Thanks for the review. I’ve had my Hapstone R2 for about two years. I really have to disagree with you on a lot of the things you list as cons of the system or other conclusions you come to. I routinely sharpen 12 inch kitchen knives as well as very wide bladed 8 inch long cleavers with the system and have no problems with stability. Perhaps you’re using a lot of downward force on the stones, more than I am, and that’s why you are having difficulty? I don’t find I need to use enough downward force that I risk tipping the base. I also don’t have any problem, holding the handle and having it gouge my fingers. Perhaps we grip the handle differently but I’ve never thought of that as a concern at all. The fine adjustment angle compensator device is extremely helpful. Especially for someone who repeatedly mentions the differences in stone thickness as an annoying difficulty. The angle compensator is tremendously helpful for that. On a sidenote, for what it’s worth, I have the Venev bonded diamond stones that gritomatic packages with the system, and I have not had any noticeable problem with differences in thickness between the different stones. I also don’t find the circular knurled screw on the pivot block to be any kind of a problem. I guess we each see things our own way, but I just wanted to have a counterpoint here from somebody who’s had one of these for a while, so that people who see your video can understand that not all people have the same concerns after using the system.
What a breath of fresh air. If only other reviewers adopted your straightforward and frank approach. We'd all be better off. About the Hapstone, I'm surprised by the amount of flex. Like you, I doubt that much harm is done by it. But I think that it actually bends more than my WS Precision Pro. Anyway, thanks and march on. 🔥
Thanks for this very helpful video. Like you said right at the beginning- most of the videos are a lot of rah rah and thin on actual performance. Appreciate greatly that you showed the good and the bad. Subscribed.
I have a R2 that I also purchased with my own money. I have liked the system quite a bit. Interestingly, my R2 has a different clamp mechanism that is spring loaded and lostens from either end. You can position it further away from the grip. It has no sharp edges at all and works with flat and dovetail edge stones. I guess they took your advice. The interesting thing is that I've had my system for about a year. I agree that the system can be tippy on chef knives but, as a woodworker, I have bench hold downs so I can just fasten it. I haven't really had an issue with the angle adjust screw. I did grab a collar from a router plane so I could set an upper and lower range for swapping stone thickness. I will say the top end TSPROF is the better system, but the money I saved bought me 3 sets of stones. After learning the Hapstone, it is hard to imagine that I would get a noticeably better edge with anything else.
I feel certain that you purchased the previous version. Each and every retailer I looked at, as of today, shows the exact same clamping block. That includes Amazon, Gritomatic and Ebay, for all Hapstone R2 models. I really liked this thing until the 6 month/100 knife mark. My angle clamps have now warped and the threads of both grub screws became so worn(from proper torque/not overtightening) I had to replace them. The company does not use any type of thread lock, as such the smallest screws continuously fall out. Unless you purchase some loctite with your own money to remedy the situation. After 8 months of use I am giving the current model Hapstone R2 a 4 out of 10. If it is still functioning after 12 months I will do a one year review. Thats a big if.
Hello Sir, Excellent video. I like your no BS style. I'm using a Edge Pro, and for certain tools a Tormek 7, a Lansky sits in my fire gear. Been sharpening since I was little....we never thought much about it. My biggest frustration for the most part has been trying to educate folks on logical, common sense , use it every day sharpness of various objects. Starting my own business in sharpening. Again, kudo's for the reviews and the costs associated with sharpening. It can be an expensive rabbit hole. Thank you for your videos and information. I hope it helps a lot of folks.
Thanks for watching William. I find that most guys are not really interested in angles and grit, usually I get a "whatever you think is best". I am usually able to explain to them that blade material is the single most important thing when choosing their next knife. Good luck with the business.
@@fldiverjc4496 I have the Pro model with the attachments. Need to upgrade my table with the magnetic base. I'm actually taking a very good look at TSPROF. The reviews are good and I like the workholding.
@@williamfouts2363 I also have thr edgepro professional in my line up....very good system but not as versatile as the tsprof nor hapstone. For build quality the tsprof is top level, only matched possibly by the wicked edge Gen 3 pro. If you go to tsprof I assure you, you won't be disappointed.
I purchased the hapstone R2 basic. Sure I upgraded some attachments. But, was glad I did it. This way I have exactly what I prefer and don't need. Ive sharpened 14" blades no problem. I will agree with you on the clamping system. It does need improvement. But over all for me, best investment.
Are you using thr r2?? It appears so. I had chose the r1 and haven't come across any issues, plus you can use 8" bench stones which you can't on the r2. The assortment of stones available is mind boggling, and makes this type of system worth the money charged. It truly is very versatile especially with all thr extra kit available from hapstone. Best of luck
I wish I saw this video before buying this system owned for a year now and I'm not happy with at all should've gone with a tsprof guess that what I for being cheap
Thanks for posting this - I have been searching for real life usage of these type systems - great to hear about the flaws in such detail. I might just buy some cheap knives and whetstones and go the old fashioned route. In the long run I would have a lot more money left over to buy a really top shelf knife.
Thanks for the review. I’ve had my Hapstone R2 for about two years. I really have to disagree with you on a lot of the things you list as cons of the system or other conclusions you come to.
I routinely sharpen 12 inch kitchen knives as well as very wide bladed 8 inch long cleavers with the system and have no problems with stability. Perhaps you’re using a lot of downward force on the stones, more than I am, and that’s why you are having difficulty? I don’t find I need to use enough downward force that I risk tipping the base.
I also don’t have any problem, holding the handle and having it gouge my fingers. Perhaps we grip the handle differently but I’ve never thought of that as a concern at all.
The fine adjustment angle compensator device is extremely helpful. Especially for someone who repeatedly mentions the differences in stone thickness as an annoying difficulty. The angle compensator is tremendously helpful for that. On a sidenote, for what it’s worth, I have the Venev bonded diamond stones that gritomatic packages with the system, and I have not had any noticeable problem with differences in thickness between the different stones.
I also don’t find the circular knurled screw on the pivot block to be any kind of a problem.
I guess we each see things our own way, but I just wanted to have a counterpoint here from somebody who’s had one of these for a while, so that people who see your video can understand that not all people have the same concerns after using the system.
What a breath of fresh air. If only other reviewers adopted your straightforward and frank approach. We'd all be better off. About the Hapstone, I'm surprised by the amount of flex. Like you, I doubt that much harm is done by it. But I think that it actually bends more than my WS Precision Pro. Anyway, thanks and march on. 🔥
This is the best Hapstone review I have seen on CZcams, listing all the pros, cons, and improvements needed for the Hapstone sharpener.
Thanks for this very helpful video. Like you said right at the beginning- most of the videos are a lot of rah rah and thin on actual performance. Appreciate greatly that you showed the good and the bad. Subscribed.
After watching, I'm even more pleased that I decided upon the TSPROF KO-3 "Master Kit."
Like these videos. You deserve a way bigger crowd v
I have a R2 that I also purchased with my own money. I have liked the system quite a bit. Interestingly, my R2 has a different clamp mechanism that is spring loaded and lostens from either end. You can position it further away from the grip. It has no sharp edges at all and works with flat and dovetail edge stones. I guess they took your advice. The interesting thing is that I've had my system for about a year.
I agree that the system can be tippy on chef knives but, as a woodworker, I have bench hold downs so I can just fasten it. I haven't really had an issue with the angle adjust screw. I did grab a collar from a router plane so I could set an upper and lower range for swapping stone thickness.
I will say the top end TSPROF is the better system, but the money I saved bought me 3 sets of stones. After learning the Hapstone, it is hard to imagine that I would get a noticeably better edge with anything else.
I feel certain that you purchased the previous version. Each and every retailer I looked at, as of today, shows the exact same clamping block. That includes Amazon, Gritomatic and Ebay, for all Hapstone R2 models.
I really liked this thing until the 6 month/100 knife mark. My angle clamps have now warped and the threads of both grub screws became so worn(from proper torque/not overtightening) I had to replace them. The company does not use any type of thread lock, as such the smallest screws continuously fall out. Unless you purchase some loctite with your own money to remedy the situation.
After 8 months of use I am giving the current model Hapstone R2 a 4 out of 10. If it is still functioning after 12 months I will do a one year review.
Thats a big if.
Hello Sir,
Excellent video. I like your no BS style. I'm using a Edge Pro, and for certain tools a Tormek 7, a Lansky sits in my fire gear. Been sharpening since I was little....we never thought much about it. My biggest frustration for the most part has been trying to educate folks on logical, common sense , use it every day sharpness of various objects. Starting my own business in sharpening.
Again, kudo's for the reviews and the costs associated with sharpening. It can be an expensive rabbit hole. Thank you for your videos and information. I hope it helps a lot of folks.
Thanks for watching William. I find that most guys are not really interested in angles and grit, usually I get a "whatever you think is best". I am usually able to explain to them that blade material is the single most important thing when choosing their next knife.
Good luck with the business.
May I ask if your using the apex or professional??
For multiple knives the professional is well worth the extra money.
@@fldiverjc4496 I have the Pro model with the attachments. Need to upgrade my table with the magnetic base. I'm actually taking a very good look at TSPROF. The reviews are good and I like the workholding.
@@williamfouts2363 I also have thr edgepro professional in my line up....very good system but not as versatile as the tsprof nor hapstone.
For build quality the tsprof is top level, only matched possibly by the wicked edge Gen 3 pro.
If you go to tsprof I assure you, you won't be disappointed.
I purchased the hapstone R2 basic. Sure I upgraded some attachments. But, was glad I did it. This way I have exactly what I prefer and don't need. Ive sharpened 14" blades no problem. I will agree with you on the clamping system. It does need improvement. But over all for me, best investment.
Great review
good stuff brother
I just rounded those two corners with a file and no annoyance any more!
Do you purchase blank plates from Hapstone or another vendor?
Great video with balanced and thoughtful critical analysis. Look out for the next generation Hapstone as it uses feedback to evolve
thanks for your information :D Greeting from Mexico!
Gracias por ver amigo
Thanks. Very helpful. Seems like the PEREFCT system is elusive at this point.
Gotta get 1 of these systems Sir. Did great on my knives in Toledo.
Thanks for watching Carl! My wife helped me make a new video which explains how much it costs to buy and operate a guided system. Good luck brother.
Are you using thr r2?? It appears so. I had chose the r1 and haven't come across any issues, plus you can use 8" bench stones which you can't on the r2.
The assortment of stones available is mind boggling, and makes this type of system worth the money charged. It truly is very versatile especially with all thr extra kit available from hapstone.
Best of luck
Awesome 👌
I wish I saw this video before buying this system owned for a year now and I'm not happy with at all should've gone with a tsprof guess that what I for being cheap
Thanks for posting this - I have been searching for real life usage of these type systems - great to hear about the flaws in such detail. I might just buy some cheap knives and whetstones and go the old fashioned route. In the long run I would have a lot more money left over to buy a really top shelf knife.
You can't go wrong with a Lansky! It may not be fancy but it works.
I find fixed edge systems to be a compliment to normal stones rather than a replacement.
Only have had mine a couple of months but I haven’t had any of the problems you mentioned.
Your pushing down way too hard, you need not grab the handle that hard, I use 2 fingers and let the weight of the stones/handle do the work