I have it. The problem is that SVM-45 can't clamp blade symmetrically. So I have to set the angle both side. If someday, tormek makes self-centering knife jig, then I'll not need it.
Your statement is not quite accurate. The fixed jaw has a 1.25mm machined slot designed to center a 2.5mm thick knife blade. This is a typical thickness for many contemporary kitchen knives. At this thickness, the jig is self centering. As the thickness of the knife blade deviates from 2.5mm, a symmetry error is gradually introduced. I leave it up to the individual sharpener to decide how critical this error factor might be. I can see where it might be a consideration with a premium priced sharpening of a very expensive knife.
This kind of high precision sharpening seems outside of the operating cost model for everyday sharpening. If a customer wants this level of sharpening, and is willing to pay a premium for it, then I think the sharpener, like Wootz, should be equipped with several knife jigs custom machined with different slot thicknesses and shims. I do not think it is reasonable to expect this level of precision workmanship for standard prices.
On the other hand, this variation in symmetry is not necessarily bad. Magnus has posted about Japanese knives having different bevel angles to favor the dominant hand of the user. I am left handed. I reground a santoku knife to a single left handed bevel. I probably overdid it, however, the knife works very well for making very thin slices of apple and cheese. Depenfing on which side of the blade was placed in the milled slot of the jig's fixed jaw, the handedness of the user could be favored. I would not use this for everydsy sharpening, however, it might have possibilities for infividual high end customers.
Like many of us, I look forward to redesigned knife jigs, however, I think the self centering issue with the present jigs is overblown.
Ken
