Different Types Of Tormek Grinding Stones For Your Sharpening Needs

If you were to ask any professional knife sharpener why they choose to use different grinding stones for different sharpening needs, their answer would be exceptional sharpening efficiency from well-reputed brands.

I am specifically referring to Tormek grinding stones.

Each Tormek stone possesses its own enchanting qualities and grit levels. These magnificent stones hold the power to transform your blades into masterpieces, tailored to perfection.

Imagine the sheer joy of selecting the perfect grinding stone, unlocking the gateway to unparalleled sharpening results. Feel the rush of excitement as you restore the razor-sharp precision of your beloved chef’s knife, breathing new life into its once-dulled edge.

Tormek DC-250 Diamond Wheel Coarse 360 grit - For Fast Steel Removal When Shaping and a Rapid Repair of a Dull or Damaged Edge - Fits T-8 and T-7

Diamond Wheel Coarse

Last update on 2025-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Let’s dive right into learning about the various Tormek grinding stones and how to choose the right one for your sharpening needs.

One of the most popular grinding stones offered by Tormek is the Original Grindstone (SG-200 or SG-250). This stone is made of aluminum oxide and is ideal for sharpening knives, scissors, and chisels.

Another option is the Blackstone Silicon (SB-250), which is perfect for high-speed steel and other exotic alloys.

If you’re looking to sharpen Japanese tools, the Japanese Waterstone (SJ-250) is a great choice for its unique abrasive properties that ensure a sharp and polished edge.

Finally, Tormek also offers a Diamond Wheel, which is the most efficient option for sharpening carbide and other extremely hard materials.

Original Grindstone (SG-200 or SG-250)

Looking for the OG grindstone to take your material removal game to the next level?

Look no further than the legendary SG-200 or SG-250. These bad boys are made from aluminum oxide, so they’re tough as nails and will give you that polished finish you’ve been dreaming of.

The SG-200 is the star player of grindstones, with an 8-inch diameter that perfectly matches the Tormek T-4.

The SG-250 is a powerhouse with a massive 10-inch diameter designed for the Tormek T-8.

These babies can handle just about any tool you throw at them – woodturning tools, knives, scissors, and many more.

Let’s not forget about the stone grader that comes with the Tormek sharpeners.

You can transform these grindstones from a gritty 220 to a silky smooth 1000.

Talk about versatility!

It’s like having a shape-shifting grindstone that can do it all. No wonder it’s the perfect sidekick to the Tormek sharpener T-8.

To ensure the peak performance and longevity of the Original Grindstones, it is crucial to keep them pristine and perfectly flat.

The TT-50 truing tool can effortlessly restore the grindstone’s surface to its former glory, bidding farewell to any unsightly grooves or hollows that may have dared to form.

With tender love and care, your Original Grindstones will remain loyal companions for countless years, consistently providing you with unparalleled sharpening results.

Blackstone Silicon (SB-250)

You’ll love the versatility of the Blackstone Silicon (SB-250) grinding wheel, as it’s suitable for sharpening everything from high-speed steel to carbide and even ceramic.

This wheel is designed to efficiently remove material, making it perfect for sharpening tools with hard metals. The Blackstone Silicon has a grit size of 220, which makes it ideal for shaping tools and repairing chips or nicks.

When it comes to polishing and finishing, the Blackstone Silicon (SB-250) grinding wheel does an excellent job. It falls under the polishing/finish category, which means it can create a smooth and polished finish on tools.

The wheel is also efficient for sharpening common tool steels, making it a great choice for sharpening a wide range of tools.

The Blackstone Silicon (SB-250) grinding wheel never loses shape, so you don’t have to worry about truing it like you would with a traditional grindstone.

However, if you do need to adjust the characteristics of the wheel, the SP-650 Stone Grader can be used to change the grit of the wheel.

Keep in mind that the stone grader is not for use on diamond wheels and the coarse side should not be used on Japanese Waterstones.

Japanese Waterstone (SJ-250)

If your workshop is lacking the Japanese Waterstone (SJ-250), then you are truly missing out.

This must-have tool is essential for achieving the sharpest edges on any of your tools.

Handcrafted from natural stone, the SJ-250 boasts a fine-grit surface that is ideal for giving your chisels, planer blades, and knives that final touch.

Not only will it sharpen your tools, but it will also polish and refine the edges, leaving them in top-notch condition.

I’m talking about achieving an extremely smooth, reflective surface.

But what truly sets the SJ-250 apart is its water usage. By utilizing water, this stone stays pristine and dust-free, enabling you to work efficiently and flawlessly.

This precision makes it a go-to for those working with the finest materials.

But one important note: never use the coarse side of the stone grader on your Japanese Waterstone.

I bet you’ll never want to harm your knife.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality sharpening stone that can help you achieve a razor-sharp edge on your tools, the Japanese Waterstone (SJ-250) is an excellent choice.

Also, check out the Japanese Waterstone SJ-200 to help you make better buying decisions.

It’s versatile, easy to use, and offers a fine grit that’s perfect for finishing and polishing your tools.

Whether you’re a professional woodworker or a DIY enthusiast, this stone is a great addition to any workshop.

Diamond Grinding Wheel

If you’re looking to sharpen your tools with a diamond grinding wheel, Tormek offers three different types to choose from.

The Coarse DC-250 wheel is perfect for fast material removal and shaping tools, while the Fine DF-250 wheel is ideal for sharpening and honing edges.

If you’re looking for an even finer finish, the Extra Fine DE-250 wheel is great for polishing and achieving a razor-sharp edge.

Coarse (DC-250)

Looking for a more efficient way to remove material from your tools? Check out the Coarse (DC-250) option from Tormek’s selection of grinding wheels. This grinding wheel is perfect for shaping and re-shaping tools as it removes material at a faster rate than finer stones.

Here are four things you should know:

The Coarse (DC-250) is a high-quality diamond wheel that never loses its shape, so you don’t have to worry about truing it.
This wheel is designed to be used on common tool steels and works particularly well on HSS (High-Speed Steel) materials.
The Coarse (DC-250) has a grit size of 360, which means it is rough enough to remove material quickly, but still leaves a smooth surface finish.
All Tormek diamond wheels have fixed grit that cannot be changed using the stone grader (SP-650).

With the Coarse (DC-250) grinding wheel, you’ll be able to save time and work more efficiently when shaping and re-shaping your tools. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the wheel losing its shape or becoming dull over time.

So, if you’re looking for a high-quality grinding wheel that can handle your toughest sharpening needs, the Coarse (DC-250) is definitely worth considering.

Fine (DF-250)

For those who desire a more refined surface finish on their tools, the Fine (DF-250) option may be worth exploring.

This diamond grinding stone, with grit 600 is designed to produce a polished edge on your tools, making it ideal for those who require a high-quality finish.

To help you determine if the Fine (DF-250) option is right for you, here is a table comparing the key features of the Coarse (DC-250) and Fine (DF-250) grinding stones:

Grinding Stone	Material Removal	Polishing/Finish	Tool Steel Suitability	HSS/Hard Metals Efficiency
Coarse (DC-250)	High	Coarse	Good	Good
Fine (DF-250)	Low	Fine	Excellent	Excellent

As you can see, the Fine (DF-250) stone is best suited for those who require a high-quality finish on their tools, while the Coarse (DC-250) stone is better suited for those who need to remove a lot of material quickly.

Ultimately, the choice between the two stones will depend on your specific sharpening needs and the tools you need to sharpen.

Extra Fine (DE-250)

The Extra Fine (DE-250) grinding stone, with grit 1200, is the next level of refinement for those seeking an even higher-quality finish on their tools.

This stone is designed to achieve the ultimate polished finish on your blades and implements. It is perfect for sharpening and honing tools that require an incredibly sharp edge, such as carving knives, chisels, and razors.

The DE-250 is an excellent choice for those who desire an extra level of sharpness and smoothness in their tools. With this grinding stone, you can achieve an incredibly polished and mirror-like finish, making your tools look as good as they perform.

Keep in mind that this extra fine grinding stone should only be used after sharpening with a coarser stone, as it’s not designed for material removal.

To be on the safe side, feel free to read the article on the benefits of Tormek Japanese Waterstone SJ-200 to gain a better understanding of what is needed for your different grinding needs.

Is It Worth to Invest in Tormek Grindstones

Tormek grindstones are no joke – just like the T-4 and T-8 models, these bad boys will keep your tools slicing through material like a hot knife through butter.

Crafted from premium materials, you can bet these stones will outlast all your other sharpening gear and the grindstones remove metal quickly, making the whole sharpening schtick faster than other systems out there.

Now you may be wondering if these pricey stones are really worth the investment.

Well, let me tell you, if you want reliable, efficient sharpening for years to come the answer is a hard yes!

Tormek engineers each stone carefully based on the grit and sharpening application, so you know you’re getting the right stone for your specific needs.

And they pair beautifully with Tormek accessories like the stone grader and truing tool for stupid sharp edges.

Honestly, if I had to pick one sharpening system and set of stones to rely on for the rest of my life, I wouldn’t think twice about grabbing the Tormek grindstones.

With their slick design and performance, your tools will be sharper than sharp, allowing you to work efficiently and precisely on all your projects.

Conclusion

Thanks for reading this far. We hope this simple guide will assist you in finding the perfect grinding stones for your sharpening machine.

Remember, the Original Grindstone (SG-200 or SG-250) is a great all-purpose option, while the Blackstone Silicon (SB-250) is perfect for high-carbide steel.

The Japanese Waterstone (SJ-250) is ideal for polishing and honing, and the Diamond Wheel is perfect for sharpening extremely hard materials.

With Tormek, you can rely on high-quality, durable stones that will provide efficient and effective sharpening for years to come.

As the saying goes, ‘You get what you pay for’ and with Tormek, you’re getting top-of-the-line sharpening tools that will make a noticeable difference in the quality of your work.

So why settle for less? Invest in Tormek grindstones and experience the difference for yourself.