RIKON Wet Sharpener Vs. Tormek: What Is Right for You?

Are you interested in sharpening your tools, but not sure which sharpener is right for you? Are you confused between Rikon wet sharpener vs. Tormek? 

Whether you choose the Rikon or the Tormek, knowing what to look for and the ways to maintain it will help you be satisfied with your purchase. It will also ensure that it provides years of service. 

Here’s what you need to know about each one to make the ideal purchase decision for yourself. So, let’s get started.

Quick Comparison Between Rikon Wet Sharpener And Tormek

Just like every other time this part of the blog post is for providing you with the main information between Rikon wet sharpener and Tormek to save your precious time. The main objective is to help you with deciding within a short time.

SpecificationRIKON wet sharpenerTormek Grinder
SpeedRikon wet sharpener comparatively has more speed.Tormek seems to be slow compared to Rikon wet sharpener, but with greater control.
Optimum sharpening jobRikon does the job of sharpening, but not with sheer perfection.  Tormek grinder provides a top-class sharpening job.  
Noise creationRikon wet sharpener creates a significant amount of noise. Tormek Grinder causes a minimal amount of noise.  
Time durationIt will take more time to do the job.It will take not much time.   
Possibility of accidentDue to high speed, there is more possibility of an accident.As it is slow, the jigs allow more control on the job so there is less chance of an accident.  
PriceThe price is less compared to the Tormek.Tormek comes with significant pricing.  
Inclusion of jigsYou may need to purchase the jigs individually.The jigs come along with it providing greater control. 
FunctionalityThis tool is mainly for regrinding or reshaping tools.Tormek is mainly for sharpening a tool.

So, these are some of the aspects that differ between Rikon wet sharpener and Tormek. If you are still keen to know about all these aspects in detail, then the next part is for you. 

Key Differences Between RIKON Wet Sharpener And Tormek

By now, you already know about some key differentiating factors between Rikon wet sharpener and Tormek. In this part of the blog, you will get to know about all these differentiating factors little in detail.

  • Grinding Power And Speed
RIKON Wet Sharpener
RIKON Wet Sharpener

One of the biggest differentiators between the Rikon and Tormek wet sharpeners comes down to motor power and grinding speed flexibility.

The Rikon sharpener boasts an impressive 400 watt motor that can blast through metal removal 60% faster than other consumer grade wet grinders.

This brute force gives you unmatched ability to reprofile severely damaged edges.

The variable 225 to 925 RPM speed control then lets you dial in the right surface speed for anything from aggressive material removal to final polishing stages.

Meanwhile, the Tormek T-7 and T-8 utilize a silent 100 watt motor capped at a constant 90 RPM. This low speed is optimized for removing just tiny amounts of metal as you hone a razor sharp edge. Tormek’s goal isn’t aggressive reprofiling, but rather preserving as much tool material as possible over years of meticulous sharpening.

So if you have some battered, botched blades begging for redemption – the Rikon is your best bet to transform them. But if you start with quality tools and want to maintain their geometry for decades, Tormek’s finessed system excels.

Most average users will get great results from either machine. But knowing your primary sharpening needs helps determine if raw grinding power or refined precision is preferable.

  • Optimum Sharpening Job

When it comes to doing the sharpening work the Tormek grinder gives better delivery than the Rikon wet sharpener for sure. The extent to which it works makes the users extremely satisfied with the result they get from the Tormek grinder.

So, if sharpening is your only concern for all your tools, then the Tormek grinder might be the better option for you.

  • Noise Creation

Who will like constant noise while doing the work? Well, while working with Rikon’s wet sharpener, expect to get exposed to a significant amount of noise throughout the time of doing the job.

But the Tormek grinder does not create as much sound as the other one. So, there will be less reason for noise pollution while doing the job.

It is a positive feature of the Tormek grinder.

  • Time Duration

When you are doing the sharpening job, then know that the sharpening work will take less time for the Tormek grinder. On the other hand, Rikon wet sharpener will take a much longer time to do the same job. 

But for other jobs like reshaping tools, it may not be true, as Rikon wet sharpener is meant to do such jobs.

  • Possibility Of Accident

Rikon wet sharpener works at a higher speed, so there are more chances of accidents due to losing control over the tool. But for Tormek the work is a slow yet very effective process.

It also comes with greater control over the tool. As a result of this, there is less possibility of having an accident.

  • Price

When evaluating the Rikon wet grinder price against the Tormek sharpening system prices, there’s quite a discrepancy.

The Rikon sharpener retails around $225 including the main wet stone machine and universal stone grader. That makes it a very affordable introduction if you are investigating your first wet grinding machine.

Upgrading to the Rikon model with the stainless steel enclosure raises cost closer to $300. Either way it’s economical for most hobbyists.

Meanwhile, the base Tormek T-7 with standard accessories and jigs sells for $575. Upgrading to the Tormek T-8 pushes cost over $700 including shipment. Then most users will tack on additional jigs like the SVD-185 detail knife set at $90. Or the woodturner set with gouge and skews mounting hardware for $240.

So while the Rikon keeps budget friendly around $200 to $300, investing in a full Tormek sharpening system often exceeds $1000!

Obviously the premium capabilities and engineering refinement of the Tormek warrant the higher costs though. You’re purchasing a durable lifetime system capable of handling all your woodworking tool maintenance needs.

But it’s still a big upgrade in expenditure over a value-priced Rikon unit.

Yes, Tormek is costly, but it’s worth it!

  • Inclusion Of Jigs

Jigs provide better control for the Tormek grinder, it comes with it, so you do not have to purchase it separately. For Rikon wet sharpener, you will need to purchase it separately, and you may need to purchase some other tools as well.

As a result of it, you may end up paying more than the overall price of the Tormek Grinder.

  • Functionality

Rikon wet sharpener is mainly for regrinding or reshaping tools. On the contrary, the Tormek grinder is mostly for sharpening the tools that you may need for doing your everyday work.

Which One Will Be The Best Fit For You To Purchase?

Tormek T-8 sharpening system
Tormek T-8 sharpening system

I am sure by now you already got a lot of ideas about these two tools. It is really difficult to pick one for you.

As you know about your budget, what you require, and if you are willing to trade off money for getting a better-quality product.

I would say if you need a better-quality product for yourself to do the sharpening job and money is not an issue as you are considering it as an investment then I would suggest you pick the Tormek grinder.

I mean, no one can deny how good it is to do the sharpening job of the tools, eventually making those tools more functional. It is safer, the durability is also so long.

Trust me on this, once you purchase it you can remain assured you do not have to worry about it for years to come.

On top of that, the price of the Tormek grinder does not fall significantly.

So, when you think about reselling this product after some time, be sure that you do not have to sacrifice a lot of money. You will for sure get a good deal.

But again, which one is the perfect one for you is entirely your call when it comes to making the final decision. But before you go, I want you to go through some alternatives to the Tormek sharpening tool.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Tormek sharpeners worth it?

Tormek sharpener is worth every penny if you think about its functionality of it. People who have purchased it to do all those regular jobs seem to never regret making that decision.

Where are Tormek sharpeners made?

Tormek grinder is only focused on the sharpening of the product. All the jobs related to the production of the product, for instance, product development, production, procurement, and other works are done in Sweden. The main company is located at Lindesberg.

How long do Tormek stones last?

It can last a bit more than 6 months, but it will be small, yet it will be usable.

Can you soak a water stone too long?

You can soak the water stone for an extended amount of time. It will not damage the stone in any way.

Wrapping Things Up

So, have you decided about Rikon wet sharpener vs. Tormek? 

Well, it depends on what you want out of your sharpening experience and how much cash you’re willing to spend on it. If you’re just looking to give your axe a quick touch-up, then go with Rikon.

If you want to get into some serious sharpening, then Tormek is undoubtedly the best pick. I hope you found this comparison helpful and already have made up your mind regarding which one to pick.

Happy grinding!

Ralph Wade

Hey...Ralph is here! So, did you find this article useful? If so, please leave a comment and let me know. If not, please tell me how I can improve this article. Your feedback is always appreciated. Take love :)

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