Recommendation? What version of the hapstone to buy?

[rezechs]

I'm looking to finally pull the trigger on the hapstone. I primarily sharpen my pocket knives usually 3-3.5 inch blades. They vary in grinds from pm2s to xm18s. Wondering what version would be best to buy? Currently between the lite or l the standard.
Open to other sharpener recommendations as well but pretty set on hapstone

 

[Spats McGee]

I think I am also about to buy a Hapstone system & asked a similar question here: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/another-guided-system-thread.1860620/

 

[rezechs]

Thanks for the link I see he recommended the lite version curious how that would deal with full flat grind blades due to the clamp being unable to grab the full blade

 

[Spats McGee]

Thanks for the link I see he recommended the lite version curious how that would deal with full flat grind blades due to the clamp being unable to grab the full blade

I wish I had the answer to your question, but I have no clue. There are folks way smarter in The Art of Sharpening around here than I, so hopefully someone will come along soon to help you out.

 

[Old Biker]

If you don't need to sharpen anything smaller than the 3 to 3 1/2 inch blades you mentioned in your first post, I recommend the M3. If you have smaller blades, like the secondary blades on slipjoint knives, I would recommend the V8. With the V8 you can remove the outrigger pieces, and you are left with a narrow table that works well for small blades. I have a R2 head for my machine, but I don't use it. I find the magnetic tables to be more versatile,

O.B.

 

[wvdavidr]

Thanks for the link I see he recommended the lite version curious how that would deal with full flat grind blades due to the clamp being unable to grab the full blade

I can say that the R2 with the "lite" clamps will easily clamp the FFG blades that I have tried. One clamp can grab the ricosso (I think it's called) and the other can grab out closer to the tip. I have sharpened Spyderco Delicas and Dragonflys with it.

 

[rezechs]

I can say that the R2 with the "lite" clamps will easily clamp the FFG blades that I have tried. One clamp can grab the ricosso (I think it's called) and the other can grab out closer to the tip. I have sharpened Spyderco Delicas and Dragonflys with it.

Thanks for the input have you ran into any issues where because of the clamp spacing you cant used the 2 clamps? One of the reasons im on the fence getting the angled clamps rather than the lite is because i feel with some 3 inch knifes the 2 clamps may not be able to fit. would it be possib;e to maybe get a photo of your setup with a delica in it?

 

[yoko]

R2 lite and I like it a lot

I have the hapstone v7 and a worksharp ken onion

The R2 has sharpened everything I have from fixed blades to sub 3 inch knives

Makes sure you have a good angle guage

 

[wvdavidr]

Thanks for the input have you ran into any issues where because of the clamp spacing you cant used the 2 clamps? One of the reasons im on the fence getting the angled clamps rather than the lite is because i feel with some 3 inch knifes the 2 clamps may not be able to fit. would it be possib;e to maybe get a photo of your setup with a delica in it?

The angled clamps are much bigger than the 'lite' clamps. The lite clamps can be put together on one side of the system for small blades. I'd recommend getting the angled ones also, if the budget allows. Those are good for longer and wider knives (chef's knives).

 

[777 Edge]

I'm looking to finally pull the trigger on the hapstone. I primarily sharpen my pocket knives usually 3-3.5 inch blades. They vary in grinds from pm2s to xm18s. Wondering what version would be best to buy? Currently between the lite or l the standard.
Open to other sharpener recommendations as well but pretty set on hapstone

Hi R rezechs ,

If you're primarily going to do 3-3.5 inch blades, then the R2 lite will suit you perfectly fine. The angled clamps on the R2 standard are great and they definitely are very versatile, but the Lite clamps are phenomenal clamps too. They will work just fine with most knife grinds, including your full flat grinds.

The way I recommend using them, is to clamp one on the flat ricasso section of the tang even if it's a small area (just in front of the pivot for a folder), and the second one towards the tip of the knife (maybe about an inch away or so from the tip).

If you have a small knife and want to use 2 clamps side-by-side, then simply move them both to one side if the clamp bar and stack them side by side.

The M3 and V8 series Hapstone sharpeners are nice too, but you need to always consider the fact that they do not hold a FFG knife level with your blade table, so you'll have to measure the grind angle of the knife and add half of that to your sharpening angle to get the correct result. You also need to be aware that you can scratch your blades easier with a magnetic mount because metal swarf and grit gets stuck on the magnets and you need to carefully clean them every time you flip your blade over. Also make sure the blade is flipped over and placed down on the magnets in the exact same spot every time.

You can't really go wrong with a Hapstone R2 lite, but I would definitely recommend getting a digital angle cube, fine tuning adapter and some spring assisted stoppers for it.

All of this is available on https://www.gritomatic.com/

If you don't have stones, I highly recommend a set of Venev bonded diamond stones. If you're on a budget, then a set of Gritomatic basic diamond stones will do a good job too, just use them lubricated with soapy water.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

Better get "on it" fast, the Hapstone factory is in the Ukraine, right where the tanks are rolling through and it may be a while before they are up and running again, so Hapstone systems might become rare as rocking horse poo for a while. Get one while you can because they are absolutely worth it.

 

[crn3371]

I see that Gritomatic is selling a special version of the R1, with ALL proceeds to benefit Ukraine.

 

[777 Edge]

I see that Gritomatic is selling a special version of the R1, with ALL proceeds to benefit Ukraine.

Yep, seems they're sold out

 

[AlongTheRazorsEdge]

M3 and V8 series Hapstone sharpeners are nice too, but you need to always consider the fact that they do not hold a FFG knife level with your blade table, so you'll have to measure the grind angle of the knife and add half of that to your sharpening angle.

Can this also be corrected with steel shims? And would that be a matter of shimming until zero is matched with the flats of the table?

Regarding adding half, would an example be..target angle 20°, actual angle to compensate would be 30°, resulting in a 20° bevel in this case? The half figure seems as though it would be variable and dependent on the actual angle of the FFG blade in question

 

[SCTorrero]

Hi R rezechs ,

If you're primarily going to do 3-3.5 inch blades, then the R2 lite will suit you perfectly fine. The angled clamps on the R2 standard are great and they definitely are very versatile, but the Lite clamps are phenomenal clamps too. They will work just fine with most knife grinds, including your full flat grinds.

The way I recommend using them, is to clamp one on the flat ricasso section of the tang even if it's a small area (just in front of the pivot for a folder), and the second one towards the tip of the knife (maybe about an inch away or so from the tip).

If you have a small knife and want to use 2 clamps side-by-side, then simply move them both to one side if the clamp bar and stack them side by side.

The M3 and V8 series Hapstone sharpeners are nice too, but you need to always consider the fact that they do not hold a FFG knife level with your blade table, so you'll have to measure the grind angle of the knife and add half of that to your sharpening angle to get the correct result. You also need to be aware that you can scratch your blades easier with a magnetic mount because metal swarf and grit gets stuck on the magnets and you need to carefully clean them every time you flip your blade over. Also make sure the blade is flipped over and placed down on the magnets in the exact same spot every time.

You can't really go wrong with a Hapstone R2 lite, but I would definitely recommend getting a digital angle cube, fine tuning adapter and some spring assisted stoppers for it.

All of this is available on https://www.gritomatic.com/

If you don't have stones, I highly recommend a set of Venev bonded diamond stones. If you're on a budget, then a set of Gritomatic basic diamond stones will do a good job too, just use them lubricated with soapy water.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

Better get "on it" fast, the Hapstone factory is in the Ukraine, right where the tanks are rolling through and it may be a while before they are up and running again, so Hapstone systems might become rare as rocking horse poo for a while. Get one while you can because they are absolutely worth it.

I know this may have been answered in other threads, but what about for someone looking to sharpen folders and kitchen knives, up to 9.5"? I have a KME system if that makes a difference. Debating adding a universal stone holder for 6" stones and getting venevs. Or is it worth the investment for a Hapstone system? Money really isn't the issue, but I certainly don't want to waste it.

 

[777 Edge]

Can this also be corrected with steel shims? And would that be a matter of shimming until zero is matched with the flats of the table?

Regarding adding half, would an example be..target angle 20°, actual angle to compensate would be 30°, resulting in a 20° bevel in this case? The half figure seems as though it would be variable and dependent on the actual angle of the FFG blade in question

I'm talking about FFG grinds like most Spyderco knives, or most kitchen knives. (In other words, knife grinds with no flat parallel "sabre grind" type section close to the spine. Because a typical FFG knife (Primary grind from the edge all the way to spine) would lie flat on the table of the Hapstone M3 or V8, you would need to increase your sharpening angle to compensate for this.

Metal shims would not be the best option, just measure the FFG angle while its flat on the magnets of the M3 or V8, and add half of this angle to your sharpening angle. Know what I mean?

On another point, if sharpening a sabre-type grind knife, then it's best to use the vertical blade support of the later generation M3 or V8 to stop the blade from rocking over the magnets while sharpening.

 

[777 Edge]

I know this may have been answered in other threads, but what about for someone looking to sharpen folders and kitchen knives, up to 9.5"? I have a KME system if that makes a difference. Debating adding a universal stone holder for 6" stones and getting venevs. Or is it worth the investment for a Hapstone system? Money really isn't the issue, but I certainly don't want to waste it.

A Hapstone R2 system with their angled clamps would suit your needs much better than your KME, especially for those longer blades. It's like chalk and cheese. The Hapstone R2 is in a whole different league.

The angled clamps can be rotated inwards for small folders, and outwards very long blades.

 

[AlongTheRazorsEdge]

I'm talking about FFG grinds like most Spyderco knives, or most kitchen knives. (In other words, knife grinds with no flat parallel "sabre grind" type section close to the spine. Because a typical FFG knife (Edge all the way to spine) would lie flat on the table of the Hapstone M3 or V8, you would need to increase your sharpening angle to compensate for this.

Metal shims would not be the best option, just measure the FFG angle while its flat on the magnets of the M3 or V8, and add half of this angle to your sharpening angle. Know what I mean?

On another point, if sharpening a sabre-type grind knife, then it's best to use the vertical blade support of the later generation M3 or V8 to stop the blade from rocking over the magnets while sharpening.

Yes that makes perfect sense on all points, thank you!

 

[AlongTheRazorsEdge]

One more quick question if you don't mind..couldn't you compensate for varying stone thicknesses by just re setting your angle each time you change stones? As if you were doing an initial set up with any random thickness stone? Obviously this takes more time and effort, but unfortunately many Hapstone accessories seem to be OOS with no concrete ETA.

 

[Blade Lab]

One more quick question if you don't mind..couldn't you compensate for varying stone thicknesses by just re setting your angle each time you change stones? As if you were doing an initial set up with any random thickness stone? Obviously this takes more time and effort, but unfortunately many Hapstone accessories seem to be OOS with no concrete ETA.

Yes, you can do that, and in fact I think that's the best way to do it. It's really not difficult.

 

[777 Edge]

One more quick question if you don't mind..couldn't you compensate for varying stone thicknesses by just re setting your angle each time you change stones? As if you were doing an initial set up with any random thickness stone? Obviously this takes more time and effort, but unfortunately many Hapstone accessories seem to be OOS with no concrete ETA.

Absolutely, in fact this is the way I prefer doing it.