Does Tormek make a scratch on the side of the blade?

[Sharpco]

Tormek is water cooled sharpener and has water trough. During and after the sharpening, the water in the trough has stone grit coming off the grinding stone.

So when I sharpen high-end knives, I worry that this grit will make a scratch on the side of the blade because I wipe the blade to check burr very often.

[Ken S]

Sharpco,

You ask an interesting question. As I do not remember it being asked before since I started on the forum in 2009, I think it is not a problem. However, I think it is prudent to be mindful of it and take precautions.

As I remember, you often work out of your van. The abrasive grit will settle on the bottom of the trough. If you use a turkey baster during the day to siphon out most of  the water from your water trough and into a plastic jar, you can wipe out almost all of the grit from the trough with a paper towel. When you refill the trough from the jar, the water will be almost grit free.

You might try using a microfiber cloth to wipe off your blades.

Keep thinking and asking questions!

Ken

[cbwx34]

Tormek is water cooled sharpener and has water trough. During and after the sharpening, the water in the trough has stone grit coming off the grinding stone.

So when I sharpen high-end knives, I worry that this grit will make a scratch on the side of the blade because I wipe the blade to check burr very often.

It's less likely to scratch the knife with the Tormek setup, since, as you stated, most of the grit is in the water trough.  As opposed to sharpening on a waterstone, where the 'swarf' stays on the stone and on the knife.  In this case, if I'm worried about scratching, I'll rinse the knife first... even a few squirts from a spray bottle with water will usually rinse the swarf off.

[Sharpco]

You might try using a microfiber cloth to wipe off your blades.

I use a microfiber towel to wipe it off. It seems to be helpful, but I don't know if I can be completely relieved.

[Sharpco]

It's less likely to scratch the knife with the Tormek setup, since, as you stated, most of the grit is in the water trough.  As opposed to sharpening on a waterstone, where the 'swarf' stays on the stone and on the knife.  In this case, if I'm worried about scratching, I'll rinse the knife first... even a few squirts from a spray bottle with water will usually rinse the swarf off.

I think Tormek is definitely better than the waterstone in that regard.

[SharpenADullWitt]

Remember only the edge is on the stone.  The other matter, must travel up in the water that goes on the blade.  You should be able to adjust that by the amount of water in the trough, as well as speed of the knife on the stone, the angle, etc.

[Ken S]

I noticed some scratches on one of my knives last evening. It is the santoku I have reground with only a single 15º bevel on the left side. (I am left handed.) I now have more knives in my kitchen than slots in my knife block, so this knife resides in a drawer, I should say, with embarrassment, carelessly placed in the drawer. I have not noticed scratches on the knives I keep in my knife block.

Ken

[SharpenADullWitt]

Look at the old threads on knife guards.  The Tormek forum over on Yahoo, has something on sizes (from memory) and I picked up some old manila file folders (damaged freight store, something like $5), which is heavier material I have used to make guards from.