Tormek: More than 50 years of sharpening the world

Tormek is where legacy meets innovation. For more than 50 years, the Swedish brand has been providing sharpening machines for woodworking. Nowadays, its range also includes equipment for enhancing your hunting, outdoors and culinary experiences.

Founded in 1973 by mechanical design engineer Torgny Jansson, Tormek provides sharpening systems in three segments: woodworking and crafts, outdoors and hunting, and culinary. What started out in Jansson’s garage, because he simply could not find a good method to sharpen his father’s woodworking tools, is now a world-leading brand.

The first product was a low-speed water-cooled sharpening machine, reliable and affordable. Today, the product range is one of the most versatile on the market, and Tormek offers a complete sharpening system for all kinds of edge tools. Still based in Lindesberg, Sweden, the desire to make sharpening easy and effective is still at the heart of the business.

Photo: Tobias Oehlke

Innovation, functionality and quality

Since the start, problem-solving through innovation is a driving force. The company holds close to 20 patents and offers a complete system including jigs and attachments, each one specially designed to easily achieve optimal sharpness on all kinds of hand tools.

The technology is well-grounded in the Swedish tradition of advanced innovation, functionality and quality. Tormek is known for high-quality products that last over time, but what you might not know is that all products are also backwards compatible with previous versions.

“Our sharpening system has come to set a standard in modern edge tool sharpening,” says Tanja Ambrosy, head of digital & e-commerce. “Whilst we are proud of our heritage and traditions, we also focus on innovation and constant improvement. Nowadays, Tormek is a global brand with exports to more than 35 countries, and we have a loyal network of customers and supporters.”

Tormek’s founder Torgny Jansson.

Woodworking and crafts

Sharp tools play an important role in many woodworkers’ day-to-day lives, to guarantee top-quality end results but also to minimise the risk of injury. Tormek’s sharpening system is appreciated by craftspeople all over the world, from professional woodturners and knife makers to avid hobbyists.

Sharpening needs to be gentle on the tools. With Tormek’s system, the edge is sharpened in a water bath, which collects any steel particles and dust, and the grinding wheel rotates at low speeds. This minimises the amount of steel removed and prevents overheating, so that the steel does not lose its tempering. “Basically, your tools will last longer and stay sharper for longer, and you have full control over your sharpening,” says Ambrosy.

Hunting and outdoors

Sharp tools are also essential if you enjoy hunting or fishing, or just love being outdoors. “Being in the forest and the great outdoors is all about being present, living in the moment. For many, it’s an escape from the stresses of everyday life, while for others, it’s a natural part of their day-to-day lives,” Ambrosy says. “A sharp knife is easier to use and more enjoyable to work with, and it reduces the risk of injury. Being able to sharpen your own tools gives you the best chances of enjoying a successful wilderness experience.”

Sharp knives à la minute

The culinary segment is one of the brand’s more recent additions, with products such as Tormek T-2 Pro Kitchen Knife Sharpener, which is certified for commercial use and a favourite of the Swedish Culinary Team, and Tormek T-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener, the first real knife sharpener for the home chef.

Thanks to Tormek, cooking will be safer and more enjoyable, with better results. Ambrosy explains; “Whether entertaining friends for dinner or cooking in a professional kitchen, you need the right tools for the job. With a Tormek knife sharpener, you can keep your knives professionally sharpened at all times, so you can focus on creating magical food.”

The world’s sharpest community

Tormek’s solutions are loved by cabinet makers, woodworkers and woodturners, as well as hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, and professional chefs, restaurants, industrial kitchens and households. On the brand’s website, you can get to know amazing creators from around the world with one thing in common: they know the importance of working with really sharp tools.

“We also have live sharpening classes, where we go through the entire sharpening system, in theory and practice, focusing on how you get the most out of your Tormek,” adds Ambrosy. “The classes are suitable for both new and experienced users. We also answer viewers’ questions about sharpening during the live broadcasts.”

Web: tormek.com/en
Facebook: Tormek
Instagram: @tormek_sharpening
YouTube: @tormek_sharpening