Ceramic sharpener
A ceramic sharpening stick is used to "sharpen" (kitchen) knives , keep them sharp and quickly sharpen them .
construction
The structure of a ceramic sharpening stick is very similar to a conventional steel sharpening stick ; Instead of a rod made of steel, a round or oval rod made of ceramic or industrial ceramics is used . The total length of a ceramic sharpening stick is about 40 cm, the diameter of the stick about 12 mm.
application
The blade of a knife to be sharpened is led from both sides over the sharpening rod with light pressure. Either in the direction of “away from the body” or “towards the body”. You should guide the blade at an angle of about 15 ° to 30 °. The choice of the angle depends solely on the original cut of the blade. It is important to ensure that this angle is adhered to in order not to ruin the edge of the blade.
In the case of knives that are sharpened on one side (left or right), usually Japanese-made ( Hōchō ), you should refrain from sharpening them with a sharpening stick and only sharpen the knife with whetstones and whetstones .
functionality
The ceramic used is harder than the steel of the knife blades. Therefore, you not only straighten the ridge of the cutting edge of a knife, but also effectively sharpen the edge by removing material.
This is the main difference to a so-called cutting knife made of steel . The Rockwell hardness (HRC) of a cutting steel is usually just above that of the steel of the blade. A blade is not or hardly sharpened by removing steel, mostly only the burr is set up.
It makes sense to use a ceramic sharpening stick, especially with Japanese knives (with a double-sided edge), which are harder due to both the material and the manufacturing process (HRC 60+).
Qualitative differences result from the respective surface properties (roughness, waviness, ...), the ergonomics and the handle used (made of plastic and more dishwasher-safe).
maintenance
After repeated use, gray stripes appear on the surface of the mostly snow-white ceramic sharpening stick. This is abrasion from the steel of the blade. This abrasion can usually be removed using (PH-neutral) soap and a hand brush.