I stumbled 2 days ago on an awesome Live and pre recorded youtube channel called Findon Knife Sharpening.
Featering Baz.
I am not new to knife sharpening, been sharpening knifes for about 15 years now but never on the Tormek.
This channel is an very good starting point for me.
Baz is sharpening up to 10+ knives a session describing everything he does.
For me as an Tormek newbe this is an information treasury !
The channel and Baz has a great vibe to !
Agree. He seems like a top bloke. He is in the same city as me and next time I am down that way I will drop in for a chin wag. He has some great ideas and does a top job on his knives. Also his technique has evolved from his early days. You can tell how much sharpening he has done by the wear on his old wheels and old dressing stone. He is very Australian and very Adelaide.
To be honest I think that watching him has given me a lot more confidence in my own sharpening and improved my technique considerably.
I also watch a lot of his videos, very informative and you can pick up a lot of good tips from watching him work. His technique has definitely evolved these last 6 months or so and he has a good speed and workflow on his Tormek. I was always amazed by the amount of paper cuttings that were on his workshop floor....... but he seems to tidy up more there days ! ! Ha ha .
Quote from: Andy1066 on September 14, 2023, 07:44:10 AM...
... he has a good speed and workflow on his Tormek.
...
Huh? It takes him 14 minutes before he sharpens his first knife. ???
Quote from: Dutchman on September 14, 2023, 10:54:56 AMHuh? It takes him 14 minutes before he sharpens his first knife. ???
In that one video. So?
Quote from: Sharpie on September 14, 2023, 01:07:19 PM...
What has that got to do with anything? Putz.
I didn't think his jig setting was "good speed".
I'm not sure I understand what he's doing with the sharpie to end up setting up the height with the AngleMaster anyway...
As for starting by grinding the tip area rather than the heel, I think you have to be pretty damn experienced and steady not to mess the tip up by doing so.
I've mastered the tip-first technique and my tips are all perfect now. My heels are also better. Tip-first improves everything.
Quote from: Dutchman on September 15, 2023, 10:37:35 AMI didn't think his jig setting was "good speed".
What are you talking about? Is that all you can pick on me for?
Play nicely, children.
The moderator
Quote from: Sharpie on September 15, 2023, 11:01:38 AMHis tips are always fantastic. He's mastered the tip first technique and made it his own. He has over 250 movies. How many have you seen?
Thank you for your kind reply. My apologies if that was not clear in my post : he seems *very* experienced and steady. I don't doubt his tips are perfect, as they seem to be.
I remain of the opinion that most people who sharpen knives on a Tormek would be at risk of messing up the tip by doing so.
I forgot : Welcome to the forum, @Sharpie.
Quote from: tgbto on September 15, 2023, 10:56:12 AMI'm not sure I understand what he's doing with the sharpie to end up setting up the height with the AngleMaster anyway...
As for starting by grinding the tip area rather than the heel, I think you have to be pretty damn experienced and steady not to mess the tip up by doing so.
He should use a calculator. ;)
I didn't watch much of the video, (so maybe this doesn't apply), but I mark most of my edges with a Sharpie, regardless of how I set the angle. The Sharpie also can tell me when I've reached the very edge, if there is a steep microbevel (that a lot of factory knives have to remove the burr) that needs to be sharpened out, etc.
I agree with you about starting at the tip.
Quote from: cbwx34 on September 15, 2023, 05:28:40 PMQuote from: tgbto on September 15, 2023, 10:56:12 AMI'm not sure I understand what he's doing with the sharpie to end up setting up the height with the AngleMaster anyway...
As for starting by grinding the tip area rather than the heel, I think you have to be pretty damn experienced and steady not to mess the tip up by doing so.
I didn't watch much of the video, (so maybe this doesn't apply), but I mark most of my edges with a Sharpie, regardless of how I set the angle. The Sharpie also can tell me when I've reached the very edge, if there is a steep microbevel (that a lot of factory knives have to remove the burr) that needs to be sharpened out, etc.
You're so right... Come to think of it, I put some sharpie on the edge quite often too, at the beginning when I set the angle using it and right before I start sharpening when I set it another way and just want to judge if the lifting/pivoting is ok. The fact that he put it so early in the process made me think he would use it to set the angle. Pilots call that the "tunnel effect".
Merlin,
I just found this video by Findon. The technique is solid. I was impressed that he acknowledged that the idea was from Wootz (Vadim), making no claim to being the originator. He also expanded it slightly. It was well done and informative.
here is a link:
https://youtu.be/HzF_TQHixrg?si=b8_joWCNRksz08sZ
Ken
Hello Ken,
Thank you for the link.
I indeed saw the video.
Also his video about dressing the stone is very extensive and informative.
M
I certainly watched the first one also maybe even the second. Very informative I love his style of simplicity and more, so damn his patience.
Also, the kangaroo tail strops. Oh my God. But damn unfortunately, with all the regulations concerning those tails, they can only be shipped within Australia. Because I'd certainly buy a couple of the doctors recommended size in length which may have been 24 or 26 inches by about 6 inches wide.
Anyway, somehow, I've gotta find a way to get them to Canada.
With all those damn regulations.
Talking about this, I wonder why, even if it was locally made and sold in Australia, why haven't they ever made kangaroo tail adhered to a Tormek styled wheel?
And not necessarily a Tormek style But for any grinder type.
I get it may be more expensive I gather, but how I'm sure there's enough of us crazies that would really consider it.
Anyway, thank you Ken.
Curious why the videos linked above have all turned out to be "No Longer Available". Just me/my computer? (We'll see if that happens to the links below.)
No matter, I have found the YT website for this fellow and have bookmarked it. "iSharpen" is his user name here and his YT name, for "Findon Knife Sharpening". Haven't watched any yet, but it should be interesting, given the discuss that precedes.
Link to the "Home" web site here (https://www.youtube.com/@iSharpen), but I prefer going directly to the Videos page (https://www.youtube.com/@iSharpen/videos) as my starting point.
I have one of Vadim's kangaroo tail strops, so I wonder how/why/when they became unavailable for export.
I only vaguely remember the start of this topic. However, I have been watching several of Baz's videos and am impressed by them.
Years ago, I thought of an imaginery around the world study tour I wanted to make. The tour would include spending time with my friend and mentor, Steve Bottorff, and with the late Terry Beach, in the US. Heading to Europe, I would like to see Glenn Lucas in Ireland and Rob and Robin Bailey in the UK. Then across the channel to meet Dutchman, the father of precision knife setting, and the late Jan, possibly our most intelligent, educated member. Then off to Sydney, Australia to enjoy meeting the late Wootz, Dr Vadim of Knife Grinders. Sadly Wootz is now deceased. However, I would still include Australia to meet Baz of Findon near Adelaide.
One of the common threads with all of these experienced Tormek users is that while being Tormek users, they all incorporated their own ideas into their technique.
I like Baz's videos and ideas. I especially like his style, lean on slick video tricks and music and full of solid technique.
Ken
Yes Baz's videos are amazing. I have subscribed. Love them straight to the point concise, clear and very informative. I would strongly recommend as well.
Phil.
Quote from: RickKrung on August 11, 2024, 06:44:01 PMCurious why the videos linked above have all turned out to be "No Longer Available"
He did say on another thread that his previous channel was taken down. Not sure why, he didn't say. YT can make bonkers decisions some times and take you down if someone takes a dislike to you and complains.
Rick Sir, receiving them can be problematic, especially with some of the laws within the different states down there. Every state differs to allowing or disallowing entry for various species. That is something one has to get their info to.
Quote from: Columbo on August 11, 2024, 05:44:38 PMI certainly watched the first one also maybe even the second. Very informative I love his style of simplicity and more, so damn his patience.
Also, the kangaroo tail strops. Oh my God. But damn unfortunately, with all the regulations concerning those tails, they can only be shipped within Australia. Because I'd certainly buy a couple of the doctors recommended size in length which may have been 24 or 26 inches by about 6 inches wide.
Anyway, somehow, I've gotta find a way to get them to Canada.
With all those damn regulations.
Talking about this, I wonder why, even if it was locally made and sold in Australia, why haven't they ever made kangaroo tail adhered to a Tormek styled wheel?
And not necessarily a Tormek style But for any grinder type.
I get it may be more expensive I gather, but how I'm sure there's enough of us crazies that would really consider it.
Anyway, thank you Ken.
I managed to buy a kangaroo tail strop on Ebay. Also got a separate loose piece from Etsy. I'm finding to be good, if not quite the miracle that some make them out to be. Very good for initial deburring and for touching up knives with "drawer rust." Adds a little refinement as a last stop after a loaded strop. I've used them to replace the Flitz-loaded denim strop that I used to use as my last process.
I agree, nice channel. I learnt a few things. Keep up the good work @iSharpen ! 👍
Quote from: Columbo on August 11, 2024, 05:44:38 PMI certainly watched the first one also maybe even the second. Very informative I love his style of simplicity and more, so damn his patience.
Also, the kangaroo tail strops. Oh my God. But damn unfortunately, with all the regulations concerning those tails, they can only be shipped within Australia. Because I'd certainly buy a couple of the doctors recommended size in length which may have been 24 or 26 inches by about 6 inches wide.
Anyway, somehow, I've gotta find a way to get them to Canada.
With all those damn regulations.
Talking about this, I wonder why, even if it was locally made and sold in Australia, why haven't they ever made kangaroo tail adhered to a Tormek styled wheel?
And not necessarily a Tormek style But for any grinder type.
I get it may be more expensive I gather, but how I'm sure there's enough of us crazies that would really consider it.
Anyway, thank you Ken.
Thanks Ken, I appreciate the kind words. I haven't given up on the export permit for the kangaroo tails. The wheels are in motion and if granted I will be doing everything in my power to get one to everyone who wants one. Export permits for kangaroo hide products are very difficult to get. Basically they want receipts for every single tail from the killer to the processor and tanner. Some of my tails are really old but I've got a few ideas in motion that might push me through. I'll be making announcements if they're granted.
As for wrapping kangaroo tails around wheels I made a prototype. I wrapped one around an old CBN wheel that had failed. There's a few short videos and a few of me using it for various purposes and I'm thinking of making one around a smaller honing wheel. Also I think they could be wrapped around a wooden wheel. But the circumference has to be kept small as only the largest tails will make it all the way around a large wheel. I was thinking of using an old worn out 180mm diam SG wheel which I'm currently using as a counter balance for my spare machine (flex...lol).
As for pricing I really want to stay around the price of what Dr Vadim was selling them for. Compliance is crazy though. For example, to export into the U.S. I need a physical wet stamp from Border Force (Australian customs) for each and every strop or tail which means I have to go to the airport every time and deal with customs officers for every shipment. It's something I'm willing to do though and I don't live very far from the airport fortunately and the Sharpery keeps me working from home so I have the time. It won't be long and I'm not giving up.
Quote from: RickKrung on August 11, 2024, 06:44:01 PMCurious why the videos linked above have all turned out to be "No Longer Available". Just me/my computer? (We'll see if that happens to the links below.)
No matter, I have found the YT website for this fellow and have bookmarked it. "iSharpen" is his user name here and his YT name, for "Findon Knife Sharpening". Haven't watched any yet, but it should be interesting, given the discuss that precedes.
Link to the "Home" web site here (https://www.youtube.com/@iSharpen), but I prefer going directly to the Videos page (https://www.youtube.com/@iSharpen/videos) as my starting point.
I have one of Vadim's kangaroo tail strops, so I wonder how/why/when they became unavailable for export.
Thanks Rick. My old channel was cancelled by the lefties at YouTube because I kept making jokes about the woke mind virus...while holding knives. Accidental but big no no. I lost all the videos with no appeal possible. I went offline for a while but then restarted my current channel https://www.youtube.com/@iSharpen along the same lines. I think this channel is better anyway and I've recently surpassed my subscriber count and have become monetised and about to receive my first payment which of course be immediately spent on BESS clips...haha. No but seriously, it will.
Good idea to link to my videos page instead of the home page on YouTube. I'll change my link on my GMB (Google My Business) page.
As for how Dr Vadim was able to sell them, he had an export permit. The fine for selling kangaroo hides (or products) without an export permit is $210,000. I'm really working very hard to get one but the government has a lot of demands which I'm trying to meet. The wheels are in motion. I have 120 tails for sale and can sell to any Australian address but not international at the moment. I hope that'll change soon.
Quote from: Ken S on August 11, 2024, 07:49:03 PMI only vaguely remember the start of this topic. However, I have been watching several of Baz's videos and am impressed by them.
Years ago, I thought of an imaginery around the world study tour I wanted to make. The tour would include spending time with my friend and mentor, Steve Bottorff, and with the late Terry Beach, in the US. Heading to Europe, I would like to see Glenn Lucas in Ireland and Rob and Robin Bailey in the UK. Then across the channel to meet Dutchman, the father of precision knife setting, and the late Jan, possibly our most intelligent, educated member. Then off to Sydney, Australia to enjoy meeting the late Wootz, Dr Vadim of Knife Grinders. Sadly Wootz is now deceased. However, I would still include Australia to meet Baz of Findon near Adelaide.
One of the common threads with all of these experienced Tormek users is that while being Tormek users, they all incorporated their own ideas into their technique.
I like Baz's videos and ideas. I especially like his style, lean on slick video tricks and music and full of solid technique.
Ken
Ken, first of all, I have a guest room. Just saying. Glad to have you as a viewer. Any requests?
Quote from: Columbo on August 11, 2024, 10:04:45 PMYes Baz's videos are amazing. I have subscribed. Love them straight to the point concise, clear and very informative. I would strongly recommend as well.
Phil.
Thanks Phil!
Quote from: Brock O Lee on August 15, 2024, 12:20:46 AMI agree, nice channel. I learnt a few things. Keep up the good work @iSharpen ! 👍
Thanks Brocko! I take requests.
Baz,
I have a young friend who is presently studying to be a welder. I was particularly impressed by your comment that your very smooth sharpening technique came from having previously been a welder. (I noticed the same smooth control with Wootz.)
Your comment struck a chord with me; I think about it whenever I sharpen knives now.
Ken
Quote from: iSharpen on September 17, 2024, 12:28:21 PMAs for wrapping kangaroo tails around wheels I made a prototype. I wrapped one around an old CBN wheel that had failed.
I got a couple of 3D printed honing wheels and used veg tanned (from DS Horne) (I keep a coupe of half hides of various thicknesses for leather projects) I think 1.5 - 2 mm, and some contact. I used a quality contact that I used for leatherwork and that works a treat. I skived the ends of the strip with a taper of about 10mm and made sure the overlap was front to back so that it would not tent to lift with the rotation. Any slight hump left I cleaned up; with the skiving knife and a sanding drum on the Dremel.
With the 3D print use 100% infill around the pins otherwise they will break off.
I have been using the first one now for months with no issues and the second is the spare.
Quote from: John Hancock Sr on September 19, 2024, 12:50:47 AMQuote from: iSharpen on September 17, 2024, 12:28:21 PMAs for wrapping kangaroo tails around wheels I made a prototype. I wrapped one around an old CBN wheel that had failed.
I got a couple of 3D printed honing wheels and used veg tanned (from DS Horne) (I keep a coupe of half hides of various thicknesses for leather projects) I think 1.5 - 2 mm, and some contact. I used a quality contact that I used for leatherwork and that works a treat. I skived the ends of the strip with a taper of about 10mm and made sure the overlap was front to back so that it would not tent to lift with the rotation. Any slight hump left I cleaned up; with the skiving knife and a sanding drum on the Dremel.
With the 3D print use 100% infill around the pins otherwise they will break off.
I have been using the first one now for months with no issues and the second is the spare.
I'd be very interested in making some of these wheels John. I want to wrap one of my kangaroo tails around it to make a rotating tail strop. If successful I'd like to start producing them for sale. I've had tremendous success following Dr Vadim's advice on using the kangaroo tail to remove the burr root and refining the edge after the standard Tormek honing wheel. I think a rotating version would be a winner. I don't have the skiving skills or tools of which you speak but would be interested in learning or contracting that part out.
Do you print your own wheels? I'd love to buy one or get one (or a few) made. If you shop at D.S. Horne I'm guessing you're in Adelaide. You're welcome to drop into the workshop or I could pop in to visit or buy one off you.
Quote from: Ken S on September 17, 2024, 03:25:11 PMBaz,
I have a young friend who is presently studying to be a welder. I was particularly impressed by your comment that your very smooth sharpening technique came from having previously been a welder. (I noticed the same smooth control with Wootz.)
Your comment struck a chord with me; I think about it whenever I sharpen knives now.
Ken
Haha, that's so cool! Yeah, the stance, the movement, the "the body moves to where the eye is focused"...it all reminds of welding. The reason I mentioned it is that I see lots of YouTube users struggling with smooth movement that I was taking for granted so I thought about it and came to the welding conclusion.
Quote from: iSharpen on September 28, 2024, 02:32:14 AMDo you print your own wheels?
There are a couple of printers in the family, my son and son-in-law. The first couple the pins broke off since they were fragile. I drilled them out and used short screws in their place. The next time I'll get them to use 100% infill around the pins to see how that goes.
Quote from: iSharpen on September 28, 2024, 02:32:14 AMI don't have the skiving skills or tools of which you speak but would be interested in learning or contracting that part out.
A skiving knife from DS Horne is relatively cheap and they are pretty easy to use. The trick is keeping it sharp, but I am guessing that will not be a problem ;)
Quote from: iSharpen on September 28, 2024, 02:32:14 AMIf you shop at D.S. Horne I'm guessing you're in Adelaide.
Willunga
Quote from: iSharpen on September 28, 2024, 02:32:14 AMYou're welcome to drop into the workshop or I could pop in to visit or buy one off you.
Will do when I am down your way. Not sure when, I don't go that way often.
Quote from: iSharpen on September 28, 2024, 02:34:10 AMI see lots of YouTube users struggling with smooth movement that I was taking for granted so I thought about it and came to the welding conclusion.
Yes, like any skill, it is down to practice. I have spent my life making things so using the Tormek was almost instinctive. I am also an armature musician so I am guessing that that also helps since it trains hand eye coordination. I have friends who never did anything really practical and I could imagine that they would struggle.
Quote from: John Hancock Sr on September 30, 2024, 02:36:33 AMQuote from: iSharpen on September 28, 2024, 02:32:14 AMDo you print your own wheels?
There are a couple of printers in the family, my son and son-in-law. The first couple the pins broke off since they were fragile. I drilled them out and used short screws in their place. The next time I'll get them to use 100% infill around the pins to see how that goes.
I have been given a print file and was looking around for someone with a decent 3D printer. I'd love to get one printed and attempt a kangaroo tail wrap. I don't mind coming down to Willunga for a visit. Send me a text (my number is displayed all over my channel and easily found on google under Findon Knife Sharpening) and we'll tee up a time.
Quote from: iSharpen on September 28, 2024, 02:32:14 AMI don't have the skiving skills or tools of which you speak but would be interested in learning
Here is a really good demonstration. I have linked to the relevant chapter. She uses a head (curved) knife but I use a straight or right hand angled knife.
In thin instance I skive the upper of one end and the lower of the other end to zero thickness for the distance of the overlap.
https://youtu.be/QPGki0VKJTM?si=rEBQHo8RpjM9mHEY&t=388