10 Best Ceramic Honing Rod For Japanese Knives 2023 Guide

Best Ceramic Honing Rod For Japanese Knives

If you are looking for a best ceramic honing rod for japanese knives then look no further as this guide is a game changer for you!!

When it comes to sharpening a Japanese knife, everyone freaks out. It is general knowledge that every Japanese knife has a delicate construction that must be respected.

Typically, buyers or users choose to sharpen this delicate knife using stones. Japanese knives, on the other hand, have a distinct appeal. When using a Japanese knife, you may feel really privileged.

It will undoubtedly give you with a terrific culinary experience. Kitchen cutting equipment must be in good working order in order to be used effectively and safely. It’s simple to keep your Japanese knife blade’s excellent edge by using a ceramic honing rod. A ceramic hone is both exceedingly hard and extremely smooth, and it has the power to re-align a blade edge. Use the best ceramic honing rods for Japanese Knives in this article to get the most out of your cutting tools.

What Is a Honing Steel and How Does It Work?

A honing steel, sometimes known as a honing rod, is a culinary instrument used to realign a knife’s blade. It comprises of a rod, generally made of stainless steel, ceramic, or diamond, that can assist re-align the “teeth” of your blade after frequent usage, as the name implies.

Although it’s sometimes referred to as a knife sharpening steel, this is a misconception; the honing steel will not really truly sharpen knives; it only keeps their blades sharp throughout sharpening. Several sharpening techniques, such as a sharpening stone or an electric knife sharpener, are available for this purpose. These procedures actually shave a little amount of metal from your knife’s blade.

What are the Types of Honing Steel?

We’ve gone over an overview of different knife models. Let’s look at the blade choices in more detail now.

Stainless-steel

This is the substance that most honing steels are composed of. Longitudinal ridges commonly run over the surface of a narrow stick-like rod in a steel hone. The main thing to remember while using steel rods is that you really should not try to hone a knife made of a tougher metal than the steel sharpener. The blade edge may be severely damaged as a result of this.

Ceramic

During the late 1970s, ceramic honing rods were quite famous. They have a smooth ceramic surface that not only hones your blade but also has a little sharpening function, removing just a small bit of knife steel. 

Diamond

Among the most efficient sharpening steels is a diamond sharpening steel. It’s also very rough, so don’t use it on a daily basis on your blades. The diamond hone ought to be your preferred weapon if you want to spare yourself additional time till your next honing round.

10 Best Ceramic Honing Rod For Japanese Knives (Comparison Table)

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
Mac Knife Ceramic Honing Rod

Mac Knife Ceramic Honing Rod

  • Use the rod to refresh the edges
  • Black ceramic does not rust
  • Hand wash is recommended 
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Idahone Fine Ceramic Sharpening Rod

Idahone Fine Ceramic Sharpening Rod

  • Made of high alumina ceramic
  • Near diamond hardness yields a remarkable cutting ability
  • Quality handles are hand crafted 
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Green Elephant Ceramic Sharpening Rod

Green Elephant Ceramic Sharpening Rod

  • DURABILITY with the highest quality ceramic 
  • SHOCK ABSORBING feature
  • LIGHTWEIGHT AND COMFORTABLE
  • Extremely EASY TO USE sharpener
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Wedgek HXT Ceramic Thick Sharpening Rod

Wedgek HXT Ceramic Thick Sharpening Rod

  • Shock absorbing features
  • Large metal hanging loop
  • Find your best angle.
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Kyocera Advanced Ceramics – 9 inch Ceramic Sharpening Rod

Kyocera Advanced Ceramics – 9 inch Ceramic Sharpening Rod

  • Excellent for sharpening and honing steel knives, scissors and other steel blades
  • Not for use on ceramic knives
  • Ceramic rod is rust-proof, lightweight and easy to clean
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Cooks Standard Professional Ceramic Rod Knife Sharpening Steel

Cooks Standard Professional Ceramic Rod Knife Sharpening Steel

  • Handle is designed for safety 
  • Comfortable to hold with a stainless steel guard cap and ring
  • Ceramic is hard, but not break resistant
  • Wash and brush after use
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Work Sharp Culinary Kitchen Knife Sharpener with Ceramic Honing Rod

Work Sharp Culinary Kitchen Knife Sharpener with Ceramic Honing Rod

  • Fast pre-programmed sharpening
  • Sharpen any knife, any brand
  • Built in vacuum
  • Award winning design
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Wusthof 10

Wusthof 10" Deluxe Steel

  • Mangnetic
  • Sure grip handle
  • Hangable handle
  • Ridged surface brings up the burr on the blade
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Ceramic Honing Rod with Comfort Handle by Kÿchen

Ceramic Honing Rod with Comfort Handle by Kÿchen

  • GROOVED DESIGN
  • EASY STORAGE
  • IDEAL FOR KNIFE ALIGNMENT
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Victorinox Swiss Army Cutlery Swiss Classic Fibrox Honing Steel

Victorinox Swiss Army Cutlery Swiss Classic Fibrox Honing Steel

  • MAINTAINS SHARPNESS
  • INCREASES STRENGTH & STAIN RESISTANCE
  • EASY HANDLING
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10 Best Ceramic Honing Rod For Japanese Knives (Buying Guide)

1. Mac Knife Ceramic Honing Rod

Category: Best rust resistant ceramic honing rod for Japanese knives. 

Best rust resistant ceramic honing rod for Japanese knives
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Another good option for those wishing to straighten their blades without causing harm is the Mac Knife Ceramic Honing Rod. It has the correct weight and balance, and it feels natural and comfortable to use. 

  • Features:  This Mac Knife Ceramic Honing Rod has following features:
  •  The Mac Knife Ceramic Honing Rod is a durable honing rod that can effortlessly realign blades and protect your cutting instruments. It’s the perfect weight and feel, making it easier to use.
  • It operates quickly and efficiently, requiring minimal effort from the user. It has a sturdy structure and pleasant and easy-to-hold handles.
  • It has a medium surface with a roughness of around 2000. Black ceramic is a new type of ceramic that outlasts ordinary white ceramic.
  • The surface rapidly realigns edges and works better with Japanese silverware, which is often tougher. The purpose of these rods is to sharpen a knife’s edge. To keep a sharp edge at home, use it on a regular basis. 
  • Material: This rust-resistant honing steel is of high quality. It may be used in a variety of kitchen knives. It’s simple to use and produces knife edges that are smooth and properly aligned.   
  • Dishwasher safe: When cleaning this honing rod, simply hand wash it. Users remark that it is quickly destroyed and that it is not suitable for heavy-duty use.  

Also Read : 7 Best Chefs Knife Under 200

2. Idahone Fine Ceramic Sharpening Rod

Category: best ceramic honing rod for Japanese knives that comes in various lengths.

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All varieties of kitchen knives and blades may be sharpened with the Idahone Fine Ceramic Sharpening Rod. It comes in a variety of lengths to meet your unique sharpening requirements.

  • Features: This Idahone Fine Ceramic Sharpening Rod has following features:
  •  It’s built of high-quality materials that are rust-resistant. Even when used frequently, it does not chip. It is safe to use since it is the right weight and balance. 
  • It features superb and sturdy hard rock maple handles. It has a hanging loop for convenient storage. It’s simple to use and comes in helpful for keeping your cutting instruments sharp.
  • The Idahone Fine Ceramic Sharpening Rod comes in a variety of lengths to fit your exact honing requirements. This model is made of high-quality materials that will not chip or crack over time.
  • When it comes to keeping your knife’s edge sharp, the Idahone Fine Ceramic Sharpening Rod is the way to go.
  • Material: Due to its near-diamond hardness, high-alumina ceramic is the top pick for retaining Japanese or European-style blades sharp and ready for the tough demands of everyday usage by even the most demanding chefs. This sharpening rod has a precise weight and balance, ensuring that it is safe to use. This unit has solid wood handles and a suspending loop for easy storing and accessing  
  • Dishwasher: These ceramic rods should be cleaned with wet cloth only. 

3. Green Elephant Ceramic Sharpening Rod

Category: Best affordable ceramic honing rod for Japanese knives.

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 Green Elephant’s knives are made of the highest-quality ceramic, ensuring maximum durability. The ergonomic and lightweight handle design keeps you from becoming fatigued.  

  • Features: This has a very sturdy appearance. It has some amazing features such as:
  • The strong ceramic grit of 1500 grit sharpens the knife to perfection. Almost any knife, even those from Germany and Japan, may be shared. In a nutshell, all you require is the tool.
  • You may expect that such a terrific product would come at a great price, but take comfort in the fact, it is reasonably priced. Furthermore, you will receive a 30-day money-back guarantee, so don’t think twice about giving it a go.      
  • Material: Because the item has several functions, it is worth a shot. It is shatterproof and shock-absorbent. Because the handle is designed to reduce hand strains, you may use it with ease. It is well-designed and constructed of high-quality materials.
  • Dishwasher: However, I believe it would be fantastic if the knife had an additional protective covering and just needed to be washed by hand. If these qualities aren’t a deal breaker for you, go for it.

4. Wedgek HXT Ceramic Thick Sharpening Rod

Category: best thick ceramic honing rod for Japanese knives.

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Wedgek HXT Ceramic Thick Sharpening Rod is among the best ceramic honing rods on the market, with the ideal size and stability for added honing ease. It comes with strong cones that may be used as angle reference points.   

  • Features: The design is very classy and elegant. It has following amazing feature:
  • It hones knives in efficient and effective manner with little effort on the part of the user.
  • It’s the ideal length and width.
  • It is shatter-resistant and absorbs shocks and impacts. It is easy to operate and use since it features a strong grip and a curved handle. Also, It comes with a strong hanging loop for easy storage when not in use.     
  • Material: It is made of high-quality materials that make it durable enough for heavy-duty and regular use.
  • Dishwasher: This honing rod is shatter and scratch resistant. Hence it can be washed in dishwasher.

5. Kyocera Advanced Ceramics – 9 inch Ceramic Sharpening Rod

Category: Best inexpensive ceramic honing rod for Japanese knives.

Best inexpensive ceramic honing rod for Japanese knives
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 This Kyocera Advanced Ceramics – 9 inch Ceramic Sharpening Rod is the fifth honing rod in the article, and it has both sharpening and honing capabilities. The rod’s double-sided surface made this feasible. 

  • Features: First of all, this is Kyocera Advanced Ceramics – 9 inch Ceramic Sharpening Rod. It has following features:
  • The rod is 9 inches long, with a total length of 13.75 inches, including the handle.
  • The rod may be used for both sharpening and honing. You can’t use ceramic knives on it, though. You may use it on any steel knife you choose. 
  • The producer is completely confident in the quality of its materials and construction.
  • Despite the fact that the grit detail is not specified in their discussion section, I may estimate that the surface is rougher than 400 based on my experience.
  • Material: The rod is lightweight and simple to operate. Because it is rustproof, it should have a longer lifespan. Furthermore, the rod’s cleaning procedure is really simple.
  • Dishwasher: It is easy to clean the Kyocera Advanced Ceramics – 9 inch Ceramic Sharpening Rod. Just run wet cloth over it.

6. Cooks Standard Professional Ceramic Rod Knife Sharpening Steel

Category: Best long ceramic honing rod for Japanese knives.

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You may use any knife when dealing with the Cooks Standard Ceramic rod. Even recurve knives, which are hard to hone in typical manual ceramic knife sharpeners, operate well with it.   

  • Features: This is knife comes with all the amazing features such as:
  •  It appears to be nicely made, however it is highly likely to break into several pieces if dropped, so use it with caution. You may hang it to store it because it includes a hanging ring. The grip on the handle is simple and pleasant.
  • As I previously stated, it makes no difference what knife you wish to sharpen using it. Because there is no “slot” in which to place the knife, you are only limited by your honing abilities (does not work with serrated knives, though).
  • It’s really convenient, because it keeps your hands from being fatigued. Furthermore, the hand provides robust protection against any injuries caused by a sliding knife. Naturally, you must exercise caution, but it is comforting to know that the product was created with your safety in mind.
  • Material: The ceramic sharpening rod from Cooks Standard Professional is constructed of alumina ceramic. It works great and sharpens even old, dull blades.   
  • Dishwasher: It cannot be cleaned in dishwasher.

Also Read : 10 Best Knife For Trimming Brisket

7. Work Sharp Culinary Kitchen Knife Sharpener with Ceramic Honing Rod

Category: best ceramic honing rod for Japanese knives with sharpener.

best ceramic honing rod for Japanese knives with sharpener
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By now, you must be perplexed by the characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks. I am talking about a knife sharpener as well as a honing rod in this part. Yes, you read that correctly.  

  • Features: This has a minimal design and following feature:
  • This tool is more of a sharpener, with the rod serving as an added bonus. As a result, I will go through the sharpener in greater depth before moving on to the rod detailing.
  • The world’s first sharpener with an integrated vacuum system for removing sharpening debris.
  • Other sharpeners, on the other hand, should be maintained away from the food portion of your kitchen since the food might be contaminated by the tiny metal particles in the air. 
  • This one, on the other hand, is designed to blend in with your kitchen.
  • With one-touch programming, the electric thing has a pre-programmed system for reshaping, honing, and refining. When everything is finished, the material is immediately turned off. It takes less than 90 seconds to complete.
  • Material: The sharpener’s body is made of superior plastic for electric knife sharpening. The ceramic honing rod is an added bonus with excellent overall quality.
  • Dishwasher: Both versions may be washed in the dishwasher, although hand cleaning and quick drying are preferred.   

8. Wusthof 10″ Ceramic Steel

Category: Best 10 inches ceramic honing rod for Japanese knives.

Category: Best 10 inches ceramic honing rod for Japanese knives.
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Maintain your kitchen knives sharp with this Wüsthof ceramic sharpening steel 4455, 26 cm. The manufacturer grit size of the sharpening steel is 1000, which Wüsthof claims equates to Japanese grit 800. Sharpening steel that may be used to give your knives a little more sharpness if they aren’t quite sharp.  

  • Features: This is Wüsthof ceramic sharpening steel comes with all the amazing features such as:
  •  Ceramic sharpening rods are extremely hard, although they use less material than diamond sharpening rods. Of course, tastes differ, but when it comes to the longevity of your blades, ceramics are usually the superior option. Especially if you use your kitchen knives on a regular basis.
  • The Wusthof Ceramic Sharpening Steel has been carefully engineered for the quick repair of your knife’s sharp end and is made in Germany to strict standards. This vital tool will straighten and preserve the blade sharpness on your Wusthof knives, with a fine grain finish designed to treat your treasured blades with care.
  • The handle is made of slip-resistant plastic and is pleasant to grasp and use. A hanging loop at the end of the rod allows you to suspend your tool for simple storage.   
  • Material: This Wüsthof ceramic sharpening steel 4455 is the go-to option of many pros and Japanese Knives fans. For the greatest cutting experience, this honing rod is made up of ceramic.
  • Dishwasher: It’s a ceramic sharpening steel that makes sharpening and honing quick, simple, and effective. It’s simple to clean after each usage simply washing it down with a damp towel.

9. Ceramic Honing Rod with Comfort Handle by Kÿchen

Category: Best light weight ceramic honing rod for Japanese knives.

Best light weight ceramic honing rod for Japanese knives
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Nothing detracts from the culinary experience like a dull knife. Your assets will stay straight and in near-mint shape with just a few strokes with a honing rod. If you are looking for affordable and small honing steel then this Ceramic Honing Rod with Comfort Handle by Kÿchen is a great option for you.

  • Features: This is Ceramic Honing Rod with Comfort Handle by Kÿchen comes with all the amazing features such as:
  • This blade is 8″ long, but the complete rod tool is 12″ long, so it will take up very little room in any kitchen.
  • You may hang this tool within reach using the attached hanging hook, or put it in a drawer for fast access.
  • Knives are not sharpened with honing rods. Use this tool on ultra-hard and brittle blades for the best results. See stainless-steel rod for knives with a low hardness or a high carbon content.   
  • Material: It’s a CERAMIC honing rod, which means it’s fragile and will shatter if dropped (just like any other ceramic object). It is, nevertheless, ideal for honing all of your knives and, unlike a steel honing rod, will not leave small nicks and flecks in your blades.  
  • Dishwasher: The Ceramic Honing Rod with Comfort Handle by Kÿchen should be cleaned with damp paper towel.  

10. Victorinox Swiss Army Cutlery Swiss Classic Fibrox Honing Steel

Category: Best classic ceramic honing rod for Japanese knives.

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Are you looking for a honing rod as well as sharpening rod? Then this Victorinox Swiss Army Honing Steel is a 10-inch kitchen tool is perfect for you. As it simultaneously hones and sharpens your knives, saving you time and effort. 

  • Features: This is Victorinox Swiss Army Honing Steel comes with all the amazing features such as:
  • It has ergonomic Fibrox trademarked handles that are slip resistant, textured, and comfy in your hand, making it incredibly durable.
  • It’s a small, lightweight instrument that’s simple to use and keep clean by wiping it down. The tool’s weight is perfectly balanced, and its length makes it suitable for practically any blade size. The cost of this sharpening tool is quite reasonable.  
  • Material: What You’ll Love: Made of high-quality steel, this sharpening steel tool will maintain your knives in outstanding shape for a low price. 
  • Dishwasher: While Fibrox Pro honing rods are dishwasher safe, hand cleaning is recommended since dishwashers spray water at a high pressure, which can rattle silverware and cause blades to clash, dulling the edge.  

What Is The Difference Between Honing Rod And Sharpening Steels?

In essence, honing steel and sharpening steel are two different phrases for the same thing. What matters here is the distinction between honing and sharpening.

You may straighten the microscopic “teeth” in your knife by honing it, which will ensure it stays sharper for more time, but you won’t be willing to bring a dull knife back into existence. Sharpening a knife, on the other hand, removes a little bit of knife steel from the blade, resulting in a fresh knife’s edge. Whereas honing, which should be done on a daily basis, sharpening your knife should only be done every few of months.

It’s also important to note that, whereas all honing rods are called honing steels, only ceramic and diamond steels are classified as sharpening rods, owing to their limited sharpening capabilities.

How Long Does It Take for A Honing Steel to Wear Out?

This is an extremely crucial question, because you should use your honing steel almost every time you use your knife.

Most high-quality honing steels are composed of extremely durable metal and are capable of lasting several decades, however this depends on how they are used. You only have to glide the knife against the surface of the honing just several times to re-align the edge, even if they’re designed to be used regularly. If you require more, it is most likely time for a sharpening session.

Running your fingertips along the rod and feeling the grooves on the steel is an easy way to check whether your honing steel is losing its efficacy. If it feels soft and smooth, you’ll almost certainly need to replace it.

Of course, if you want to prevent having to replace your honing steel every few years, we recommend investing in a high-quality steel.

Conclusion

If you really want to keep your Japanese knives’ exceptional efficiency and durability, you must be careful when honing their steel. Ceramic honing steels with fine grits are perfect for Japanese knives because they carefully realign the blade without harming the edge. When you’re using a steel rod, make sure it’s not too rough so your Japanese knives stay scratch-free and long-lasting.   

FAQs

A ceramic rod has what grit?

Your knife is sharpened with a ceramic grit of 400-800. Your knife will be sharpened with a grit of roughly 2000. All honing rods different in terms of how hard they are and how much metal they eliminate from your knife. 

What is the purpose of a ceramic honing rod?

A round stick-like rod—typically composed of steel, ceramic, or diamond-coated steel—is attached to the handle. They’re typically used to align a knife’s blade when it’s moved along the rod in a downward slicing motion from heel to tip.  

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