Hapstone RS - First Look and Updates

[Strauss95]

Thank you for the great review, and the handling of the small details made us very happy as well.

We want to be a little more specific about the rubber band.

The rubber band is not for levelling the sharpening angle during stone changes. And that the vertical guide would not hit the table when releasing the screw.
In case someone has a glass table =)

What is the purpose of the rubber o-ring in question if it's not for stone thickness compensation?

 

[777 Edge]

What is the purpose of the rubber o-ring in question if it's not for stone thickness compensation?

When you release the vertical angle adjusting rod with the set thumb screw and you're not holding onto it, the vertical rod drops freely due to gravity and can possibly strike the table top surface you're working on.

From what Hapstone Official says, they added the O-ring as a dampener to stop this from happening.

If you install a stone thickness compensator (I'm busy designing one for the RS model), then there would be no need for the O-ring because the vertical rod won't slide all the way down.

 

[777 Edge]

Stone Thickness compensator for the Hapstone RS:​

For those who prefer the simplicity of a stone thickness compensator, I designed one today for the Hapstone RS. I'll ask Gritomatic to have these available if there is demand for them.

Having one installed also negates the risk of the vertical rod striking your table if it were to drop down all the way after loosening the vertical rod locking thumb set screw. This removes the need for the rubber O-ring discussed earlier in this thread.

 

[ShelseyWalsh]

Thanks for this thread I am have been waiting for more info on the RS. I was hoping that it would be as good as it looked. I do have a couple of questions. I have many 3 inch or less slip joints will it be able to handle those either with the supplied clamps or some of the other current Hapstone clamps?
The width of my narrowest blade is .45 inches , most are .68 to. 8

From what was said I am not sure if it does have a stopper or not? I would think with the telescoping arm it would be difficult to incorporate?

How does it compare to the kme or worksharp pa pro?

I really need a compact system as I do not have a dedicated area for sharpening.

Bye which angle cube is that it looks very cool as does your stone thickness compensator!

Many thanks!

 

[777 Edge]

I do have a couple of questions. I have many 3 inch or less slip joints will it be able to handle those either with the supplied clamps or some of the other current Hapstone clamps?
The width of my narrowest blade is .45 inches , most are .68 to. 8

It's not a problem at all, you can use 1 clamp alone if needed for a very small blade. As long as you clamp correctly (always use one clamp on the flat tang area), then the clamps work well and will be rock solid. Here is a photo of an example of how you can securely clamp a 0.35 inch wide (1.5 inch long) small Victorinox blade with one clamp alone :

From what was said I am not sure if it does have a stopper or not? I would think with the telescoping arm it would be difficult to incorporate?

It does not come with a stopper, but you can easily install one regular 6mm Hapstone stopper. Only 1 stopper (rear stop) can be used with this system.

How does it compare to the kme or worksharp pa pro?

It is a far superior system to a KME, not even comparable. I can't comment on the Professional WSPA, as I don't yet have one. Compared to the regular precision adjust, the Hapstone RS is in a different league.

I really need a compact system as I do not have a dedicated area for sharpening.

This is perfect for you then - it is very compact and also easily disassemblable, if need be.

Bye which angle cube is that it looks very cool as does your stone thickness compensator!

That is a TSProf "Axicube One", their latest Axicube. It's much more than just a regular angle cube, it also compensates for tilt or angled measurement (I assume it has an internal accelerometer / gyroscope). A regular angle cube is not accurate if rotated (around the Z-axis) while measuring your angle, whereas the Axicube One compensates for this. This means that you don't have to measure only in the center or only on a perpendicular plane like you need to with a regular angle cube. With the Axicube One, you can measure heel or tip accurately - not so with a regular angle cube.

Thanks for the compliment on the stone thickness compensator.

 

[Hapstone Official]

Ah, ok that makes sense now! Thanks for the explanation! You have made another excellent sharpening system and I have to congratulate you on the design and implementation. Well done Hapstone Official !

When do you expect the official release date to be?

 

[ShelseyWalsh]

It's not a problem at all, you can use 1 clamp alone if needed for a very small blade. As long as you clamp correctly (always use one clamp on the flat tang area), then the clamps work well and will be rock solid. Here is a photo of an example of how you can securely clamp a 0.35 inch wide (1.5 inch long) small Victorinox blade with one clamp alone :

View attachment 2187390




It does not come with a stopper, but you can easily install one regular 6mm Hapstone stopper. Only 1 stopper (rear stop) can be used with this system.



It is a far superior system to a KME, not even comparable. I can't comment on the Professional WSPA, as I don't yet have one. Compared to the regular precision adjust, the Hapstone RS is in a different league.



This is perfect for you then - it is very compact and also easily disassemblable, if need be.



That is a TSProf "Axicube One", their latest Axicube. It's much more than just a regular angle cube, it also compensates for tilt or angled measurement (I assume it has an internal accelerometer / gyroscope). A regular angle cube is not accurate if rotated (around the Z-axis) while measuring your angle, whereas the Axicube One compensates for this. This means that you don't have to measure only in the center or only on a perpendicular plane like you need to with a regular angle cube. With the Axicube One, you can measure heel or tip accurately - not so with a regular angle cube.

Thanks for the compliment on the stone thickness compensator.

Thank you as always for you rapid, helpful and comprehensive reply! I just thought of a couple more questions.

So to confirm the other hapstone clamps and modules will work with the RS?

Will the clamps work well with hollow ground and full flat grind blades?

Again thank you for your help it is greatly appreciated!

 

[777 Edge]

Thank you as always for you rapid, helpful and comprehensive reply! I just thought of a couple more questions.

No problem.

So to confirm the other hapstone clamps and modules will work with the RS?

Yes, all of the Hapstone R2 series clamps will work. The older generation Hapstone R1 clamps or K-series clamps will not work with the RS.

Will the clamps work well with hollow ground and full flat grind blades?

Yes, as long as you follow my guidance above in my previous post (pic where I clamp the small Victorinox blade). Always use 1 clamp on the flat ricasso area OR on a flat portion of the spine if you can, and it works perfectly. The second clamp can be used in a different spot, closer to the tip if desired. I've tried all of my spyderco FFG knives and they all clamp perfectly fine - as long as you use one of the clamps on the flat tang area and the other one about an inch back from the tip.

Again thank you for your help it is greatly appreciated!

My pleasure.

 

[ShelseyWalsh]

No problem.



Yes, all of the Hapstone R2 series clamps will work. The older generation Hapstone R1 clamps or K-series clamps will not work with the RS.



Yes, as long as you follow my guidance above in my previous post (pic where I clamp the small Victorinox blade). Always use 1 clamp on the flat ricasso area OR on a flat portion of the spine if you can, and it works perfectly. The second clamp can be used in a different spot, closer to the tip if desired. I've tried all of my spyderco FFG knives and they all clamp perfectly fine - as long as you use one of the clamps on the flat tang area and the other one about an inch back from the tip.



My pleasure.

 

[ShelseyWalsh]

Great info! Seriously considering the RS now that I have your thoughts on it. Do you know when gritomatic will have it in stock? Or is it better to go with the indie pop pre order on the Hapstone site for possible Aug delivery.

Would your recommendation for stones still be Venev? As part of the deal on indie pop the Hapstone premium cbns can be packaged in for a good price. This will be my first guided sharpener hence the questions.

 

[Strauss95]

I will definitely want your thickness compensator for the RS once it's available! Nice work!

 

[777 Edge]

Do you know when gritomatic will have it in stock? Or is it better to go with the indie pop pre order on the Hapstone site for possible Aug delivery.

I assume that Gritomatic will be the first to have it available in the USA, I would also guess not long after the kickstarter / Indiegogo release.

Would your recommendation for stones still be Venev? As part of the deal on indie pop the Hapstone premium cbns can be packaged in for a good price. This will be my first guided sharpener hence the questions.

I don't have a set of Hapstone specific branded Premium CBN metallic bonded stones, but I do have a set of Venev MS-1 CBN metallic bonded stones that I really like. I assume that the Hapstone Premium CBN metallic bonded stones would be similar as both types use a metallic organic bond. You would likely not necessarily need the 2000 and 5000 grit that Hapstone offers in the package for daily edges though.

You'll probably get more polished edges from the Venev resin based diamond or CBN stones, if that's what you want. The resin based Venev diamond stones will always be one of my favourites.

 

[cudgee]

The resin based Venev diamond stones will always be one of my favourites.

For the average sharpener they are all you will need S ShelseyWalsh and will last.

 

[ShelseyWalsh]

I assume that Gritomatic will be the first to have it available in the USA, I would also guess not long after the kickstarter / Indiegogo release.



I don't have a set of Hapstone specific branded Premium CBN metallic bonded stones, but I do have a set of Venev MS-1 CBN metallic bonded stones that I really like. I assume that the Hapstone Premium CBN metallic bonded stones would be similar as both types use a metallic organic bond. You would likely not necessarily need the 2000 and 5000 grit that Hapstone offers in the package for daily edges though.

You'll probably get more polished edges from the Venev resin based diamond or CBN stones, if that's what you want. The resin based Venev diamond stones will always be one of my favourites.

Thanks again great information

 

[ShelseyWalsh]

For the average sharpener they are all you will need S ShelseyWalsh and will last.

Thanks appreciate that. Almost certain that is the way I will go.

 

[777 Edge]

Great all-rounder combination stone sets, in my opinion - would be the following:

Affordable but great stones = Cheap low grit diamond plates (for repairs, initial bevel setting or quick cutting), paired up with with Venev resin diamond/CBN (after setting your bevels or for general sharpening maintenance).

For a Premium stone set = Poltava metallic bond low grit CBN OR Venev Metallic organic bond low grit (for repairs, initial bevel setting or quick cutting), paired up with with Venev resin diamond/CBN OR CGSW stones (EP matrix) (after setting your bevels or for general sharpening maintenance).

 

[Hapstone Official]

Stone Thickness compensator for the Hapstone RS:​

For those who prefer the simplicity of a stone thickness compensator, I designed one today for the Hapstone RS. I'll ask Gritomatic to have these available if there is demand for them.

Having one installed also negates the risk of the vertical rod striking your table if it were to drop down all the way after loosening the vertical rod locking thumb set screw. This removes the need for the rubber O-ring discussed earlier in this thread.

View attachment 2183921

View attachment 2183922

View attachment 2183920

View attachment 2183919

It looks great, Our team is already working on making a non-leveling ring.
I think it would be a good idea to add to the Hapstone RS

Thank you, respectfully, Hapstone!

 

[Hapstone Official]

Great info! Seriously considering the RS now that I have your thoughts on it. Do you know when gritomatic will have it in stock? Or is it better to go with the indie pop pre order on the Hapstone site for possible Aug delivery.

Would your recommendation for stones still be Venev? As part of the deal on indie pop the Hapstone premium cbns can be packaged in for a good price. This will be my first guided sharpener hence the questions.

I think you should consider ordering from indiegogo with savings of up to 25%
Since the retail price would be in the neighborhood of $180 for a system without the stones.

If you need advice or help, we are always happy to help.

Regards, Hapstone!

 

[777 Edge]

It looks great, Our team is already working on making a non-leveling ring.
I think it would be a good idea to add to the Hapstone RS

Thank you, respectfully, Hapstone!

My pleasure, I'm happy to help make a good product even better.

By non-leveling ring, you mean a stone thickness compensator?

Including a Hapstone made stone thickness compensator (non-leveling ring?) as part of the kit would be a great addition.

I would also like to recommend a future modification - Perhaps make future versions of the adjustable stone holder and the handle with a pinch-type screw / vise type ring that pinches onto the tube, rather than a screw that pushes into the tube? This will reduce the possibly of bending the tube when tightening the stone holder or handle onto it. Right now, the tube can easily be bent by the set screw if over-tightened.

Perhaps a stone holder and handle that attaches to the tube in a similar way as these couplings do.

 

[Hapstone Official]

Thank you 777 Edge

I will pass the recommendation on to our engineers. I think we can take from that for our experience.

Also happy to report that the Hapstone RS - went on sale today)