Is it possible to sharpen a ceramic knife and how is it done

The strong and chemically neutral blade of the ceramic knife stays sharp for a very long time. Much longer than steel blades. But nevertheless, sooner or later, the owners of such a convenient tool have to look for answers to two serious questions: is it possible to sharpen a ceramic knife and how to do it at home? We will answer them today.

Sharpen or not sharpen?

Ceramic knife blades are made from zirconium dioxide powder, which is pressed into molds and baked at high temperatures. Then the workpiece goes through several stages of processing, one of which is sharpening with diamond discs.

This means that the sharp cutting edge of the ceramic blade is not the same sharp edge in the first place. And this is the answer to the first question: yes, such knives can be sharpened.

Ceramic knives with black blades differ from white ones in greater strength. And if the color is entirely the merit of special dyes, then the strength and cost of black ceramics is the result of a longer baking.

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But there is one problem. In order to return the former sharpness to a white or black blade, you will need a diamond-coated sharpener..

A regular file is useless here, because its hardness on the Mohs scale is 7. This tool easily edits steel, the hardness of which on the same scale is 6, but with a ceramic blade, proudly showing marks in the range from 8.2 to 8.5 points, even the highest quality steel file.

Features of sharpening ceramic knives

Considering that the zirconium blade keeps sharpening for a very long time, it makes sense to entrust this responsible work to specialists: they can sharpen the blade correctly without damaging it, and take a relatively small amount for their work (obviously less than the cost of a new knife).

If this option for some reason does not work, there are only two ways left: use a manual diamond sharpener or a diamond-coated emery wheel.

Emery wheel

This option is best used only when there is at least experience in sharpening steel knives. In addition, reliable fixation of the bed is also a prerequisite, since the slightest vibration can damage the blade, which is sensitive to such an effect.

If these conditions are met, you can start sharpening, which will be successful if three rules are observed:

• the machine must work at low speeds;
• the knife must not be pressed strongly against the disc;
• the optimal sharpening angle is not less than 25 degrees.

Ignoring at least one of the listed rules will lead to the fact that after an unsuccessful attempt to sharpen a zirconium blade in at home, you simply join the society of those who are sure: ceramic knives are interesting, but disposable toy.

Hand sharpener

This option is good because not only men can use it. Having a mechanical or electric sharpener in her home, any woman will be able to sharpen a ceramic knife. In this case, neither special skills nor knowledge is required. It is enough just to take into account the initial type of blade sharpening and use the appropriate groove.