Hapstone RS - First Look and Updates

777 Edge said:
How about a modification on the clamping of the stone holders and handle on the tube? It's quite a big problem and many people are bending their tubes when they tighten the stone clamp or handle. When the tube is bent, the stone holder can become unusable in some cases.

I made a suggestion in post #39 that will solve the problem completely.

Click to expand...
It's discouraging that Hapstone Official Hapstone Official won't discuss or address this issue openly with us here.

Hopefully I won't regret ordering a Hapstone RS Black Sharpener from Gritomatic, earlier today.

Time will tell.
 
jeronimo said:
It's discouraging that Hapstone Official Hapstone Official won't discuss or address this issue openly with us here.

Hopefully I won't regret ordering a Hapstone RS Black Sharpener from Gritomatic, earlier today.

Time will tell.
Click to expand...

I think you'll like the RS, just be careful and aware of the issue and carefully tighten the stone clamp and handle so you don't bend the tube.

Yes, I agree, Hapstone Official Hapstone Official should address this. It's an easy fix for future models.
 
777 Edge said:
I think you'll like the RS, just be careful and aware of the issue and carefully tighten the stone clamp and handle so you don't bend the tube.

Yes, I agree, Hapstone Official Hapstone Official should address this. It's an easy fix for future models.
Click to expand...

I bought this system to use at my workplace, where I spend the majority of my time, and am often on standby for emergent work.

Me and a couple of my co-workers are avid sharpeners, and the RS will be put through it's paces.

Happy Holidays Burt! 🍻

JS
 
jeronimo said:
I bought this system to use at my workplace, where I spend the majority of my time, and am often on standby for emergent work.

Me and a couple of my co-workers are avid sharpeners, and the RS will be put through it's paces.

Happy Holidays Burt! 🍻

JS
Click to expand...

Sounds like the perfect place for it! Enjoy the holidays and merry Christmas.
 
jeronimo said:
I bought this system to use at my workplace, where I spend the majority of my time, and am often on standby for emergent work.

Me and a couple of my co-workers are avid sharpeners, and the RS will be put through it's paces.

Happy Holidays Burt! 🍻

JS
Click to expand...
Let us know how you find it. :)
 
The first behind the scenes preview of Precise angle adjuster for Hapstone RS can be said to be the little brother of Precise angle adjuster for Hapstone R2. Stainless steel screw shaft, anodized aircraft aluminum corps, horizontal guide rail attachment thanks to a powerful neodymium magnet, easy and smooth adjustment of the sharpening angle. The angle of sharpening from 12 to 36 degrees (per side).

On sale will be in the near future, there is not much left.

;) We will be glad to answer all your questions!
RS1.jpg
RS2.jpg
 
Anyone wanting a Hapstone RS, Gritomatic has a killer deal on them at the moment due to some extra stock. This price probably won't last too long.

www.gritomatic.com

Hapstone RS Knife Sharpener

Introducing the Hapstone RS, a new knife sharpening system born from the expertise of the Ukrainian team at Hapstone. Astonishing efficiency and user-friendly operation characterize this tool. For those seeking razor-sharp blades in the kitchen, repair shop, or for any hobbies, Hapstone RS...
www.gritomatic.com www.gritomatic.com
 
Ordered a new fixed-angle sharpener from GritOMatic. I use my system to maintain my folding knife collection and occasionally kitchen knives. I considered buying new 4” stones and continuing to use my trusty old KME but, the cost equaled about half of a new 6” system and there was not much selection. I decided to go with Hapstone RS as the upgrade / replacement. FWIW, customer service at GritOMatic was excellent as was the website ordering process.

I ordered Hapstone RS, 2nd set of RS clamps, spring assisted stop, thickness compensator, and Hapstone 1”x6” Premium CBN Stones in 80 150 400 1000 4000 8000 plus a padded zipper case for the stones. Seems like 800 grit was not available. Case for RS was out of stock but, I will add that ASAP. I already have a Klein angle gauge. I looked at the height adjustment piece but, it seems like thickness compensator won’t work with that. Did I miss any essential accessories? Are any of the optional clamps must-haves?

I intend to complete the full set of 12 Premium CBN Stones - probably around the holidays. I was not sure what grit progression is best to start with. I ordered 80 150 400 1000 4000 8000. I wonder if it is better initially to have 600 instead of 80? I wonder if it’s better initially to have strop(s) plus diamond paste instead of 8000?

Thanks to any experienced BF members for chiming in with advice or recommendations. Eager to use the new system…
 
MrMoose said:
Ordered a new fixed-angle sharpener from GritOMatic. I use my system to maintain my folding knife collection and occasionally kitchen knives. I considered buying new 4” stones and continuing to use my trusty old KME but, the cost equaled about half of a new 6” system and there was not much selection. I decided to go with Hapstone RS as the upgrade / replacement. FWIW, customer service at GritOMatic was excellent as was the website ordering process.

I ordered Hapstone RS, 2nd set of RS clamps, spring assisted stop, thickness compensator, and Hapstone 1”x6” Premium CBN Stones in 80 150 400 1000 4000 8000 plus a padded zipper case for the stones. Seems like 800 grit was not available. Case for RS was out of stock but, I will add that ASAP. I already have a Klein angle gauge. I looked at the height adjustment piece but, it seems like thickness compensator won’t work with that. Did I miss any essential accessories? Are any of the optional clamps must-haves?

I intend to complete the full set of 12 Premium CBN Stones - probably around the holidays. I was not sure what grit progression is best to start with. I ordered 80 150 400 1000 4000 8000. I wonder if it is better initially to have 600 instead of 80? I wonder if it’s better initially to have strop(s) plus diamond paste instead of 8000?

Thanks to any experienced BF members for chiming in with advice or recommendations. Eager to use the new system…
Click to expand...
You selected one heck of a nice setup there, I'm sure you'll love it.

The stone selection you chose, is more than enough. You don't need to get the 600 or 800 if you already have the 400 and 1000. The 80 grit you chose is a much better choice in lieu of the 600, you'll need the 80 more often for bevel setting, chip repairs etc. The only item that I personally would add, is a low grit (around 100 or so) diamond plated stone. That's very handy to have for quick steel removal, when needed.

The RS rail height adjuster is a great piece of kit to have, but if you already have the fine tuning adapter you don't specifically need to get it. The entire rail height adjuster works as a fine tuning angle adjuster, so the fine tuning adapter won't work with it and wouldn't be necessary anyways even if it did work with it. And yes, a stone thickness compensator also is not compatible with it.

If you want mirror polished edges, then a couple diamond strops would be good, but it really isn't necessary with what you have.

When the "Small universal angled clamps for Hapstone RS" come back in stock again, a pair of those are worth having, they are very versatile when it comes to geometrically challenging knives. Hapstone is manufacturing more as far as I've been told, so Gritomatic will hopefully have more stock within the next few months.

Enjoy your setup and post about how you like it when you get around to it.
 
Placed a second order with GritOMatic for scissors module, chisel module, (2) 6” kangaroo strops, 1 & 3 micron Hapstone Poly Diamond suspension. EASTER2025 discount code takes 15% of the sting out. Gotta love a good sale ;)

Entered a “notify me” for the recommended clamps and the RS case…
 
I used my new Hapstone RS system to sharpen four kitchen knives and three folders so far. Resulting sharpness is very good. Best result was with a Spyderco PM2 in S30V which came out extremely sharp. I took it to 8000 grit and stropped with 1micron. Simply the sharpest blade I have ever been able to produce - almost mirror polish but still has “bite.”

I find it somewhat challenging to get blades centered in the RS clamps. On the last couple blades I used Kapton tape to protect the blade and found that tape seemed to help the clamps grip better. Takes me longer than expected to get a blade clamped just right. Clamp system on KME is much easier to use. After I get a blade clamped, I check the angle on both sides. I often need to loosen and re-center the blade. I usually can get within one tenth of a degree after two or three attempts. This is crucial so bevel thickness is the same on both sides.

I really like the Hapstone Premium CBN stones. The CBN’s produce very nice refined grain. I run the stones on an angle from the back of the blade toward the tip to produce a nice grain that slopes down the bevel. The quality of edge that comes off the 1000 CBN stone is fantastic. I ordered the 800 CBN stone - it should arrive today. I think diamond stones would be more practical below 400 grit because the 80 and 150 CBN do not cut fast enough for me. Maybe 80 and 150 would benefit from lapping. I took 777 Edge’s recommendation and added a low grit diamond stone. I picked up an Atoma 140 which cuts very fast but, now I have to deal with different stone thickness. I should note that I apply a drop of honing oil to the stones before use as recommended by Hapstone. Oil makes it easy to keep the stones clean. Hapstone Premium CBN stones are easy to recommend especially in combination with a course diamond for reprofiling.

A couple small issues: 1) Need to return/exchange the second pair of RS clamps - they are not right. 2) The tube that slides over the rod becomes less smooth running after a little bit of use. I need to frequently wipe the rod clean and run a cotton patch through the tube as if cleaning a gun barrel. Wonder if the upgraded holder with linear bearing improves this? 3) Suspect the magnet / ball interface is not as smooth as it should be therefore the chrome ball shows wear already. I’m concerned that the chrome ball won’t hold up well. My new RS system is not perfect but it is a significant upgrade from my well-used KME.

Have not had a chance to test scissor or chisel modules yet but, I will. I ordered the C-Clamp so I can sharpen longer kitchen knives. I will likely order the RS height adjustment upgrade.

In the back of my mind, I wonder if R2 might have been a better choice? Overall, I am pleased with my new Hapstone RS system and will be on the bench sharpening with it again today…
 
MrMoose said:
I used my new Hapstone RS system to sharpen four kitchen knives and three folders so far. Resulting sharpness is very good. Best result was with a Spyderco PM2 in S30V which came out extremely sharp. I took it to 8000 grit and stropped with 1micron. Simply the sharpest blade I have ever been able to produce - almost mirror polish but still has “bite.”

I find it somewhat challenging to get blades centered in the RS clamps. On the last couple blades I used Kapton tape to protect the blade and found that tape seemed to help the clamps grip better. Takes me longer than expected to get a blade clamped just right. Clamp system on KME is much easier to use. After I get a blade clamped, I check the angle on both sides. I often need to loosen and re-center the blade. I usually can get within one tenth of a degree after two or three attempts. This is crucial so bevel thickness is the same on both sides.

I really like the Hapstone Premium CBN stones. The CBN’s produce very nice refined grain. I run the stones on an angle from the back of the blade toward the tip to produce a nice grain that slopes down the bevel. The quality of edge that comes off the 1000 CBN stone is fantastic. I ordered the 800 CBN stone - it should arrive today. I think diamond stones would be more practical below 400 grit because the 80 and 150 CBN do not cut fast enough for me. Maybe 80 and 150 would benefit from lapping. I took 777 Edge’s recommendation and added a low grit diamond stone. I picked up an Atoma 140 which cuts very fast but, now I have to deal with different stone thickness. I should note that I apply a drop of honing oil to the stones before use as recommended by Hapstone. Oil makes it easy to keep the stones clean. Hapstone Premium CBN stones are easy to recommend especially in combination with a course diamond for reprofiling.

A couple small issues: 1) Need to return/exchange the second pair of RS clamps - they are not right. 2) The tube that slides over the rod becomes less smooth running after a little bit of use. I need to frequently wipe the rod clean and run a cotton patch through the tube as if cleaning a gun barrel. Wonder if the upgraded holder with linear bearing improves this? 3) Suspect the magnet / ball interface is not as smooth as it should be therefore the chrome ball shows wear already. I’m concerned that the chrome ball won’t hold up well. My new RS system is not perfect but it is a significant upgrade from my well-used KME.

Have not had a chance to test scissor or chisel modules yet but, I will. I ordered the C-Clamp so I can sharpen longer kitchen knives. I will likely order the RS height adjustment upgrade.

In the back of my mind, I wonder if R2 might have been a better choice? Overall, I am pleased with my new Hapstone RS system and will be on the bench sharpening with it again today…
Click to expand...
Hi! MrMoose MrMoose



Thank you for your detailed feedback — it really helps us improve, and I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying your RS system overall. Let me address each point below:

1. RS Clamps

No problem at all — just send us a message and we’ll take care of the exchange or return promptly.

2. Guide Rod Movement

It’s best to use PTFE (Teflon) lubricant to keep the motion smooth over time.

Alternatively, our upgraded stone holder with a linear bearing offers a much smoother and more stable glide. If you decide to upgrade or run into any issues, we’re here to help.

3. Chrome Ball Wear

We’re aware of this issue in earlier batches — it doesn’t affect functionality, but we’ve already addressed it in newer units.

If the wear becomes a concern or causes discomfort, we’ll be happy to replace the joint for you at no cost.

About the Clamps
The key factor is the type of clamps:

Standard clamps have an internal groove that makes it easier to secure knives with bevels, but they may be slightly unstable with flat bevels. In this case, we recommend using electrical tape or boat fabric to compensate for the groove and ensure better fixation. You can also use straight clamps, which give you flexibility and versatility in clamping knives of any shape.

You can also tighten the screws a little more to prevent them from loosening during sharpening, don't worry.


If you ever have doubts or questions, I’m always here to assist.



Best regards,

Mario

Hapstone 🇺🇦
 
I just have too shoutout a big Thanks to Mario from Hapstone.
Not only is he fast and responsive to all my questions about stones when buying stones and whatnot from their site.
But also as fast and responsive when i`m having problems with my Hapstone RS, that turned out not being a problem with the unit itself but with the universal stoneholder. He offered to send out an replacement bearing,before i even asked for one!

Great support and truly helpful with all my questions i have had.
 
Last edited:
Hello
Just wanted to share a little project i did today.
Was not happy that i could not clamp bigger knives how i wanted to, because then the knife tip would smack into the the base. And would not be able to flip around the knife to the other side.
I could mitigate this by clamping the knife more to one side but it seemed that the bevel did not come out as clean during sharpening.

So i bought an Pizza steel :) made of carbon steel ( it weighs 6 kilos ) and drilled new holes. I also drilled the new holes 2cm closer to the edge. So now when i flip the bigger knifes it does not come in contact with the base :)
It is a bit oversized but i`m thinking about to bringing it to work on Friday and cut it to a better size but i have not decided if i care about the size yet, IT IS really sturdy as it is now
Now i just hope that the precise angle adjuster i ordered this week from Hapstone will arrive next then all my gripes ( is gripes the correct word ? ) with the RS is gone :)

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mikee1 said:
So i bought an Pizza steel :) made of carbon steel ( it weighs 6 kilos ) and drilled new holes. I also drilled the new holes 2cm closer to the edge. So now when i flip the bigger knifes it does not come in contact with the base :)
It is a bit oversized but i`m thinking about to bringing it to work on Friday and cut it to a better size but i have not decided if i care about the size yet, IT IS really sturdy as it is now
Click to expand...

That's a serious base you have there, nicely done!

Just some info for interest - clamping a knife off to one side will not actually affect the bevel angle at all. This is a commonly misunderstood concept in the sharpening community. What will change the angle or affect the bevel, is clamping a knife severely misaligned in clamps (tip or heel very far back - as an example).
 
Thank you!
About the bevel, maybe i´m doing something else wrong because the result is not as good over the entire bevel when i clamp it off to one side.
But now i do not have to clamp in any other way than in the middle :)
 
That is one sturdy base - great job!
FWIW, Hapstone sells a C-Clamp that allows you to connect sharpening system to the edge of your work surface, eliminating the base. Large knives swing freely.
www.hapstone-usa.com

C-clamp for Hapstone RS

The C-clamp for the Hapstone RS knife sharpener ensures that your knife sharpener is securely held in place during sharpening. Made from 4mm thick steel anodized in black, it provides strength and durability. Rubber pads on the clamp provide extra grip and protect your table surface. Easy to...
www.hapstone-usa.com www.hapstone-usa.com
 
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