Line laser and eyesight

[Sharpco]

Is there a problem with my eyesight if I use a line laser for knife sharpening?

Because the stone of Tormek is wet, will the laser be reflected and enter the eyes?

[Jan]

The laser beam reflected on the stone surface is scattered into different directions and partially absorbed by the stone, so there is no real danger for your eyes.

Much better reflector is surely a polished surface of a knife blade, but until now I have had no difficulties with reflected laser light. Line laser is much safer than a point laser.

Jan

[stevebot]

Red line lasers and pointers are supposedly safe even for accidental short direct viewing. However you can buy lasers that will cause immediate and permanent loss of vision. Stick with laser levels, etc.

[cbwx34]

Is there a problem with my eyesight if I use a line laser for knife sharpening?

Because the stone of Tormek is wet, will the laser be reflected and enter the eyes?

I've done my best to research this... it was brought up as a concern when I recommended it years ago.  My own experience is... no ill effects... that I can tell anyway.   Like Jan said, I've always avoided letting the laser reflect off the shiny surface of a knife, or other surface.

Laser levels are "Class 2"... where short exposure should produce no issues, and, unlike a pointer, not as concentrated.  But, you're right, on a wet wheel, you will get a bit more reflection.  The reflection is broken up by the wheel itself.. so there doesn't seem to be any concentrated beam entering the eye.  I tried reflecting it from a mirror onto a shiny plastic surface, and it appears scattered.

But it's just my experience, so my suggestion is, to do a bit of research and decide for yourself.