Kyocera Ceramic Paring Knife, 3" ($25)
by Andrew Chalk
I have just been using a Kyocera ceramic knife. It is as sharp as the best carbon steel blades, lighter, never corrodes, and can be easily cleaned and sharpened. The manufacturer claims, although I have not used it enough to verify, that it retains a sharp edge up to 10x longer than any of the steel alloys.
It also has an "eco handle". That is, the handle is made of a sugarcane substance that is earth-friendly. The design is very ergonomic.
I have to confess, I have been converted to it from the first task I performed (paring a half-eaten chicken of all meat to make a curry). It is now the first knife in my draw I reach for when I have paring tasks.
Words from the company...
"San Diego, Calif. – July 7, 2021 – Kyocera, a leader in ceramic cutlery since 1984, today launched its Bio Series of eco-friendly ceramic knives. The new line features a slim, corrugated, 100% recyclable package that’s free of fossil fuel-derived plastic. Ergonomically shaped black handles made from a bio-derived material (sourced from sugarcane) complement ultra-sharp white zirconia blades that will never corrode. This new development reflects Kyocera’s kaizen approach to continuously improve the performance of its ceramic knives while also enhancing production processes to combat climate change."
Kyocera’s sustainability initiatives reflect the philosophy of its founder, Dr. Kazuo Inamori, and his lifelong belief that “people have no higher calling than to strive for the greater good of humankind and society.” In 2020, The Wall Street Journal named Kyocera as one of the “100 Most Sustainably Managed Companies in the World.” Additionally, Kyocera was included in “The A List 2020” by the international non-profit CDP for Combating Climate Change. Each year, the CDP scores companies with the goal of incentivizing improvements in three main areas: climate change, forest sustainability and water security. Moreover, Kyocera’s commitment to innovation has resulted in more than 24,000 active patents and pending applications worldwide that include more than 2,000 active patents and pending applications in energy-related technologies such as high-quality solar, power storage, fuel cells, new AI-powered technology solutions for Virtual Power Plants, and efficient renewable energy management. All Kyocera ceramic blades are manufactured in Sendai, Japan in a factory that generates solar power to offset energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions. The new eco-friendly Bio Series includes the best-selling sizes: 3” paring, 4.5” utility, and 5.5” santoku, ranging from $24.95 - $54.95, with retail and online availability by late summer. “This new product line was designed for the consumer who prefers mindful meal preparation and kitchen tools that support a more sustainable lifestyle,” said Kyocera International Vice President Cynthia Ferrell. “Our company has a longstanding history of award-winning environmental programs and we strive to develop products that help reduce our collective carbon footprint. Eliminating plastic in packaging is a win for the environment as well as consumers.”
"Kyocera was one of the first companies in the world to begin manufacturing and selling kitchen knives with blades made from fine ceramics. Since 1984, Kyocera has been continually enhancing the material technology and design of its ceramic knives, developing its product range with various colors and styles and converting customers worldwide to fans of ceramic kitchen tools. Kyocera's traditional ultra-sharp zirconia ceramic blade will maintain its sharpness up to 10x longer than metal knives."
"Learn more about the craftsmanship behind Kyocera's Japan-made ceramic knives here. Kyocera can also be found at facebook.com/kyoceracutlery, Instagram.com/kyoceracutlery, Twitter.com/Kyoceracutlery.
Sample.
