Tormek was born from the mind of engineer Torgny Jansson in 1973. Rooted in the Swedish tradition of advanced innovation, functionality and quality Tormek has developed a unique sharpening system that has come to set a standard in modern edge tool sharpening.
The Tormek Story
"Every day brought a mix of optimism and disappointment, but Torgny, the man behind the idea, never once considered giving up. Somehow, optimism always stayed one step ahead of the setbacks."
Eric R. Jansson, father of Torgny
A Different Breed
In the 1970's, Torgny Jansson struggled to get the market to believe in his innovative new sharpening machine. No stockist in Sweden was interested, so Tormek came early to seek its market abroad, thus beginning the journey of what was to become a global brand.
1970
The Spark of An Idea
Torgny Jansson, a mechanical design engineer wanted to find a good method for his father to sharpen his woodworking tools. Torgny created a modern version of the typical Swedish water cooled grind stone. Only the one for his father at first, but being the rational man that he was, he thought that he might as well make a few more whilst he was at it. The extra ones quickly sold out among his friends marking the start of Tormek.
1973
The First Model
The very first model was driven with an electric hand drill, which had a shaft mounted in the chuck. It could be attached to the grindstone in just a few seconds. The power drill was supported by a cleverly designed holder. The high rpm of the power drill was reduced by a rubber drive wheel to suit the low rpm required for a grindstone. Thanks to the innovative solution, the shaft could not slip and the design proved to be very user friendly and reliable. The patent application was approved! Now, what had been a hobby project had turned into a company along with a mission – to make sharpening easier for every woodworker.
1975
Taking Off
In 1975, Tormek began exporting to other Scandinavian countries and in 1976 to Germany and several other European countries. In 1981, the first self-powered model was introduced with the same reliable design as the original drill powered model.
1984
The Start of the System
The first version of the Universal Support was developed in 1984 and it came to be the start of the Tormek system. It could be considered as a simple design, but like most good innovations the ingenuity lies in the simplicity. At that time, all grinding machines had conventional, flat tool rests. Today, the Tormek design has been adopted by manufacturers of water cooled grinders around the world.
80's–90's
Setting a Standard
Since then, Tormek has continued to grow and develop a range of products into a full sharpening system, unique of its kind. When the system was first introduced in the USA, the machine got top ratings along with headlines like "Tormek – The underdog" and "Tormek – A different breed".
2000
Taking it Further
Tormek has worked continuously to make sharpening easy and efficient even for the inexperienced worker. Today the product range is the widest on the market and Tormek offers a complete sharpening system for all kinds of edge tools. The spirit of innovation and the desire to make sharpening easy and effective is still at the heart of the business.
2015
Knife Sharpening for Chefs
In 2015, the Tormek T-2 Pro Kitchen Knife Sharpener was launched, developed in close cooperation with professional chefs. It brought Tormek’s sharpening expertise into the professional kitchen, with a solution designed around the needs of chefs and their knives. Since the launch, Tormek has also been a proud sponsor of the Swedish National Culinary Team.
2021
Entering the Home Kitchen
Building on decades of sharpening experience, Tormek brought its sharpening principles into the home kitchen. Based on the same approach developed for professional chefs, but in an ingeniously compact and stylish format, the Tormek T-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener was launched – making precise knife sharpening accessible right on the kitchen counter.
2023
Tormek Celebrating 50 Years
Marking half a century of innovation, Tormek proudly presented the Tormek T-8 Black, a special 50-year anniversary edition. With its sleek, all-black appearance, the machine brought a distinctive look to the workshop and came equipped with a DF-250 Diamond Wheel Fine and CW-220 Composite Honing Wheel, combining striking design with high performance. To commemorate the milestone, the Tormek T-8 Black also came with an exceptional 50-year warranty, reflecting Tormek’s long-standing commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
The Tormek Logo Through the Ages
It is not only Tormek’s machines and innovations that have evolved over the years. So has the brand, although the logo has always looked similar. In the early years, Tormek focused mostly on the product, keeping the brand as simple as possible, which fortunately went hand in hand with the simple Tormek-method.
1970's
1980's
1990's
2004
2007
2012
News
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Behind the Edge is an exhibition that shows what becomes possible when exceptional craftsmanship and artistry meets world-class tools with the highest degree of sharpness.
We are proud to unveil the KSK-106 Knife Sharpening Kit – a complete, structured setup for sharpening virtually any knife with precision and control.
A new color with a clear origin. Swedish Red brings Tormek’s heritage to the forefront without changing what already works.
- SOLD OUT -A limited edition of a feintly sparkling green Tormek T-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener just when we're closing in on Christmas might sound very planned - but it all started with a failed powder coating.
The MC-1 Cover for Tormek T-1 is crafted in premium denim by Jeansverket in Borås, Sweden. It is tailored to protect your knife sharpener from dust and moisture when you’re not using it, all while still looking sharp.
We are very happy to introduce the SC-60 Scissors Jig, the next generation of our scissors sharpening jig. Designed for greater precision and simplicity, the patent pending innovation makes sharpening everything from kitchen scissors to heavy-duty garden shears faster and easier than ever.
The collab knife sharpener Tormek T-1 Morakniv 1891 is now available in a stunning new colorway – Linen White. This elegant, timeless look is paired with Morakniv’s classic red handle, creating a bold yet sophisticated contrast that gives an edge to any kitchen.
We are proud to present our latest brand collab, Morakniv x Tormek. Alongside the relaunch of the highly appreciated kitchen knife series Morakniv Classic 1891, we are launching the perfect machine to keep your Morakniv kitchen knives sharp as new, for many years to come – the Tormek T-1 Morakniv 1891. Availability varies between markets. Get it here!
During the summer, Tormek presents a new group exhibition where the tree takes center stage – as a form, an idea, and a creative driving force. In Between Trees – Through Grind and Motion brings together works that explore the intersection between art and craft, between technology and nature. Sculptures, sound, and installations combine to create a sensory experience in which the tree becomes a recurring motif – a symbol of time, transformation, and our place in an ever-changing landscape.
The Tormek T-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener is now available in a refreshing new look. The color Ash Green adds a nature-inspired touch and seamlessly combining sharp performance with timeless elegance.