Sharpening Stones Recomendations For Hapstone R1

[K80Shooter]

As many of you may have saw, I just ordered a hapstone r1 sharpener. I got it with the silicone carbide stones to start with as I have several knives in cpm 154, ats 34 & n690 and others. A little later on I plan on getting some of the diamond stones but for now I'm looking for something to sharpen cheaper knives and some of my wife's kitchen knives.

The steel is unknown on most of them but I'm quite sure it's not a super steel as these are not high quality knives but do have stainless blades on them. I also have a few old hickory which are carbon and also some filet knives that I want to sharpen.
When looking at all that's available it's mind blowing. There's just so much to choose from. Now I know I'm not the only with these and am aware that the edge pro stones work with this sharpener.

My question is what's some good stones to start with? I really don't want to waste money buying something I wont/cant use. I'm guessing either ao or boride but maybe theres something better that I'm not aware of. I'm also not worried about super polished edges on these knives, just something to sharpen them with and to keep them sharp.

So again I'm asking what's the general consensus (I know there's probably not one as everyone has their preference) on whats needed and which stones I should get. Also keep in mind I just spent a good bit on the sharpener so just for now I need something affordable.

Thanks as always.
David

 

[Bill3152]

I use diamond for all my knives. I don't see a reason not to. My kitchen knives start and stop at a 325 DMT. Unless you like pretty edges. I been doing the same with my edc lately.

 

[Bigfattyt]

I use a combo of diamond hand stones (vs larger bench stones) and ceramic sticks.

Spyderco sharpmaker, I also have a Smith sharpener diamond/ceramic sharpener that I finally wore out.

I have a few bench stones, sandpaper for convexing edges etc, and a 1x30 bench grinder for when I really mean business, and don't want to muck arround reprofiling or taking my time.....

 

[sickpuppy1]

I know you’ve heard enough from me, lol, and more opinions equals more info.
I have folding and fixed blades in 440,1095,s30,com154, d2,laminated vg10,s110v, and m390. Actually about 4 more with initials I can’t remember right now. I can sharpen them all with the SIC stone although I have to admit the s110 sucks! Lol. Diamonds will make it much faster and easier.

 

[K80Shooter]

I use diamond for all my knives. I don't see a reason not to. My kitchen knives start and stop at a 325 DMT. Unless you like pretty edges. I been doing the same with my edc lately.

I know you’ve heard enough from me, lol, and more opinions equals more info.
I have folding and fixed blades in 440,1095,s30,com154, d2,laminated vg10,s110v, and m390. Actually about 4 more with initials I can’t remember right now. I can sharpen them all with the SIC stone although I have to admit the s110 sucks! Lol. Diamonds will make it much faster and easier.

Yeah I now realize I should gotten the diamond stones to start with. I was just in a hurry to get in on the 20% for the sharpener that I just didn't.

Besides now I could get the diamond matrix stones but I have to get them gradually, a couple at a time.

Oh and sickpuppy1, it's all your fault that I switched to the R1 from the K1. lol.

 

[K80Shooter]

I use a combo of diamond hand stones (vs larger bench stones) and ceramic sticks.

Spyderco sharpmaker, I also have a Smith sharpener diamond/ceramic sharpener that I finally wore out.

I have a few bench stones, sandpaper for convexing edges etc, and a 1x30 bench grinder for when I really mean business, and don't want to muck arround reprofiling or taking my time.....

I have the kalamazoo 1x42 with all kinds of belts. This is just a new toy to play with.

 

[sickpuppy1]

Actually I really think you made the right choice in stones, otherwise I would have talked you into buying more stuff!!LMAO Walking into high quality sharpening and getting stones as aggressive as that can lead to some,uh, disappointing results. I'm sure others will say oh I just jumped right into it and its all good. You'll be surprised how quickly you get sharp stuff with these, there a little more forgiving when your learning, but you can make just about any knife as toothy or polished as you want.