The one change you should make to the Tormek...

[cbwx34]

Nice update kwakster... I'm pretty sure your 1st version is what made me think of using the T-2 jig.  I liked it.

[kwakster]

The home made platform as i currently use it.



On top is a piece of 0.3 mm thin fiber reinforced PTFE tape, which aids very well in moving the blade across the platform and also to avoid scratches while doing that (up to a point)
When used in conjunction with just enough water in the trough so that it doesn't splash the platform the tape lasts quite a while before i have to replace it with another piece.
At the moment the lowest angle i can grind to is ~22.5 degrees inclusive, but in the end i want to be able to go ~20 degrees inclusive.
I've already sharpened quite a few knives with this taped platform.

[Ken S]

Nice set up, Kwakster. In my opinion, Herman's homemade small continues to be a major advance for Tormek sharpening. However, just as I do not believe that Fords are the only horseless carriages of note, I do not believe that Herman's design is the only good choice. I happen to see great potential in using parts of the T2 knife jig as used by CB. It offers a very compact design while still retaining the all important (patented by Tormek) Torlock for very secure holding power.

Based only on my gut feeling, I would gravitate toward Herman's design for larger work, like his now famous machete. I would favor Kwakster's design for smaller work, although I know either can handle the entire job.

Ken

ps For our European members, I realize that Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz each independently built an automobile before Henry Ford. As an American, I must cling to our myths.