them. 

It’s essential to remove any food particle that may be stuck on the blade. Or, the sharpening process will be affected, and so will be your sharpener. 

Step-2: Put your knife on the kitchen counter or wherever you prefer to sharpen your knife. Make sure it’s lying flatly to make sure no one gets hurt. 

Step-3: Connect your knife sharpener to the power source. Take the knife in your hand and turn the sharpener on. 

Step-4: Put your knife blade’s wide end on the sharpener’s slot and slowly move it backward. Repeat it a few times till your knife has been sharpened. Make sure both sides of the blade get adequately sharpened. 

Step-5: Test the sharpness and then wash the knife to remove any particles from it. 

Also Read: How To Sharpen Meat Slicer Blade At Home

How To Sharpen Ceramic Knives Using Sandpaper

Sandpaper is one of the most inexpensive ways to sharpen your ceramic knife. It comes cheap, but you will need some expertise and a steady hand if you wish to use sandpaper with your ceramic knife. 

Step-by-Step Process

Step-1: Keep your sandpaper on a flat surface. 

Step-2: Take your knife and face the sharp side away from you.

Step-3: Make contact between the sandpaper and the knife blade lightly. Don’t put pressure on it. 

Step-4: Create a 20-degree angle and side the knife blade forward, away from you, without pressuring it. 

Step-5: Repeat the process with both sides till the knife is adequately sharpened. How many times you’ll have to repeat the process depends on the bluntness. Keep checking the sharpness in between. 

Step-6: Once done, clean the knife using water to remove any dust created from the process. 

Also Read: Best Knife To Cut Sweet Potatoes (Top 6 Picks)

How To Sharpen Ceramic Knives Using Sharpening Rod

Another popular alternative is using a sharpening rod. They’re easy to find and easy to use too. Let’s see how you can use a sharpening rod. 

Step-by-Step Process

Step-1: Hold the rod using your left hand (or right hand if you’re a lefty). You can hold it either vertically or horizontally according to your comfort. 

Step-2: Take your dull and slide it against the rod with a light touch. Don’t put pressure on your knife. 

Step-3: Repeat the process with both sides. Keep a check on the sharpness in between. When you feel the sharpness is on a perfect level, stop. 

Step-4: Wash your knife with water to remove any dust, and you’re done.

How To Sharpen Ceramic Knives With A Tool Sharpener

There are advantages and disadvantages of owning a tool sharpener. I wouldn’t recommend you to get it only for sharpening your ceramic knife. 

However, if you have a variety of tools and knives that need sharpening very frequently, a tool sharpener might be just the thing you need. 

You can use this device to sharpen many different tools, including your garden tools. However, it’s a costly thing to get. So, if you’re willing to spend a few bucks, it’s an efficient method to choose. 

Step-by-Step Process

Step-1: Tool sharpeners may seem a bit intimidating, but they’re easy to use. They’re a specific place to hold your knife when the belt runs. 

Step-2: If you have difficulty understanding how the tool works, check out the instruction manual. You can also check out YouTube videos if you fail to assemble the device. 

Step-3: Sharpen your knife until it’s completely sharpened. Wash it before using it again. 

Step-4: Don’t forget to turn off the tool sharpener and store it in a safe place. 

How To Sharpen Ceramic Knives Using Ceramic Plates

Let’s assume you don’t want to spend one penny sharpening your ceramic knife. Is that possible? Of course, it is. Remember that if your knife is too blunt, this method won’t be able to help you. 

Step-by-Step Process

Step-1: Take a ceramic plate (assuming you’re using a plate) and put it on the table upside down. You’ll see a rim on its bottom. 

Step-2: Pull out the knife and hold it in touch with that rim at a 45-degree angle. Don’t apply pressure on it. 

Step-3: Slowly slide the knife outward. Repeat it a few times. Check the sharpness in between. 

Step-4: When you reach your desired sharpness level, wash the knife, and you’re done. 

Be Aware of These Things While Sharpening Your Ceramic Knives

You should be careful in general whenever you’re handling any knife. Ceramic knives are different, so they require extra attention. When dealing with a ceramic knife, keep these things in mind-

• Never put pressure on the blade. Not even a little. Ceramic blades are robust, thus, more prone to breakage. 
• Before you know it, you’ll have to remove the pieces of the blade. Always handle the knife with a light touch. 
• Don’t follow any specific rule of holding a sharpener and the knife. Not everyone is comfortable with the same position with knives. Use a position you feel comfortable with.

What Are The Most Important Things You Must Do While Sharpening Knife

Now that you know what you shouldn’t do let’s move on to the things you must do while sharpening a ceramic knife. 

When you sharpen your knife, you must use a place where no one would get hurt. Always keep the knife in a kitchen rack shelf or other safe place before you start the process. 

Always clean the knife before and after sharpening it. After you’re through with the process, there will be dust produced from the knife. 

You don’t want that on your food. And if you don’t clean it beforehand, any food particle on the blade can hinder the process. 

What Is The Best Way To Sharpen A Ceramic Knife And Why

Even though all the methods I’ve explained will work, there’s always the best one. If you’re confident and have a bit of sharpening experience, I will suggest you go with a diamond stone. A diamond stone is always the best way to sharpen a ceramic knife. 

I prefer a diamond stone above all other methods because it’s affordable, efficient, and quick. You’ll get a perfectly sharpened ceramic knife in no time, given that you use it the proper way. 

I must mention that if you think you can’t use a diamond stone to sharpen your knife, you should go for an electric sharpener. 

It’s an excellent option for beginners who aren’t comfortable enough with manual methods. It’ll cost you, but it’s also safer.

Remember to check if the electric sharpener is compatible with your ceramic knife because many of them aren’t.   

How To Take Care, And Maintain The Knife After Sharpening

Ceramic knives can last a long time without getting dull. The frequency of their sharpening necessity is also fewer than other knives. To maintain this characteristic of your ceramic knife, follow the instruction below. 

• Always store your ceramic knife after cleaning.
• Do not drop your knife on hard surfaces
• Avoid using a ceramic knife to pry open anything.
• Do not flex or twist anything using your ceramic knife
• Store your knife correctly, like in a tray, knife block, or sheath.
• Avoid turning the blade on its side for crushing food like garlic.
• Do not cut food with bones or frozen foods with your ceramic knife.
• Use either a wooden or a plastic cutting board with your ceramic knife.

Difference Between Sharpening Ceramic Knives And Others Knives 

Sharpening your ceramic knife is not like sharpening one of your regular kitchen knives because they’re entirely different from one another.  Ceramic knives are made using zirconium dioxide, also known as zirconia. 

That is why they’re rigid in structure and more likely to break than steel knives. You must be extra cautious not to break your ceramic knife when sharpening. 

A few times throughout the article, I’ve emphasized that you mustn’t put pressure on your ceramic knife blade.  The reason is that it’s very much possible to break the knife even with light pressure. 

Can You Put A Ceramic Knife In The Dishwasher

Material-wise speaking, ceramic knives are dishwasher-safe. But that doesn’t mean you should do it. 

Why not? Inside the dishwasher, the utensils get bumped around a lot. There’s a chance that your knife will break or get damaged inside the dishwasher. 

It may not happen the first time. But when you regularly wash your knife using a dishwasher, it can get dull or chipped because of all the bumping. 

How To Store Your Ceramic Knives 

When storing a ceramic knife-

• Use the sheath the knife came with to protect it.
• Use a knife block, tray, dish drain, or sheath.
• Be careful while removing and storing the knife from a knife block to ensure the tip doesn’t get damaged.
• Storing it upright or sideways using a knife block will reduce wear.

How Long Do Ceramic Knives Stay Sharp?

How long your ceramic knife will stay sharp depends on how frequently you use it. There isn’t a fixed time limit. However, it’ll surely stay sharp longer compared to any other knives due to their robust structure. 

Do Ceramic Knife Sharpeners Wear Out?

Ceramic knife sharpener steel doesn’t wear out but can get damaged. You can remove the metal particles clogging it using a scouring pad. 

How Many Times Can I Sharpen A Knife?

When using a ceramic knife, you won’t need to sharpen it as frequently as other knives. Depending on the use, once or twice a year should be fine. Remember that every time you sharpen a knife, you lose some part of the knife. So, avoid sharpening it unless necessary. 

Should You Use Oil When Sharpening A Ceramic Knife?

No, ceramic knives do not require any oil. When sharpening a steel knife, oil is used to remove the metal particle clogging the sharpener. But as for ceramic knives, you shouldn’t use oil. 

Conclusion

Hopefully, you’ve learned everything you wanted to about sharpening ceramic knives. If you bought your knife thinking that its sharpness will remain constant forever and now you’re stuck with a dull knife, don’t worry. 

As long as you know the process, nothing can go wrong. Manual sharpening processes can take some practice to master. If you’ve sharpened any knife before, ceramic is not much different either. 

It just requires a gentle hand and some special equipment to get the job done. If you still think you can’t do it, you can always ask for help.