Hogdog6,
Here is a link to the FVB page:
http://knifegrinders.com.au/11Shop.htmThe page is listed as "Edge testing equipment and accessories”. I find the sales technique refreshingly different: Provide the customer with useful information on using the product. If the customer decides the product suits his needs, he will purchase it.
One thing I found confusing was the drop down cost with shipping menu (at least with an ipad). The down arrow brought up Australia and New Zealand. There is a third listing for International, however, it requires scrolling down to see it. It initially fooled me. I was prepared to pay the price shown in Australian Dollars, and pleased to see the lower number in US Dollars.
For a unique, useful, well machined product made on a small scale, I think the price is very fair.
I approached the design from the opposite direction. I devised a way to have a horizontal base with the edge leading, just like using a dry grinder or a lathe. My idea works very well on paper. It also works in a dry grinding situation using CBN or the two smaller Tormek diamond wheels (primarily designed for the T2). The only difficulty was using it wet....it caused a flood.
The vertical honing position seems very logical, especially for Wootz' sharpening technique. He sharpens in a sitting position using the vertical edge leading direction. Sitting would offer a notable increase in comfort for long sessions or working in a van. It would also provide the consistency of the same tool position for honing as for sharpening. Wootz' very impressive BESS sharpness numbers provide "the proof in the pudding" (English idiom meaning the proof).
Wootz has very cleverly coordinated the FVB with his set up applet. The standardized position for the FVB is with the two legs pushed all the way into the horizontal sleeves until the FVB contacts the Tormek frame. No measuring required for that part of the set up and very consistent. I am impressed.
Ken