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#91
Knife Sharpening / Re: BESS Tester
Last post by Andy - February 05, 2026, 03:17:03 PMHello, good people.Maybe this has already been discussed. But I found this relevant topic. I want to buy a BESS tester. I can't decide which model to choose. A or B. Help me choose. Model B is cheaper. If I hypothetically take measurements, will the readings on both devices be the same?
#92
Knife Sharpening / Re: Noobie Advice About Stones
Last post by Sir Amwell - February 05, 2026, 11:17:04 AMHi Dennis.
Completely agree with 2 previous replies.
I would get used to using the SG wheel, practicing and becoming entirely competent with it.if you are happy with the results then stick there.
Only consider investing in diamond or CBN wheels later, if you find yourself sharpening more and more knives ( friends and family will come out of the woodwork once they discover you're set up, you may decide to start a small business?!). For personal knives with occasional sharpening the basic set up is more than adequate.
Completely agree with 2 previous replies.
I would get used to using the SG wheel, practicing and becoming entirely competent with it.if you are happy with the results then stick there.
Only consider investing in diamond or CBN wheels later, if you find yourself sharpening more and more knives ( friends and family will come out of the woodwork once they discover you're set up, you may decide to start a small business?!). For personal knives with occasional sharpening the basic set up is more than adequate.
#93
General Tormek Questions / Re: Tormek T8 Water tray eleva...
Last post by tgbto - February 05, 2026, 10:49:26 AMIf your T8 is new, it might be that the rubber drive wheel is greasy and/or slick. The tray shouldn't be able to prevent the wheel from turning.
You might want to take of the honing wheel off if you have mounted it already, clean the rubber wheel with a degreaser (rubbing alcohol would work), sand it a bit with 120-grit sandpaper, and you should be good to go.
You might want to take of the honing wheel off if you have mounted it already, clean the rubber wheel with a degreaser (rubbing alcohol would work), sand it a bit with 120-grit sandpaper, and you should be good to go.
#94
Knife Sharpening / Re: Noobie Advice About Stones
Last post by tgbto - February 05, 2026, 10:43:59 AMHello Dennis,
I think it will depend what you are aiming for.
If you want a consistent 15dps edge that is sufficiently sharp and remains so for a long time, the stock SG with the honing wheel will be sufficient.
If you want a polished bevel that is very shiny and good looking, edge retention and sharpening time notwithstanding, then you may want to add the SJ to your arsenal.
However, it your used T3 doesn't come with a SJ wheel, I'd advise waiting for a few months before making sure you want to purchase one : the edge left by SG+thorough honing is very nice if not mirror-like, and the cutting performance is outstanding.
In any case, contrary to what Tormek says on the SJ webpage, the SJ does leave a burr that you'll have to remove on a honing wheel.
I think it will depend what you are aiming for.
If you want a consistent 15dps edge that is sufficiently sharp and remains so for a long time, the stock SG with the honing wheel will be sufficient.
If you want a polished bevel that is very shiny and good looking, edge retention and sharpening time notwithstanding, then you may want to add the SJ to your arsenal.
However, it your used T3 doesn't come with a SJ wheel, I'd advise waiting for a few months before making sure you want to purchase one : the edge left by SG+thorough honing is very nice if not mirror-like, and the cutting performance is outstanding.
In any case, contrary to what Tormek says on the SJ webpage, the SJ does leave a burr that you'll have to remove on a honing wheel.
#95
Knife Sharpening / Re: Noobie Advice About Stones
Last post by Ken S - February 05, 2026, 09:15:13 AMWelcome to the forum, Dennis.
If you watch the Tormek youtube video classes, you will notice that the Tormek instructors prefer the SG wheel for sharpening kitchen knives. The SG can vary the grit when used with the stone grader. The T3 you are planning to purchase probably comes with a stone grader. If not, they are easily purchased separately. You shouldn't need any other grinding wheels for sharpening kitchen knives.
I recommend that you watch the Tormek online class videos, especially the first one. Although they generally demonstrate with the T8, the information applies equally to all models, including the T3.
Keep us posted.
Ken
If you watch the Tormek youtube video classes, you will notice that the Tormek instructors prefer the SG wheel for sharpening kitchen knives. The SG can vary the grit when used with the stone grader. The T3 you are planning to purchase probably comes with a stone grader. If not, they are easily purchased separately. You shouldn't need any other grinding wheels for sharpening kitchen knives.
I recommend that you watch the Tormek online class videos, especially the first one. Although they generally demonstrate with the T8, the information applies equally to all models, including the T3.
Keep us posted.
Ken
#96
Knife Sharpening / Noobie Advice About Stones
Last post by Dulcmrman - February 05, 2026, 02:00:02 AMHello all. New member Dennis here.
Please forgive me if this subject has been covered. I tried the search function with no success.
I currently sharpen my knives using a set of Japanese water stones, 400 grit, 1000 grit, and 3000 grit, followed by stropping on leather using a 2.5 micron and a 0.5 micron paste on the strops. I am striving for a consistent 15
I am reasonably satisfied with my current process, but it is time consuming and I am struggling to maintain consistent angles, hence my decision to buy a Tormek.
I am about to buy a used T-3 and set it up to sharpen my kitchen knives for a start.
Can I get the same quality of edge using the SG-200 stone and stock honing wheel? Or should I start looking for a finer stone on which to finish my knives? If so, what stone(s) would you recommend and why?
Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide.
Dennis
Please forgive me if this subject has been covered. I tried the search function with no success.
I currently sharpen my knives using a set of Japanese water stones, 400 grit, 1000 grit, and 3000 grit, followed by stropping on leather using a 2.5 micron and a 0.5 micron paste on the strops. I am striving for a consistent 15
I am reasonably satisfied with my current process, but it is time consuming and I am struggling to maintain consistent angles, hence my decision to buy a Tormek.
I am about to buy a used T-3 and set it up to sharpen my kitchen knives for a start.
Can I get the same quality of edge using the SG-200 stone and stock honing wheel? Or should I start looking for a finer stone on which to finish my knives? If so, what stone(s) would you recommend and why?
Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide.
Dennis
#97
General Tormek Questions / Tormek T8 Water tray elevation...
Last post by hcab43 - February 04, 2026, 05:32:08 PMHello everyone.
I got a new T8 custom and while sharpening for the first time I noticed when I turned on the machine the wheel wasn't rotating. As I lowered the water tray it started moving but a noise persisted. To my eye, the tray isn't rubbing on anything so I don't understand what is happening. I can't find anything similar anywhere.
Anyone can help?
I got a new T8 custom and while sharpening for the first time I noticed when I turned on the machine the wheel wasn't rotating. As I lowered the water tray it started moving but a noise persisted. To my eye, the tray isn't rubbing on anything so I don't understand what is happening. I can't find anything similar anywhere.
Anyone can help?
#98
General Tormek Questions / Re: Some Questions about my ne...
Last post by carlhanger - February 04, 2026, 04:23:54 PMIt helps a lot! Thank you
#99
Wood Turning / Re: well done extensive Glenn ...
Last post by RichColvin - February 04, 2026, 04:06:47 PM@Rossy66, I recommend you look for older tools at yard sales or at places like Goodwill. What you will probably find are high carbon tools like those made by Craftsman and Buck. Those will sharpen quicker than HSS; however you will be able to get the approach down.
By the way, these tools are very good once sharpened. They will need to be resharpened more often than HSS; however you can look at that as a benefit as it will help you develop your process.
By the way, these tools are very good once sharpened. They will need to be resharpened more often than HSS; however you can look at that as a benefit as it will help you develop your process.
#100
Knife Sharpening / Re: Cletus Spuckler on knife s...
Last post by RichColvin - February 04, 2026, 04:03:40 PMWow. Someone should sharpen that boy's knives to show him what sharp truly is.