Recent posts

#11

Knife Sharpening / Re: Choosing a default angle

Last post by Dutchman - June 18, 2026, 12:29:42 PM

...
The kenjig is not limited to just one bevel angle. setting up for more than one angle just requires making extra jigs. This is no big deal, either is construction time or cost. It will lengthen then sharpening time somewhat.
...

Unfortunately, the Kenjig is valuable when used with SVM jigs that have an adjustable stop. With KJ jigs, its usefulness is very limited.

#12

Knife Sharpening / Re: Choosing a default angle

Last post by Ken S - June 18, 2026, 12:18:52 PM

Tgbto,

I agree that the KS123 is very useful for low volume sharpening, which, I suspect, is what most of us really do.

My question is, if the KS123 is not satisfactory for high volume such as "weekend warrior" farmers market sharpeners, what is satisfactory? Remembering designing the kenjig, the two major components of sharpening were the grinding wheel and the knife set up. Any modification to either could not negatively impact the quality of the sharpening.

The kenjig is not limited to just one bevel angle. setting up for more than one angle just requires making extra jigs. This is no big deal, either is construction time or cost. It will lengthen then sharpening time somewhat.

The real time constraint is the variety in the width of knives. Wein the real world, where most customers will bring in knives of varying widths.

Ken

#13

General Tormek Questions / Re: Tormek T2

Last post by Ken S - June 18, 2026, 11:56:56 AM

Good question, Bobi.

Here is how I solved the riddle with my T2: While the angle setter on theT2 (and T1) may seem problematic, once you figure it out, it is really quite simple. Don't worry about breaking it or putting it together incorrectly. Take it apart and then reassemble it several tomes. It is actually easier than a soldier field stripping his rifle, and you have no drill sergeant looking over your shoulder.

You will master this task in a very few minutes! (If I could do it, you certainly can.)

Ken

#14

Knife Sharpening / Re: Choosing a default angle

Last post by John Hancock Sr - June 18, 2026, 05:14:53 AM

John, do you measure the sharpening angle you achieve to compare it to the KS-123 setting?

No, but I do not get any hysteresis, which is the discussion I am commenting on. If I wind up a fraction the needle moves, if I wind down a fraction the needle moves.

#15

General Tormek Questions / Tormek T2

Last post by bobl - June 17, 2026, 06:42:47 PM

Hi Ken, I just recentley got the Tormek 2. When I was taking it out of the box and doing the set up, the angle direction needle fell out of its origional set up. I dont know if I put it back incorrectly ( or even if that is possible) as the 15 degree angle should be the same either way>
I am struggling to get the knives sharp. Is it a problem because I might have re-inserted the angle pointer wrongly?
As you know I have had the T7 for a while with all the jigs, but I feel let down as the T2 is not working for me.
Obviously I can not return it as it has been used.  I have the origional fine diamond wheel and the course diamond wheel for the T2.
Please help>

#16

Knife Sharpening / Re: Choosing a default angle

Last post by tgbto - June 17, 2026, 11:03:49 AM

Ken, you're right, I'll give it a shot.

TL/DR : 15 dps.

For a more detailed summary : most members recommend something in the 15-20dps range, with a majority grinding closer to 15dps. Setting this angle using the KS-123 is practical for low-volume sharpeners.

#17

Knife Sharpening / Re: Choosing a default angle

Last post by Ken S - June 16, 2026, 10:04:04 PM

I am always concerned with what new readers who have not yet acquired much background in Tormek sharpening will absorb from our posts. I would use the research our late member Wootz (Vadim of Knifegrinders Australia) did with the meat packing factories in Sydney. I admire Wootz and his work. However, like many other experienced forum members, Wootz' industrial sharpening schedule was far more intense than mine. I suspect the meat packing knives that Wootz sharpened were probably sharpened more often in a week than most of us do in a year. I expect our regular members to be aware of this. I am not certain that many of our new members and guests are aware of this.

Ken

#18

Knife Sharpening / Re: Choosing a default angle

Last post by John_B - June 16, 2026, 06:00:26 PM

I find that ensuring that all three pins are firmly on the wheel and the bar is held as indicated in the Tormek videos I can get the angle spot on.

John, do you measure the sharpening angle you achieve to compare it to the KS-123 setting?

#19

Knife Sharpening / Re: Choosing a default angle

Last post by John Hancock Sr - June 16, 2026, 03:54:21 AM

I find that ensuring that all three pins are firmly on the wheel and the bar is held as indicated in the Tormek videos I can get the angle spot on.

[follow the instructions]

#20

Knife Sharpening / Re: Choosing a default angle

Last post by tgbto - June 15, 2026, 09:55:00 AM

As long as I follow the instructions and always start from a smaller angle when using the KS123 to approach the desired angle, I have no problem with precision.

Unfortunately that's not how friction works: once the static friction coefficient is no longer sufficient to keep the needle in place, it will switch to kinetic friction, and the needle will move as much as necessary to get back into the friction cone. Then stay in place, and here we go again. So while the error may always be on the same side, we have little control on where the needle stops.

As for a 160 grit stone raising a burr quickly, I have no doubt.