Yesterday (June 16, 2020) I watched Tormek's live online class on the T2. Tormek wisely includes these online classes on their you tube channel. This is the sixth class in Tormek's new series. Each class lasts around forty five minutes, enough time to go well beyond a marketing sound bite and offer some in depth information for both beginners and experienced sharpeners. In my opinion, each class benefits from previous classes. I give the T2 class the highest marks to date.
I was pleased that the T2 received a separate class. Although the T2 is similar to the T8 and almost identical to the T4, the design purpose and technique are different. The T2 was specifically designed for inexperienced sharpeners in the restaurant trade to quickly and easily maintain sharp knives. The T4 and T8 are designed as general purpose sharpeners. Each design purpose can be both a blessing and a curse. In depth training, like these video classes, increases the blessing and minimizes the curse.
I was impressed that the class included both a solid introduction to the basic use of the T2 and some more sophisticated techniques. Some of these, like sharpening cleavers, food processor blades, and mandoline blades, probably evolved from customer feedback. This fits my long held belief that the Tormek is both simple enough to handle its basic functions and versatile enough not to be limited to them.
I have owned a T2 since it was first introduced. In truth, I have generally put it on the back burner, preferring to use the T8 or T4. After studying the online video class, I see a lot more potential for my T2. If I can find the space, I may even end up keeping my T2 in the kitchen as my "go to" for quick touch up sharpening.
Ken