Kyocera Ceramic Knife F.A Q's

• What are ceramic knives made of?
  
• How do I sharpen ceramic knives?
  
• Will a ceramic knife break or shatter if I drop it?
  
• How can I damage a ceramic knife?
  
• Can I put my ceramic knife in the dishwasher?
  
• Do Kyocera knives come with a warranty?
  
• Where should I store my Kyocera ceramic knife?
  
• Where are Kyocera knives made?
  
• How are Kyocera knives made?
  
• How should I use my Kyocera ceramic knife?
  
• What is the difference between a black-HIP blade and a white blade?
  
• The peeler is great! How come you don't make a shaver?
  
• How do I say "Kyocera" correctly?
  

What are ceramic knives made of?
These knives are made of an advanced, high-tech ceramic called zirconia. This material, which is second in hardness only to diamond, was originally developed for industrial applications where metal components failed. Zirconium oxide is extremely hard, wear resistant, and chemically inert. For the technically minded, zirconium oxide has a hardness of 8.2 mohs (vs. steel at 5-6 mohs and diamond at 10 mohs).

How do I sharpen ceramic knives?
You can resharpen your ceramic knife by sending it back to Kyocera or by bringing it to a qualified knife shop which has a powered diamond sharpening wheel.


Will a ceramic knife break or shatter if I drop it?
Any knife is at risk of damage if thrown in to a sink, dropped or misused. Like a forged steel knife, you can break the tip if the knife lands on it. Fortunately, most damaged tips can be repaired through Kyocera's resharpening service. When properly cared for, it should provide years of service.

How can I damage a ceramic knife?
Two ways. First, you can chip the edge if you cut into bones. Second, you can break off the tip or snap off the handle if you use it to pry.


Can I put my ceramic knife in the dishwasher?
Kyocera does not recommend this for several reasons. First, it's dangerous if someone forgets about the knife or reaches in the wrong way. Second, violent motion against other objects, especially hard plates, could chip the objects and/or the knife. Third, dishwashers ruin wood handles. Finally, ceramic knives are very easy to clean with a hand washing or mild bleach solution.

Do Kyocera knives come with a warranty?
All Kyocera knives comes with a five year limited warranty.


Where should I store my Kyocera ceramic knife?
You can store your Kyocera ceramic knife in a conventional knife block, in an in-drawer tray, or in the package.


Where are Kyocera knives made?
Kyocera produces ceramic knives in Sendai, a small city in southwest Japan on the island of Kyushu.

How are Kyocera knives made?
First, they mold ceramic powder into blade "blanks" using special high pressure (many tons!) presses. Special binders in the powder allow the blanks to retain their shape before sintering (or firing), which takes several days at extremely high temperatures (in excess of 1000ø C). We then grind (on a diamond wheel) and polish the sintered blanks to form an edge and the final shape before attaching the handle.

How should I use my Kyocera ceramic knife?
Your Kyocera ceramic knife works best for slicing boneless meats, fruits and vegetables. Avoid flexing or prying. Use with a plastic or wood cutting board. Avoid cutting on marble or stone or inappropriate surfaces like plates or kitchen tile.

What is the difference between a black-HIP blade and a white blade?
A black (HIP) blade is made out of a black zirconium oxide and offers extra durability. This type of blade goes through an extra firing process called a "hot-isostatic press," creating a tighter weave between the ceramic molecules, thus creating a tougher blade. The white ceramic blade is also made out of zirconium oxide but does not go through this expensive sintering process.


The peeler is great! How come you don't make a shaver?
Too dangerous! A metal razor blade has a relatively "rounded" edge (under the microscope) which prevents the blade from cutting into the skin. A ceramic razor blade, however, does not have a rounded edge and slices into the skin. Thus, a ceramic shaver would be too dangerous to use. Several engineers in Sendai who tested prototypes can confirm this painful fact!

How do I say "Kyocera" correctly?
The correct pronunciation is "KEE-OH-SAIR-RA," which comes from "Kyoto Ceramics," the original name of the company.