I'm considering purchasing one of the Rockstead knives probably in the yxrz blade. Most if not all the reviews are from owners who were awed by the blade in their initial encounter with it. I'm interested in those long term owners over the 2 to 3 year range. Do you still have the awe feeling after using your knives for years and even after the blade sharpness is less than out of the box. Is it difficult to keep the same sharpness? Do the handles hold up? Just curious as they run nearly 1k or more. Thanks.
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Any Rockstead knife long term owners
- Thread starter Davor
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Haha, I'm on my way back from Chicago right now and will write up something for Davor when I get home:thumbup:
Quick summary: buy one!
Quick summary: buy one!
Ajack60
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I almost bout the Higo x BB displayed in the above thread but if you read enough opinions something will come up that may cause you to pause at least for higher priced knife. Two items that made me pause was how difficult it was to sharpen the edge angles, this is after stropping of course, unless you are really good at free hand sharpening. I am not. I rely on the spyderco sharpener and have since I purchased my first quality fixed blade and folder. Second, one mentioned the aluminum handle finish doesn't hold up to other production folders. I use my knives so these are two important factors.
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If you're going to be relying on a sharpmaker, I wouldn't reccomend trying to maintain the edge yourself.
Also, I'm not quite sure what you mean by "other production folders", the finish isn't a DLC finish on the handle and will show wear just like anything else with aluminum scales. Then you state "I use my knives", so if you do, then wear marks shouldn't matter to you.
To me, it sounds like you've answered your own questions. And your answer is that they are not for you
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Just don't buy from knifecenter.. bad experience. I'm boycotting them.
Not to detract from the subject of the thread, but was your "bad experience" with KnifeCenter related to the purchase of a Rockstead with KC?
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Yea, I'm curious too. KC is probably my favorite source for all things sharp
kc over bhq?! I used to think you were a good man, I just don't know anymore
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kc over bhq?! I used to think you were a good man, I just don't know anymore
I feel that KC has a better selection, and I'm a huge fan of their rewards program. I've gotten over $200 from them, and a free SAK too!
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well shoot now kc isn't sounding too shabby!
I just started my addiction buying from bhq, and they've always done right by me, I suppose I'm just a loyal customer at this point
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I'm also a big advocate of KC due to their rewards program. If the price is the same as every else I usually buy from KC. In addition to receiving $350 in gift cards applicable to sales I also got a free Victorinox Swiss Army Super Tinker last year. It adds up!
If you're going to be relying on a sharpmaker, I wouldn't reccomend trying to maintain the edge yourself.
Also, I'm not quite sure what you mean by "other production folders", the finish isn't a DLC finish on the handle and will show wear just like anything else with aluminum scales. Then you state "I use my knives", so if you do, then wear marks shouldn't matter to you.
To me, it sounds like you've answered your own questions. And your answer is that they are not for you
Other production knives that are not custom made knives such as benchmade, Chris Reeves etc.... Interesting suggestion on the sharpening. Titanium handles would be nice. I wasn't too concerned with the scratches just if it holds up well with other production knives. Anyways I purchased th Higo with wood inlays. The micarta one was nice but wood is always a nice choice and I don't plan to gut fish with it.
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Awesome!!!
You're going to love that Higo. Let us know how you like it, and feel free to ask me anything regarding Rocky's:thumbup:
I'll let you know. Knife center wouldn't process my purchase unless they could verify my updated telephone number. They even called me back to verify my number. Nicole even guaranteed that she would personally inspect the knife to ensure it's the original and not refurbished Rockstead. She stated they are keen on this high priced knives and are careful to ensure they are pristine. I have purchased knives from them before and never had an issue. I'm glad they were hesitant to charge my credit card. I will also receive a $50 dollar gift certificate for my next purchase.
KC delivered my Rockstead fast. My initial overalll impression was that it was an ok knife. At the price range my expectations may have been higher. The CHris Knives gave me more of an agh wow feeling. I haven't used the Rockstead yet so I can't provide a legitimate review. The instructions said to avoid getting the handle wet because it could rust. It also said it can chip and to wipe it down after every use. The Japanese tend to be more cautious with their blades because they make fine sharp ones. My Japanese kitchen knives are vey sharp but they do pick up rust much more and tend to chip easier than my American and German made knives. I'm still wondering for those who use their Rocksteads hard, do they hold up to other production knives. I don't know if my frame is titanium or another material but getting water on my other folders is not an issue. The Rockstead feels extremely sharp but I haven't used it yet. I may be waiting to see if I should and if not then I can resale it if needed. The cost to send it back for resharpenin is around $30. Anyone have thoughts on their hard used Rocksteads and especially those who have sent it back for resharpening?
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Did you get the Ironwood Higo?
Sorry that you feel it is only "ok". I personally feel that they are miles ahead of CRK in terms of quality.
I've used my Chi and Higo-X for many tasks such as cutting/chopping wood, stripping/cutting wires, cardboard cutting, zip ties, and much more. I don't know what you consider "hard use", but I don't use my Rocksteads like I do with other knives due to the high hardness and geometry of the blade. I limit their use to cutting-only, not prying, stabbing, batoning, etc.. Treat it as a cutting tool and it will serve you well.
Assuming that it's the Higo-X you have, the handle is steel. Again, what do you mean by "do they hold up to other production knives."? What are you expecting out of a Rockstead? The $1,000 price tag doesn't make it cut any better than an Opinel, you're paying for limited production numbers and blade finishing.
Sorry that you feel it is only "ok". I personally feel that they are miles ahead of CRK in terms of quality.
I've used my Chi and Higo-X for many tasks such as cutting/chopping wood, stripping/cutting wires, cardboard cutting, zip ties, and much more. I don't know what you consider "hard use", but I don't use my Rocksteads like I do with other knives due to the high hardness and geometry of the blade. I limit their use to cutting-only, not prying, stabbing, batoning, etc.. Treat it as a cutting tool and it will serve you well.
Assuming that it's the Higo-X you have, the handle is steel. Again, what do you mean by "do they hold up to other production knives."? What are you expecting out of a Rockstead? The $1,000 price tag doesn't make it cut any better than an Opinel, you're paying for limited production numbers and blade finishing.