"Hey, why are all these knives white? Is it some kind of coating? Are they easy to use?" Recently, when a staff member at a tool counter was demonstrating products, Hu Aunt, a resident from Fengtai District in Beijing, couldn't help but ask these questions. "I've always used metal knives. I've never seen ceramic ones before."
For many consumers who are used to traditional metal knives, this white ceramic knife is something completely new. In recent years, as living standards have improved and the trend toward low-carbon and eco-friendly lifestyles has grown, the tool market has also experienced innovation. Ceramic knives have emerged as a green alternative.
"The name 'ceramic knives' comes from the fact that they're made from high-precision ceramics. Most of the ceramic knives on the market today are made from nano-zirconia," explained a staff member at a tool exhibition. "The process involves using zirconia powder at temperatures over 2000°C under 300 tons of pressure to form the blade, which is then polished with diamond tools and fitted with a handle. These knives are extremely hard, dense, heat-resistant, non-magnetic, and anti-oxidative, which is why they're sometimes called 'noble knives.'"
As the staff explained, the reporter carefully examined the ceramic knives. Because of their ceramic texture, each blade is hand-polished, resulting in a smooth, evenly curved surface that maximizes strength while ensuring a smooth cutting experience. The edges are uniform, the finish is high-quality, and they’re easy to clean. Plus, because they're made from high-tech nano-zirconia, they don’t react with strong acids or alkalis and won’t corrode over time, avoiding the oxidation issues that can occur with metal knives when cutting fruits and vegetables.
"Let me show you. If you cut an onion with a regular knife, it might make your eyes water. But with a ceramic knife, you won’t feel any irritation. When you cut fruits and vegetables, there’s no metallic smell. The cut surfaces of potatoes and apples also don’t oxidize easily—just try it yourself," the staff said while demonstrating, drawing the attention of many customers.
Ceramic knives represent the first major breakthrough in mechanical cutting by using ceramic materials. Since the early 20th century, Germany and the UK have explored replacing traditional steel tools with ceramic ones. Due to their high hardness and heat resistance, ceramic materials have become a new generation of cutting tools. However, ceramics are known for being brittle, so overcoming this brittleness and improving toughness has been a key challenge in ceramic tool development for nearly a century. As a result, the applications of ceramic tools have expanded significantly.
According to industry experts, ceramic knives are now made from various materials, including alumina-metal ceramics, alumina-carbide ceramics, and the latest boron nitride ceramics. Globally, German ceramic tools are widely used not only in regular machine tools but also in CNC machines and automated production lines. Japanese ceramic blades are internationally recognized for their variety, quality, and output. The U.S. leads in the development of oxide-carbide-nitride ceramic tools. China has also made significant progress in ceramic tool development and application.
Ceramic knives are among the most popular green products worldwide. After several years of market growth, they have started entering everyday households. According to a recent investigation, there are many types of ceramic knives available online, including fruit knives, kitchen knives, and planing knives. Handles come in three main materials: plastic, wood, and ceramic. Plastic handles are the most common, followed by wooden ones, which are often found on higher-end models. Ceramic handles, though elegant, are more fragile.
"Price reflects value," said Miss Wu, a brand manager on Tmall. "The ceramic knife market is mixed, making it hard to tell real from fake, which has led to many consumers being scammed. So knowing how to distinguish genuine ceramic knives is especially important." She shared four tips: First, check the surface—high-quality knives have a smooth, flawless finish with a bright, even edge. Second, look at the blade—good quality blades are sharp and uniform, while lower quality ones may be thick and uneven. Third, examine the material—premium knives use high-purity zirconia powder, giving them a jade-like appearance, while cheaper ones may contain impurities like aluminum or black spots. Finally, test the blade—under safe conditions, gently rub the edge with your fingernail. High-quality knives won’t break, while inferior ones may crack under slight pressure.