Ceramic knives are a popular choice for chefs all over the world. They stay sharp longer and don’t corrode, making them a great alternative to traditional steel knives. But how long do they stay sharp? And what should you do if they eventually lose their edge? Let’s explore!
What are ceramic knives?
Ceramic knives are made from toughened ceramic called zirconium dioxide, or toughened zirconium (TCC) rather than metal. This keeps them free from corrosion and is the reason they hardly need sharpening. They are lightweight and easy to maneuver and are also very hard, much harder than steel, in fact. All this makes them a unique offering in the kitchen, which is why many chefs both at home and in professional kitchens choose to use them.
Why are ceramic knives better than steel?
Ceramic knives are not as dense as steel kitchen knives, so they weigh less. This means that you can use less pressure when slicing and dicing, which reduces hand and wrist fatigue when using them over longer periods. They also do not corrode, which means they stay sharp longer than steel knives. In fact, many chefs prefer ceramic knives because they hold their edge longer and are less likely to rust.
Ceramic knives are sharpened at a much sharper angle than steel knives, which results in a very sharp edge that stays that way for longer periods of time. Other benefits include being non-porous so they don’t absorb food odors or bacteria. They also won’t stain and won’t transfer any ions into foods being cut or sliced like steel knives can do.
How long do ceramic knives stay sharp?
Ceramic knives are a great alternative to traditional steel knives. They stay sharp longer and don’t corrode, making them a popular choice for chefs all over the world. But how long do they stay sharp?
The lifespan of a ceramic knife depends on a few factors, such as frequency of use, type of cutting and the material being cut. In general, ceramic knives can stay sharp for up to 10 times longer than steel knives. So if you’re using your ceramic knife every day, it might only last for a few months. But if you’re only using it once a week, it could last for up to two years.
Maintaining your ceramic knives
Another key element affecting how long your ceramic knife will stay sharp is how well you look after it. Ceramic knives are very hard but that also makes them brittle. Avoid cutting through hard elements like bones and don’t just leave your ceramic knife in the cutlery drawer where it might get banged by other items. Also, as with most quality pieces of cutlery, never wash ceramic knives in the dishwasher and always wash them by hand.
Although ceramic knives can be sharper than steel knives and can stay sharper for much longer than steel knives, they do not stay sharp forever. Eventually the high-quality edge will wear down and need to be sharpened. When this happens, though, it will be more difficult to sharpen ceramic knives at home because of the added hardness. It is possible though…
How to sharpen ceramic knives at home
Due to the increased hardness of TCC you’re not going to be able to sharpen or hone them with regular honing rods or whetstones. Instead, the best way to sharpen them at home is with a diamond whetstone. These are harder than the ceramic blades and so will be able to hold out against the increased hardness of your ceramic blade.
To sharpen a ceramic knife using a diamond whetstone, start at the heel of the blade. Use firm, light strokes up to the tip of the knife in one smooth motion. Once finished move over to the other side of the blade and repeat. It is very important not to put too much pressure on the blade while sharpening it though, as this could cause it to snap.
If this sounds a little daunting, you could seek out a professional knife sharpening service in your area.
Who makes the best ceramic knives?
When it comes to ceramic knives, there are a few different brands that stand out from the rest. One of the most popular is the Japanese knives brand Kyocera, which is known for its high-quality blades and sharp edges. Another good option is Vos, which offers a wide variety of ceramic knives that are both stylish and durable. If you’re looking for a great quality ceramic knife at an affordable price, then you should check out Dalstrong knives. They offer some of the best blades on the market and are sure to meet your needs. Whichever brand you choose, make sure to read the reviews before purchasing to ensure you’re getting a quality product.
Conclusion
Ceramic knives can be a great alternative to traditional steel knives. They stay sharp longer and don’t corrode, making them a popular choice for chefs all over the world. Ceramic knives are sharper than steel knives and can stay that way much longer, but eventually they will need to be resharpened. If you’re looking for quality ceramic knife blades at an affordable price, then Dalstrong Knives is your best bet! But remember, read ceramic knife reviews before purchasing because not all brands offer high-quality products.
