67 HC ZDP Convex Folder

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TLoFP

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So I have been looking at Rockstead knifes over the past week. So I wanted to ask you all about alternatives. Who else makes convex grinds on a 67 HC ZDP with mirror finish?

- T
 
TLoFP said:
Well that makes me wonder then. Reading through the forum allot of people cry out: "They are overpriced". How do you establish a fair market value for a unique product?

- T
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Two grand is a just a little steep . Does it sing ? :)
 
It has just kind of been a pet peeve of mine when people complain about the price of a knife. If they are selling for that amount then Econ 101 tells you that it is a good price. What I don't like is secondary market markup because that money doesn't go to the designer. But back to Rockstead: If there is no one that makes a 67 HC ZDP hand-rubbed mirror polish blade then it is difficult to argue that the folders are not worth 1 grand.... or 2 sebenzas. And compared to a sebenza the production value of the Rockstead is certainly much higher.

1. Blade material
2. 3D Machined handles
3. That holy smokes hand rubbed finished and legendary out of box sharpness.

This knife is currently out of my price range as I haven't started shi***** golden eggs yet. But having considered the Sebenza and the Spartan, I honestly see more value in the Rockstead then either of those two.

- T
 
1. ZDP blade is not really a standout feature, as it can be had from Spyderco for $45 (ladybug).
2. 3D Machined aluminum is not really impressive either, as it can be had from CRKT for $30 (ripple).
3. Yes, the mirrored finish is beautiful and very sharp. Unfortunately, they also recommend sending it back to the factory for sharpening. I didn't spend hundreds of dollars on sharpening equipment so I can send my knives back to the factory!

This doesn't mean that I think Rocksteads are over priced pieces of crap. However, to me there is only one reason to purchase a Rockstead: cutting performance out of the box. If you can handle waiting a few weeks to get your knife sharpened (or can afford TWO Rocksteads so you never have to go without) then they are awesome knives with amazing fit and finish and I'm sure they will serve you well.
 
There is more than hand rubbed. Generally, the harder or the higher the RC, the longer it takes for a decent mirror:

1. My CRK insingo's S35 steel, with relative low RC, took me close to 8 hours to get this mirror blade finish:

DSCN2082_zpsa54fbab3.jpg


2. Spyderco's Domino CTS204 and Yojimbo 2 S90V both took 40 hours - each:

DSCN2199_zpsc192ec6f.jpg


DSCN2216_zps91rjoxub.jpg


DSCN2218_zpstg6c2n2d.jpg


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My hand rub finishes are only a passable mirror.

Rockstead takes the hand rubbed high RC blades up to 2000 grit then move up to the next level. Rockstead's propriety method is by using abrasive grits suspended in a liquid medium, combined with vibration to eradicate what little flaw is left after the 2000 grit, to get their flawless finish.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...Nl5PU_GCZ_yJFtQ94FhpSzg&bvm=bv.89381419,d.cGU

I am an admirer of their products and its been two weeks into waiting for my Rockstead - estimated to be a 2-4 months wait.

Their zero convex ground is interesting. Unfortunately, my WEP will not be able to reproduce. But thats okay, Rockstead, like many of my collections, will be just something to admire and appreciate. Although, in anticipation, I already got Pikal for stropping as recommended by Rockstead to keep the blade polish.

Aloha!
 
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Overpriced tends to be a personal call. I can spend 1/10th of the money to get a knife with better steel, a stronger lock and handle material I much prefer. The Rockstead will have a better grind, better F&F and better aesthetics, but it won't be 10 times the knife. For me, that means the thing is overpriced. For those looking for the specific set of attributes a Rockstead offers the answer will be different.
 
If I had to choose between a shirogorov or a rockstead, I'd probably go with rockstead. Olamics are starting to creep up, too. Wish I'd gotten one back when they were about 450.
 
I'd say Rockstead is so far past my level of diminishing returns that I don't see it as a reasonable consideration at any level. For the price of a Rockstead, I'm pretty sure I could have a blade made and fitted to the production or custom folder of my choice. Maybe not with a mirror finish, but, SO WHAT? Mirror finishes just make usage marks look awful.
 
I'm looking at the Hizen really hard right now. But 765 bucks is a hard pill to swallow

Would have to save up for quite a bit
 
victorf said:
There is more than hand rubbed. Generally, the harder or the higher the RC, the longer it takes for a decent mirror:

1. My CRK insingo's S35 steel, with relative low RC, took me close to 8 hours to get this mirror blade finish:


2. Spyderco's Domino CTS204 and Yojimbo 2 S90V both took 40 hours - each:


My hand rub finishes are only a passable mirror.

Rockstead takes the hand rubbed high RC blades up to 2000 grit then move up to the next level. Rockstead's propriety method is by using abrasive grits suspended in a liquid medium, combined with vibration to eradicate what little flaw is left after the 2000 grit, to get their flawless finish.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...Nl5PU_GCZ_yJFtQ94FhpSzg&bvm=bv.89381419,d.cGU

I am an admirer of their products and its been two weeks into waiting for my Rockstead - estimated to be a 2-4 months wait.

Their zero convex ground is interesting. Unfortunately, my WEP will not be able to reproduce. But thats okay, Rockstead, like many of my collections, will be just something to admire and appreciate. Although, in anticipation, I already got Pikal for stropping as recommended by Rockstead to keep the blade polish.

Aloha!
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How much of a mirror finish on a production knife can be done pre heat treat? The reason I ask is because the mirror finishes you describe as passable have to be carried out an a blade that is heat treated. I wonder if rockstead has an advantage with being able to carry out certain grits pre heat treat.


Comeuppance said:
I'd say Rockstead is so far past my level of diminishing returns that I don't see it as a reasonable consideration at any level. For the price of a Rockstead, I'm pretty sure I could have a blade made and fitted to the production or custom folder of my choice. Maybe not with a mirror finish, but, SO WHAT? Mirror finishes just make usage marks look awful.
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The thing to remember is that a Rockstead is in ZDP is so hard that the mirror finish holds up extremely well even with significant use. Similar to how a watch made from tungsten resists scratching and desk dives. If you do manage to scratch the ZDP blade its usually very fine and hard to spot in most lighting.
 
co556guy said:
How steep $2k is depends on your income level, I'd say.
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Not always. It depends on your willingness to release a specific amount of funds into one item. Some people tie up their money differently than others, depends more on their need for such an item. I know some people that are pretty much broke, live in a house some would consider a dump, yet they drive a $75K truck decked out with all kinds of stuff.
 
Comeuppance said:
I'd say Rockstead is so far past my level of diminishing returns that I don't see it as a reasonable consideration at any level. For the price of a Rockstead, I'm pretty sure I could have a blade made and fitted to the production or custom folder of my choice. Maybe not with a mirror finish, but, SO WHAT? Mirror finishes just make usage marks look awful.
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I assume that you don't own a Rockstead then? If I could afford to get a knife around 1k, that would be my choice. I believe that the mirror finish is not just for looks. I'm also a believer in not worrying about scratching a knife from use. One day I will sell off my collection and spring for a Rockstead.
 
Jasonsdman said:
I assume that you don't own a Rockstead then? If I could afford to get a knife around 1k, that would be my choice. I believe that the mirror finish is not just for looks. I'm also a believer in not worrying about scratching a knife from use. One day I will sell off my collection and spring for a Rockstead.
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I lack the income to be able to justify consolidating so much money into an item that can be lost or stolen so easily. It would be like carrying around a brick of gold. It would be a worry-stone that would cause worry.

There's the irony with high-end high-performance knives; the people who would most benefit from an exceptional knife are almost never wealthy enough to afford one.
 
You're absolutely right about that. I would hate to lose an expensive knife. Heck I would hate to lose a cheap knife. It's just a part of carrying things.
I also agree with the irony, but it only applies to folders. Most high end fixed blades and kitchen knives are actually worth owning for people that can use to make a living. IMHO glorified folders just makes us feel good on the inside.
 
I'll answer the question this way: will I get one if I had the money? Yes, but I'll probably get other knives, not just Rockstead.
 
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