Since my last post about grinding stones, I have been practicing on my new-to-me T-4 with a new SG-200 stone. My wife volunteers at the local Disabled American Vets (DAV) store and has been bringing home donated knives that are basically slightly sharp screwdrivers. Here are some of my observations.
Using a Tormek is harder than it looks and there is a learning curve, although not that steep.
My first few jobs were a bit ragged, but I am getting better. Not good enough to put my really good knives on the machine yet but getting closer.
After working on six or so knives I can now achieve an edge that cuts paper reasonably well, but not like some of the experts I see on YouTube. My edges cut the paper but are "noisy" whereas the expert's edges really glide through the paper in near silence. More practice is indicated.
Advice from forum members about delaying the purchase of finer grit stones like the diamond or Japanese water stones is spot on. I will continue to practice until I achieve that really smooth edge.
I am a hobbyist and don't plan to start a business, but some friends have already expressed an interest in having their knives sharpened. I may do this. Do any of you do so? Do you charge, or do it as a favor?
Lastly, the edge I am getting with the T-4 takes just minutes to produce as opposed to a significantly langer time with my waterstones. I like that a lot!!
I run a knife sharpening business that started out just like yours is now.
I still sharpen family and good friends knives for free.
Normal friends get 'mates rates'.
Everyone else gets charged at a reasonable rate to commensurate me for my time.
It's a side hustle that is now rewarding for all the time and expense I've put in.
If I could take a leap it would become THE hustle and not a side one.
However,my focus has always been quality over quantity and my customers are passionate about their knives and don't argue prices or ever complain.
So I would need to put in some promo work and widen my radius to make it a full time business. Every time you sharpen for family and friends you are gaining invaluable experience/practice and knowledge so it's an investment as well as being a joy to do.
(I still love sharpening despite many hundreds of knives).
On a practical level, from what you've described, I would suggest paying more attention to your honing technique/protocols to achieve silent buttery smooth slicing of paper.
It's easy to chop down a tree when you know how. Another matter to properly clear up afterwards.
Same with knife sharpening. It's relatively easy to grind an edge and raise a burr. A different matter to hone and completely remove the burr to get it to its true potential.
Keep going, enjoy, and good luck on your journey.