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I'm curious about how people sharpen the blades of multi-blade pocketknives on the Tormek. Specifically, I'm wondering about blades that are offset from the centerline of the handle and are also too small to be held with the SVM-45.

From what I've read here, a platform jig should handle these with aplomb. But what if, like me, you don't have one? Are there tricks for using the SVM-00 and dealing with the offset from the centerline? I haven't tried it yet, but I'm concerned about not getting even bevels on both sides. Or, do people tend to freehand these blades? Or something else?

I do plan to build a platform jig eventually, but I'm wondering whether I can satisfactorily sharpen these blades with the Tormek in the mean time.

I recently completed my first reprofiling and sharpening of a knife with full bolsters, a Wüsthof Classic 9 cm paring knife. As I approached the full bolster, the wheel started to cut into it. At first I thought I might try to bring the new edge all the way back to the edge of the bolster, but then thought better of it and backed off once the grinding sound changed. Here is what I ended up with:



It looks like the blade gets thicker as it blends into the bolster and the bevel moved up as a result, which isn't particularly aesthetically pleasing.

My question is how an expert would handle this type of knife on the Tormek? And, related, what is considered the professional standard for sharpening this sort of knife? If possible, I'd appreciate pictures that can act as a reference which I can strive to match as I continue to gain experience.

By the way, I searched the forum and found plenty of references to reducing bolsters, but have not yet been successful in finding any that address technique for handling this situation. It's quite possible that it's been covered before and I just didn't find it, though. Any pointers to existing threads would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Greg

I've been impressed both by the quality of discussion and the level of knowledge and experience shared on this forum. As a newcomer, both to the forum and to the Tormek, it is my privilege to read and absorb the information contained here and my aspiration to be able to contribute to the trove in due time. My challenge for now is finding the must-read gems in the archives so that I can learn from them.

As an example, I came across the Middle overgrinding problem thread from 2016 a couple of days ago while searching for information on dealing with full bolsters and learned (1) about a problem that I am sure to face and (2) how to mitigate it.

There's a lot of great information like that here on knife sharpening and I'd really appreciate it if those who have been around here for a while would chime in with some of their favorite "must read" threads. What are the ones you really learned from? What threads represent your hard-won experience? To which threads would you point a beginner or someone looking to improve their skills? There's still a lot that I don't know that I don't know. I'd love to hear about your favorite threads for learning and why you think they are important to read.

In return for you generosity in searching your memory, I'll offer to collect these threads into an annotated bibliography of sorts, edited into this first post for easy discovery, so that others in the future can reference them.

Thanks for reading and I look forward to seeing where this leads.

Edit: sometimes the gems are the full topic, sometimes the gems are individual posts. Please feel free to highlight both.

I'm attempting to build experience with both lifting and pivoting while sharpening with the SVM-45 Knife Jig. I'm further along with lifting and have a few questions. Expect another thread on pivoting once I figure out what I need to ask.

I'm using a carbon steel Opinel No. 10 for practice, by the way. It has good steel and will take an excellent edge, so I know any deficiencies in the edge are the fault of my technique.

I've been struggling with a couple of things that I hope I can get some tips for improvement.

First, I'm trying to slide the jig along the USB without any pivot, but I'm finding it difficult to do that. Even when working along the straight part of the edge I still often rotate the jig a small but noticeable about side to side as I move the jig. I've tried varying my grip on the jig, but still haven't found what works. Maybe I haven't found the right grip? Maybe it's the amount or direction of pressure? Could body position be a factor?

Second, when it comes time to lift the handle, I'm noticing that, with the collar locked against the bar with my thumb, it stays fixed while the jig rotates. I suppose with perfect technique the jig would rotate back to where it started when I again lower the handle, but I'm concerned about accumulated error introducing a gradual micro adjustment as the sharpening session progresses. Is that a problem in practice? If so, how can it be mitigated or avoided?

Any insight, advice, or tips would be greatly appreciated.

Some forum members may find this of interest. Yesterday a UK company called Hewn & Hone released a new Sloyd Jig for sharpening sloyd knives like the Mora 106. They've also released an instructional video showing its setup and use.

My understanding is that achieving the same grind with standard Tormek jigs requires the use of both the SVM-45 Knife Jig and the SVM-00 Small Knife Holder. Spoon Carving with Tom has an Instagram IGTV video detailing the procedures he uses to ensure a consistent, repeatable grind using those jigs. Assuming both methods produce comparable results, I can certainly see the appeal of the simpler, purpose-built Sloyd Jig.

For other knives that may happen to fit in it, I wonder whether the Sloyd Jig will provide better centering than what I've read here about the SVM-45?

At any rate, I'm curious about other members' thoughts on this new jig.

Hello everyone. I've read several threads here over the past few months while deciding whether to purchase a Tormek. Thank you all for the help you've already given me.

This is my first post, so I'd like to quickly introduce myself before getting to my question. My name is Greg. I am an avid whittler, aspiring green wood spoon carver, enthusiastic home cook, and small-time hobbyist collector of traditional pocket knives. As for activities that don't require sharp tools, I enjoy hiking, camping and backpacking, and running, particularly on trails.

I'm excited to have a Tormek T8 with Hand Tool Kit on the way. I've also ordered the Irwin 3/4" chisel recommended in the Tormek Tips Tricks and Techniques Beginners Start Here! thread and intend to follow the advice of becoming adept at sharpening it before moving on.

My goal is to become proficient using the Tormek to sharpen kitchen knives, pocket knives, sloyd knives with scandi grinds (like the Mora 106), and my carving hatchet. I know those skills will take time and practice to develop and I am willing to put in the effort and be patient. I'm looking for feedback about the right order in which to build those skills.

The most pressing sharpening need I have is to clean up the bevels on my carving hatchet. Sharpening it with the SVA-170 Axe Jig seems like it might be a good next step after the chisel because it will be slow work and give me ample opportunity to monitor and refine my technique as I go.

As for the knives, I was thinking of starting with the kitchen knives, using the SVM-45 Knife Jig. After that would be adding in the SVM-00 Small Knife Holder and using it first for pocket knives that only have one blade and then on the offset main blade of multi-blade pocket knives. The scandi ground knives with their large bevels seem like they will require the most skill, so I thought I'd save them for last.

How does that skill building progression sound to experienced Tormek users? I'd love to hear people's thoughts and am very open to other suggestions.

Thanks for reading and I look forward to participating in the forum.