Thought I knew what I wanted

Arkansawyer

Arkansawyer

Joined
Jun 19, 2023
Messages
70
I thought I had decided on a TSprof k03 and then found this forum and learned about the Kazak Pro. Spent some time reading on them and then read up on the Hampstone R2 and RS. I can officially say that I am almost back to square one now because of everything that I have read. The TSprof seems to get some of the highest reviews for build quality but accessories cost more. The Kazak Pro has good reviews and from what I’ve read on here is a quality unit with good accessories if needed. The Hampstone R2 and RS both have good reviews and are economically priced with multiple accessories available. It seems that all three of these sharpeners can be used to produce good results. I know that personal preference plays into a lot of what we buy and use on a daily basis which is why I was originally looking at the k03 as it appears to be almost over built. But now I am wondering is that really needed and is the extra cost justified for the quality of the sharpening that it can do when compared to the Kazak or Hampstone. I also saw where 777 Edge is going to have a system coming out soon so that may throw another wrench in my thought process. With all that being said, does the higher priced k03 when used properly produce a better more consistent edge than the Kazak or Hampstone? Can the Hampstone R2 or RS produce the same quality of edge/sharpness consistently when used properly as the k03 or Kazak? I also can’t forget that I just read about the Toohr #3 and that brings up the same issues. I do know that I like these styles of sharpeners and will be ordering one of them shortly and understand that like anything the longer you use something the more proficient you generally become. I do not expect to produce perfect edges right from the start especially since I still trying to figure out the multiple stone configurations and what they all are deigned to do. I appreciate any responses as I am new to this and am really trying to learn as much as I can. Cheers!
 
Welcome to the sharpening system rabbit hole. The good news is there are a lot of good options out there now, as well as stones to pick from. I have a KME that I've used for years and I really like it. If I were to start all over again I'd still be looking at the KME and the new Hapstone RS. I think either would do what the more expensive systems will.

As for sharpening stones, the KME comes with diamond plate stones that work well. If you're buying stones from the start, I'd get a full set of resin bonded stones from Columbia gorge stoneworks. They're really nice. He has videos that walk you through the flattening/dressing procedure. It's easy to do.

Good luck!
 
Ark,
Welcome and you're not alone. Thankfully we have a lot of choices of great systems but like Blade said, be hard to make a bad decision. <-- When's the next time you'll hear THAT !! I currently have the TSPROF Blitz 360, love it but I've been waiting on the Kazak Pro Black to come back in stock for quiet some time now which also worries me if I get down the road, need a part or something I need to keep going. If the system is hard to get, just think how hard the part will be to get. That's my thinking at the moment anyways. Let us know what you decide.
 
I recommend Wicked Edge. And they have a new less expensive sharpener that should appeal to many people looking to save money.
 
Now this is just me mind you but, I have both the Hapstone R2 and the TSprof KO3, I had much rather have the TSprof KO3.
 
K80Shooter said:
Now this is just me mind you but, I have both the Hapstone R2 and the TSprof KO3, I had much rather have the TSprof KO3.
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What makes you like the K03 more? It is one that I keep leaning towards but also like the R2 so you have both that I have been looking at.
 
Arkansasawyer said:
Can the Hapstone R2 or RS produce the same quality of edge/sharpness consistently when used properly as the k03 or Kazak?
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Without a doubt, the Hapstone R2 "Standard" is a great system. I have all of the systems mentioned here and like B Bladelab says, they will all produce a similar quality edge.

The reason why I mostly recommend the Hapstone R2 Standard is the fact that it is very versatile, incredibly well priced for what you get and has a proven track record. You also are less likely to struggle with getting hold of parts and accessories in future.
 
Arkansasawyer said:
What makes you like the K03 more? It is one that I keep leaning towards but also like the R2 so you have both that I have been looking at.
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The K03 is a better built system with more precise adjustments. It's built like a tank.

The Hapstone R2 does a very good job with repeatable results but just not as sturdy. I'm not saying that it's cheap just not as good and the price reflects that.

At the time that I got mine the price difference was only about $100.00
 
K80Shooter said:
The K03 is a better built system with more precise adjustments. It's built like a tank.

The Hapstone R2 does a very good job with repeatable results but just not as sturdy. I'm not saying that it's cheap just not as good and the price reflects that.

At the time that I got mine the price difference was only about $100.00
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It is about $400 give or take now.
 
I was where the OP is a year ago. All of the sharpening options are certainly confusing, but the stone/strop rabbit hole is just as deep and more confusing for me. I decided on the K03, by the way.
 
I am leaning towards the R2 as of now because of the availability of options and I figure that I am going to eventually have one here at the house and one at the shop once my FIL sees how it works. He will want to have one over at the shop to use on things we have over there and the difference in price will “justify” me needing another one over there. I want to see what the one leading edge is coming out with for the one possibly to go in the shop.
 
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