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

[bleomycin]

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 than myself what are your thoughts on this? Are there any major cons to something like this over using a normal angle cube? Is it just a gimmick or will it provide more consistent less error-prone results? I was fairly sold on a Hapstone R2 based on the information available on this forum but this axicube seems like an elegant solution I would be willing to pay extra for potentially.

 

[UncleBoots]

Seems fine. But so does using an angle cube in the normal way. I'm not getting the accuracy thing. Is it somehow important if I can get a little more accuracy in the angle of my guided sharpener?

 

[panzerkiller13]

It seems like a good idea to me, especially considering it has three-axis measurement so you can get readings at every point of your blade if it has a curve in it! I was kinda put off by the decision to go with micro-USB instead of USB-C for charging because the cables wont last nearly as long though. I know its not being used like a phone, but it's a nagging cut corner to me that shouldn't have been taken, especially considering USB-C is more or less the norm now. I've spoken to them about it before, and if they release a newer version or revision later then I'd DEFINITELY try one out. Otherwise, I'm going to hold off and see what others think first.

 

[sickpuppy1]

Problem is, it only works with a K03 ! they say it wont work with even their other equipment. weird.

 

[777 Edge]

Note added in 2023 - TSProf also has an AxiCube-"One" model that will work with any sharpening system. The description below refers to the Axicube-i model, not the Axicube-"One" model.

I managed to get hold of a few early release AxiCube-i models a couple months back which I have now extensively tested and used.

It is great and I love the fact that it can be used at an angle due to the 3 axis measurement. A regular angle cube has to be rotated to align with the sharpening angle (always perpendicular with the sharpening alignment). If a regular cube is used at a rotated angle (not perpendicular), then its reading is incorrect. AxiCube-i does not suffer from this problem.

One very important thing to note, is that you have to keep your K03 sharpener on the same table and in the same spot as where you have calibrated your AxiCube-i. When you move to another spot (not the exact same angle as the surface you calibrated on), then you have to re-calibrate your AxiCube-i again. Most tables or work surfaces are not 100% level, so invariably there are differences in the angles of work surfaces when you move your K03 around.

Regarding AxiCube-i use on Other systems - It can be used with some other systems, BUT only if the knife clamp or magnetic table is designed to be angled level with the horizon/ground. The AxiCube-i system has an internal "level" reference that CAN NOT be zeroed or recalibrated at all (you can zero the reference with a regular digital angle cube but not with the AxiCube-i). To calibrate an AxiCube-i, you need to set a 14 degree sharpening angle on your sharpener, then go into the AxiCube-i calibration mode. When calibrated, it re-references a 14 degree angle on the display only, it does not actually re-reference its internal zero angle at all. The problem clearly shows if you try using the AxiCube-i with a system where the knife clamp or magnetic holder is angled upwards. When using it with (for example) an Edge Pro Apex system, everything seems fine and it "calibrates" nicely but when you then try to adjust the sharpening angle you immediately see that it does not work properly on a system like this.

For Example : Let's say your sharpening system has a knife clamp or magnetic mount designed to angle the knife upwards at 20 degrees. You want to use your AxiCube-i on it, so you set 14 degrees sharpening angle on your system to calibrate your Axicube-i. You finish your Axicube-i calibration, and it now shows 14 degrees on the screen. Everything seems fine until you adjust your angle upwards then you see that your Axicube-i is actually counting DOWN on the screen as you adjust your angle UP-wards. It counts down from 14 degrees all the way to 8 degrees and then reverses and starts to count UP again as you move past a level angle with the ground. When your actual sharpening angle is set to 20 degrees (which is level with the ground on your specific sharpener), your Axicube-i will show 8 degrees on the screen. Keep going up to a 25 degree sharpening angle, and your Axicube-i will now indicate 13 degrees.

The fact that the Axicube-i cannot re-reference its internal zero angle, makes it basically unusable on any system that does hold a knife level with the horizon.

Axicube-i can be used on these (and many other) systems:

-TSProf K03

-Edge Pro (Professional model only) when the blade table is angled to be level.

-Most Kazak sharpening systems (When the blade table / clamp system is angled level)

-Many KakBritva sharpening systems (The ones with the option to angle the blade table level)

-Grid Viva system, when the clamp / blade table is set level with the horizon.

 

[DeadboxHero]

I managed to get hold of a few early release AxiCubes a couple months back which I have now extensively tested and used.

It is great and I love the fact that it can be used at an angle due to the 3 axis measurement. A regular angle cube has to be rotated to align with the sharpening angle (always perpendicular with the sharpening alignment). If a regular cube is used at a rotated angle (not perpendicular), then its reading is incorrect. AxiCube does not suffer from this problem.

One very important thing to note, is that you have to keep your K03 sharpener on the same table and in the same spot as where you have calibrated your AxiCube. When you move to another spot (not the exact same angle as the surface you calibrated on), then you have to re-calibrate your AxiCube again. Most tables or work surfaces are not 100% level, so invariably there are differences in the angles of work surfaces when you move your K03 around.

Regarding AxiCube use on Other systems - It can be used with some other systems, BUT only if the knife clamp or magnetic table is designed to be angled level with the horizon/ground. The AxiCube system has an internal "level" reference that CAN NOT be zeroed or recalibrated at all like a regular digital angle cube. To calibrate an AxiCube, you need to set a 14 degree sharpening angle on your sharpener, then go into the AxiCube calibration mode. When calibrated, it re-references a 14 degree angle on the display only, it does not actually re-reference its internal zero angle at all. The problem clearly shows if you try using the AxiCube with a system where the knife clamp or magnetic holder is angled upwards. When using it with (for example) an Edge Pro Apex system, everything seems fine and it "calibrates" nicely but when you then try to adjust the sharpening angle you immediately see that it does not work properly on a system like this.

For Example : Let's say your sharpening system has a knife clamp or magnetic mount designed to angle the knife upwards at 20 degrees. You want to use your AxiCube on it, so you set 14 degrees sharpening angle on your system to calibrate your AxiCube. You finish your AxiCube calibration, and it now shows 14 degrees on the screen. Everything seems fine until you adjust your angle upwards then you see that your AxiCube is actually counting DOWN on the screen as you adjust your angle UP-wards. It counts down from 14 degrees all the way to 8 degrees and then reverses and starts to count UP again as you move past a level angle with the ground. When your actual sharpening angle is set to 20 degrees (which is level with the ground on your specific sharpener), your AxiCube will show 8 degrees on the screen. Keep going up to a 25 degree sharpening angle, and your AxiCube will now indicate 13 degrees.

The fact that the AxiCube cannot re-reference its internal zero angle, makes it basically unusable on any system that does hold a knife level with the horizon.

AxiCube can be used on these (and other) systems:

TSProf K03
Edge Pro (Professional model only) when the blade table is angled to be level.
All Kazak sharpening systems (When the blade table / clamp system is angled level)
Many KakBritva sharpening systems (The ones with the option to angle the blade table level)

Will these be available at blade show?

 

[777 Edge]

Will these be available at blade show?

Sounds like the AxiCube system will be be on display at the Gritomatic booth at Bladeshow.

 

[bleomycin]

I managed to get hold of a few early release AxiCubes a couple months back which I have now extensively tested and used.

It is great and I love the fact that it can be used at an angle due to the 3 axis measurement. A regular angle cube has to be rotated to align with the sharpening angle (always perpendicular with the sharpening alignment). If a regular cube is used at a rotated angle (not perpendicular), then its reading is incorrect. AxiCube does not suffer from this problem.

One very important thing to note, is that you have to keep your K03 sharpener on the same table and in the same spot as where you have calibrated your AxiCube. When you move to another spot (not the exact same angle as the surface you calibrated on), then you have to re-calibrate your AxiCube again. Most tables or work surfaces are not 100% level, so invariably there are differences in the angles of work surfaces when you move your K03 around.

Regarding AxiCube use on Other systems - It can be used with some other systems, BUT only if the knife clamp or magnetic table is designed to be angled level with the horizon/ground. The AxiCube system has an internal "level" reference that CAN NOT be zeroed or recalibrated at all (you can zero the reference with a regular digital angle cube but not with the AxiCube). To calibrate an AxiCube, you need to set a 14 degree sharpening angle on your sharpener, then go into the AxiCube calibration mode. When calibrated, it re-references a 14 degree angle on the display only, it does not actually re-reference its internal zero angle at all. The problem clearly shows if you try using the AxiCube with a system where the knife clamp or magnetic holder is angled upwards. When using it with (for example) an Edge Pro Apex system, everything seems fine and it "calibrates" nicely but when you then try to adjust the sharpening angle you immediately see that it does not work properly on a system like this.

For Example : Let's say your sharpening system has a knife clamp or magnetic mount designed to angle the knife upwards at 20 degrees. You want to use your AxiCube on it, so you set 14 degrees sharpening angle on your system to calibrate your AxiCube. You finish your AxiCube calibration, and it now shows 14 degrees on the screen. Everything seems fine until you adjust your angle upwards then you see that your AxiCube is actually counting DOWN on the screen as you adjust your angle UP-wards. It counts down from 14 degrees all the way to 8 degrees and then reverses and starts to count UP again as you move past a level angle with the ground. When your actual sharpening angle is set to 20 degrees (which is level with the ground on your specific sharpener), your AxiCube will show 8 degrees on the screen. Keep going up to a 25 degree sharpening angle, and your AxiCube will now indicate 13 degrees.

The fact that the AxiCube cannot re-reference its internal zero angle, makes it basically unusable on any system that does hold a knife level with the horizon.

AxiCube can be used on these (and other) systems:

TSProf K03
Edge Pro (Professional model only) when the blade table is angled to be level.
All Kazak sharpening systems (When the blade table / clamp system is angled level)
Many KakBritva sharpening systems (The ones with the option to angle the blade table level)

WOW, really appreciate the thoughtful and thorough reply! With the stock situation on everything being what it is right now I picked up a K03 expert while I still could and will definitely consider purchasing the axicube as an upgrade down the road should they become available.

 

[777 Edge]

WOW, really appreciate the thoughtful and thorough reply! With the stock situation on everything being what it is right now I picked up a K03 expert while I still could and will definitely consider purchasing the axicube as an upgrade down the road should they become available.

My pleasure, hope it helps.

Yep, good idea to grab a K03 while you can.

 

[MSimcoe]

I managed to get hold of a few early release AxiCubes a couple months back which I have now extensively tested and used.

It is great and I love the fact that it can be used at an angle due to the 3 axis measurement. A regular angle cube has to be rotated to align with the sharpening angle (always perpendicular with the sharpening alignment). If a regular cube is used at a rotated angle (not perpendicular), then its reading is incorrect. AxiCube does not suffer from this problem.

One very important thing to note, is that you have to keep your K03 sharpener on the same table and in the same spot as where you have calibrated your AxiCube. When you move to another spot (not the exact same angle as the surface you calibrated on), then you have to re-calibrate your AxiCube again. Most tables or work surfaces are not 100% level, so invariably there are differences in the angles of work surfaces when you move your K03 around.

Regarding AxiCube use on Other systems - It can be used with some other systems, BUT only if the knife clamp or magnetic table is designed to be angled level with the horizon/ground. The AxiCube system has an internal "level" reference that CAN NOT be zeroed or recalibrated at all (you can zero the reference with a regular digital angle cube but not with the AxiCube). To calibrate an AxiCube, you need to set a 14 degree sharpening angle on your sharpener, then go into the AxiCube calibration mode. When calibrated, it re-references a 14 degree angle on the display only, it does not actually re-reference its internal zero angle at all. The problem clearly shows if you try using the AxiCube with a system where the knife clamp or magnetic holder is angled upwards. When using it with (for example) an Edge Pro Apex system, everything seems fine and it "calibrates" nicely but when you then try to adjust the sharpening angle you immediately see that it does not work properly on a system like this.

For Example : Let's say your sharpening system has a knife clamp or magnetic mount designed to angle the knife upwards at 20 degrees. You want to use your AxiCube on it, so you set 14 degrees sharpening angle on your system to calibrate your AxiCube. You finish your AxiCube calibration, and it now shows 14 degrees on the screen. Everything seems fine until you adjust your angle upwards then you see that your AxiCube is actually counting DOWN on the screen as you adjust your angle UP-wards. It counts down from 14 degrees all the way to 8 degrees and then reverses and starts to count UP again as you move past a level angle with the ground. When your actual sharpening angle is set to 20 degrees (which is level with the ground on your specific sharpener), your AxiCube will show 8 degrees on the screen. Keep going up to a 25 degree sharpening angle, and your AxiCube will now indicate 13 degrees.

The fact that the AxiCube cannot re-reference its internal zero angle, makes it basically unusable on any system that does hold a knife level with the horizon.

AxiCube can be used on these (and other) systems:

TSProf K03
Edge Pro (Professional model only) when the blade table is angled to be level.
All Kazak sharpening systems (When the blade table / clamp system is angled level)
Many KakBritva sharpening systems (The ones with the option to angle the blade table level)

Can you explain in detail how you calibrate the axicube? No instructions (in english) came with the product and after doing several searches on Google I can't find an explanation of how to do the initial calibration. I received a 'special reference plate' that has a level area and an angled area. Based on what you said I guessing the angled area is 14 degrees. However, I'm not sure how this 'special reference plate' works into the initial calibration process. Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

 

[777 Edge]

Can you explain in detail how you calibrate the axicube? No instructions (in english) came with the product and after doing several searches on Google I can't find an explanation of how to do the initial calibration. I received a 'special reference plate' that has a level area and an angled area. Based on what you said I guessing the angled area is 14 degrees. However, I'm not sure how this 'special reference plate' works into the initial calibration process. Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

Yes, the plate is angled at 14 degrees.

You don't have to use the plate of you don't want to, you could also use another digital angle cube for the calibration - as long as you use the regular angle cube right in the center and perpendicular to the clamp bar when adjusting to 14 degrees. Adjust your K03 to 14 degrees up, switch on your Axicube, wait a couple seconds and then press and hold the on/off switch again for a few seconds until it goes into calibration mode. You'll see some lines appear and flashing. Now press the on/off button again then the screen changes back to degrees, after a second or two it flashes off and on and displays 14 degrees. Calibration done.

If you use the calibration plate then the best way is to clamp the flat part of the plate in your whole milled clamp, remove the Axicube from the rod and place on the 14 degree angled part of the plate. I've found for plate calibration, it's more accurate to place the Axicube on top of the calibration plate when removed from the rod. Now calibrate it, same as above. Switch it on, wait a couple seconds, press and hold the on/off button for about 5 seconds or so until it goes into calibration mode. You'll see some lines appear and flashing. Now press the on/off button again then the screen changes back to degrees, after a second or two it flashes off and on and displays 14 degrees. Calibration done.

 

[MSimcoe]

Yes, the plate is angled at 14 degrees.

You don't have to use the plate of you don't want to, you could also use another digital angle cube for the calibration - as long as you use the regular angle cube right in the center and perpendicular to the clamp bar when adjusting to 14 degrees. Adjust your K03 to 14 degrees up, switch on your Axicube, wait a couple seconds and then press and hold the on/off switch again for a few seconds until it goes into calibration mode. You'll see some lines appear and flashing. Now press the on/off button again then the screen changes back to degrees, after a second or two it flashes off and on and displays 14 degrees. Calibration done.

If you use the calibration plate then the best way is to clamp the flat part of the plate in your whole milled clamp, remove the Axicube from the rod and place on the 14 degree angled part of the plate. I've found for plate calibration, it's more accurate to place the Axicube on top of the calibration plate when removed from the rod. Now calibrate it, same as above. Switch it on, wait a couple seconds, press and hold the on/off button for about 5 seconds or so until it goes into calibration mode. You'll see some lines appear and flashing. Now press the on/off button again then the screen changes back to degrees, after a second or two it flashes off and on and displays 14 degrees. Calibration done.

Thank you very much for your response. I tried the above and it worked like a breeze and now I'm sharpening to my hearts content. Confident in the knowledge that my angles are true. FYI, I used the method you described where you take the axicube off the guide rod and place it on the plate. I definitely think you are correct that this way will give you the truest calibration. I wonder if anyone has translated the instructions that came with the axicube? Maybe one day when I'm bored I'll see if I can digitize (OCR) the instructions and then have google translate give it a go. I'm not sure there is anything in them we don't already know. I'm just curious what it says.

 

[777 Edge]

I'm not sure there is anything in them we don't already know. I'm just curious what it says.

Yes, I think we have everything covered so far but what TSPROF does not say, is the fact that the current Axicube-i CAN actually be used with some other sharpening systems. With systems where the clamp plane is level (or can be set to level) and the stone rod is 8mm, it works well. I'm using an Axicube-i on one of my Kazak systems and on one of my KakBritva systems and it works well. Like I stated earlier in this thread, it will NOT work on a system where the clamp plane is angled upwards (like the Edge Pro Apex or Hapstone R2/M3/V8 as an example) because the Axicube-i has an internal reference which cannot be set to another angle, other than level.

Interestingly - my TSPROF Kadet Pro (that I recently received), already has a drawing in the instructions of an Axicube for the Kadet. It's a narrower and smaller Axicube than the K03 one. Not sure if they slipped up with this information but it seems like TSPROF must be working on another version of the Axicube for systems with the clamp plane angled upwards....can't wait.

 

[Rich S]

Sounds like an expensive PITA just to sharpen a blade. I'll stay with manual honing as I have for 65+ years.

 

[Ray86]

I managed to get hold of a few early release AxiCubes a couple months back which I have now extensively tested and used.

It is great and I love the fact that it can be used at an angle due to the 3 axis measurement. A regular angle cube has to be rotated to align with the sharpening angle (always perpendicular with the sharpening alignment). If a regular cube is used at a rotated angle (not perpendicular), then its reading is incorrect. AxiCube does not suffer from this problem.

One very important thing to note, is that you have to keep your K03 sharpener on the same table and in the same spot as where you have calibrated your AxiCube. When you move to another spot (not the exact same angle as the surface you calibrated on), then you have to re-calibrate your AxiCube again. Most tables or work surfaces are not 100% level, so invariably there are differences in the angles of work surfaces when you move your K03 around.

Regarding AxiCube use on Other systems - It can be used with some other systems, BUT only if the knife clamp or magnetic table is designed to be angled level with the horizon/ground. The AxiCube system has an internal "level" reference that CAN NOT be zeroed or recalibrated at all (you can zero the reference with a regular digital angle cube but not with the AxiCube). To calibrate an AxiCube, you need to set a 14 degree sharpening angle on your sharpener, then go into the AxiCube calibration mode. When calibrated, it re-references a 14 degree angle on the display only, it does not actually re-reference its internal zero angle at all. The problem clearly shows if you try using the AxiCube with a system where the knife clamp or magnetic holder is angled upwards. When using it with (for example) an Edge Pro Apex system, everything seems fine and it "calibrates" nicely but when you then try to adjust the sharpening angle you immediately see that it does not work properly on a system like this.

For Example : Let's say your sharpening system has a knife clamp or magnetic mount designed to angle the knife upwards at 20 degrees. You want to use your AxiCube on it, so you set 14 degrees sharpening angle on your system to calibrate your AxiCube. You finish your AxiCube calibration, and it now shows 14 degrees on the screen. Everything seems fine until you adjust your angle upwards then you see that your AxiCube is actually counting DOWN on the screen as you adjust your angle UP-wards. It counts down from 14 degrees all the way to 8 degrees and then reverses and starts to count UP again as you move past a level angle with the ground. When your actual sharpening angle is set to 20 degrees (which is level with the ground on your specific sharpener), your AxiCube will show 8 degrees on the screen. Keep going up to a 25 degree sharpening angle, and your AxiCube will now indicate 13 degrees.

The fact that the AxiCube cannot re-reference its internal zero angle, makes it basically unusable on any system that does hold a knife level with the horizon.

AxiCube can be used on these (and other) systems:

TSProf K03
Edge Pro (Professional model only) when the blade table is angled to be level.
All Kazak sharpening systems (When the blade table / clamp system is angled level)
Many KakBritva sharpening systems (The ones with the option to angle the blade table level)

Do you know if it can be used with the kme sharpening system

 

[777 Edge]

Do you know if it can be used with the kme sharpening system

Yes, it will work on a KME but you'll need an adapter to be able to install it on the stone holder. I made an adapter and have used an Axicube-i on my KME. If there is sufficient demand for it, then I can talk to Gritomatic about stocking it.

Since receiving an Axicube-One beta version, I personally prefer using that over the Axicube-i. The Axicube-One has selectable modes that can work with any system. Keep an eye out, TSProf will hopefully release the Axicube-One soon.

 

[Ray86]

Yes, it will work on a KME but you'll need an adapter to be able to install it on the stone holder. I made an adapter and have used an Axicube-i on my KME. If there is sufficient demand for it, then I can talk to Gritomatic about stocking it.

Since receiving an Axicube-One beta version, I personally prefer using that over the Axicube-i. The Axicube-One has selectable modes that can work with any system. Keep an eye out, TSProf will hopefully release the Axicube-One soon.

I check the website everyday. Lol

 

[Glock Guy]

Will this work with a TSPROF Blitz 360?

 

[777 Edge]

Will this work with a TSPROF Blitz 360?

Axicube-i model will not work with a Blitz but the Axicube "One" model will work with the Blitz. Just select the same mode as for the Kadet (the Axicube One has 4 different selectable modes, depending on which type sharpening system you want to use it on).

 

[Glock Guy]

Axicube-i model will not work with a Blitz but the Axicube "One" model will work with the Blitz. Just select the same mode as for the Kadet (the Axicube One has 4 different selectable modes, depending on which type sharpening system you want to use it on).

Thanks!