After twenty five years, I replaced the steel knife steel which was part of my set of Henckel kitchen knives. The original steel works as well as ever; the new ceramic steel works better (in my opinion).
I was pleased that the ceramic steel fit in the steel slot in my wooden block. The ceramic steel has a nice feel when rubbing against the knife bevel. The best way I can think of to describe it is "controlled gritty". It is softly abrasive. One can easily see the steel left on the ceramic rod. It is dark in color and is easily removed with a scotch brite pad and some soft scrub. The rod can be rotated to expose a clean surface until it is cleaned.
The rod has a soft rubber or plastic tip which allows the rod to be held against a wooden cutting board without damaging the board.
The nicest feature is the triangle at the lower end of the handle. The angle matches the correct bevel for using the steel. There are actually two triangles, one for each of the knife bevels. Using the steel is much more controlled and a better bevel is maintained.
The ceramic steel does not have a maker's mark. As it was a gift from a friend, I do not know the brand name. I give it an enthusiastic five stars; it's a nice tool.
Ken
Something I saw on Youtube, and remembered an old timer (since passed) told me long ago, was you could use the bottom of a ceramic coffee mug as well.
Quite true. You use the unglazed part. It is a very useful fix when your Tormek is at home and you are not!
Ken
I've also heard of using a pair of scissors to attempt to "cut" the neck of a glass bottle. It's supposed to sharpen the scissors.
I had not run across the bottle trick, Herman. Interesting.
For day to day use in my kitchen, I still think the ceramic steel is the most practical and controllable choice.
Ken
Recently, I saw on you tube a test of 8 different knife sharpening steels, one of them was ceramic steel. They were tested on a set of 8 new MORA kitchen knives, 20 strokes on each side of the blade.
Several sharpening steels blunted the knife's bevels, two knifes even failed in the paper cutting test. Best result was achieved for the ceramic steel. The explanation was following: the ceramic steel did not re aligned the knife edge, but sharpened a new, consistent micro-bevel.
Jan
Interesting comment, Jan.
Ken
Quote from: Herman Trivilino on October 14, 2015, 03:32:38 AM
I've also heard of using a pair of scissors to attempt to "cut" the neck of a glass bottle. It's supposed to sharpen the scissors.
I can confirm, that this is known in Europe, also. Nevertheless, sharpeners consider this unverified, old wives' tale. :)
Jan
I believe it places a burr on the dull edge, making it cut better than it did before. But it's not a long-term solution to the problem. ;)
OK, Herman. :)
Other folk method to sharpen scissors is cutting through sandpaper or aluminum foil.
Jan
Before I bought my T7 I sometime used a old ceramic fuse chucked up in a electric drill.
Worked like a charm. But it is hard to do with modern fuses :).
Usually had the drill in a vise. Scissors got at least better than before...
Really great improvisation in preparing ceramic rotary grinding bit. :)
Jan
P.S.: As a boy, I used ceramic fuse as a bowl of my pipe.
Quote from: Jan on October 15, 2015, 06:13:51 PM
P.S.: As a boy, I used ceramic fuse as a bowl of my pipe.
I won't even ask, Jan, what you were smoking!
We smoked dried oak leaves. :)
We did a lot of coughing. It did not take long and my father forbade it.
Jan
Apparently the oak leaves may have enhanced your math ability. :)
Ken
Had I known, I would have taken a few more puffs on my ceramic pipe. :D
Jan
Had one a loong time.
To clean it I use steel wool (the one with soap in) and vinegar essence and wank it :)
Clean it witch dish soap a couple of times and dry it with paper towel
Ceramic steels run the gamut from $2 to over $50 and I have never run into a bad one. Occasionally one has a bump on it which you can remove by running against a bench stone.
The one Ken refers to is from Smoky Mountain knifeworks Item #RS1020 for $5. It is unique in having the built in guides. Shipping is $8, so I usually buy 6 or more and use them as gifts.
I have really enjoyed the ceramic steel, even more because it was a gift from Steve. Great idea using them as gifts, Steve.
Ken
ps for members who have a sharpening business-- these ceramic steels are an excellent way to built customer loyalty.