The Tormek Way of Sharpening
Professional sharpening of all edge tools
Beginners Guide to Tormek
- Find the perfect set-up for you to get started with sharpening.
- Knowledge
- The Tormek Way of Sharpening
- Beginners Guide to Tormek
Tormek has a long history of developing machines, jigs and accessories for meeting the needs of the market. Naturally it has resulted in an array of choices that could be overwhelming for someone who is just starting their sharpening journey. This is a brief guide through the machines and the most common jigs for different needs.
The originals
Tormek T-8 Original
The Tormek T-8 is perfect for people who take their craft seriously or professionals in woodworking, crafting, sharpening services or for educational purposes. With compatibility with all of Tormek’s jigs and accessories, it’s a versatile machine that's able to sharpen most edge tools.
The machine comes with the SG-250 Original Grindstone, which you can adjust the grit equivalent to between 220 and 1000 with the SP-650 Stone Grader and sharpens all kinds of steel grades, including HSS. This machine comes with the SE-77 Square Edge Jig included in the box. The warranty for the Tormek T-8 is 8 years, for both private and professional use.
Tormek T-8 Custom
With a catchphrase as “Create your own”, you’ll know from the start that the world is your oyster, or well this Tormek T-8 is at least. The Tormek T-8 Custom is the same machine as the original but without grinding stone or honing wheel. This makes it the ideal choice for those who had a Tormek before and just know exactly how they want to use it. With this you get the possibility to choose the components for your needs.
The sharpening master: the Tormek T-8 Original. Ideal for professionals and ambitious craftpeople.
Create your own. The Tormek T-8 Custom caters the needs and wants of seasoned Tormek users.
the compact soulutions
Tormek T-4 Original
The Tormek T-4 Original is the DIYers ultimate companion. With more compact housing but with the same quality as the larger machines, this machine is suited for household use. Whether it is gardening tools, kitchen knives and other edge tools, the Tormek T-4 is ready to make any dull edge as new again.
Mounted with Tormek’s SG-200 Original Grindstone, it can just like the Tormek T-8 sharpen all kinds of steel grades, including HSS. Because of the Tormek T-4’s compact design it is best suited for smaller tools such as chisels, knives, scissors and woodcarving tools. The warranty for the Tormek T-4 is 8 years for private use and 2 years for professional use.
Tormek T-4 Bushcraft
The Tormek T-4 Bushcraft is here to prepare you for nature. In terms of machinery, it’s the same as the original Tormek T-4, but with its green housing it blends right in with the environment of the cabin or hunting lodge. Tormek T-4 Bushcraft comes with the AX-40 Axe Jig and the KJ-45 Centering Knife Jig – ready for you next outdoor adventure straight out of the box.
The DIYers ultimate companion - sharpens your edge tools with ease.
The Tormek T-4 Bushcraft with its included jigs: KJ-45 Centering Knife Jig and AX-40 Axe Jig.
For Professional & Home kitchens
Tormek T-2 Pro Kitchen Knife Sharpener
For professional kitchens, or the ambitious home chef, the Tormek T-2 Pro Kitchen Knife Sharpener is the way to go. Developed to meet the demands for sharpness, simplicity and speed in the professional kitchen, the Tormek T-2 sharpens kitchen knives razor-sharp in a minute.
Mounted with the DWF-200 Diamond Wheel Fine that is easy on knives and doesn’t remove any unnecessary steel. With the possibility of changing the grinding wheel, you can change to the DWC-200 Diamond Wheel Coarse when you need to remove a lot of material quickly, e.g. for badly damaged knives. Or to the DWE-200 Diamond Wheel Extra Fine to get that mirrorlike finish on your knife. The Tormek T-2 has an 8 year warranty.
Tormek T-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener
The home chef’s hero: the Tormek T-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener. Being the first real knife sharpener for home use, the Tormek T-1 is perfect for beginners who want professional-level results without the steep learning curve.
Compact, quiet, and easy to use, it’s designed for straightforward sharpening for kitchen knives. Plus, its elegant design means you won’t feel the need to hide it away in a cupboard; it fits right in on the countertop, looking more like a high-end kitchen gadget than a sharpening machine. The Tormek T-1 comes with 8 years warranty.
The knife sharpener for professional kitchen. Sharpens kitchen knifes and round rotating blades.
The first real kitchen knife sharpener for the home chef - keeps your kitchen knife as new.
Suggested Jigs to Get Started with Sharpening on a Tormek Machine
What do you need to get started with sharpening, except for the machine? Well, it depends on what tools you’ll use it for. So, to facilitate the process, here are a few of our recommended jigs to start with listed by purpose.
For ordinary household tools, such as knives and garden tools: the KJ-45 Centering Knife Jig.
For basic woodcarving tools, such as carving knives : the KJ-45 Centering Knife Jig and the SVM-00 Small Knife Holder.
For basic woodturning tools – to keep chisels and gauges sharp: the SVD-186 R Gouge Jig and the SVS-50 Multi Jig.
How to get started with Tormek’s Kitchen Knife Sharpeners.
Bought yourself a kitchen knife sharpener? Great! Here is how you get started. In contrast to the water-cooled systems, the knife sharpeners don’t need the same amount of assembly. The Tormek T-1 come ready to use, straight out of the box. Just plug in and start sharpening. The Tormek T-2 however, needs some preparations before:
You’re going to need to mount the grinding wheel. Turn the EzyLock nut clockwise to loosen it, remove the packing sleeve and slide the diamond wheel onto the peg. Fasten the EzyLock nut again by screwing it on counterclockwise. It will regulate itself when you turn on the machine. And now you're ready to start sharpening.
If you prefer video instructions to get started with the Tormek T-1, watch the tutorial
External link, opens in new window.. For step-by-step guidance on using the Tormek T-2, check out the instructional video External link, opens in new window..
How to get started with Tormek’s Water-Cooled Sharpening Systems
If you have purchased a water-cooled system, some assembly is required before you can go ahead and start sharpening. But before you get started, make sure that you place your machine on a comfortable working height on a firm and flat surface. Your shoulders and arms should be nice and relaxed. Now, let’s put together the machine.
- You’ll need to begin with mounting the grinding wheel. Turn the EzyLock nut clockwise to loosen it, remove the packing sleeve and slide the grindstone onto the peg. Fasten the EzyLock nut again by screwing it on counterclockwise. It will regulate itself when you turn on the machine.
- Prepare the leather on the honing wheel by applying the included oil while the machine is on. Use approximately half the tube. This will soften the leather and help the honing compound penetrate.
- Apply PA-70 Honing Compound to the honing wheel, while the machine is turned off, by spreading a thin bead all around the wheel by rotating it by hand. Work the compound in to the leather by turning the machine on and using a flat tool, such as a chisel or the back of a knife, to spread it out evenly.
- Place the water trough in the sharpening position and fill it with water. Remember to fill up the water trough until you reach the maximum level inside of it and keep refilling it until the stone can’t absorb any more. For the Tormek T-4 you’ll need at least 0,6 litres if the stone is initially dry, and for the Tormek T-8 you’ll need at least 1,2 litres. The water-cooled sharpening systems need water during the whole process, so keep an eye on the water level and fill it up if needed. This prevents overheating the steel whilst sharpening. You know, that’s why we call it water-cooled.
If you prefer video instructions, you can see this demonstration External link, opens in new window. of getting started with the water-cooled system.
Now you’re ready to get sharp, and stay sharp!
discover more of the world of tormek
Want to know more about the machines? We've got you covered! Learn more about the machines and how they compare in this episode of Tormek Sharpening Class. You can also make your own comparison by selecting your preferred machines with our machine comparison.