Sharpening Mastery: Australian Knife Grinders, Tormek Forum & Sharpening Handbook

Sharpening Mastery: Australian Knife Grinders, Tormek Forum & Sharpening Handbook

The Evolution of Australian Knife Grinders

Australian Knife Grinders (AKG) began as a sharpening resource for knife enthusiasts in Australia and quickly became recognized worldwide for its detailed guides and tutorials. AKG teaches not just how to sharpen, but how to sharpen correctly — focusing on bevels, edge geometry, and practical workflows for real tools.

Even though some parts of AKG are less active now, its legacy continues to influence sharpeners globally. The Australian Blade Forums – Knife Grinders thread is a great place to see discussions and historical insights about AKG and other grinders, making it a valuable companion resource.

The Tormek Community Forum – A Hub for System Users

The Tormek Forum is the official discussion platform for Tormek sharpening systems. Key benefits include:

• Threads on knife, axe, and chisel sharpening.

• User-shared setups, custom jigs, and modifications.

• Advice on wheel selection, maintenance, and advanced techniques.

• Dedicated boards such as “Home made Jigs” and “Tool Restoration”.

Forum members share real-world experience, troubleshooting tips, and creative solutions. For Axeman.ca customers using Tormek T-8 or T-4, the forum is invaluable for learning proper jig setups and advanced sharpening workflows.

Sharpening Handbook – Rich Colvin’s Comprehensive Guide

The Sharpening Handbook, maintained by Rich Colvin, is a free and thorough resource for all tool users. It includes:

• Tool-specific instructions for knives, axes, chisels, and garden tools.

• Tormek-specific advice, including grinding wheel guidance and jig techniques.

• A dictionary of sharpening terms and a sharpness scale for precise results.

• Maintenance advice for both tools and Tormek systems.

Rich Colvin’s dedication ensures that anyone using a Tormek, or seeking general sharpening knowledge, can achieve professional results. At Axeman.ca, we encourage customers to pair this resource with their premium tools to maximize performance and longevity.

How These Resources Work Together

By combining AKG, the Tormek Forum, and the Sharpening Handbook, Axeman.ca customers gain a complete sharpening education:

• Australian Knife Grinders teaches technique and tool understanding.

• Australian Blade Forums – Knife Grinders provides discussion and historical context.

• Tormek Forum provides machine-specific advice, peer feedback, and custom jig ideas.

• Sharpening Handbook delivers structured workflows, tool-specific guidance, and maintenance tips.

When paired with Tormek systems and accessories like:

• KJ-45 Knife Jig

• KJ-140 Wide Knife Jig

• MB-102 Multi Base

• KS-123 Knife Support

…users can sharpen knives, axes, chisels, and specialty tools to a professional standard.

Why These Resources Are Trusted

• Community-driven insights: Both forums and AKG rely on real user experience.

• Depth and consistency: Sharpening Handbook and AKG provide structured, repeatable methods.

• Machine-specific advice: Forum and Handbook include precise guidance for Tormek systems, helping reduce mistakes and improve edge longevity.

Conclusion

Sharpening is both an art and a science. By leveraging Australian Knife Grinders, Australian Blade Forums – Knife Grinders, the Tormek Forum, and Rich Colvin’s Sharpening Handbook, Axeman.ca customers gain the knowledge and support to get precise, durable edges on every tool.

Pair these trusted resources with premium gear from Axeman.ca — including Tormek systems and jigs — to transform your sharpening process from guesswork to professional results.