Initial burr removal step

[Ken S]

When I research a Tormek related sharpening question online, I prefer to start with a Tormek source person that I trust. More than one trusted Tormek person is even better.  For this question, how to initially reduce burr, I was fortunate enough to have two trusted Tormek persons.

My first source person was Stig. During a conversation several years ago, Stig mentioned the importance of making the finishing strokes of a sharpening step with very light pressure. At the time, I thought this was to lighten the scratch pattern, which is partially correct.

My second trusted Tormek person helped me to see the rest of the answer. Johan is Tormek's Global Director for the T2. In the online class he and Sébastien did with the T2, Johan demonstrates and explains the importance of following up raising a burr with both bevels with one light pass on each bevel to reduce the burr. While Johan demonstrates this with the T2, it would apply with any Tormek. Here is a link, starting at 5:50:

https://www.youtube.com/live/dCe3bKc5Ym8?si=PBsmgJAuP6uxKBHg

In this case, I also found a good video demonstrating the concept using a diamond bench stone. Here is a link:

https://youtu.be/ZTuZB8uGbaU?si=sDnZqlwm2Rx6B0m8

There are numerous methods of burr reduction. The last light pass method is fast, reliable and requires no extra equipment. It is not designed for total burr removal, just to give one a very good start.

Ken