Hapstone V7

[wade7575]

jertex contact Konstantin at Gritomatic he has the Aluminum blanks,you can either purchase brand new blanks from his website that have nothing engraved on them or if you wan to save some money contact Konstantin and ask him about the aluminum blanks he has for 1 usd each they are ones that have the grit's engraved on them and it's a take what you get deal just use a sharpie to write the grit on them.

To attach the stones just buy some 3M Super 77 spray,just spray a good coat on the blank and wait the time it say's on the can then press the stone into place and your done,the 3M Super 77 spray is what others use when they make stones to sell mounted on blanks,I have soaked stones for a longtime mounted with that spray and they never come loose,also using the spray is very fast and easy you only need to hold down on the stone for 6 to 10 seconds max and your done.

I prefer the stones mounted to blanks myself.

I was referring to the problem of them moving since they aren't glued to any backing of any kind. I've seen stones that are attached to what appears to be a thin aluminum backing that latches into the clamps more effectively but the stones that come with the V7 don't have this backing. I will try your advice on moving the front block back toward the handle to increase the spring pressure to see if that solves the problem. If not, I'll probably return it.

 

[Gritomatic]

Even v6 deluxe (the blue one) have problems?

No, V6 Deluxe was launched later than standard, it was based on revision 2.

 

[jkingrph]

Has anyone compared the Hapstone to the TSPROF K02 “Wranglestar”? I find both to be interesting, leaning toward the micro adjustments on the TSPROF.

 

[joepurdy]

I have a K02 and like it a lot and the reason for going with it s because the clamps on the K02 work better then other guided system on the market and it can be a pain to have to switch hands when sharpening with an edge pro style of system.I also considered all of the different clamps you can get for the K02 and it's a much more versatile system if you ask me,I have had many systems over the years and I have not any system that I like as much as the K02 and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

 

[Hytekrednek]

I feel the same about my K-02. No regrets at all buying it, and I will never sell it. It works much better and easier than others I have had. It is very much more versatile and supremely well built.

 

[Gritomatic]

Clamp based sharpeners and working table sharpeners are different and have their pros and cons. All clamp based sharpeners have better usability and shorter learning curve. All working table sharpeners have better versatility and are able to make the constant angle.
"Versatility = ability to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities." Using clamp based sharpener, it would be very difficult to make ultra acute sharpening angle without converting the sharpener to different type; or make constant angle (don't confuse with "consistent angle") for karambit, tanto, or other irregular shapes without reclamping; constant angle for both sides is big problem particularly for FFG; to sharpen ultra flexible fillet knives or very long blades (even with 3 clamp pairs), and so on.
Hapstone temporarily does not offer clamp based sharpeners, but we used to and will do that again in future. We know that type of sharpeners very well. Clamp based sharpeners are definitely more customer-friendly. But versatility... no way.

 

[darth_cholo]

Just ordered a V7. I got pretty good at hand sharpening by hand on some edgepro stones. I got enough pocket knives that i was able to re sharpen without redoing the edges with coarse stones. However my kitchen knives the way my family treats them probably need to be reshaped and done every other month. Being larger this will save alot of time.

looking forward to seeing what this baby could do.

 

[darth_cholo]

Gritomatic team or other with the same system.

How do you set a consistent edge angle every time without an angle cube?

Can you trust the preset angle markers with the stone thickness adjuster? I worry that the variance when placing the knife on the magnet each time you sharpen would result in different angles each time. So after 1 month of usage I want to touch up a knife I may place the knife further away from the edge of the magnet resulting in different angle.

Are there any videos (detailed ones) on how to use?. Mostly I've only youtubed reviews of the system.

 

[Mo2]

Your cell phone probably has an angle guide software that you can download from an app store.

Else use the sharpie method.

 

[kemikos]

Ordered a V7 today. Looks like I'll have it quite a bit sooner than I expected... evidently it's being fulfilled from the Amazon center about 10 miles from my house.

Though the Venevs look like they're coming from Tennessee, but that still shouldn't take long. Speaking of the Venev stones: on the website they recommend using them with water; do you soak them like regular stones, or just spray them down from time to time?

Second the request for how-to-use videos. I think I have a pretty good idea how it goes, but anyone know of a good, detailed video?

 

[darth_cholo]

i might have to look at some edge pro youtube videos to get some good visuals. Until i get an angle cube it's tough to trust the preset angles with just using thickness compensation and trusting that you'll use the same knife placement each time.

 

[Gritomatic]

I recommend writing to notepad the angle value and positioning of the blade on the working table. It does not matter whether you use angle cube or marks.

Venev diamonds are splash-and-go. They don't absorb water.

 

[darth_cholo]

should i be compensating angle for tiny thickness difference between edgepro stones. moving from the 400 to 600 you'll notice about a fingernail sized difference?

220, 400 vs 600 and 1200 grits.

 

[Gritomatic]

should i be compensating angle for tiny thickness difference between edgepro stones. moving from the 400 to 600 you'll notice about a fingernail sized difference?

Assuming the accuracy of V7 is 0.1 degrees, it corresponds to 0.3 mm (0.01") stone thickness difference. If the difference is higher, I recommend using the compensator.

 

[crick0234]

i dunno about cell phone for angles. My phone doesnt sit flush enough because of hte side buttons. I've attempted to use my phone a couple of times, but angles are measured in whole numbers on my phone and placement is inconsistent. it may work for you buuuuttttt i get OCD about some things.

Ended up getting a anglecube for $30 (i purchased the iGaging AngleCube with microUSB charging - has a lot of magnets and there doesnt seem to have a delay when u adjust angles). It's a worthy investment, considering the price of the hapstone and the price of your knives.

Ever since getting the anglecube, i stopped relying on the compensator stone thickness adjuster. Its just easier and quicker to put in the next stone, place the angle cube on the angle cube spot, and adjust if necessary (*** place it in the same spot everytime - i noticed verrrrry slight angle differences - we're talking like .0XX degrees tho. i place mine centered so that the cube extends past the metal piece on each side equally).

also a shoutout to Konstantin and gritomatic customer service. They are really nice folks and very responsive via email.

 

[darth_cholo]

my Wixey cube just arrived. Popped in a AAA and ready to go. Thanks for all the advice! I like your idea Crick, doesn't' seem like it will take very long. I wonder if by the time Hapstone version 10 comes out all these might have built in digital angle readouts in the handle.

 

[darth_cholo]

just wanted to ask if the following is normal. Don't get me wrong, this system gets the job done!. However some fit and finish items bothered me a bit. Maybe I can correct some myself. None of these items I'm nitpicking affect the devices ability to perform the task or seem like they will impact the systems long term performance. Just looking if this is ok compared to others using the system.

Item #4 below being the most annoying.

Summary of pictures below.

1. Misaligned stone holder clamps (probably can fix myself)
2. Knobs are different quality. The rotary knobs for the travel stops are different manufacturing process/material.
3. Precision of certain parts doesn't look as professionals as expected. it gets the job done, but looks a little like cutting corners.
4. Travel up adjustments going up and down on the square vertical tube are smooth due to the design. Trying to make micro adjustments end up in a jagged jarring motion usually causing to skip too quickly and moving more than you wanted.
5. anodizing of parts not very consistent.
-----------
1. In this picture you can see misaligned stone holders.

2. Travel Stop rotary knob vs Stone holder knob. Different quality.

3. Machining on certain parts not very precision looking.

5. Orange Anodizing is a little suspect.

 

[Gritomatic]

just wanted to ask if the following is normal. Don't get me wrong, this system gets the job done!. However some fit and finish items bothered me a bit. Maybe I can correct some myself. None of these items I'm nitpicking affect the devices ability to perform the task or seem like they will impact the systems long term performance. Just looking if this is ok compared to others using the system.

Thank you for the feedback! I admit that surface machining is not the strongest trait of Hapstone products. However, I assure you that nothing on your list is related to precision. You have the ordinary unit compared to other customers, at least after looking at your photos. Hapstone is working on many improvements in future revisions. Please let me answer all the points one by one.

>1. Misaligned stone holder clamps
Your stone clamp has 2 parts, and they are slightly misaligned. You can easily fix it using 2 cross screws (untighten, align, tighten).
This issue does not affect precision or features because the stone clamps are auto-aligning to the stone.
The misaligning is the aesthetic issue which will be addressed in next revision. Stone clamps will be the single part. This revision is reviewed here

>2. Travel Stop rotary knob vs Stone holder knob. Different quality.
Hapstone is informed. Knobs types will be of the same type.

>3. Machining on certain parts not very precision looking.
Oh yes, internal components could be ugly because they are considered hidden by the manufacturer. It will be addressed in next revision, inserts will be eliminated. The same YouTube review for details.

>4. Travel up adjustments going up and down on the square vertical tube are smooth due to the design. Trying to make micro adjustments end up in a jagged jarring motion usually causing to skip too quickly and moving more than you wanted.
There is one assumption made by R&D: the thickness compensator is always used and micro adjustment is not required often. If angle readjustment is required all the time, it becomes more difficult to use the sharpener. We will have the solution: fine-tuning adapter. ETA next quarter.

>5. Orange Anodizing is a little suspect.
The magnified photo shows ugliness, but it's not so bad in reality. It will be addressed in future revisions. The central part of the three-point guide will be polished.

 

[crick0234]

>4. Travel up adjustments going up and down on the square vertical tube are smooth due to the design. Trying to make micro adjustments end up in a jagged jarring motion usually causing to skip too quickly and moving more than you wanted.
There is one assumption made by R&D: the thickness compensator is always used and micro adjustment is not required often. If angle readjustment is required all the time, it becomes more difficult to use the sharpener. We will have the solution: fine-tuning adapter. ETA next quarter.

ooo! i'm interested in the fine-tuning adapter - is that somewhat similar to what i see in the newer hapstone with the clamp ?(R1 or something?) - will this fine tuning adapter be made available for those with V7's?

I microadjust between stones because it's just easier/quicker for me vs having to use the thickness compensator - feels more accurate.

 

[darth_cholo]

ooo! i'm interested in the fine-tuning adapter - is that somewhat similar to what i see in the newer hapstone with the clamp ?(R1 or something?) - will this fine tuning adapter be made available for those with V7's?

I microadjust between stones because it's just easier/quicker for me vs having to use the thickness compensator - feels more accurate.

I hope so too Crick. It's a reason I bought the newer V7 instead of the V6. If there any new add ons hopefully it would be compatible. It would be interesting if the R1 gave TSprof some competition.