How to Sharpen Ceramic Knives in 3 Ways

Ceramic knives are made from a type of ceramic called zirconium oxide, or zirconia, making them lighter and often sharper than the usual stainless steel used to make kitchen knives. Zirconia is harder and more durable than standard kitchen ceramic, making for an extra-durable, very sharp knife. A ceramic knife, unlike a steel knife, has the added benefits of not carrying odors and not rusting. The sharpening process for ceramic knives is different from the typical sharpening method for steel knives, and will almost always require the use of diamond sharpeners.

You can always send your ceramic knives out to a sharpening service, but it is more economical and easy to use the home DIY method for sharpening your knives. Zirconia is a very hard material, and you will need an extra-hard diamond sharpening tool if you want to sharpen your ceramic knives at home. Here are three ceramic knife sharpening tools, as well as methods that you can follow to freshen up your knife set and hone your knife skills.

1. 1. Diamond sharpening stone: A diamond sharpening stone is a flat grinding stone (similar to a whetstone) with grit diamond embedded inside of it. These special knife sharpeners are perfect for sharpening a ceramic knife. To sharpen your ceramic knife with a diamond sharpening stone, place the stone on a dishcloth over a cutting board to prevent it from slipping. Holding the sharp edge of your knife blade against the diamond at a twenty-degree angle, run the blade against the stone from the heel end of the blade to the tip. Keep gentle pressure on the top of the knife with your opposite hand to avoid chipping the blade. Repeat this process six times on each side of the blade.
2. 2. Automatic ceramic knife sharpener: Using an electric knife sharpener to sharpen your knives will allow you to simply to swipe your knife through the sharpener once, and it will emerge sharp. Make sure that you’re using an automatic diamond knife sharpener, which manufacturers design specifically for ceramic knives. Place the knife-edge in the slot in the sharpener, then pull your knife through it from heel to tip.
3. 3. Diamond file: Sharpening your ceramic knife with a diamond file is a little trickier and requires a knife rest, but it is effective and fast. Set your kitchen knife on the knife rest and hold the file at a twenty-degree angle against the heel of the blade. File the tool back and forth against the knife, moving up and down the tip of the blade while applying medium pressure. Repeat this process once more on the same side, then flip the knife over and repeat on the second side. Wear cut-resistant gloves while attempting this method.

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