I just got my T-7 two weeks ago and have already sharpened over 50 kitchen and hunting knives on it. I sharpen knives as a side business to my kitchenware store. I was wondering if the honing compound that comes with the tormek is food safe? If not, if there something else I could use that is? Toothpaste crossed my mind, but I don't know what that would do to the leather.
I'll try to get some information for you.
Well Jeff what is the word on food safety?
I would think that once the knife is washed with hot soapy water there would be no safety issue regarding food.
But I am curious about this one.
BTW love my tormek, have been using it since 1999 and just got into woodturning and love the TNT system. Great stuff.
Here's the msds: http://www.sharptoolsusa.com/pa70msds.pdf
I have always worked on the assumption that a good hot soapy wash was sufficient.
I know I'm no expert, but I've done my time in fast food joints and U.S. Navy galleys. Like Jeff said, soapy water should be enough, even a bit of bleach mix should be adequate.