T1 versus T2

[Rinuruc]

I'm considering the purchase of a T1 or T2 sharpening system. It would be strictly for personal home use. I don't have any sharpening systems other than a Wüstoff pull through sharpener I was gifted years ago, so I'd like to finally get something better for my knives. I tend to over-think most purchasing decisions so I'd like to request some help with my decision.

I'm torn mostly because of the ability to change the grit by using additional wheels with the T2. Would the standard wheel with the honing wheel be able to get a good enough edge to fillet fish and make other fine cuts? Is it okay to use the standard wheel for a carving/brisket knife or should I consider the higher grit wheel? What would be the advantage for me to use a grit that high?

I'm not as concerned regarding the price difference if the T2 would be the better system to have. I'd prefer to buy one product and have it, hopefully, for life. If getting the cheaper option is better for me, though, I'd be quite happy to save a few hundred dollars. I'm also not as concerned regarding the size difference as it'll live in a cabinet with other smaller kitchen appliances.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

[John_B]

Few here have either machine, at least from what I read. I would suspect fewer have both to compare. They are mainly bought for commercial kitchens where the sharpen the same knives fairly often and to me it seems like overkill for a single home kitchen.

I don't know your sharpening needs or if they may include other tools, pocket knives,scissors or garden tools but I would suggest you evaluate either the T-4 or even the T-8. With the T-4 you have a lot more versatility for a lesser price. I have a T-8 and have been very pleased with the results. I sharpen for my kitchen, my daughters and a limited group of customers.

[michael74]

I am also considering buying a T1 or T2. Particularly, I'm wondering how well suited T1 is for reprofiling, damage repair, etc., compared to T2.

I guess in theory it's possible, but how much more time will it take compared to the coarse wheel available for the T2? And how much faster do I need to replace the T1 wheel due to wear when I use it for these purposes?

Let's say I find one or two old knives a year that I want to re-profile. And once a year, I need to repair a knife that was accidentally dropped on the floor ...
And once, after the purchase, I want to establish a uniform grind angle across a larger part of my kitchen knives. Additionally, for two or three knifes, I need to correct the shape of the blade that got wavy over time (due to faulty manual sharpening).

Can anyone recommend whether I may also use the T1 for these purposes (which I would prefer because it takes up less space), or whether a T2 would be a clear advantage?

[Ken S]

Interesting topic. I happen to have both a T2 and a T1, as well as a T4. I think which is a better choice depends largely on how many knives are sharpened and how often.

A very dull or damaged knife will be sharpened more quickly with the DC-200 diamond wheel. How many working knives do you have in your kitchen? I would guess four knives do most of the work in most home kitchens. Diamond wheels cut efficiently. While the initial sharpening may take longer, restoring an edge regularly should go quickly, even with the Df-200. The original plan for the T2 was for just the DF-200. One of the large Swedish restaurants requested an optional coarser wheel.

I believe either model would be a good choice. Both have the identical composite honing wheel and knife setting jig. Sharpening your knives two or three times a year, using them carefully, and honing frequently, the diamond wheel on either will last many years. Careful use includes light grinding pressure.

Which one would I choose when the time comes to pare down? It will probably depend mostly on how much room I have in my kitchen. I also happen to already have all three grit wheels and a traditional multigrit sharpening background. It will be a difficult decision.

Ken

[michael74]

Hi Ken,
thanks a lot for your prompt reply. I've just ordered the T1. I came to this decision because more frequent honing might be more relevant for my needs than occasional repair tasks. And to this end, easy access close to the kitchen is very helpful. However, in case it may turn out that for repair tasks etc. it is too cumbersome on the long run, I'll order an additional T2 or T4. Originally I would have preferred only one device, but let's see how T1 does its job. Maybe Tormek is going to identify a growing demand for an additional coarser wheel on T1 ... technically, there are no limitations, aren't there?

[Ken S]

Michael,

I believe you have made a wise decision. Before you purchase a backup T2 or T4 for possible heavy duty repairs, I would purchase an insulated coffee mug. The 600 grit diamond wheel may not be a speed demon for repairs; however, how many and how often will you need to do repair work? A good cup of coffee will make the extra sharpening minutes more pleasant. Not being quick for a particular task is certainly not the same thing as not being able to do it.

I think grit numbers are overemphasized. Diamond crystals are very hard and very sharp. As you become more familiar with your T1, I believe you will find it increasingly versatile. Hopefully experience and frequent honing will speed your sharpening time.

I am sure many who follow this forum will have questions to yours. Please share your "from the trenches" thoughts.

Ken