Messages

Thanks, Ken. Fair and reasonable.

I did watch many of the Tormek videos. Guys there seem v. thorough and skillful. It's a part of the reason I zoomed in on Tormek product.

I saw that prices are same everywhere. My ask for recommendation was in regard to dependability and buying experience. Look frwrd to PMs.

Mike

Thanks, tgbto. That's a good way to put it. If 600 is not enough, what's the point of buying an expensive machine that's limited to 600?

Ken, that argument kind of applies to everything. How much more are we willing to pay for nicer things in life? Am I willing to drop $200K for a Ferrari? Well, no! Not nearly worth it for me. Is a Ferrari guy willing to save $170K and drive my Pilot? Not likely. Same with sharpening, just depends on the man. Like the old saying goes 'you pays your money and takes your choice'.

Now, a practical question. Whom would you recommend buying T4 from? I'm in CA.

THANKS!

MikeR

Thanks, cbwx. You're right, T1 would do the bare minimum I want it to do. It feels like a straight jacket though, zero customizations. Would be nice to have flexibility to do more. Hence, my question about honing on the composite disk. Also, saw your nice post on limitations of the T1/T2 jig.

Maybe I'm just trying to justify spending 3 times more on a T4, a couple of CBT disks and some cool jigs.

As far as honed 600g being enough for kitchen... I don't disagree, but afraid my significant other does. It 's no longer about function, as in cutting ripe tomato. It's about pleasure of cutting it not even feeling that it's there... That's my special case

P.S. Nicks may happen, but it's too rare to justify a fancy machine. If it happens like once a year, I'll fix it on a diamond plate. Need a better cause.

Hi all,

A forum newbie here. Very timely discussion for me - trying to decide which machine to get. To make long story short, it comes down to T4 vs. T1. Tough decision.

I've been a student of knife sharpening for over a decade now. Good news is that I enjoy learning the art of sharpening. Bad news - practicing the art gets the family spoiled. They are no longer willing to accept a quick and dirty job on kitchen knifes. You get smirks... But you don't always have time to do it right... I have a feeling people here may know what I mean.

This brings me to looking for a machine to get. What I want is to quickly reestablish proper flat bevel after rounds of maintenance. Once the bevel is set, I can finish it off by hand quickly. Fixing badly damaged edges is not an issue for me, it just never happens.

T1 seems like the ticket. Designed for just that, small, good-enough looking for kitchen counter... But there's an issue that bothers me. In manual sharpening I would not even think about honing after 600 grit diamond. I'd do 900 and 1200 diamonds first, then at least 1-2 ceramic plates lapped to 2000-3000. Only then I'd hone on leather.

But that's manual. Having no experience with sharpening machines, I wonder maybe it works if you just keep honing? Also, how T1 composite honing wheel compares to lapping on leather impregnated with oil and green polishing compound? I assume it's rougher, but how much rougher?

Thoughts and advice much appreciated!

MikeR