Sharpen on the bottom of a ceramic mug

Flip a ceramic coffee mug upside down and draw the knife blade across the unglazed ring on the bottom at a 15-20 degree angle. Alternate sides for 10-15 strokes each. This rough ceramic surface acts like a fine sharpening stone in an emergency.

Why It Works

The unglazed ceramic foot of a mug is essentially the same material as a ceramic sharpening rod — hard aluminum oxide. It's abrasive enough to remove a small amount of metal and realign the cutting edge.

Tips

• Only works in a pinch — the surface is small and flat, making angle control difficult
• Choose a mug with a wide, rough, unglazed ring on the bottom
• Won't restore a truly dull knife, but can touch up a blade that's lost its bite
• Wipe the knife clean afterward to remove any ceramic dust