Help me decide: TSPROF K03, Hapstone R2, or Kazak Pro?

[Steez]

Hi, first off, I just wanted to say thank you for your contributions on this forum. I recently got into the hobby and I've been lurking the forums for a few months and have found many posts of on the forum that we're incredibly insightful.

Secondly, I wanted to get your opinion, as I'm in a bit of a self inflicted conundrum and I was hoping you could help me make an informed decision by learning from some of your experiences. I've been testing out some sharpening systems and I'm having a really tough time making my final choice. Right now I currently have a TSPROF K03 and a Hapstone R2...but I will need to sell at least one. I've also been eyeing the Kazak Pro, what intrigues me most is the accessories and modularity of the system, as well as the overall quality.

I mostly own pocket knives from 2-5" from the likes of Spyderco, Benchmade, and a couple of customs, as well as a couple of chef's knives, as well as some shop tools like scissors and chisels. I'm also very much so a tinkerer and love getting deep into hobbies, working on things, DIY'ing and modding, etc.

What I DO like about the K03 is:
- It's high quality, precise, rigid, and robust design
- It's quality of life features and ease of angle changes etc

What I DON'T like about the K03 is:
- Stone holder rod is slightly too long for my typical use case and causes me to have to put the K03 a little further out than is ideal
- It's not very accessible - hard to get and often out of stock for both the unit as well as the parts and accessories
- The clamp options do not seem quite as versatile as the Hapstone, though I can't even get my hands on any additional clamps other than the whole milled clamps that came with it
- The condition of the parts from the factory are often pretty banged up
- Customer support seems a little hit or miss, some of the folks have no idea about the sharpeners or really anything, I'm not sure what position the person that was helping is was in but they were clueless. I did speak with another fellow who was more knowledgeable, but in the end wasn't very helpful as the answers were very brief and didn't really answer my questions


What I DO like about the Hapstone R2 is:
- Versatility of clamps
- The overall simplicity and ease of use
- The accessibility of the system and parts
- The aesthetic, fit, feel, etc

What I DON'T like about the Hapstone R2 is:
- Design of the pivot with the abrasive holder rod rotating around the vertical axis - changing the angle from left to right and even compounding the affect the orientation of the blade is so that the end of the knife is pointing left and the belly or curve of the blade is curving closer to the vertical rod on the left side and when the blade is flipped the other way to the right, the design actually compensates for the curve of the knife. (Do you know how much affect this has in a real world scenario? From my tests it seems slightly noticeable as one side has a steeper angle toward the belly where the other side is fairly symmetrical, but it could also be for other reasons potentially.)
- Not quiet as robust or precise as the K03



Can you comment on these two systems after reading what I wrote and also let me know what you think of the Kazak in comparison?

Thanks!

 

[Spats McGee]

Welcome to BF! I'm a little puzzled. your title is, "Help me decide: TSProf K03, Hapstone R2 or Kazak Pro." But your opening post says:

....I've been testing out some sharpening systems and I'm having a really tough time making my final choice. Right now I currently have a TSPROF K03 and a Hapstone R2...but I've also been eyeing the Kazak Pro, what intrigues me most is the accessories and modularity of the system, as well as the overall quality.....

Can you comment on these two systems after reading what I wrote and also let me know what you think of the Kazak in comparison?

Thanks!

(Obviously edited for brevity.)
So what is it, exactly, that you need help deciding. You have two systems that, to my untrained eye, look like perfectly good (and maybe even top-tier) guided systems. Are you trying to decide if you should sell one or more off to finance the Kazak Pro? Or are you just trying to figure out if the KP is worth the money to add it to your sharpening arsenal?

 

[Steez]

Welcome to BF! I'm a little puzzled. your title is, "Help me decide: TSProf K03, Hapstone R2 or Kazak Pro." But your opening post says:

(Obviously edited for brevity.)
So what is it, exactly, that you need help deciding. You have two systems that, to my untrained eye, look like perfectly good (and maybe even top-tier) guided systems. Are you trying to decide if you should sell one or more off to finance the Kazak Pro? Or are you just trying to figure out if the KP is worth the money to add it to your sharpening arsenal?

Hello and thank you for your response! I’m sorry for not explaining. I would be selling the units as I have no need to keep both.

I just can’t decide which to keep. I slightly prefer the K03 for the reasons above, but at the same time the Hapstone R2 fits on my table better.

I’m still not certain how much of an effect that the design of the Hapstone and the off center pivot will have on certain knives or in certain situations. That simple design compromise and the slight lack in rigidity, precision, and robustness are making it tough for me to choose.

With the K03, the stone holder is just a little longer than I would prefer, which sounds like a small deal but it just makes me have to use it in a way where it’s pulled way forward in order to provide enough room to sharpen. Maybe this is possible to solve if I get a machine shop to make me a shorter rod or something. Also again, the parts availability does seem to be a bit if an issue.

 

[crn3371]

No offense, but just choose the one you like the best. What’s important to me could be meaningless to you.

 

[Steez]

No offense, but just choose the one you like the best. What’s important to me could be meaningless to you.

Clearly, but I'm looking for someone who has experience with each unit for some more detail. I'm not going to test them both in depth as I'm going to keep them in new condition.

 

[Spats McGee]

S Steez -- Have you looked at gritomatic lately? Perhaps there is some attachment or other gizmo that would solve the dislikes you have for one system or the other? I suspect such a gizmo would be less than the $400 I see for the Kazak Pro.

Apologies for not answering the question you actually asked, but I've never even seen a TSProf of any kind in person, so my opinion would be worth exactly what you've paid for it. Just trying to be helpful here.

 

[Steez]

S Steez -- Have you looked at gritomatic lately? Perhaps there is some attachment or other gizmo that would solve the dislikes you have for one system or the other? I suspect such a gizmo would be less than the $400 I see for the Kazak Pro.

Apologies for not answering the question you actually asked, but I've never even seen a TSProf of any kind in person, so my opinion would be worth exactly what you've paid for it. Just trying to be helpful here.

No problem and thanks for your reply, I have been on Gritmomatic and I actually did figure out a nice way to mount an LED magnifying glass on any sharpener.

 

[777 Edge]

Hi S Steez

I have all 3 of these systems, and most other ones available and they are all excellent systems.

To me, the Hapstone clamps are exceptional, and the Hapstone modular system is very versatile. As far as the slightly offset pivot is concerned - it makes 2 bits of no difference in the real world. The distance from the pivot arm to your knife is far enough to make the offset almost irrelevant. I find myself always returning back to my Hapstone systems after a while on the others.

Kazak's Rack and pinion and all of their accessories are unbeatable, but the only thing I think it needs is more clamp options. Gritomatic has Gearconnect adapters to use KakBritva clamps on the Kazak (and other systems). The Kazak light system is an absolute game changer, but again Gritomatic will have an articulated arm and floodlight system for most other sharpening systems available soon!

Now, let me make you even more confused and recommend looking at the KakBritva "Luch" system with its belt driven rack and pinion, and fully adjustable clamp holder mechanism. I've had one for a month or so and, man o man, I like it a lot. Again, it should hopefully be available on Gritomatic in future.

 

[Steez]

Hi S Steez

I have all 3 of these systems, and most other ones available and they are all excellent systems.

To me, the Hapstone clamps are exceptional, and the Hapstone modular system is very versatile. As far as the slightly offset pivot is concerned - it makes 2 bits of no difference in the real world. The distance from the pivot arm to your knife is far enough to make the offset almost irrelevant. I find myself always returning back to my Hapstone systems after a while on the others.

Kazak's Rack and pinion and all of their accessories are unbeatable, but the only thing I think it needs is more clamp options. Gritomatic has Gearconnect adapters to use KakBritva clamps on the Kazak (and other systems). The Kazak light system is an absolute game changer, but again Gritomatic will have an articulated arm and floodlight system for most other sharpening systems available soon!

Now, let me make you even more confused and recommend looking at the KakBritva "Luch" system with its belt driven rack and pinion, and fully adjustable clamp holder mechanism. I've had one for a month or so and, man o man, I like it a lot. Again, it should hopefully be available on Gritomatic in future.

Thanks for your reply! I've learned a lot from browsing your posts. I'll keep an eye out for those products. I managed to find a nice magnetic flexible magnifying glass with a ring LED that works well with all sharpening systems. But I will take a look at the one from Gritomatic perhaps it's better.

Do you know what I mean about the Hapstone when sharpening with the blade to the left, the offset pivot effect is compounded due to the curvature of the blade, where on the other side to the right, the offset actually negates the effect of the curvature of the blade, is that noticeable to you? It seemed a tiny noticeable to me but I only tested on one knife.

Also, what about the New K03 Pro with the AxiCube, would you consider that over the Hapstone?

 

[777 Edge]

Thanks for your reply! I've learned a lot from browsing your posts. I'll keep an eye out for those products. I managed to find a nice magnetic flexible magnifying glass with a ring LED that works well with all sharpening systems. But I will take a look at the one from Gritomatic perhaps it's better.

Do you know what I mean about the Hapstone when sharpening with the blade to the left, the offset pivot effect is compounded due to the curvature of the blade, where on the other side to the right, the offset actually negates the effect of the curvature of the blade, is that noticeable to you? It seemed a tiny noticeable to me but I only tested on one knife.

Also, what about the New K03 Pro with the AxiCube, would you consider that over the Hapstone?

Yes, I know exactly what you mean by the offset pivot vs blade orientation but honestly it makes very little real world difference, almost irrelevant.

I have a couple early release AxiCubes that I have been experimenting with, and I do like them but I think there is a lot of room for improvement. As long as you use your digital angle cube to measure your angle right in the center of the sharpener and not rotated at all, then an angle cube is still perfectly fine and still my preference over an AxiCube.

I also have a K03 Pro updated rack and pinion, and it is nice but not necessarily a huge improvement over the previous K03 rack and pinion. Nice new rack rail and adjustment knobs, but it does the same job.

 

[777 Edge]

KakBritva "Luch" pics to drool over, FYI.

 

[Steez]

Yes, I know exactly what you mean by the offset pivot vs blade orientation but honestly it makes very little real world difference, almost irrelevant.

I have a couple early release AxiCubes that I have been experimenting with, and I do like them but I think there is a lot of room for improvement. As long as you use your digital angle cube to measure your angle right in the center of the sharpener and not rotated at all, then an angle cube is still perfectly fine and still my preference over an AxiCube.

I also have a K03 Pro updated rack and pinion, and it is nice but not necessarily a huge improvement over the previous K03 rack and pinion. Nice new rack rail and adjustment knobs, but it does the same job.

KakBritva "Luch" pics to drool over, FYI.

View attachment 1815386
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View attachment 1815387View attachment 1815388View attachment 1815389

Really, on the AxiCube, what were the issues you had with it? I actually know someone with one so I'm able to get the Pro if I want it and I am considering that. I actually don't love the original rack and pinion with the threaded rod, there was actually wear on the pinion gear right from the factory, so it would appear the alignment, material choice, or something with the design is not excellent for tooth alignment and thus wear and smooth operation. I've helped this by polishing my rack and pinion, cleaning, and regressing it, but I think the new design is better. But I was hoping the AxiCube would solve my issues with using an angle cube, as an angle cube is sometimes annoying to use because it get's thrown off when the unit is slightly rotated along a different axis than you're measuring. I think I could actually make my own AxiCube with enough research and time. But the current one seemed to look nice and solve the problems I had. Curious to hear your thoughts.

And wow that Luch looks serious. Reminds me of a 3D printer design. I wonder what the price point will be and how easy the setup, measuring angles, and adjustability will be? Also when will it be out?

 

[777 Edge]

I posted about the AxiCube here:

TSPROF axicube - Thoughts on this new angle cube? Worth it over Hapstone?

I haven't seen this discussed much anywhere yet: https://shop.tsprof.com/blog/info/axicube_I_angle_finder_for_sharpening/ I'm in the market for a guided sharpening system and the new TSPROF K03 Pro with this built-in angle cube caught my eye. For those with vastly more experience in ths arena...

www.bladeforums.com

As far as the KakBritva Luch model goes, it's very well priced and will be quite affordable. Not sure (with logistics issues and the Ukrainian war) when it will be for sale in the US... hopefully soon. Angle measuring, and adjustment is great. Setup is quick and easy.

 

[Steez]

I posted about the AxiCube here:

TSPROF axicube - Thoughts on this new angle cube? Worth it over Hapstone?

I haven't seen this discussed much anywhere yet: https://shop.tsprof.com/blog/info/axicube_I_angle_finder_for_sharpening/ I'm in the market for a guided sharpening system and the new TSPROF K03 Pro with this built-in angle cube caught my eye. For those with vastly more experience in ths arena...

www.bladeforums.com

As far as the KakBritva Luch model goes, it's very well priced and will be quite affordable. Not sure (with logistics issues and the Ukrainian war) when it will be for sale in the US... hopefully soon. Angle measuring, and adjustment is great. Setup is quick and easy.

Thanks for sharing that post. Though the only downsides I see are if using with other systems or if moving the system a lot. Neither of which I plan to do. With that said I’m having a really tough time deciding between the Hapstone and the K03 Pro. I think the only thing holding me back from the K03 is the size of it makes it not ideal for the area I have for. It works just fine but I had to move some things around in a way I’m not crazy about. The Hapstone on the other hand fits perfect and has the benefit of the versatile clamps. But I really like how the k03 works for adjusting angle, precision, and rigidity.

 

[777 Edge]

Thanks for sharing that post. Though the only downsides I see are if using with other systems or if moving the system a lot. Neither of which I plan to do. With that said I’m having a really tough time deciding between the Hapstone and the K03 Pro. I think the only thing holding me back from the K03 is the size of it makes it not ideal for the area I have for. It works just fine but I had to move some things around in a way I’m not crazy about. The Hapstone on the other hand fits perfect and has the benefit of the versatile clamps. But I really like how the k03 works for adjusting angle, precision, and rigidity.

No probs.

If you just wanted one system, I would stick to the Hapstone for now, if I were you. When the KakBritva "Luch" becomes available, look at getting one of them and pairing it up with a AxiCube clamps. Now that is a match made in heaven.

When it comes down to a sharp knife, any of the systems mentioned will achieve an exact equal end resulting sharpness in your knives.

 

[Steez]

Edit: Double post

 

[Steez]

No probs.

If you just wanted one system, I would stick to the Hapstone for now, if I were you. When the KakBritva "Luch" becomes available, look at getting one of them and pairing it up with a AxiCube clamps. Now that is a match made in heaven.

When it comes down to a sharp knife, any of the systems mentioned will achieve an exact equal end resulting sharpness in your knives.

Thanks for your reply. I’m going to try two things to help me with my decision.

I’m going to try and measure the angle deviation on the Hapstone. You may have noticed I’m a bit of a perfectionist where even things that have a minuscule effect bug me. It’s both a blessing and a curse being this way. Drives me to perform at my best and also I end up with very well built or thought out things for DIY stuff or just very high quality products. On the other hand, I spend a lot of time researching and modding things to make things “perfect” in my mind anyway.

Also, I’m going to see if I can put my K03 on a little platform to help provide more space for the stone holder rod clear other items on my bench.

Question; have you found an ideal height for your sharpener relative to your height? Right now the clamps of mine line up with my waste about 2-3” below my belly button. Do you think placing it 4” higher slightly above my belly button would be ergonomically comfortable? I don’t have a platform yet to test this.

 

[crn3371]

If I’m reading your question correctly it sounds like you’re doing your sharpening standing. I sit while using my R2, and I imagine most people do the same.

 

[Steez]

If I’m reading your question correctly it sounds like you’re doing your sharpening standing. I sit while using my R2, and I imagine most people do the same.

Yes standing because I don't have room for a sharpener in my workshop room so it has to stay in the kitchen where the counters are higher

 

[777 Edge]

I’m going to try and measure the angle deviation on the Hapstone. You may have noticed I’m a bit of a perfectionist where even things that have a minuscule effect bug me.

Question; have you found an ideal height for your sharpener relative to your height? Right now the clamps of mine line up with my waste about 2-3” below my belly button. Do you think placing it 4” higher slightly above my belly button would be ergonomically comfortable? I don’t have a platform yet to test this.

If you attempt to measure your Hapstone angular offset change, be sure to take into consideration and measure + compensate for the primary knife grind angle on both sides, most knives do not have absolute perfect grind angles. Also make very sure your edge is centered and aligned (bevel not sharpened more on one side). Measure and compensate for inaccuracies in distal taper of the knife if this is not perfectly symmetrical. Make sure your sharpening system's clamp bar and clamps are perfectly tuned and perfectly aligned. Make sure you measure on exactly the same spot on the stone + knife on both sides. Also make 100% sure your angle cube is absolutely PERFECTLY squared with the center line of your sharpening axis. If the cube is rotated even slightly, the measurement will definitely be wrong.

For your question about the sharpening ergonomics, I generally sit and sharpen on a table. Height wise, pretty much standard dining room table and chair height. I find sitting down the most comfortable way, especially when I'm doing a lot of knives at a time. A seated height also keeps my eyes close to the job, so I can see what I'm doing while sharpening.