Tormek Community Forum

In the Shop => General Tormek Questions => Topic started by: Btc on June 21, 2026, 12:44:08 PM

Title: Sharpening a curved herb knife
Post by: Btc on June 21, 2026, 12:44:08 PM
Hi forum.
Hoping someone could give me a hint about how to sharpen this knife.
The handles are in the way whatever I try to do. Does anyone have a trick for sharpening this kind of knife?

Thanks for any help 😊
Title: Re: Sharpening a curved herb knife
Post by: tgbto on June 22, 2026, 08:30:53 AM
I would give it a try freehand. Not much you can do aside from that.
Title: Re: Sharpening a curved herb knife
Post by: RickKrung on June 22, 2026, 05:17:20 PM
Can you do it using just the USB, right up close to the wheel?  Would provide vertical support.  You'd have to regulate the angle "freehand" but the handles should give you a good "handle" on that. 
Title: Re: Sharpening a curved herb knife
Post by: RichColvin on June 22, 2026, 11:25:06 PM
What about using the MB-102 Multi-Base with the KJ-45?  Then, as noted by Rick, the side of the grinding wheel can be used.
Title: Re: Sharpening a curved herb knife
Post by: RickKrung on June 23, 2026, 01:48:55 AM
Quote from: RichColvin on June 22, 2026, 11:25:06 PMWhat about using the MB-102 Multi-Base with the KJ-45?  Then, as noted by Rick, the side of the grinding wheel can be used.

We may not have enough information to properly troubleshoot this.  My sense of the situation is that the handles interfere with using any jigs, in particular the KJ jig; that the longer shafted SVM type jig might not have (or and extension added to the SVM shaft)  It also seems the handles and/or the handle mounts interfere with using available tool rests (because they are too wide, front to back.  That is why I suggested just using the USB as close to the wheel as possible.  I do not see how using the MB-102 provides the clearance needed, since a USB is still used in the MB-102 to get the USB over to the side of the wheel. 

I think some photos by the OP of what he has tried, showing why he is having difficulties are neede. 
Title: Re: Sharpening a curved herb knife
Post by: tgbto on June 23, 2026, 09:34:33 AM
I'd agree with Rick. I had not thought of using the USB real close to the wheel, it will definitely give welcome support, then some kind of a laser line can be used to keep the angle constantish.

The SVMs will not provide enough clearance : the handles will hit the USB.
Title: Re: Sharpening a curved herb knife
Post by: kwakster on June 26, 2026, 01:23:42 PM
I would use my Paper Wheels for such a knife.
Title: Re: Sharpening a curved herb knife
Post by: RichColvin on June 26, 2026, 06:42:17 PM
Bruce, what did you end up doing?
Title: Re: Sharpening a curved herb knife
Post by: John Hancock Sr on June 27, 2026, 01:03:54 AM
I have a draw knife which is similar in shape but longer. I don't bother with the machine, I sharpen it by hand. I hold the knife handle while drawing the stones along the blade.
Title: Re: Sharpening a curved herb knife
Post by: Rossy66 on July 19, 2026, 01:06:57 AM
I received one from a customer and spent nearly 3 hours trying every jig I have, and I have nearly all of them but was unable to sharpen it with the Tormek. I ended up using my Worksharp Ken Onion which sharpened it it in about 6 minutes. I wish these type of mezzaluna had screw in handles, like some of the old ones did.