Ceramic Rod Knife Sharpeners [No More Blunt Knives]

Do you realize you’re huffing and puffing before you’re able to cut into your meat?

The thickness you used to slice through in a breeze has now become a hassle. That’s what happens when the knives in your kitchen are all blunt.

You need to get them sharp enough to cut through paper cleanly and for that to happen, you should get the ceramic rod knife sharpener.

Got too many options to pick from when you need just one?

We know how that feels and that’s why we’re here to help. We have carefully researched and picked out the best of the best.

All you need to do is sit back, relax, and read through our reviews. We also made some recommendations you’ll want to take note of.

Is Ceramic Rod Sharpener The Best?

Ceramic rod sharpeners are great because they can be used with different types of knives. Like their stainless steel counterpart, they can be used to sharpen knives made of western-style steel or German steel.

Unlike stainless steel rod sharpeners, they can be used to sharpen knives made from Japanese steel. These knives are brittle and can chip easily so the hardness and grit of ceramics is the perfect texture for them.

Ceramic rod sharpeners are also easy to clean and store.

How to Use a Ceramic Rod Sharpener

A ceramic rod sharpener is used to sharpen knives when they are blunt. The process is quite easy and the same across most brands.

Place a napkin on a table or countertop. This is to collect the tiny pieces of steel that would be shaved off the knife.

Then place the ceramic rod sharpener in a vertical position on the napkin and then start to move the knife across it at a particular angle.

Move the knife from the heel to the tip in a downward slicing motion and then alternate between the two sides of the rod.

You can tell that your knife is sharp when it can easily slice through the paper. Make sure to wash the knife before using it and clean the rod before storing it.

What Angle Should I Hone My Knives?

Angles are important when it comes to sharpening a knife. To get the desired result with sharpening your knife, you need to know what angle you are to position it.

The good thing is that some sharpening rods have the angles marked which makes things easier.

Generally, knives angled at 15 to 20 degrees are sharpened well. To be more specific, western knives are to be angled at 20 degrees while their Japanese counterparts are preferably angled at 17 degrees.

How to Maintain a Ceramic Rod Sharpener

Ceramic rod sharpeners are easy to maintain. Cleaning is usually done by handwashing with soap and water and then leaving to air dry before storage.

For some that rust easily, you simply use a damp cloth to wipe down and then leave to dry before storing. Some manufacturers specifically instruct that you need to use a non-abrasive brush or a scouring sponge to wipe off bits of knife that are left on the rod.

Storing is usually in cabinets but if it has a hanging loop, you can leave it hanging in plain sight.

Ceramic rods are not resistant to shock so they tend to break when they fall or hit against a hard surface. To ensure your rod lasts a long time, ensure that neither happens.

Types of Rod Sharpeners

There are different types of knife sharpeners but the types of rod sharpeners are based on the material used to make them.

We have stainless steel rod sharpeners, ceramic rod sharpeners, and diamond-filled rod sharpeners.

Stainless Steel Rod Sharpeners

These are probably the most common and talked about types. They can be round, oval, or flat, depending on the manufacturers.

They can be smooth or may have ridges along their length. They usually have a solid feel and might be magnetized. This ensures that missing iron particles are not scattered all over.

They cannot be used to sharpen materials that are harder than they are like Japanese knives.

Ceramic Rod Sharpeners

Ceramic is known to be one of the best materials for sharpening knives. They can scrape tiny bits from your knife which makes them perfect for honing.

Depending on their grit, they are also great for sharpening. It’s the same process for use. They are unable to withstand shock from falling which means you have to be careful with handling them.

Diamond Rod Sharpeners

In the real sense, they are diamond-coated rod sharpeners. They are layered on a steel rod and they shave off more steel from the knife while in use. This is because of the abrasive nature of the sharpener.

You also don’t need to pass the blade across numerous times before it gets sharpened. The diamond coating of the rod tends to remove with time so they do not last for so long.

What is the Average Lifespan of a Ceramic Rod Sharpener?

The lifespan of a ceramic rod sharpener varies considerably based on how often it is used and the maintenance practices.

Generally speaking, it has a lifespan of 2-3 years. Expect your knives to last longer than the sharpener.

What is the Difference between Sharpening and Honing?

Sharpening and honing are terms used interchangeably many times even by manufacturers but they do not mean the same thing.

It is correct that they both make your knife less blunt but how it happens and how sharp your knife becomes is where the difference lies. 

Honing is a maintenance practice that can be done often. It does not involve creating a new edge for the knife through scraping but rather realigning the bent edges. After honing repeatedly for a while, you still need to sharpen every once in a while.

Sharpening of your knife should not be done daily unless you risk spoiling your knife. It can be done every other day. It involves shaving off some steel from your knife to create a new edge.

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Ceramic Rod Sharpener

We understand how challenging it can be when deciding which product to purchase and that’s why we have drafted these pointers to help you consider the key factors and make the best decision.

Length

While it might not necessarily seem like an important factor, it is. Having a suitable length of the rod will ensure that your knife does not hit the work surface while moving it vertically.

The larger the knives you sharpen, the longer your ceramic sharpening rod needs to be. As a rule of thumb, your rod should be 2″ longer than your latest knife. 12″ is quite a suitable length for most people. This is asides from the length of the handle.

Grit

The grit of a ceramic rod is an important factor to consider as it determines whether your rod is a sharpening rod or a honing rod.

When you have a ceramic rod with grit between 400 and 800, you can expect it to sharpen your knives.

On the other hand, when it is between 2000 and 3000, it is honing your knives. Manufacturers usually indicate the ceramic grit of their product. Rather than pay attention to what the product is called alone, make sure to check for the numbers.

Versatility

There are ceramic rod sharpeners that do just that while some can also be used for honing. When buying one, you want to make sure you get the most for your money.

Before making a purchase, try to make sure it can perform at least two functions. That will save you the cost of buying a hone separately.

Durability

Ceramic rod sharpeners are not known to be strong because they can break once they fall or hit a hard surface. Much care has to be taken if they will last long.

You can look out for one that has a shock-absorbing design especially if you know you have butterfingers.

Ceramic Rod Knife Sharpener Reviews

1. Green Elephant Ceramic Sharpening Rod

Highlighted Features

• Lightweight
• Shock absorbing design
• Hanging ring
• 6″ long
• 9 Mohs hardness

Whether you’re a professional chef or someone who loves to cook often, a knife is an important part of your food preparation. You need to sharpen your knife often and this is your chance to spend less doing so.

Green Elephant Ceramic Sharpening Rodis is durable and sure to last you many years. It has been tested and shown not to break, 8 out of 10 times, after falling a distance of 3 feet.

It has a plastic end cap that serves as the handle. It is easy to clean with soap and water after which you air dry. It is great for Japanese knives and also western knives.

2. Lansky Ceramic Rod Knife Sharpener

Highlighted Features

• Grey ceramic rod for sharpening
• White ceramic rod for polishing
• Internal rod storage
• Two preset sharpening angles

This Lansky knife sharpener is a great sharpening rod for any type of knife and it has several features, making it more functional. It has two sets of rods; one set is used for sharpening while the other set is used for polishing.

Depending on the type of knife, there are particular angles they should be held while sharpening so this unit has two preset sharpening angles; 20° and 25°.

This unit has a hardwood base which is sturdy and has internal storage for the rods. This makes it compact and easy to store.

It comes with an instruction manual that is simple and easy to follow. It is a professional knife sharpener but can also be used at home.

3. Arkansas Sharpeners Superstick Ceramic Rod

Highlighted Features

• 16″ long
• Wooden handle
• Heavy

This is a ceramic rod that is large and has a wooden handle that is made of quality wood. The handle strongly adheres to it which allows for a firmer grip and its length makes it suitable for large knives.

It is durable and can be trusted to sharpen all types of knives efficiently, although, it’s a bit heavy with a weight of 3.52 ounces.

It is hard but because it’s made of ceramic, it should not be dropped on the floor. If you have a chef as a friend or maybe a cooking enthusiast, it will serve as a great gift.

4. Kota Japan Diamond Steel Knife Sharpener Rod

Highlighted Features

• Ergonomic handle
• Diamond abrasive coating
• Hang ring
• Non-slip rubber at the tip
• 12″ long diamond coated rod

This rod is coated with diamond and it is neither smooth nor grooved. It has an abrasive surface used for extra fine sharpening.

With a rod length of 12″, it is suitable for most knives and can sharpen them without their edges touching the work surface. You can keep it stored in plain sight with its hanging hole.

Its ergonomic handle makes it easy to hold while in use and its non-slip rubber on the other end allows for a sturdy hold which helps to prevent accidents.

To clean the residue of the knife left on the ceramic rod, you need a non-abrasive brush.

5. Noble Home & Chef Ceramic Honing Rod

Highlighted Features

• Grit options
• 11.5″ long
• Hanging ring
• Black color

The quality of this honing rod is one you can trust as it is made of Japanese ceramic. It is suitable for both personal and commercial uses.

With one unit of this honer, you get two grit options; 2000 grit and 3000 grit. Talk about two for the price of one!

You can wash your rod with soap and water since you don’t have to worry about it rusting. Storage is easy with its size and the hanging rings added to the handle. This way, it is easily in plain sight and makes access easy.

You have to be careful with the rod falling as it can break due to shock.

6. DLLJ Sharpening Rod

Highlighted Features

• 14″ length
• Ergonomic handle
• Diamond and ceramic sharpening rod
• Slip-resistant bottom

If you’re finding it hard to decide whether to buy a diamond sharpening rod or a ceramic sharpening rod, you don’t have to make that choice anymore.

The DLLJ Sharpening Rod has both the diamond side and the ceramic side for sharpening your knives. The diamond side is useful for sharpening blunt knives of any type.

Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, this unit will serve you well. Its 14″ length is suitable for any size of the knife. Its ergonomic handle makes it easy to use while its non-slip rubber bottom makes it stay in place.

7. SHARPAL Professional Ceramic Rod Knife Sharpener

Highlighted Features

• Slip-resistant handle
• Plastic handle
• Rubber cap
• Hole for hanging

It’s scary to sharpen your knife with any kind of knife sharpener. It can end up ruining your expensive knives. The slip-resistant handle makes it easy and safe to hold while in use.

For storing, it has a rubber cap for the top which prevents the unit from chipping off with time. The handle also has a hanging loop which can be used to keep this sharpener in plain sight.

It is top-quality and can be used for a set of knives that can now cut through paper.

8. Kyocera Advanced Ceramic Sharpening Rod

Highlighted Features

• 9″ long
• Rust proof
• Lightweight

Made with advanced ceramic, it comes highly recommended. This ceramic rod is easy to carry as it is lightweight and can be easily added to a knife sharpening kit.

It is suitable for knives under 9″ as that is the length of the ceramic rod. It can also be used for other items like scissors and steel blades. It has dual surfaces which serve different purposes.

The grooved side is to be used first for dull knives as it creates an uneven texture on the primary cutting edge. The smooth side is then used to complete the sharpening process.

If you’re looking to hone your knife alone, make use of the smooth side.

9. Mac Brand Ceramic Knife Sharpener Rod

Highlighted Features

• 1200 grit
• Wooden handle
• 13″ long

It is made in Japan which is indicative of a high-quality product. You should not miss out on this. When it comes to honing your knives, this should be a product that comes to mind.

It helps to provide a clean finish to the edge of your knife. Its wooden handle is sturdy and firmly attached to the ceramic. The ceramic rod itself is 8.5″ long and is suitable for knives less than that length.

It is not dishwasher safe so you simply hand wash with soap and water for maintenance. 

10. DMD Diamond Ceramic Rod Knife Sharpener

Highlighted Features

• 12″ long
• Stainless steel
• Diamond coating
• Ceramic plate on the handle

The stainless steel which is both lightweight and durable is coated with diamond making it a higher quality than normal steel sharpeners.

It has a ceramic plate on the handle which can be used for finishing and polishing. With a non-slip rubber cover, there is sturdy placement while cutting.

Final Thoughts 

Sharpening and honing your knives are important practices if you’re going to have a great cooking experience. Blunt knives are known to be more dangerous than even sharp knives.

Taking into ease and safety, it is a good idea to get the ceramic rod knife sharpener.

For our top pick, we recommend the Green Elephant Ceramic Sharpening Rod. It is made from the highest quality of ceramic, less likely to break, and sharpens all kinds of knives efficiently.

You don’t need a hefty budget to get your knife sharpened. If you’re working with a small budget, we recommend the DMD Diamond Ceramic Rod Sharpenerwhich is diamond-coated and durable.