Tormek System

[Idaho Jarhead]

I’m looking for some info from anyone who has used a Tormek sharpening system, preferably the T4. Basically just a general review. How well did it work? Is it easy enough for a caveman? Is it worth the heafty price tag?

My worksharp broke and I currently have nothing so looking to find a good sharpener pretty quick.

 

[kwackster]

Did you know that Tormek has it's own little forum with quite a lot of knowledgeable members ?

https://www.tormek.com/forum/index.php

I have been using a Tormek since 2004, and for me it's definitely worth the price tag.
It's not as fast as a belt grinder or a worksharp, but it produces a better edge that lasts longer, and it can do so without removing too much metal.
My current machine is a Tormek T7 fitted with an SB-250 Blackstone (black silicon carbide) and a very powerful motor that can run continuously all day long without overheating.
It's successor is the T8 model.

 

[WhitleyStu]

I have both a T2000 and newer T8. Been using a Tormek since the T2000 first came out. There is a learning curve to get a nice crisp "V" grind, but once you get the hang of it you can get great results. Getting a good dress on the wheels makes for a nice grind finish. PM me with any specific questions. Pics of an SNG and SMF sharpened on the T2000.

 

[cbwx34]

I’m looking for some info from anyone who has used a Tormek sharpening system, preferably the T4. Basically just a general review. How well did it work? Is it easy enough for a caveman? Is it worth the heafty price tag?

My worksharp broke and I currently have nothing so looking to find a good sharpener pretty quick.

I've used the Tormek over the years... and a lot in the last couple. While I like using it, if all you have to sharpen is knives... I'd look at a method or system that is more specific to knives. The Tormek is sort of a "jack of all trades"... mainly designed for sharpening woodworking tools, that you can also sharpen a knife on. One thing for example... it's knife jig is outdated, and in need of an update... at least in my opinion.

If water cooled sharpening and/or minimal dust created is a factor, it is also a good option. As others have said, you can get a sharp edge with one... but there is a bit of a learning curve... especially if you're into things like nice even bevels, polished edges, etc. So, some of whether it's for you, depends on what you're looking for.

If you buy a T-4... add in the cost of a truing tool or its equivalent... you'll need some way to keep the stone round and trued. The T-4 is adequate for home sharpening... and will give the same results as the larger model.

Hope that helps a bit.

 

[Idaho Jarhead]

Thanks for the info guys. I have to admit, I’m a little disappointed to hear your responses, but I appreciate it all the same.

Yes all I really care about is sharpening knives. I was thinking maybe this was what I was looking for after looking at paper wheels and what I would have to purchase for that.

I’ve attempted to register at the Tormek forums, but three days later my registration hasn’t been approved by a moderator. I did read on that board, though, that it’s hard to sharpen thick knives on the Tormek. Being that I own many Busse knives, this probably isn’t the sharpener for me. Any better recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[WhitleyStu]

From my reading the Tormek is known here more as a woodworking tool sharpener, but in Europe they are used in a lot of facilities as knife sharpeners. If you want to sharpen thicker blades you might consider a belt sharpener like the AMK 75. For large knives I have a Reeder knife sharpening attachment I use on the platen of my 2" x 72" which produces a "V" grind or can be used on a slack part of the belt to convex the edge. I prefer the "V" grind my Tormeks produce on small to medium knives.

 

[cbwx34]

Thanks for the info guys. I have to admit, I’m a little disappointed to hear your responses, but I appreciate it all the same.

Yes all I really care about is sharpening knives. I was thinking maybe this was what I was looking for after looking at paper wheels and what I would have to purchase for that.

I’ve attempted to register at the Tormek forums, but three days later my registration hasn’t been approved by a moderator. I did read on that board, though, that it’s hard to sharpen thick knives on the Tormek. Being that I own many Busse knives, this probably isn’t the sharpener for me. Any better recommendations would be appreciated.

Which WorkSharp did you have? I get a fair amount of use out of the WSKO with the Blade Griniding Attachment (that they now sell as a kit called the "Elite Knife Sharpening Solution" BTW, which saves a bit of $). Also, you might consider contacting them about your broken one, and see what they have to say... I've found them pretty helpful both personally and reading other people's experience... a quick phone call might be worth it.

p.s. Tormek forum registrations are approved by someone at the company... so doesn't usually happen over the weekend.