Ceramic Knives, What are they?
Ceramics?
When you’re thinking of a knife chances are you’re picturing a piece of quality stainless steel in your head. However, there’s an old, new kid on the block. Ceramics have been around for centuries and people typically associate them with fine dining, fragile dishes, and Chinese vases.
The truth is, that this material has evolved to the point it’s currently being used in the flap jackets of the US military. Advanced ceramics of today are being used in many areas including commercial, and even durable space equipment parts by NASA. The advanced ceramic knives being used in the Kitchen are rated just a hair less than the hardness of diamonds. This makes advanced ceramics of today durable, and much stronger than steel.
If you’re considering a ceramic knife here are some points to nudge you in that direction...
The truth is, that this material has evolved to the point it’s currently being used in the flap jackets of the US military. Advanced ceramics of today are being used in many areas including commercial, and even durable space equipment parts by NASA. The advanced ceramic knives being used in the Kitchen are rated just a hair less than the hardness of diamonds. This makes advanced ceramics of today durable, and much stronger than steel.
If you’re considering a ceramic knife here are some points to nudge you in that direction...
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Longevity |
Lightweight |
Hygienic |
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A knife is only as good as it's blade sharp and ready for the job. Even the best stainless steel knife will loose it's sharpness and need to be sharpened often. For several years or more before needing to be resharpened. Never have to worry about rust with these knives.
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Ceramic knives are very lightweight and easily maneuvered. You can work for hours on end with out hand or wrist fatigue as with other knives.
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Most ceramic knives are nearly impervious. Not only does that make them resistant to acids and alkali, they are nearly impervious. Much more so than metal blades. These blades will not react with your food or transfer flavors after a good clean wipe is all it takes to clean them.
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Ceramic Knives
We cannot stop talking about the things that matter. Ceramic Knives have come to stay and they are important part of our daily lives. These knives are mega-sharp. So, sharp they make those knives from years back look like a rubber hose. But, it's ceramic.The leading maker of Ceramic knives, Wilson Cutlery, certainly makes a sharp knife. But, just how sharp is it? And if it is ceramic, is it really practical at all?
The Key to Sharpness is Hardness
Let's start with how sharp a Wilson Cutlery Ceramic Knife or other ceramic knife might be. Well, the key to how sharp the material can be is its hardness.
Sharp like a Surgeon's Scalpel
Ceramic knives are made of material that is twice as hard as the hardest steel. This probably doesn't mean that they can be sharpened to an edge that is twice as sharp, but, they are as sharp, if not sharper than any razor blade.
With a ceramic blade, you're basically getting a blade that compares with a surgeon's scalpel, and they will glide through a piece of tuna just like a scalpel glides through flesh, producing a clean cut.
It is probably not true to say that ceramic knives are sharper all steel knives, but they are sharper than any steel knife you are bound to own, or ever own.
With a ceramic blade, you're basically getting a blade that compares with a surgeon's scalpel, and they will glide through a piece of tuna just like a scalpel glides through flesh, producing a clean cut.
It is probably not true to say that ceramic knives are sharper all steel knives, but they are sharper than any steel knife you are bound to own, or ever own.
Will Ceramic Knives Shatter Like Glass?
Now, back to the material. It's not the same type of "ceramic" as in your coffee cup. And, no, although you may have heard that these ceramic knives will "shatter like glass" if you drop them or knock them against something hard, that is not really true. The material is brittle, and you could chip a piece of the blade away, and that would not be good, but it's not like dropping your coffee cup. Heck, it's not even like dropping your iPhone.
Good for "Normal" Use, But What is Normal?
Don't go thinking you can attack a watermelon with it. For everyday work, like chopping vegetables, fruits, and boneless meat, they are a whiz. But remember, they have virtually no flexibility, are hard and brittle. Knock a ceramic blade against a chicken bone and you'll probably end up with a chipped edge. You have to be respectful of a ceramic knife: its awesome sharpness and its fragility.
Still, ceramic knives aren't so fragile they are impractical. They will keep their edge for years, if used with care. But, once it loses its edge, you can't just hone it with few swipes of the steel, or take it to your local knife sharpener.
Well, apparently this is not the case any longer. Wilson Cutlery now offers an electric ceramic knife sharpener. They will, of course, sharpen your ceramic knife for you, and they do still offer a lifetime service, should you ever need it.
There is nothing as wonderful as knowing that you are covered no matter what comes your way. The blend of products at Wilson Cutlery would make your day. Do connect with the unique range of products.
Still, ceramic knives aren't so fragile they are impractical. They will keep their edge for years, if used with care. But, once it loses its edge, you can't just hone it with few swipes of the steel, or take it to your local knife sharpener.
Well, apparently this is not the case any longer. Wilson Cutlery now offers an electric ceramic knife sharpener. They will, of course, sharpen your ceramic knife for you, and they do still offer a lifetime service, should you ever need it.
There is nothing as wonderful as knowing that you are covered no matter what comes your way. The blend of products at Wilson Cutlery would make your day. Do connect with the unique range of products.