Am I the 0nly one-handed person knife sharpening on the Tormek?

[Thread Killer]

I had a stroke in 2021 and lost the use of one side of my body.  So, I have to adapt a lot-0-procedures on the Tormek. The biggest being lifting the knife on the curve.  Instead, I just twist the jig so the handle is lifted.  I can't get much pressure on the knife, I am still working on it.  I would be interested in other challenged/one-armed sharpeners and their work arounds.

[Ken S]

Welcome to the forum, Blaine. I cannot speak directly to your situation, although, once I reached age seventy several years ago, I have had to adapt more.

My first thought is to gain maximum control of the knife. I think there is much untapped potential in the T2. The knife jig holds the knife securely anda very controllable uniform angle. The 600 grit diamond wheel, supplied with the machine, is designed to cut with minimal pressure. The cutting motion is designed to sharpen without lifting the knife for the tip.

My second thought is to concentrate on working deliberately. Keep your black marker nearby for frequent checking as needed. slow and steady wins the race. The original use plan for the T2 was to be a one wheel machine, the 600 grit Diamond Wheel Fine. Early on, one large Swedish customer requested a more coarse wheel, and the Coarse Diamond wheel was added as an option. Eventually, the Extra Fine Diamond wheel was added. My advice would be to start with the supplied 600 grit DF wheel and only add the extra wheels if you find you really need them.

If you have difficulty controlling the angle with the honing wheel, try using a flat strop secured to your bench.

I am writing this for both you and me. I am planning to move to a smaller senior living unit in the near future. I will not have my workshop or room for my T8. When I visited Tormek, I had the opportunity of meeting Johan, the T2 mannager and watch him demonstrate the T2 in a one on one environmaent. I immediately liked him. i have faith in him, the T2, and Tormek.

A close second choice would be the T1.

I hope other members will add their thoughts and that you will keep us posted.

Ken

PS Check out this Tormek online class:

https://www.youtube.com/live/dCe3bKc5Ym8?si=BuFi3LdZocRJYsHN

[Thread Killer]

Good luck on moving!  Sometimes the hard part of knife sharpening now is just getting to the garage.  So far, I've been able to use my SG 2000 you know the saying, adapt or ..........