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I received an email from my longtime friend, forum member Grepper, informing me that our friend, Mike Brubacher, had passed away. Mike was the inventor of the Edge on Up testers and the BESS system. He was a smart and good hearted guy. Grepper knew him better than I did, so I will post Grepper's notice from the Bessex group
(the forum for BESS users):

"It is with a heavy heart I say that Mike Brubacher passed away last night, 2025/01/30, about 11:00 pm.

For those of you who don't know, Mike invented our edge sharpness testing instruments, the PT50 series, Edge Lab, the BESS (Brubacher Edge Sharpness Scale), was the founder of Edge On Up and changed the world of edge sharpness testing.  A truly amazing man.  Thank you Mike!

Temperature used to be described with words like "chilly" or "freezing" or whatever.  In the 1600's European physicist Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit gave the world a way to measure temperature and describe it to others in numerical degrees.  Now we can say it's 34° F. 
 
Before Mike, sharpness was described as "scary sharp", "razor sharp", etc.  Mike gave the world the ability to share exactly how sharp an edge is and affordable equipment to test it.  Instead of "shaving sharp", thanks to Mike, now we can say the edge is BESS 134 and everyone world wide can know exactly what that means.

The ability to communicate edge sharpness is revolutionary, changed the sharpening world, and we all have Mike Brubacher to thank for it.  He was an amazing man.

On a personal note, Mike and I were close friends.  I already miss being able to share life moments and thoughts with him.  I feel so lucky our life paths crossed."

Ken

Jan Svancara was one of the brightest stars on this forum. He shone in so many aspects of sharpening.

My first memory of Jan were his restoration of his grandfather's ancient mortising chisel. His love and respect for his grandfather resonated with me. While honoring his past, Jan was also forward looking. He was a professor of engineering in his native Czech Republic. He took great joy in tutoring his thirteen year old granddaughter in physics. As part of her learning program, she regularly followed this forum.

Always wanting to broaden his mind, Jan studied with an English language tutor. He balanced this with sharing some of his Czech heritage on the forum. He could balance his highly trained engineering mind with well grounded practicality. I felt honored when he saw the value in my kenjig (based on Dutchman's tables). One of Jan's favorite sayings was "Iron sharpens iron; one man sharpens another". Jan was an early believer in the kenjig. He adopted my 139mm Projection into his knife sharpening technique. Jan's vote of confidence and his improvements made me a sharper man and the kenjig sharper.

When Jan passed away, he left us with his many posts. Those of us who are innovative would do well from studying his posts. Jan often used a building set similar to an Erector set to construct his ideas. Among them was a very solid drill bit jig.

Jan was a good man; I miss him.

Ken

 
Discover the difference between Tormek grinding wheels – Live Sharpening Class
After a long, dark Swedish winter, the spring sun is finally shining in again — and it's the perfect time to take your sharpening to the next level. In this upcoming episode of Tormek's Live Sharpening Classes, we'll guide you through the unique features of each grinding wheel and take a really close look at the results you can expect.

We'll answer key questions like:
✅ How much does the result actually vary between our diamond wheels?
✅ Do you really need the Japanese Waterstone to achieve a mirror finish?

Whether you're a seasoned sharpener or just getting started, this is your opportunity to get hands-on insights and ask questions live.
 

🗓 Join us on Wednesday and bring your questions to the live chat!
When?
Wednesday, April 16, 3.30 sharp!😉
(3.30 PM, Swedish time, CET / 9.30 AM, US Eastern Time, ET)
 
Watch it on YouTube
 
Did you miss any of our previous episodes? On our YouTube channel you can replay all our live sharpening classes! Subscribe to the channel to be notified whenever we're live.
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https://youtu.be/BLnqr6IGVgs?si=tMoJ4GNtTTMaodhU

Ken

For several years I have used my iPad to use the forum. My iMac was too far to see well for my bifocals and too near for the distance correction.I tried trifocals with a tiny  strip, which didn't work well.

I finally put the pieces all together. I picked up a second pair of glasses today. They are "computer" glasses with the entire lenses corrected for the trifocals range.These would have worked with my old iMac, although I recently purchased a new base model M4 Mac Mini and a 24" monitor. Using the command key and the + key, I can easily fill the entire screen with the post. My Magic Keyboard works so much better than the onscreen iPad keyboard.I still have to learn how to find some Swedish symbols to do things like Hakan correctly. That will happen. . . .

I am a happy camper.

Ken

EDIT:  Håkan. Success! I consulted a Mac expert at Tormek. Samuel also happens to be the CEO. He had told me that he has been a Mac fan since the 1990s. Even though it was evening in Sweden, he answered my email within an hour. The answer was to hold down the "a" key until the options appear. Then, still holding down the "a" key, press the number key with the desired option. In this case it was number 8.

Thank you, Samuel!

This video is ore philosophical than nuts and bolts sharpening. For those who feel this has no place on a sharpening forum, please feel free to skip it.

Ken

 https://youtu.be/59pV7zN3Wi0?si=mZiBTmrh98BI-p_u

I knew Wootz from his earliest posts on the forum. We were both early believers in BESS. He was certainly one of the great pioneers and innovators in knife sharpening on the forum. As a former Medical Doctor and researcher, he had a keen and disciplined mind. He also had a practical mind. His technique was not always orthodox Tormek, although he was always respectful of Tormek. I liked and respected him, both as a person and as an innovative sharpener.

His writings and videos are an invaluable source for us, as are some of the products he developed. I am concerned when frustrated members post about having problems with his techniques. I would suggest that we all study his video about using a Tormek SG-250 and leather honing wheel with PA-50 honing paste only to sharpen a typical kitchen knife. Using this technique without a battery of other honing equipment, he obtained a BESS reading of 75, a very respectable score. Here is a link to that video:

https://youtu.be/UckPmizllk0?si=viBZ2vsnJktvCiIL

What was his "secret sauce"? Like a concert musician, Wootz had years of dedicated practice. He did the work to earn his skill. I am convinced that any one of us can reach his level of skill if we would be willing topit in the same amount of time and work.

Actually, a more accurate statement would be that our necessary work time has lessened because of his very generous sharing of his knowledge.  We are all better sharpeners because of Wootz.

Ken

PS For those of us who are new to the forum, "Wootz" was the user name of our late member Vadim Kriachuk of Knife Grinders of Australia. Sadly, he passed away too early, and we will never know what further innovations he might have given us.

Knife sharpening with a Tormek is not a "one size fits all" situation. Knives come in many sizes; many steels; many grinds; and different sharpening expectations. Sharpeners may sharpen half a dozen knives to more than a hundred. One technique will not cover all knife sharpening situations.

All our knife jigs are compromises. The SVM jigs have adjustable stops. They are not self centering. The KJ jigs are self centering. They do not have the adjustability of the SVM jigs.

Various members have posted about trying to standardize at 139mm or 140mm projection. While this speeds up setting chef knives, all knife jigs made since 1992 do not have thread length to handle paring through chef knives at a common distance (usb to grinding wheel.

One of the benefits of studying the Online Classes is getting to see the traditional Tormek technique being performed by Tormek's own experienced teachers. This can help answer a lot of questions. I would not say that this is the only acceptable technique. I would say that this is a solid technique and suitable for many situations. It may not always be fast changing; however, it is not static. The very traditional concept of handheld knife honing has recently been modified to include jig honing with the new MB-102 multijig which now includes built in Frontal Vertical Base honing capabilities.

The WM-200 Anglemaster, which has always worked well with chisels and plane irons, was not well loved by many for knives. Tormek recently added the KS-123 for more efficient and accurate knife setting.

Returning to my first paragraph, I believe the ideal knife sharpener will be skilled with both the KJ and SVM knife jigs and will use both, depending on which fits his particular sharpening needs more efficiently.

Ken

The logical, easy way to center bevel grinding is with the self centering KJ jigs. However, for someone who only sharpens one or two very thick hunting knives and who has only non auto centering SVM jigs, Wolfgang suggests another method.
He mentions it in the KJ knife jigs online class linked here, starting at just after 6:00:

https://www.youtube.com/live/JFHqQg5wZEg?si=P0SphynZhYKs7LEJ

Wolfgang also mentions another reference to this in earlier lectures, although I have not been able to locate these references. (If anyone can find them, please post a link.)

The correction is just to take extra grinding strokes on the fixed jaw side of the knife bevel until both sides match.

Ken

My knife sharpening needs have simplified over the years. Developing my kenjig and the method of using it, I have accumulated around a dozen knife jigs. These were primarily for setting up high volume sharpening. The highvolume sharpening aspect was strictly for the kenjig development; my personal sharpening has always been just for my own tools and knives.

With my changing needs and Tormek developments, I am reorganizing my Tormek storage. I happen to have a Tormek Work Station, although this organization should work with almost any work station.

In general, I tend to follow Tormek technique. As such, I am dedicating the third drawer (the first deeper drawer) to knife kit. This drawer will hold my KS-123; KJ-45; KJ-140; SVM-00; as well as a few Sharpies, and a small square. I am considering keeping my extended support bar and MB-102 in this drawer.

I do not plan to use my various SVM jigs. They are presently in a box on a nearby shelf. I will keep them nearby, but not in the work station. All of my knives, kitchen, pocket, and Moras work with my KS-123 and KJ-45.

This set up is for my present and projected needs. I post this only as a possible solution for those with similar needs to mine. I am fully aware that others will probably have different needs, and I welcome comments.

Ken

One of the things I find fascinating about the online classes is the way a useful tip in one area can benefit other areas. While demonstrating checking knife sharpness using his thumb nail, Wolfgang casually mentioned also using"an old credit card, which he did not have". As my thumb nails have ridges, the idea intrigued me. In this T2 online class, Johan demonstrates using the lid of the black marker to check knife deburring. I tried it, and am very pleased with the result. Here is a link, starting around 7:00.

https://youtu.be/JFSg_eUYc10?si=zeopFvbvvoiBESZu

While you are watching, Johan shows another good tip at around 5:00. After he has ground both bevels to a burr, he finishes with one very light pass on each bevel to remove most of the bevel.

Ken

Many years ago, one of our longtime members posted the suggestion of using a turkey baster to empty the Tormek water troughs. I purchased one at my local grocery store and have happily been using it ever since. Mine is certainly a low cost version. The one in the link strikes me as a good, longterm investment.

https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/kitchen/kitchen-tools/meat-and-poultry/74738-dripless-baster

Ken

For a while we seemed to have a number of posts concerning the SVM vs KJ knife jigs. Like many of us, I have accumulated a number of knife jigs, including three KJ jigs. For those of us who are contemplating acquiring several knife jigs, here are some thoughts:

Consider the number of and the kind of knives you plan to sharpen. For the sharpener who basically sharpens his own half a dozen knives, just one regular jig will probably suffice. If you are concerned about self centering, make it the KJ-45.While the adjustable end stop of the SVM jigs may seem essential for high volume sharpening, it is hardly essential for just a few knives. If you actually sharpen flexible long fillet knives, you may also want a longer jig. In my case, my boning knife is too short for the 140mm jigs, but that's just me. Flexible knives are not thick knives, so self centering is not a big factor for them.For very small knives, a homemade small platform or SVM-00 may be useful.

Among my knife jigs are two modified with Woorz's milling idea (,5 and 1.0 mm). I believe the KJ-45 can easily handle thicker bushcraft knives in smaller volume; however, higher volume sharpeners who sharpen a lot of these knives might feel the modified SVM jigs more efficient.

For anyone sharpening a number of longer kitchen knives, I would recommend acquiring a US-430 before more jigs.

Ken

I have changed my thoughts about Tormek since purchasing my first T7 in 2009. I should also say that I believe Tormek has also changed, as have user expectations. Several factors have influenced these changed my thoughts, some directly related to Tormek and some not.

When I started, the US market was essentially only the larger machines, the T7 and older machines. Tormek began this change with the introduction of the T4, a professional quality smaller machine and the first machine to incorporate the higher precision machined cast zinc top now part of the T8. On a personal level, as a senior citizen I appreciate the lighter weight and compact size of the T4. The smaller machines are not for all users; however, I am pleased to see Tormek realizing that their users includes more than professional and heavy needs users.

I started using my Tormek with woodworking tools, the original purpose of Tormek machines. I was fortunate enough to be mentored by Steve Bottorff and Stig Reitan, who introduced me to knife sharpening. While I am still convinced that the high volume professional knife sharpener is best served by the T8 and older full size machines, I am pleased that Tormek has introduced the T2 and T1 specialty machines for lower volume professional and home users, a group which includes me. I do not have the constraint of having to sharpening one hundred knives on a Saturday morning or many neglected or abused knives. I believe there are many Tormek users like me who appreciate having a Tormek to maintain a high degree of sharpness on their family knives. Samuel's answer to my question during the T1 online class resonated with me. His T8 is in his garage and his T1 is in his kitchen. He uses the composite honing wheel on his T1 before every cooking session. His knives are always in optimum condition.

In Ohio where I live, many families have two vehicles. Often, "the second family car" is a truck. While they cross function, a car and a truck each have different areas of better performance. Most kitchens have both conventional and microwave ovens. Most workshops have several related but not identical tools. Why should we expect one Tormek to handle all sharpening situations equally well?

Some users will complain about the cost of purchasing a second Tormek unit. I understand this, although I am somewhat puzzled if the same users do not think twice about the cost of an SJ-250 Japanese grinding wheel.

I believe future Tormek users will continue to be more demanding and innovations will continue to be more specialized. I look forward optimistically.

Ken

This video is an interview with Thomas Ericcson, Head of Production at Morakniv and a descendant of one of the founders. He has a wealth of practical experience. I was especially fascinated with his thoughts on "factory bevel angles".
Here is the link:

https://youtu.be/8KOsljuoVBQ?si=9YcjgQXI5le85Ij_

Ken

One of my happy memories of visiting Tormek was meeting Sebastien. I was delighted to find him again on the Morakniv youtube channel. Tormek and Morakniv make a nice combination.

Ken

https://youtu.be/o2H7X2qQEZs?si=7DmviP1g8MZCck4V

I just received a notice from Sharpening Supplies that the present 10% sale on Tormek jigs and accessories has been extended until October 7.

Ken

Much praise has been posted about the benefits of superabrasive wheels, both diamond and CBN. The diameters do not decrease with wear and they never need truing. While these are indeed formidable advantages, the praise chorus often overlooks a notable constraint. These marvelous wheels are single grit. Standard advice given to new users is often to purchase three diamond wheels or four or more CBN wheels. We are starting to see conflicting advice given to new users who want to purchase only one wheel due to budgetary constraints. Purchasing a set of superabrasive wheels can easily double the investment in a T8. What to do?

Our late very innovative member, Wootz (Vadim of Knife Grinders), did the preliminary work on a solution. Tragically, his death cut short the development of his ideas. One of his most promising ideas was the use of diamond plates for grading the SG and SB grinding wheels. While still not universally known or accepted, we now know that the concept of using the stone grader to change the grit from 220 to 1000 (only) was an oversimplification. For years, the concept of "600 grit" has been gradually entering the conversation. "600 grit" is a grit somewhere between 220 and 1000, a medium grit somewhere between 220 and 1000, as opposed to an exact number.

Wootz also introduced the idea that using a 1000 grit diamond plate to grade the SG could produce a grit similar to 1500 grit.  Wootz also introduced using the 80 grit diamond plate to set the SB wheel to coarse without having some grains standing proud. Wootz left us some interesting ares to further develop.

I do not mean to minimize the importance of the stone grader. For the many years when the SG was the only available grinding wheel, the stone grader provided a way for the Super Grind (SG wheel) to also grind like the finer (smoother finish) discontinued natural sandstone grinding wheel.

My question for my fellow forum members is have we explored the limits of the grading potential of the SG and SB wheels? If, as Wootz said, a 1000 grit diamond plate will produce 1500 grit with the SG, will a 2000 grit plate produce an even finer grit? Or, is a 1000 grit the maximum for making the SG finer? What about varying grits with the SB or intermediate grits with either the SG or SB?

I recently ordered half a dozen diamond plates in various grits from 80 to 2000 from Amazon. At around $10 US each, they were not expensive. Three or four would provide the average Tormek home user with plenty of versatility at a fraction of the cost of a set of superabrasive wheels.

I welcome your thoughts.

Ken

I received this PM from Daniel Kraichuk, Vadim's son, this morning. Several people have inquired about purchasing KG products. Of the remaining two products, I purchased one of the 400 grit round corner CBN wheels from KG several years ago. I don't normally like to recommend third party products, however, Wootz (Vadim) was a friend and longtime faithful member who contributed much to this forum and to knife sharpening, so I will make an exception.

I purchased my 400 grit wheel as a versatile grit size for knife sharpening and for the radius corners to facilitate sharpening inside corners. The quality is impressive, which I expected from Wootz.

Anyone wishing to purchase either of these items should follow Daniel's requested order method.

Daniel is a fine, responsible young man. We wish him the very best in preparing for his engineering career. Wootz left him a fine life example to follow.

Ken

Good Afternoon Ken,
This is Daniel Kraichuk, Vadim's son from KnifeGrinders.

First of all, I highly thank you for your persistent gratitude towards my father's work on this Tormek forum as well as the condolences shared by you and other people from this community.

I am sending you a PM to hopefully have you share information to those interested in what we have left in our stock that I would like to sell the rest of quickly. This is because I am finishing high school in a couple weeks and am planning to pursue an engineering and/or product design course at university, maybe someday to continue my dad's legacy in the engineering field.

Regarding the items, all that we have left to sell are:
- #160 Dual-Fit CBN Wheels
- and a few #400 Round-Edge CBN Wheels
If needed, better to e-mail me as for many they can't be purchased through our website anymore (excluding eBooks and Softwares).

The reason that it is you particularly that I'm texting is because of your many contributions in helping people with our products and recognising Vadim's work; Also, because I am unsure of where, or to who I should share this information to.

It'd be great if you would be able to help us out on this matter, but if not, that is completely ok as we are in no serious rush.

Once again, thank you for your contributions.

If you are going to reply/respond to this PM, please do so through e-mail at daniel.kraichuk@gmail.com as it is easier for me to use.

Kindest Regards,
Daniel Vadimovich Kraichuk
KG

I remember recently watching a video where the presenter used the lid of an EM-15 edge marker instead of his thumb nail. I tried this, and it seemed to work well. My knife slid along smoothly until it hit a rough patch. I have never been comfortable using my thumb nail.

I held off posting this because I have not been able to find the source and post a link. I would be most appreciative if anyone remembered the source and would post a link. For that matter, I would welcome good information either supporting or disproving the marker top idea.

Thanks in advance.

Ken