Back | Tormek Friends
Get to know fantastic creators around the world
We are incredibly proud to hear that the Tormek Sharpening System is part of the work process of creators around the world. Woodturners, woodcarvers, luthiers and ice sculptors are just a few of the professions in which sharp tools are of great importance and where Tormek’s sharpening machines are used. With the Tormek Friends concept, we want to let these creators share their story and provide an insight into what their work is like. We’ll learn what’s important when ice sculpting, how to best store your chisels and why it is important to always work with sharp tools. See the films below and let yourself be inspired!
Jonas Als – Woodturner and spoon carver
Since growing up near the forest, Jonas Als has developed his creative talents and now works as a wood turner and craftsman. His workshop is situated on the coast of Zealand in Denmark, and that's where his bowls, dishes and vases take shape on the basis of his distinctive and stylishly simple Danish design tradition. Jonas's designs have found a home in a number of Michelin-starred restaurants. The work he does makes stringent demands in terms of quality, and Jonas Als embodies this quality in his craftsmanship. Take a short break from your day-to-day life and join Jonas in the countryside to watch him work.
Peter Sefton - Master Craftsman and Furniture Maker
Peter Sefton is not only an award-winning Master Craftsman and Furniture Maker, he’s also a well-known educator, demonstrator and writer. Following his grandfather’s footsteps of becoming a cabinet maker, Peter now has more than 30 years’ experience in woodworking and has devoted almost 20 of his professional career to teaching and mentoring. With Peter Sefton Furniture School, he wants to pass on his commercial and teaching experiences and the courses are suitable for all ages and abilities. We visited Peter at his facilities just outside Upton upon Severn (UK) to have a chat about his story, his courses and of course, sharpening.
Kerryn Carter - Woodworker
Kerryn started her professional career as an accountant and lawyer, but never let go of her dream of becoming a woodworker. In 2012, she got the chance to take a class led by woodworker Stuart Faulkner and since then, Kerryn has continued to develop her interest in woodwork, which has now become part of her professional life. Today, Kerryn is recognized as a woodworker, writer and educator. She runs “Tool School”, a woodwork school which primarily focuses on giving children and women the opportunity to work with tools and wood. Follow us as we visit her in Sydney, Australia and hear Kerryn tell her story and how she inspires the younger generation.
Jimmi Eriksson - Chef
Since winning the prestigious competitions Chef of the Year 2016 and the Nordic Culinary Mastership 2017, Jimmi is a familiar face for many Swedes. Being a passionate gastronome, he is dedicated to discovering new flavour combinations and creative presentations, with great respect for the raw material. He is also one of the stars in the Swedish Culinary Team who is setting the agenda for modern Swedish cuisine. The team is currently practising for the Culinary World Cup in November and the Culinary Olympics 2020 with the theme "Curious by nature". Tormek is proud to be a selected partner.
Nick Agar - Woodturning artist
With large scale, multi-textured turned wood sculptures, Nick has earned a reputation for producing highly individual, beautifully crafted art combining woodturning with other artistic techniques. He is exhibiting widely and appearing at international conferences both as a demonstrator and a judge. His work has also featured on the BBC and ITV lifestyle television programmes. Join us on our visit to his workshop in Devon!
Tjåsa Gusfors - Ice Sculptor
Follow us to the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi, northern Sweden! We meet ice sculptor Tjåsa, one of the many artists who create this amazing project. Every year a whole new hotel is built – fully made of naturally frozen ice. Of course, we also talk sharpening and sharp tools!
Tormek go fishing with Per Fritzell
Join us as we go fishing with Per Fritzell at one of his favourite places outside Lindesberg, Sweden. Back home, his Tormek get the work done sharpening up the filleting knife before preparing dinner. His son Nils with friend Rasmus give us a good hand in the kitchen (thanks guys). To Swedes, Per is a well-known and appreciated actor, comedian and musician, famous from "Galenskaparna" – But who knew he also makes wooden knives. He's sharp!
Glenn Lucas - Woodturner
Glenn Lucas' classic bowls, turned by hand from Irish native wood, can be found in quality outlets all over the world. He balances his bowl production with an extensive teaching programme run from his Woodturning Study Centre in beautiful County Carlow, Ireland. As an experienced and well-respected teacher, he is a sought after name for international woodturning conventions and training programs. Join us on our visit to his workshop where he also shares his personal tips on using the Tormek Sharpening System.
Dala Horse making factory Nusnäs
Learn the story of the original Dala horse from Dalarna, Sweden and see how the woodcarvers keep their knives sharp. These guys sharpen 50-60 knives a day! Each horse is a true hand craft, carved and painted by hand since generations.
Carsten Nilsson - Woodcarver
Since 1996, Carsten has worked full time as a professional woodcarver. His work ranges from restoration of precious 1700th Century pieces to modern furniture prototypes for well-known designers. But he is mostly famous for his unique design of mirrors, chandeliers and pepper mills, all hand made by him in his workshop in Österlen, Sweden.