- Joined
- May 4, 2007
- Messages
- 193
Review Continued...
Here is what I found works the best for small blades:
Hapstone warns against using only one clamp on your blade for stability reasons, but I found that with a small piece of rubber mating to protect the blade from the clamp, the knife is unmovable. It is as secure in one clamp as two. This also has the added benefit of keeping the clamp as far from the bevel as possible so that much smaller angles can be achieved. I was able to sharpen at 13 degrees per side. Additionally, the knife is perfectly parrallel to the table and 100% horizontal.
Here is the result of my first attempt at a mirror edge using Shapton glass stones in progression from 500 to 8000 on the Hapstone V6 w/clamp:
I'll admit this isn't a "perfect" mirror edge, but it wasn't just my first attempt at this with the Hapstone, it was my first attempt with any sharpening system. The only remaining scratches I see appear to be the grain of the steel (S30V). Sorry about the poor lighting. What this edge is however, is incredibly sharp. I've never produced an edge as sharp as this. I was whittling the whittlings of hair. I didn't even use a microbevel. Can barely hear any sound when slicing phonebook paper.
Suggested Improvements:
Final Thoughts:
If you're going to buy the Hapstone, you've just got to spend the extra money for the clamp. I'll probably not ever take mine off and go back to using the table.
Here is what I found works the best for small blades:
Hapstone warns against using only one clamp on your blade for stability reasons, but I found that with a small piece of rubber mating to protect the blade from the clamp, the knife is unmovable. It is as secure in one clamp as two. This also has the added benefit of keeping the clamp as far from the bevel as possible so that much smaller angles can be achieved. I was able to sharpen at 13 degrees per side. Additionally, the knife is perfectly parrallel to the table and 100% horizontal.
Here is the result of my first attempt at a mirror edge using Shapton glass stones in progression from 500 to 8000 on the Hapstone V6 w/clamp:
I'll admit this isn't a "perfect" mirror edge, but it wasn't just my first attempt at this with the Hapstone, it was my first attempt with any sharpening system. The only remaining scratches I see appear to be the grain of the steel (S30V). Sorry about the poor lighting. What this edge is however, is incredibly sharp. I've never produced an edge as sharp as this. I was whittling the whittlings of hair. I didn't even use a microbevel. Can barely hear any sound when slicing phonebook paper.
Suggested Improvements:
- This mechanism needs a single clamp that is wider for holding smaller knives. And, this single clamp must be in line with the center of the rotating mechanism.
- The center rotating mechanism needs its size reduced as well.
- Both of these changes will allow the sharpener to get the lower angles that those of us buying a sharpener like this need.
- I'm not sure what can be done design-wise, but the sharpener moves around a lot due to the increased front weight (until you screw it to your workbench).
Final Thoughts:
If you're going to buy the Hapstone, you've just got to spend the extra money for the clamp. I'll probably not ever take mine off and go back to using the table.
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