Agreed on all points. Also, I don't think using the calculator method of angle setting is more time consuming than the sharpie method or the WM-200 method. That's especially true if you are sharpening a group of knives of about the same size, where you can set the USB height once and then adjust only the jig projection distance to achieve the same exact angle. In that case, the calculator method is both quicker and more accurate. As for Vadim, I don't think it's accurate to say that he "abandoned" his earlier methods towards the end. Rather, he went to a two-tiered system where he was using half-speed grinders for bulk sharpening (knives for poultry processing), and the more exacting Tormek system for higher end knives.
Very well said, especially re: Vadim. Good points, and in his high-speed system he was quite devoted to overcoming the weakness of the method - namely heat damage.
Having only acquired a t8 last week I'm slowly working out how to use it but matching angles is a real art I feel. I've reset a couple of meh knives but as of about a hour ago been trying to match and sharpened a skrama 240 knife without wrecking it. Time will tell
Angle matching is difficult with a well-worn edge because it is effectively round… But if you have the setting well matched to the existing (previous) edge angle you will quickly reach a burr. Have you tried the sharpie (marker) technique? That is very helpful for angle matching….
With the new KS-123 knife angle setting jig, the point becomes moot regarding getting precise blade angles with the tormek stones that reduce in diameter with wear. They equally useful and fast with CBN or Tormek diamond stones.
Agree with all you’ve said here and hats off to you for not getting provoked by the commenter. Another point to make is that yes, I could run my customers knives at any angle, factory or not, through a belt grinding system very quickly and the knife would be extremely sharp. Unfortunately it wouldn’t stay sharp for too long as the temper of the knife would be compromised by the heat generated by those belts. I personally would have no satisfaction in handing those knives back to a customer. Quality or quantity?
Thank you Simon. 🙏. All good points, and indeed it’s not about how sharp the knife feels right after sharpening - the durability of that edge is where a quality approach will prevail.
My long term goal is to get Tormek T-8 system with diamond wheels and knife and tool jigs. Currently I use worksharp elite grinding system. I recently been using leather belts for stropping one leather belt I have the green compound on and other belt has red compound and I feel the leather belts are working much better than cloth stropping belts. Prior to putting compound I used yellow leather compound to keep leather from drying out. I also need to have garage built before I get Tormek T-8. I have two work sharp elite grinding solutions. I recently put 30 degree angle on my Kizer Assassin XL and managed to get 135 g on BESS C. Original BESS C was 198g from factory. It looked like very steep bevel was reason I chose to use 30 degrees. This knife will be one of my everyday carry.
Agreed on all points. Also, I don't think using the calculator method of angle setting is more time consuming than the sharpie method or the WM-200 method. That's especially true if you are sharpening a group of knives of about the same size, where you can set the USB height once and then adjust only the jig projection distance to achieve the same exact angle. In that case, the calculator method is both quicker and more accurate.
As for Vadim, I don't think it's accurate to say that he "abandoned" his earlier methods towards the end. Rather, he went to a two-tiered system where he was using half-speed grinders for bulk sharpening (knives for poultry processing), and the more exacting Tormek system for higher end knives.
Spot on!! I couldn't have said it better myself.
Very well said, especially re: Vadim. Good points, and in his high-speed system he was quite devoted to overcoming the weakness of the method - namely heat damage.
I love my Tormek systems and feel that they provide a far superior edge to belt grinding.
Having only acquired a t8 last week I'm slowly working out how to use it but matching angles is a real art I feel. I've reset a couple of meh knives but as of about a hour ago been trying to match and sharpened a skrama 240 knife without wrecking it. Time will tell
Angle matching is difficult with a well-worn edge because it is effectively round… But if you have the setting well matched to the existing (previous) edge angle you will quickly reach a burr. Have you tried the sharpie (marker) technique? That is very helpful for angle matching….
Good explanation. Thank you for the reply.
With the new KS-123 knife angle setting jig, the point becomes moot regarding getting precise blade angles with the tormek stones that reduce in diameter with wear. They equally useful and fast with CBN or Tormek diamond stones.
Agree with all you’ve said here and hats off to you for not getting provoked by the commenter. Another point to make is that yes, I could run my customers knives at any angle, factory or not, through a belt grinding system very quickly and the knife would be extremely sharp. Unfortunately it wouldn’t stay sharp for too long as the temper of the knife would be compromised by the heat generated by those belts.
I personally would have no satisfaction in handing those knives back to a customer. Quality or quantity?
Thank you Simon. 🙏. All good points, and indeed it’s not about how sharp the knife feels right after sharpening - the durability of that edge is where a quality approach will prevail.
My long term goal is to get Tormek T-8 system with diamond wheels and knife and tool jigs. Currently I use worksharp elite grinding system. I recently been using leather belts for stropping one leather belt I have the green compound on and other belt has red compound and I feel the leather belts are working much better than cloth stropping belts. Prior to putting compound I used yellow leather compound to keep leather from drying out. I also need to have garage built before I get Tormek T-8. I have two work sharp elite grinding solutions. I recently put 30 degree angle on my Kizer Assassin XL and managed to get 135 g on BESS C. Original BESS C was 198g from factory. It looked like very steep bevel was reason I chose to use 30 degrees. This knife will be one of my everyday carry.
what is the name of the guy who changed from tormek to high speed grinders ?
It was the late Vadim Kraichuk. Check out his Knife Grinders RUclips channel - a great resource for sharpeners.
Will we ever see your face? Your vids are reminiscent of 'Home Improvement'- Tool-Time Tims neighbour... Keep the mystery going! Thanks for your work.