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#1

General Tormek Questions / Re: Sharpening a curved herb k...

Last post by kwakster - Today at 01:23:42 PM

I would use my Paper Wheels for such a knife.

[- From experience, yes. And most knives you receive will probably require lots of reprofiling. A great time saver]

#2

General Tormek Questions / Re: New to forum, many logisti...

Last post by Royale - Today at 11:54:45 AM

Hi all, thanks for operating this great site.

I am new to sharpening.  I have a manual system now, and find it very therapeutic.
I am retired and want to start a small sharpening business.  I live in a pretty well-developed part of Tennessee, but there are no local sharpeners.

I will be getting the T8 kitchen bundle and a few other parts for it.

Will the Standard Grindstone SG-250 be suitable for most / all knives?
- From experience, yes. And most knives you receive will probably require lots of reprofiling. A great time saver

Do you take pics of the knives before and after sharpening?
- Yes, in the event of disputes where the customer claims I've damaged their items

Do you have the customer sign any type of form?
- Nope, but I do collect names and phone numbers for updates

How do you keep different customer knives?  For instance, if five people drop off several knives in one day, do you keep them in bins, tag them with stickers...
- I have a small laminated card that I write order information on, and it follows the item until the customer collects it. Advised to have a master order number, and associated item numbers so you don't kill yourself with record keeping

What billing system do you use?
- Electronic bank transfers and cash

I know some will be tempted to say, I should not consider this as a business option if I am so green.  That may be true.  I will practice a lot with our knives and my friends' knives.  I will buy knives I don't already have, like a cleaver, and hone my skills (dad pun).  I have worked with my hands a lot and am very comfortable with tools.

I am looking for help in getting better.

Thank you

#3

General Tormek Questions / Re: New to forum, many logisti...

Last post by Square Wheels - Yesterday at 06:40:30 PM

I do concierge sharpening as I don't want to have a job. I limit my customers so that I don't have a backlog of things to work on and typically finish a customers knives by the next day. The SG-250 works for virtually all of the knives brought to me. Only the super steel knives pose a problem and for those I have CBN. When I was starting out honing was the most challenging step and I found that I get superior results using guided honing rather than freehand.

The only time I take pictures is when I am asked to repair a knife with significant damage. Also be careful not to reshape or damage the bolster without written permission. Most users want their knives to look pretty and do not appreciate the change. This is the only time I would have them sign something. So far no one has asked for a bolster modification.

I wrap them in an old towel to protect edges.

Cash and Carry and once in a great while barter.

Great advice, thank you!!

#4

General Tormek Questions / Re: New to forum, many logisti...

Last post by John_B - Yesterday at 06:27:36 PM

I do concierge sharpening as I don't want to have a job. I limit my customers so that I don't have a backlog of things to work on and typically finish a customers knives by the next day. The SG-250 works for virtually all of the knives brought to me. Only the super steel knives pose a problem and for those I have CBN. When I was starting out honing was the most challenging step and I found that I get superior results using guided honing rather than freehand.

The only time I take pictures is when I am asked to repair a knife with significant damage. Also be careful not to reshape or damage the bolster without written permission. Most users want their knives to look pretty and do not appreciate the change. This is the only time I would have them sign something. So far no one has asked for a bolster modification.

I wrap them in an old towel to protect edges.

Cash and Carry and once in a great while barter.

#5

General Tormek Questions / New to forum, many logistics q...

Last post by Square Wheels - Yesterday at 05:18:40 PM

Hi all, thanks for operating this great site.

I am new to sharpening.  I have a manual system now, and find it very therapeutic.
I am retired and want to start a small sharpening business.  I live in a pretty well-developed part of Tennessee, but there are no local sharpeners.

I will be getting the T8 kitchen bundle and a few other parts for it.

Will the Standard Grindstone SG-250 be suitable for most / all knives?

Do you take pics of the knives before and after sharpening?

Do you have the customer sign any type of form?

How do you keep different customer knives?  For instance, if five people drop off several knives in one day, do you keep them in bins, tag them with stickers...

What billing system do you use?

I know some will be tempted to say, I should not consider this as a business option if I am so green.  That may be true.  I will practice a lot with our knives and my friends' knives.  I will buy knives I don't already have, like a cleaver, and hone my skills (dad pun).  I have worked with my hands a lot and am very comfortable with tools.

I am looking for help in getting better.

Thank you

#6

General Tormek Questions / Re: Sharpening a curved herb k...

Last post by tgbto - 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.

#7

General Tormek Questions / Re: Sharpening a curved herb k...

Last post by RickKrung - June 23, 2026, 01:48:55 AM

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.

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. 

#8

General Tormek Questions / Re: Sharpening a curved herb k...

Last post by RichColvin - 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.

#9

General Tormek Questions / Re: Sharpening a curved herb k...

Last post by RickKrung - 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. 

#10

General Tormek Questions / Re: Sharpening a curved herb k...

Last post by tgbto - June 22, 2026, 08:30:53 AM

I would give it a try freehand. Not much you can do aside from that.