I got my TSPROF Axicube from Gritomatic where they cost $189USD. They are also available directly from TSPROF if you prefer to buy from them. I like Gritomatic best because they have easy to reach people (whose first language is English) via a phone call who know the products and can quickly answer all your questions. Further below I will leave link for the flag screw that was shown early on in the video. AXICUBE is available here: 1. GRITOMATIC - www.gritomatic.com/products/guide-rod-with-axicube-i-angle-finder-for-tsprof-k03 2. TSPROF - tsprof.com/ When prompted click on the part of the world that you are from, and it will take you to the appropriate store that serves your area. Once there, search for "AXICUBE". Quick link for USA - tsprof.us/products/tsprof-abrasive-holder-with-integrated-axicube-i-angle-finder FLAG SCREW The screws on the Axicube system are metric. the size is M4. Amazon CANADA - amzn.to/3fv1Gm9 - $12.59CAD Amazon USA - amzn.to/3t37xSJ - $7.99USD
$189 for an angle cube!? That’s not only ridiculous it’s what I paid for my entire fixed angle sharpening system and I’m getting fantastic results. As for reading the angle at the end of the blade, why bother? It’s not as if you’re gonna keep adjusting the angle as you move down the blade. Set it in the middle, take a reading at the end of the blade for interest (nothing more) and get on with sharpening. This is a $189 solution for a problem that doesn’t exist.
Thank you for review trying to make figure out if I should buy the tsprof is good for me thank you for the video it did help and i will be buying the pro hunter thank you again
Can you suggest a set of the narrow stones for recurve, small blades - an "All Purpose" set? Thanks - trying to outfit the KO-3. Very good review of this new Axicube, thanks...
Indeed, first here is a whole list of choices - www.gritomatic.com/collections/recurve (Gritomatic.com is my recommended store for all things sharpening.) If you have knives with hard steel (not low budget knives) then this is my go to set, I use it on a regular basis ($36.50 to $38.50 PER STONE - not cheap but they will last for a VERY long time, I have had mine for almost 4 years and they cut as well as they did the day I got them) - www.gritomatic.com/collections/recurve/products/curved-metallic-bonded-diamond-for-edge-pro (keep wet with soapy water when sharpening) - I made a how to sharpen recurve video of these several years ago using this stone - th-cam.com/video/2UwFrGeK39g/w-d-xo.html For less money this set, also by VENEV has just as good longevity, as long as the recurves are not super extreme (it's slightly wider and has 90° edges) - www.gritomatic.com/collections/recurve/products/venev-ursa-series-dual-side-diamond-set - use the same technique I show in the how to video mentioned above and they will work fine on all but the VERY curvy recurves. I should let you know that I sharpen most mild recurves with my standard stones and it works very well using the technique in the video.
What aftermarket stones are good initial apex . I wore out my all my low grit stones 😂😂. Got through about 50 knives though . The 1000 and up ceramic stones are still perfect but the stone stone ones got a belly and the flipped over then eventually broke in half .
That is a common issue. For me it is always the coarse stones that wear out first. There is no simple answer to which is the best stones because it depends on what steel you are sharpening. I am assuming you have a common sharpening system that takes 6" x 1" stones: 1. If you are sharpening harder steels (like HRC 59+ then I much prefer VENEV diamond stones. These come in as low as 80 grit equivalent - www.gritomatic.com/products/venev-bonded-diamond-for-edge-pro 2. For common stainless steel these cost a lot less and I like them a lot, the Boride (USA) CS-HD series (this is the lowest cost stone I recommend) - www.gritomatic.com/collections/edge-pro-stones/products/boride-cs-hd-stone-for-edge-pro (silicon carbide stones simply cannot last very long but at least they don't cost an aweful lot, probably less than $0.25 per sharpening that you get out of them even if you are fixed bad bevels on each blade. 3. Between #1 and #2 is a very WIDE range of stones that each have their own strengths and weaknesses you can find a long list, any of which I would recommend: Sorry, I could not be super direct, each senario is unique and therefore there is no one simple recommendation - www.gritomatic.com/collections/edge-pro-stones
I am still a huge fan of the K03 (in any configuration) but since the war in Ukraine and the extra 40% price hike due to the tarrifs on stuff from Russia it makes it that much harder to decide to buy a TSPROF product. I would say, if you can afford the K03 it's an awesome system. that said, I have never reviewed Kazak systems but I have used them and they are wonderful, though without anyting like the Axicube. You can see them here: - www.gritomatic.com/collections/kazak-sharpeners
Great question. Measuring the angle with a convex attachment: The way I do it is I measure the angle with the stone extended (toward the sharpener) with the stone sitting on the blade. I think this is the most accurate measurement at the apex. You will notice that the angle will change on the Axicube from when one end of the stone touches from when its at the other end. So, some people take the angle when the stone is at the midway point. Whichever way you do it, do it the same way every time you change a stone so that you will keep doing the same angle for the entire sharpening session.
For the last few years I have been buying all my screwdrivers from KC Tool (in USA) If you are not in USA you could find the part/product codes for the drivers and search your country for stores that might have them. Here is a list of links I made a while ago, I hope the links still work - flag driver links are at the end. KC Tool Company: www.kctool.com/?rfsn=5171523.b1e21b (referral link to their main website) - BEST T8 driver - Wera T-Handle bit.ly/41xK2B6 - BEST T6 driver - Wera T-handle - bit.ly/3EGN7Fs - Link for HIGH quality Torx Knife Maintenance set: bit.ly/3nrbAVt - Link for FULL SIZE Torx set: bit.ly/3CbDgEa - Link for FLAG handle T6: bit.ly/2ZcR4Qd - Link to FLAG handle T8: bit.ly/2ZexB1y
For the last few years I have been buying all my screwdrivers from KC Tool (in USA) If you are not in USA you could find the part/product codes for the drivers and search your country for stores that might have them. Here is a list of links I made a while ago, I hope the links still work - flag driver links are at the end. KC Tool Company: www.kctool.com/?rfsn=5171523.b1e21b (referral link to their main website) - BEST T8 driver - Wera T-Handle bit.ly/41xK2B6 - BEST T6 driver - Wera T-handle - bit.ly/3EGN7Fs - Link for HIGH quality Torx Knife Maintenance set: bit.ly/3nrbAVt - Link for FULL SIZE Torx set: bit.ly/3CbDgEa - Link for FLAG handle T6: bit.ly/2ZcR4Qd - Link to FLAG handle T8: bit.ly/2ZexB1y
Hey I’m a fellow Canadian looking at buying a K03 system, I was wondering what the best buying options are for us up north, the website doesn’t mention shipping to Canada and Amazon is stocked with older models for the price of the new ones
It has never been a good deal to buy TSPROF items in Canada but it was a lot better before the war in Ukraine. Right now it is super nasty because I don't know of any authorised resellers in Canada. Due to the war USA puts a 40% tariff on any items coming in from Russia, then when you buy from an American store then CBSA will very likely also put their 40% tariff on the item when you import it into Canada. That said, I get all my TSPROF items directly from TSPROF or from Gritomatic.com Gritomatic isn't clear about shipping to Canada because they know Canadians will be upset IF CBSA puts that huge tax on the items when they cross the border. That said they will ship to Canada, but they cannot control if you will be charged that extra 40% or not. Knowing this, the stores in Canada that already have TSPROF items have already taken the 40% hit and they are passing it on to the consumer. Let's hope this war ends soon.
I thought you had to set the axi cube itself on the calibration plate to calibrate it and not a stone, that's what it was done on the TSProf youtube channel
Yes, you are correct. The calibration plate is visible in the early part of the video. TSPROF shows the calibration without a stone - as you saw here: th-cam.com/video/etc8Tvkbl10/w-d-xo.html The simply fact is that the stone I used is parallel with the Axicube bottom and therefore the angle is the same as the Axicube itself on the calibration plate. I didn't use the exact procedure that they show but I used an equivalent procedure, as long as the stone is still a FLAT stone. So, in one way the method I showed was not as good because some people are likely to use worn stones and mess it up.
I disagree with how you're calibrating your Axicube. Read the instructions again and you'll find you're supposed to get the bottom of the cube laying flat, not the stone. That way the wear or out of flat of your stone doesn't cause error.
You can disagree. Or call the people at Gritomatic or the guys and TSPROF and they will tell you that my way is perfectly fine. It's becase of how parallel surfaces work. BUT, you are right about stones that dish out, those are not a good choice for calibration, you need a stone that you KNOW is flat.
I got my TSPROF Axicube from Gritomatic where they cost $189USD. They are also available directly from TSPROF if you prefer to buy from them. I like Gritomatic best because they have easy to reach people (whose first language is English) via a phone call who know the products and can quickly answer all your questions.
Further below I will leave link for the flag screw that was shown early on in the video.
AXICUBE is available here:
1. GRITOMATIC - www.gritomatic.com/products/guide-rod-with-axicube-i-angle-finder-for-tsprof-k03
2. TSPROF - tsprof.com/ When prompted click on the part of the world that you are from, and it will take you to the appropriate store that serves your area. Once there, search for "AXICUBE".
Quick link for USA - tsprof.us/products/tsprof-abrasive-holder-with-integrated-axicube-i-angle-finder
FLAG SCREW
The screws on the Axicube system are metric. the size is M4.
Amazon CANADA - amzn.to/3fv1Gm9 - $12.59CAD
Amazon USA - amzn.to/3t37xSJ - $7.99USD
$189 for an angle cube!? That’s not only ridiculous it’s what I paid for my entire fixed angle sharpening system and I’m getting fantastic results.
As for reading the angle at the end of the blade, why bother? It’s not as if you’re gonna keep adjusting the angle as you move down the blade. Set it in the middle, take a reading at the end of the blade for interest (nothing more) and get on with sharpening. This is a $189 solution for a problem that doesn’t exist.
Jake, I have really enjoyed your coverage of the TSPROF stuff... really appreciating your tips on after-market improvements. Thank you!
My pleasure!
I thought you place the axicube-I directly on the angle prism, not the actual stone, when calibrating?
TSPROF shows their video putting it on the angle prism itself, but if the stone is matching the angle of the prism then it's the same angle.
Thank you for review trying to make figure out if I should buy the tsprof is good for me thank you for the video it did help and i will be buying the pro hunter thank you again
I am glad to hear my video was helpful for your decision making.
Can you suggest a set of the narrow stones for recurve, small blades - an "All Purpose" set?
Thanks - trying to outfit the KO-3.
Very good review of this new Axicube, thanks...
Indeed, first here is a whole list of choices - www.gritomatic.com/collections/recurve
(Gritomatic.com is my recommended store for all things sharpening.)
If you have knives with hard steel (not low budget knives) then this is my go to set, I use it on a regular basis ($36.50 to $38.50 PER STONE - not cheap but they will last for a VERY long time, I have had mine for almost 4 years and they cut as well as they did the day I got them) - www.gritomatic.com/collections/recurve/products/curved-metallic-bonded-diamond-for-edge-pro (keep wet with soapy water when sharpening)
- I made a how to sharpen recurve video of these several years ago using this stone - th-cam.com/video/2UwFrGeK39g/w-d-xo.html
For less money this set, also by VENEV has just as good longevity, as long as the recurves are not super extreme (it's slightly wider and has 90° edges) - www.gritomatic.com/collections/recurve/products/venev-ursa-series-dual-side-diamond-set
- use the same technique I show in the how to video mentioned above and they will work fine on all but the VERY curvy recurves.
I should let you know that I sharpen most mild recurves with my standard stones and it works very well using the technique in the video.
@@CanadianCuttingEdge
Thanks, very much Jake - very helpful.
Oh, and I've heard good things about Gritomatic too...
What aftermarket stones are good initial apex . I wore out my all my low grit stones 😂😂. Got through about 50 knives though . The 1000 and up ceramic stones are still perfect but the stone stone ones got a belly and the flipped over then eventually broke in half .
That is a common issue. For me it is always the coarse stones that wear out first.
There is no simple answer to which is the best stones because it depends on what steel you are sharpening.
I am assuming you have a common sharpening system that takes 6" x 1" stones:
1. If you are sharpening harder steels (like HRC 59+ then I much prefer VENEV diamond stones. These come in as low as 80 grit equivalent - www.gritomatic.com/products/venev-bonded-diamond-for-edge-pro
2. For common stainless steel these cost a lot less and I like them a lot, the Boride (USA) CS-HD series (this is the lowest cost stone I recommend) - www.gritomatic.com/collections/edge-pro-stones/products/boride-cs-hd-stone-for-edge-pro (silicon carbide stones simply cannot last very long but at least they don't cost an aweful lot, probably less than $0.25 per sharpening that you get out of them even if you are fixed bad bevels on each blade.
3. Between #1 and #2 is a very WIDE range of stones that each have their own strengths and weaknesses you can find a long list, any of which I would recommend:
Sorry, I could not be super direct, each senario is unique and therefore there is no one simple recommendation - www.gritomatic.com/collections/edge-pro-stones
Hello, great video. What is your opinion on the K03 pro hunter system by TSPROF? Do you think is worth the higher cost compared to other systems?
I am still a huge fan of the K03 (in any configuration) but since the war in Ukraine and the extra 40% price hike due to the tarrifs on stuff from Russia it makes it that much harder to decide to buy a TSPROF product. I would say, if you can afford the K03 it's an awesome system.
that said, I have never reviewed Kazak systems but I have used them and they are wonderful, though without anyting like the Axicube. You can see them here: - www.gritomatic.com/collections/kazak-sharpeners
Having a strong rod is important !
Some of us learn that that hard way.
Does the angle change with the convex attachment ?
Great question.
Measuring the angle with a convex attachment: The way I do it is I measure the angle with the stone extended (toward the sharpener) with the stone sitting on the blade. I think this is the most accurate measurement at the apex.
You will notice that the angle will change on the Axicube from when one end of the stone touches from when its at the other end. So, some people take the angle when the stone is at the midway point.
Whichever way you do it, do it the same way every time you change a stone so that you will keep doing the same angle for the entire sharpening session.
Where did you get the ‘flag screw’?
For the last few years I have been buying all my screwdrivers from KC Tool (in USA)
If you are not in USA you could find the part/product codes for the drivers and search your country for stores that might have them.
Here is a list of links I made a while ago, I hope the links still work - flag driver links are at the end.
KC Tool Company: www.kctool.com/?rfsn=5171523.b1e21b (referral link to their main website)
- BEST T8 driver - Wera T-Handle bit.ly/41xK2B6
- BEST T6 driver - Wera T-handle - bit.ly/3EGN7Fs
- Link for HIGH quality Torx Knife Maintenance set: bit.ly/3nrbAVt
- Link for FULL SIZE Torx set: bit.ly/3CbDgEa
- Link for FLAG handle T6: bit.ly/2ZcR4Qd
- Link to FLAG handle T8: bit.ly/2ZexB1y
Where did you get the flag screw
For the last few years I have been buying all my screwdrivers from KC Tool (in USA)
If you are not in USA you could find the part/product codes for the drivers and search your country for stores that might have them.
Here is a list of links I made a while ago, I hope the links still work - flag driver links are at the end.
KC Tool Company: www.kctool.com/?rfsn=5171523.b1e21b (referral link to their main website)
- BEST T8 driver - Wera T-Handle bit.ly/41xK2B6
- BEST T6 driver - Wera T-handle - bit.ly/3EGN7Fs
- Link for HIGH quality Torx Knife Maintenance set: bit.ly/3nrbAVt
- Link for FULL SIZE Torx set: bit.ly/3CbDgEa
- Link for FLAG handle T6: bit.ly/2ZcR4Qd
- Link to FLAG handle T8: bit.ly/2ZexB1y
Hey I’m a fellow Canadian looking at buying a K03 system, I was wondering what the best buying options are for us up north, the website doesn’t mention shipping to Canada and Amazon is stocked with older models for the price of the new ones
It has never been a good deal to buy TSPROF items in Canada but it was a lot better before the war in Ukraine. Right now it is super nasty because I don't know of any authorised resellers in Canada. Due to the war USA puts a 40% tariff on any items coming in from Russia, then when you buy from an American store then CBSA will very likely also put their 40% tariff on the item when you import it into Canada.
That said, I get all my TSPROF items directly from TSPROF or from Gritomatic.com Gritomatic isn't clear about shipping to Canada because they know Canadians will be upset IF CBSA puts that huge tax on the items when they cross the border. That said they will ship to Canada, but they cannot control if you will be charged that extra 40% or not.
Knowing this, the stores in Canada that already have TSPROF items have already taken the 40% hit and they are passing it on to the consumer.
Let's hope this war ends soon.
That s am awesome sharpener 👍. Looks so well done compared to my ruixin pro 😂
It is, and it costs a LOT more too.
I thought you had to set the axi cube itself on the calibration plate to calibrate it and not a stone, that's what it was done on the TSProf youtube channel
Yes, you are correct. The calibration plate is visible in the early part of the video. TSPROF shows the calibration without a stone - as you saw here: th-cam.com/video/etc8Tvkbl10/w-d-xo.html
The simply fact is that the stone I used is parallel with the Axicube bottom and therefore the angle is the same as the Axicube itself on the calibration plate. I didn't use the exact procedure that they show but I used an equivalent procedure, as long as the stone is still a FLAT stone. So, in one way the method I showed was not as good because some people are likely to use worn stones and mess it up.
@@CanadianCuttingEdge Gotcha, thanks for the response. I appreciate the clarity and your videos
Nice angle tool! Too bad it costs so much. First I need a decent sharpening system! Thanks for sharing!
It is rather pricey and a part of that is the extra tariffs because TSPROF is a Russian company.
I disagree with how you're calibrating your Axicube. Read the instructions again and you'll find you're supposed to get the bottom of the cube laying flat, not the stone. That way the wear or out of flat of your stone doesn't cause error.
You can disagree. Or call the people at Gritomatic or the guys and TSPROF and they will tell you that my way is perfectly fine. It's becase of how parallel surfaces work.
BUT, you are right about stones that dish out, those are not a good choice for calibration, you need a stone that you KNOW is flat.