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Front Vertical Base (FVB) |
Front Vertical Base
Block Style from KnifeGrinders
The Front Vertical Base (FVB), designed by Dr. Vadim Kraichuk of KnifeGrinders, has been instrumental in making the sharpening process more repeatable. And KnifeGrinders has developed tools and software around it's use. Instructions for use are available from KnifeGrinders.
The FVB that KnifeGrinders designed is built to enable them to quickly sharpen knives in a very repeatable and accurate manner. And this system does that well. Of note though is that this system (as embedded in the associated app) is based on measuring from the FVB's top to the bottom of the universal support bar (USB) that the FVB is holding.
Update: with the very unfortunate and far too early passing of Dr. Kraichuk, these are no longer available from Knife Grinders.
You can also take a different approach as it regards the measurements. The approach advocated by Ton Nillesen (also known as the "Dutchman") on the Tormek forum is to measure from the USB to the grindstone (rather than from the FVB to the USB). Taking this approach works for the sharpener, whether the sharpener chooses to use the FVB or not. And, it makes the size of the FVB immaterial (except to ensure it does not interfere with its use).
Ton's documents can be accessed at Dutchman's Guide.
And, the on-line Calculators will work using this approach.