About Tormek
Tormek was born from the mind of engineer Torgny Jansson in 1973. With roots in the Swedish tradition of advanced innovation, functionality, and quality, Tormek has developed a unique sharpening system that has set a standard in modern sharpening of edge tools. Drawing from our decades of experience, we created the first real knife sharpener for the home chef.
Innovative & Patented Solutions
Since the beginning, problem-solving through innovation has been a strong driving force for Tormek. Today, we hold nearly 20 patents and are a leading brand in the sharpening of edge tools. We offer a complete system, including jigs and accessories, each specifically designed to easily achieve optimal sharpness on all types of hand tools.
A global brand
Tormek exports to over 40 countries worldwide. Our sharpening machines are appreciated by furniture makers, woodworkers, woodturners, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts, as well as professional chefs, restaurants, large kitchens, and households. Tormek's sharpening system is also used by professional sharpening businesses.
Made in Sweden
We are fully focused on sharpening. All product development, engineering, and production take place in Sweden. Tormek is located in Lindesberg, a small town in the heart of Bergslagen with a history in mining. Manufacturing occurs in close collaboration with selected suppliers, all specialized and among the best in their fields. This ensures the highest quality and a continuous supply of the best and most modern manufacturing technologies.
The History of Tormek
In the 1970s, Torgny Jansson fought to get the market to believe in his innovative new sharpening machine. No retailers in Sweden were interested, so Tormek soon began seeking its market abroad, thereby starting its journey to becoming a global brand.
Early 1970's
The Spark of an Idea
Torgny Jansson, a machine designer, 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 sharpening stone. Initially, he made one just for his father, but as the rational man he was, he thought he might as well produce a few more while he was at it. The extra machines quickly sold out among his friends, marking the beginning 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 a 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. The initial natural sandstone from Gotland has been replaced by a vitrified aluminium oxide grindstone specially developed for water cooled grinding at low speed. 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.
2023
Tormek Celebrating 50 Years!
Marking a half-century of innovation, Tormek proudly present the Tormek T-8 Black, a special 50-year anniversary edition. A machine that boasts a sleek, all-black appearance that enhances the style of any workshop. It is equipped with a DF-250 Diamond Wheel Fine and a CW-220 Composite Honing Wheel, combining a striking look with peak performance. To commemorate this milestone, the Tormek T-8 Black comes with an exceptional 50-year warranty, reinforcing our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
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