Ceramic knives are made from one of the hardest materials which are Zirconium oxide which is being molded under a temperature of 2000 degrees.
The most important aspect of a ceramic knife is the sharp edges as it can easily cut fruits and vegetables because it has one of the sharpest edges out there in the market.
Ceramic knives are mainly known for their cutting edge and the ability to remain sharp for a very long time. Ceramic knives are mostly preferred by professionals with excellent knife skills.
But do you know what are the benefits of a ceramic knife? No. That’s why to read this complete guide so that you can get a complete understanding of It.
In this article I have shared all the benefits of ceramic knives and how can you effectively use the knife.
Also, I have covered the advantages and disadvantages of a ceramic knife. This article is going to be very interesting don’t skip any point.
I have made a complete guide on how to blacken a knife blade, you can check it out if want to know more in detail.
Let’s start!
What Is a Ceramic Knife?
Ceramic knives were first developed by the Japanese between 1997 to 1998. Most of the ceramic knives available in the market are made from a material called Zirconium oxide.
Zirconia with alumina power under a high temperature of over 2000 degrees centigrade. A pressure of about 300 tons is used to press the mold.
Finally, the knife is polished with diamonds to give the final finish. Mostly the ceramic knife is a new technology made from the nano-technology that makes the blade 10 times sharper than a usual steel knife.
This makes the ceramic knife much better than a traditional knife with high hardness, and high-temperature resistance, and also it protects the blade from oxidation and chemical resistance.
The hardness level of the ceramic knife is so high that it’s the second hardest substance in the world. As long as don’t throw the blade on the ground you don’t have to worry about the blade.
What Are The Benefits Of a Ceramic Knife?
There are many more benefits of a ceramic knife than you think. Probably when you are thinking about a ceramic knife then you must be thinking of pottery and tiles and visualizing them.
Because the sharpness of a ceramic knife is so high the knife is a staple part of a chef’s tool kit. Chefs are always known for having a lot of kitchen knives for different purposes.
When it comes to preparing vegetables and fruits chefs mostly prefer a ceramic knife. Other key benefits of using a ceramic knife are they are light in weight because of which you can easily handle the blade.
If fact ceramic knives weigh around 60g, while a traditional kitchen knife weighs around 80 to 100g. Maneuvering a ceramic knife is much easier due to its weight.
Also the hardness level of a ceramic knife ie: Zirconia measures about 8.5 while steel is 4.5. The hardest steel is about 7.5 to 8. Usually, the hardness of the steel is how long the blades stay sharp.
Due to its hardness, the blade will stay sharp for a longer time, this separates a ceramic knife from a traditional kitchen knife.
In short, these are some of the benefits of a ceramic knife
- They do not suffer from rust easily.
- It can cut vegetables and fruits thinner.
- The blades do not get affected by acids.
- They do not leave any metallic taste on the food.
- Blades remain sharp for a long time
- It does not bruise softer food and vegetables.
Do Ceramic Knives Stay Sharp?
A ceramic knife is highly tough and never goes dull easily. While most ceramic knife holds their sharpness for about 6 months easily or even longer depending upon the usage.
Ceramic knives are much better than the traditional stainless kitchen knife and unlike the traditional knife, you don’t have to always worry about sharpening the blades.
According to some tests, a ceramic knife stays sharp and retains its sharp cutting edge for more than the chef knife up to 10x times longer.
The blades of a ceramic knife are extremely thin and are made from high-carbon steel and this allows you to slice and cut vegetables into thin slices.
Yes, ceramic knives are always expensive but it’s always worth spending some extra and prefer a ceramic knife over a traditional knife for a better cutting experience.
Are Ceramic Knives Worth It?
Well, this totally depends on the usage, like you only need a knife for slicing tomatoes and dicing vegetables then an ultra-sharp ceramic knife will work best for you.
If you are looking for a knife for cutting meat and bones then you must know that ceramic knives are not made for that. Ultimately you will damage your blade.
It’s always a good option to spend extra and get a ceramic knife because this blade does not suffer from rusting, and also your blade will dull get spots when you cut citrus fruits like lemon and orange.
It does not get affected by acids and juices. Also, ceramic knives have a very sharp edge because the blades have high carbon steel with ceramic and that makes the blades even sharper.
Ceramic knives are always a better option than the traditional kitchen knife because they are super sharp and you can easily use them in the kitchen for cutting veggies, cheese, and boneless meat more precisely and effortlessly.
Can I sharpen a ceramic knife?
Most manufacturers claim that you don’t have to sharpen the ceramic knife,\, but this mostly depends on the usage. You may be able to go for months without sharpening the blades.
But over time your blade will get dull and develop small chips that will make the blade dull and you have to sharpen the blades.
It’s quite difficult to sharpen a ceramic knife because it has been treated with Zirconia and alumina power under a temperature of 2000 degrees and that makes the surface of the blade super hard.
However, you can sharpen your ceramic blades in a service center or use other DIY methods and sharpen the blades at your home.
Mostly ceramic knives are sharpened by using a diamond dust-coated grinding wheel as because the surface of the blade is hard enough and it cannot be sharpened by using a regular knife sharpener.
What Is The Best Way To Sharpen a Ceramic Knife?
You can always sharpen your ceramic knife out in the service center, but you must know it is expensive. But you always try out some DIY methods to sharpen the blades.
But before you start sharpening you must know that Zirconia is a very hard material and you will require an extra hard diamond sharpener to get your things done.
1. Using a Diamon Sharpener:
You can use a diamond sharpener which is a flat grinding stone with a diamond embedded inside it. Yes, they are slightly more expensive than the normal sharpening stones.
These sharpeners are perfect for sharpening a ceramic knife, but you must make sure you have sharpened knives before.
You can place the stone on a cloth to prevent slipping. Now hold the blade at an angle of 20 degrees and rub against the stone with gentle pressure at the top of the blade.
Make sure you hold the blade properly to avoid blade from getting chipped off. Repeat the process about six-time on each side of the blade.
However, you must know this won’t give you a professional look at the blade. Because this might slightly remove the ceramic coating from the blade.
2. Automatic Ceramic Knife Sharpener:
You can also use an automatic ceramic knife sharpener to sharpen your blade. This method can be more expensive than the traditional method.
Use the electric knife sharpener and simply swipe the blade through the sharpener. The electric knife has been specially designed for ceramic knives and you don’t have to worry about the ceramic coating.
Disadvantages of ceramic knives
Ceramic knives are always fantastic options for those who are looking for chopping and dice in the kitchen and don’t want to worry about sharing the blades.
There are many types of ceramic knives available in the market and all manufacturers claim they are the best. However, do you know they’re also some downset of a ceramic knife?
Every product has some advantages and disadvantages so does the ceramic knife also.
The blades are hard, and as you know high-carbon steel easily suffers from corrosion. Similarly, ceramic blades get easily collapsed when it falls from a height.
That is why it’s recommended not cut hard objects, smashing and prying with a ceramic knife.
Ceramic knives are not at all an all-purpose kitchen knife and they cannot be used for cutting meat through the meat bones or even chicken, as once it gets dull it’s difficult to shape the blades.
The major downset about the blades is it’s very difficult to sharpen the blades because it’s coated black and because of some it becomes really tough to sharpen the blades.
Wrap Up On The Benefits Of a Ceramic Knife
Ceramic knives are expensive and also look great. Ceramic knives are mostly preferred by professionals who already have knife skills and looking for a finer knife.
The knives are expensive but it’s worth investing in the tool as you can save a lot of time and get a better cutting experience.
The major problem that I have faced with a ceramic knife is while sharpening the blades, as it’s not easy to sharpen the blades of a ceramic knife because it has a hard surface.
But this cannot be the reason for not buying a ceramic knife. You can easily go to a sharpening stone and sharpen your blades, and they charge quite less.
If you have a diamond dielectric knife sharpener then you don’t have to worry about as because it can easily sharpen the blades.
I hope the guide on the benefits of a ceramic knife would have helped you out with the importance of ceramic knives.
I would love to know which type of knife do you prefer. Let me know in the comment section below.
Here are some of the best ceramic knives you can consider buying:
FAQ: Why Are Ceramic Knives Better
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions, that you must know before you are getting your first ceramic knife. It can help you clear your doubts.
1. Do Ceramic Knives Break Easily?
Ceramic knives are made from high-carbon steel and are incredibly sharp and resistant to wear. However, ceramic knives get chipped and break easily as it’s common in high-carbon steel. Ceramics needs to be used carefully if you want to use it for a long time.
2. Are Ceramic Knives Legal?
Knives that do not look like a weapon are legal. This includes belt buckles, swords, lipstick, and an air gauge knife. Blades that are usually undetectable by metal detectors are also legal to use in the US
3. Is a Ceramic Knife Safe To Use?
Ceramic Knives are extremely sharp and can be dangerous if you are not handling them properly. At the same time, most ceramic knives are fragile so you need to handle them with care. Ceramic knives are safe to use if have the necessary knife skills.
4. How Long Do Ceramic Knife Sharpeners Last?
If you are using your ceramic knife for cutting and chopping vegetables then the blades can easily last for about 8 to 12 months. However, if you cut meat and bones then the blade might get chipped off. It all depends on how you use the blades.