Topics

I like to encourage work by forum members, especially work which stays within the forum philosophy of being non commercial. Forum member, Eric Ho, has researched and produced a PDF which falls within these guidelines.

I had some initial reservations, namely that Eric does not sharpen presently with a Tormek. However, he does not write negatively about the Tormek. He also compares six different sharpeners and sharpening methods. One of these is our late, well respected member, Wootz  (Vadim Kriachuk of Knife Grinders Australia). Wootz was a longtime innovative Tormek user.

Eric included several prelated areas which I found interesting.  I was fascinated with his thoughts on CATRA testing, which tests longer sections of
a knife blade. He supports these thoughts with what I would consider a substantial investment in money,  test knives, and in actually sending these knives to CATRA for expensive testing.

I do not believe I will ever spend the money to actually send any knives to CATRA for testing, although Eric did a good job of explaining the testing procedure. I was glad to read about the testing.q

Eric discusses four factors in how long knives remain sharp, the most important being the bevel angle. His coverage seems fair and balanced, something I appreciate.

Eric's PDF is 29 pages, a very workable length. I have it loaded on my ipad and printed out. It is an interesting addition to my sharpening library.!     

Download link: https://be-sharp.io/2026/01/09/catra-testing-cutting-edge-retention-bess-knife-grinders-australia/

Ken

Here is another auto dubbed German to English Tormek video.I believe each presenter is influenced by questions from the field. Here is a link:

https://www.youtube.com/live/4DrtIl0SRZc?si=ohwuTzsyRHX6W9g2

Ken

Join us for a new live episode featuring the brand new KSK-106 Knife Sharpening Kit.

In this session, Sébastien and Hugo will walk you through how to use every piece of the kit to achieve a precise and repeatable edge on virtually any knife. You'll see the full process, from setup to final honing, along with practical tips to improve your results.
EDIT: THE CLASS WAS RESCHEDULED TO APRIL 29 DUE TO TECHNICAL PROBLEMS.
Ken

One of the things I admire about Tormek is its fair and balanced approach. I believe there was some bias against the T4 when it was first introduced, a preference toward the tried and true. However, the stout hearted "little brother" has proven itself a worthy competitor. Eventually, Tormek paid for industrial recertification, which eliminated the "thirty minute duty" myth and introduced the three 200 mm diameter diamond wheels, which added to the machine's "oomph". ( I hope this evolution will soon continue with an SB-200 silicon carbide grinding wheel and a T4 flat composite honing wheel.)

Tormek does seem to be innovating into recognizing the need for smaller, specialized machines. Like the English version, this translated German version uses an overview followed by role playing. The two versions are similar. I recommend watching both. Here are links:

The original English version:

https://www.youtube.com/live/zPfckZXyW6Y?si=3M7N3bU2kFSKbpvb

the German over dubbed into English version:

https://www.youtube.com/live/lpxrs6StlwE?si=H4ecvJwKxjHm-IK8


Ken

I like to compare slightly different versions of videos. In this case, this video is the German version, overdubbed in English. Wolfgang is the presenter. I suspect the subtle differences may arise over time from user questions. Here is a link:

https://www.youtube.com/live/esyBimutGiY?si=Dk0nkenEwCZHz4OP

Ken

The Tormek crew has recently released a very informative new video centered around cambering plane blades. Also included is valuable information covering grinding wheel housekeeping (truing, dressing and deburring) and good technique to avoid water trough noise with the T8.

This video also reflects the evolving refinement of the Tormek videos, namely more effective use of close ups. Here is a link:

https://youtu.be/TIicRhEh57E?si=17Si_fg0bImvLdNV

Earlier videos focused primarily on getting a square grind with chisels. While also important, in my opinion, this is a secondary function. Nicking the corners to avoid "plane tracks" is a good starting point, but not "the highest and best use" of a plane blade.

Cambering allows the plane to be tuned to different functions. Heavy cambering is usually used for rough initial planning. This is generally done with a jack plane. Heavy cambering blades are set for a deep cut and a narrow width.


The second function is jointing. The planes of choice for this function are longer. Cambering is set for a cutting depth of approximately .005". This is to joint or level the edge.


The final function is smoothing. These planes are shorter. The blades are set for a cutting depth of around .001. This is preferred over doing a lot of sanding.

In skilled hands, properly cambered plane blades can produce fine woodworking.

Ken

The adjustable water trough introduced with the T8 is a real innovation. However, it can also be prone to introducing noise. This is preventable and easily corrected. It is explained in the new Tormek video on cambering plane blades, starting at around 20 minutes. The problem is not related to cambering or any jig. I suggest watching this video, whether or not you sharpen plane blades. Here is a link:

https://youtu.be/TIicRhEh57E?si=csPW48Q1pxzo2T1Z

The problem is caused when the two forks which support the water trough get slightly bent. This can be prevented by using an inexpensive turkey baster from the grocery store to withdraw the water instead of just dumping it. Making this part of your sharpening routine should prevent the noise.

Ken

I was pleased to find this new video from Tormek about convexing sharpening a knife with a T4 Bushcraft. Granted, it could be just as easily done with a T7/8 or a regular T4; however, I have felt the T4 Bushcraft has not received much press.

The video was very well done, both informationally and technically. Here is a link:

https://youtu.be/zqqEyRU2SxY?si=-MOVJymKkkPCObaJ

Ken

This video features two knife experts using a Tormek. Oneof them is Thomas Ericksson, grandson of one of the founders of Morakniv.

https://youtu.be/iYsgxerFKHk?si=fDHKgjQ8N_4QRb_W

Ken

This topic is an expansion of my TT-50 topic. The same concept of average cutting efficiency can be applied to the stonegrader. It works in both keeping the stone coarse and fine. Again, I recommend watching the Pressure online class linked here:

https://www.youtube.com/live/7laP_ysnMwo?si=FzjiYp79vs5zLKfS

Ken

I have posted before about my preferred TT-50 technique. I learned this by "resharpening" a turning skew. I set the jig according to the booklet recommendations and soon realized that the skew did not fit the standard specs. Instead of just resetting the skew to match the existing specs, I decided to regrind it to the Tormek jig specs. Bad move. It created a lot of time consuming work. The one bright spot was that I became fluent with my TT-50. I should have just shifted the skew gradually, correcting it over several sharpenings.

This experience helped me develop my mental bar graph of using the TT-50. Imagine a bar graph where the horizontal axis represents use time of the tool. The vertical axis represents the cutting efficiency (sharpness) of the tool. The tool begins with 0 time and 100% cutting efficiency. As the tool is used,  the cutting efficiency gradually decreases. Eventually, the TT-50 is used to restore the stone to 100% efficiency. Combining all the points lets us arrive at an average cutting efficiency.

If the TT-50 is used more often, the average cutting efficiency is improved. This principle is shown in the online class on Pressure. Done frequently, only a very light cut is needed, perhaps only half a number on the micro adjust. Wear on the grinding wheel in minisculs. For heavier or prolonged use, efficiency can be improved by leaving the TT-50 preset in a second support bar.

Here is a link to the Pressure online class. There is much good information in it.

https://www.youtube.com/live/7laP_ysnMwo?si=FzjiYp79vs5zLKfS

Ken

The phrase, "including, but not limited to" is a legal phrase which can also apply to the Tormek machines. Tormek marketed the smaller, 200mm diameter wheel machines as being for hobbiests. With no disrespects intended toward hobbiests, I believe the improvements introduced with the T4 go well beyond the hobbiest realm. In fact, the machined zinc top designed to limit the heat of the T4 later became the primary difference between the T7 and the T8. The old "thirty minute duty cycle" is a leftover from the certification test for older models with all plastic housings which retained the motor heat. The machined zinc top of the T4 (and T2) acts like a radiator and disperses the heat. It also provides a three bundred percent precision improvement in the alignment of the main shaft and support sleeves.

The standard size of dry grinders in 200mm wheel diameter or "eight inch" in the US. Many old timers like me are still using fifty year old smaller six inch grinders. While the reigning champ is still the 250mm grinding wheel, the T4 "hobby" wheels are the same diameter professional eight inch dry wheels, and the Tormek wheels are thicker.

The Tormek 200mm universe is still evolving. A major step forward was the introduction of diamond wheels. These were first introduced as the DWF-200 and DWC-200 for the T2. Within a half hour of the arrival of my T2 and DWC, I discovered the DWC was also a perfect fit for the T4 and greatly increased its "horsepower". The switch from the DWS wheels to the DW series made flat grinding using the side of the wheel possible and added the extra fine wheel to the lineup. (The slanted composite honing wheel of the T2 also fits the T4.) In my opinion, the T4 wheel evolution is still not completed. I hope Tormek will eventually introduce a SB-200 blackstone.

Still underdeveloped markets for Tormek are older users and users with smaller workshop space. A T8 is a lot to carry for us senior citizens. A T4, especially with its grinding wheel removed, is pleasant to carry and requires less shop space. In a larger shop with a permanent space, this is not a problem. For a senior or an apartment dweller, this could be the deciding factor between a Tormek and going back to bench stones.

I am not advocating the T4 regular or Bushcraft for everyone. There are certainly situations where the T8 is the logical choice. High volume professional sharpening or situations like regularly sharpening larger drill bits certainly favor the T8 size machines. All of the jigs work with the T4, although some heavier applications favor the T8.

When the T4 was first introduced in 2014, I remember posts suggesting the T4 as a "starting" Tormek, with intentions of eventually "upgrading" to a T7. I don't recall many posts from users who eventually made that switch. Some, no doubt, coveted the "big engine V8"; however, I suspect most realized that the T4 was quite capable of handling their needs.

Incidentally, except for the color and marketing, the regular and Bushcraft models are identical. Neither is limited to hobby use.

Ken

test

the forum appears to be working again!

Ken

My new SC-60 Scissors Jig arrived this past weekend. As with all of the redesigned Tormek jigs, the use of machined zinc make this jig mechanically an improvement over the older jig. Some of the design features make it quicker and easier to set up. For me, this puts it generally in a smaller category, being also recommended for those who have been in regular use by those who are already using the older jig. Those on tight budgets and/or rarely sharpen scissors will get along well with the older model.

I like the fact that it can be used both for scissors and as a platform with the T2.

Ken

https://youtu.be/YXk4cCYOYRo?si=jEmXIW1Gp7EV7su0

Ken

I found this video informative.
Ken

https://youtu.be/G3B3K3QTRHc?si=qwCtImYyYD9PRTVl

I ask this in the spirit of curiosity, without an agenda or intent tocriticise. I have read numerous posts over the years about frustrations with very dull or damaged blades.

My question for those of us with higher sharpening volumes than me is, How many of the knives you sharpen are "very dull or damaged"?

Please don't be shy and do reply.

Ken

A couple diligent members pointed out to me about the spammer last Sunday. Enough topics were effected that I emailed Tormek IT. As I expected, IT corrected the problem quickly. Over the years, I have come to rely on Tormek IT's rapid excellence. I also rely heavily on Tormek support ([email protected]) for technical backup. We are most fortunate to have both groups.

Ken

If you have a T2 and would like to use it to sharpen scissors, check out the new SC-60 Scissors Jig.

Ken

Tormek Icon Reinvented
A forgotten Tormek hero just got a new design! It will be released on Wednesday October 8. Join us live to be among the first ones to see it and ask your questions about it to our Tormek expert. We hope you are as hyped as we are!

Tune in on October 8th to learn everything you need to know about our latest release.

 
When?
🕞 Wednesday, October 8, 3.30 PM Sharp
(3.30 PM, Swedish time, CET / 9.30 AM, US Eastern Time, ET)
 
Watch it on YouTube

Ken