Hapstone RS vs R2 vs R2 Opti Differences?

Lenny

Lenny

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Oct 15, 1998
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Could anybody please explain the differences between these 3 systems?
They're all in my price range so $ isn't a factor, I just want the best one.
I also want to be able to sharpen full fat grind blades so that's important in my decision.
Whichever I purchase it'll be the Black version as I don't have an angle gage.
Thank you
 
The RS is the smaller version of the sharpener, mainly for pocket knives. If storage and usage space is critical then you probably want this one. It has a different stone holder and rod guide that I personally don't like. The guide rod fits through the holder like a Wicked Edge stone, so you can't use guide stops to prevent the stone from sliding off the blade. This can cause damage to the edge, or scratch up the side of the knife.

R2 and R2 Opti are the same base system, they just include different clamp styles. It is a much larger system with more clamp and accessory options for things like chisels, scissors, magnetic flat table etc. The R2 comes with the springed clamps that you can adjust for different blade profiles like FFG by getting the front screw close to tight then tightening the back screw to cause the clamp tips to pinch the blade which can perfectly match the grind. They usually need to be "calibrated" so they have a 0 degree difference when flipped, it is simply done with an angle gauge and loosening the spring screws and adjusting until they are even.

The R2 Opti includes whole milled clamps which have a specific profile milled into the jaws and may not fit your specific blades. This can cause issues with the blade not clamping straight especially on FFG knives. They can also both use guide stops so the stone stops before running off the blade.

If you have the room and want to sharpen kitchen knives or other items the R2 is worth it. There are many reviews for both systems on youtube if you want to compare them although some of the older R2 videos may have older parts that have been updated or upgraded since, just something to be aware of.
 
I own and use the Hapstone RS Black, and am very happy with it. As B Bdtry touched on above, its main use is for folding knives.
It's funny that when you watch video reviews of it on YouTube, some of the reviewers are trying to sharpen larger fixed blade knives on it.
That's not what it was made for.

You can install a guide stop behind the stone holder to limit travel on the push stroke, as seen in my photo below, but not on the pull stroke.
It's not an issue if you pay attention to what you are doing.


I haven't had any issues clamping to FFG knives, and I have a lot of Spydercos. I typically clamp to the flat of the ricasso, and use the other
clamp out towards the tip, for support. Also, I use a piece of chamois between the blade and clamps, which helps.

I also own and use the Hapstone M3, which is simply the small magnetic table module mounted to the Hapstone Modular Platform,
instead of the R2 rotating clamp module. I will probably upgrade to the V8 Module, in the future.

The modules will interchange between the R2 and RS platforms.

 
OK, what about knives with no ricassos, like my Slysz Bowie.
Which system would be best for these knives?
Seems like the RS wouldn't work on these knives; is this true?
I want a system that clamps all knife blades.
I assume the R2 would be able to clamp all style knife grinds, true?
 
Lenny said:
OK, what about knives with no ricassos, like my Slysz Bowie.
Which system would be best for these knives?
Seems like the RS wouldn't work on these knives; is this true?
I want a system that clamps all knife blades.
I assume the R2 would be able to clamp all style knife grinds, true?
Click to expand...
The R2 with the clamps B Bdtry described in his post above, not the R2 Opti.
 
Lenny said:
OK, what about knives with no ricassos, like my Slysz Bowie.
Which system would be best for these knives?
Seems like the RS wouldn't work on these knives; is this true?
I want a system that clamps all knife blades.
I assume the R2 would be able to clamp all style knife grinds, true?
Click to expand...

Most* knife grinds. The reason there are different clamp styles and accessories is because there is no single clamp that will work on everything. The spring clamps will be able to fit most grinds unless they have a thick spine and a really steep grind simply due to not being able to spread the jaws enough.

Another trick some use is cutting strips of chamois and putting them around the knife in the jaws, it can help if the fit isn't perfect and also helps protect from scratches.

Don't be afraid to experiment and come back and ask for advice if you run into issues or something seems off. Despite the seemingly "easy" results that people expect there is a learning curve to guided sharpeners and even people that have used them for years can still learn new things.
 
Well, I think I'm gonna stick with my Edge Pro for now.
The clamps just seem to be a hassle to me.
I can find the angle with the sharpie method and trial and error on the EP.
And I don't have to worry about getting different angles per side.
Only negative is that I have to tape the blade to avoid scratches as it sits right in the wet slurry
on the sharpening table.
I've had it for years and can get screaming sharp edges with it.
 
If push comes to shove, don't be afraid to take the blade out of the handles and clamp the tang. Give'er a good cleaning too, to go along with the fresh edge.
 
jeronimo said:
I own and use the Hapstone RS Black, and am very happy with it. As B Bdtry touched on above, its main use is for folding knives.
It's funny that when you watch video reviews of it on YouTube, some of the reviewers are trying to sharpen larger fixed blade knives on it.
That's not what it was made for.

You can install a guide stop behind the stone holder to limit travel on the push stroke, as seen in my photo below, but not on the pull stroke.
It's not an issue if you pay attention to what you are doing.


I haven't had any issues clamping to FFG knives, and I have a lot of Spydercos. I typically clamp to the flat of the ricasso, and use the other
clamp out towards the tip, for support. Also, I use a piece of chamois between the blade and clamps, which helps.

I also own and use the Hapstone M3, which is simply the small magnetic table module mounted to the Hapstone Modular Platform,
instead of the R2 rotating clamp module. I will probably upgrade to the V8 Module, in the future.

The modules will interchange between the R2 and RS platforms.

Click to expand...
Did you ever get the v8? How did you like it?
 
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