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Anyone ever owned or handled a rockstead folder?

I'm guessing the same principles of buying a Ferrari 458 versus a Corvette ZR1 apply to the choice to get a Rockstead over something half the price.
 
Check out Jim Skelton (on youtube)'s review of his Rockstead knives, all in hi-def and in depth overview/reviews of such.
 
Nullity said:
Rockstead has some great marketing, that is for sure. Their literature makes convex, polished edges seem like a long lost Japanese secret, when it is common place. I guess it is a great knife for those who cannot sharpen a knife.
Not aluminum handles, but Duraluminum! Ooooh. ;)

In my opinion, Rockstead is a prime example of Veblen goods.

Concerning worth though, if it makes you happy, go for it. :D
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check out Duraluminium on Wikipedia. It's notthe same stuff as aluminium.
 
I marvel at the choice of this handle material (Duralumin)... Doesn't match with the high end target of the brand. I would be way more stoked by some equally performant stainless steel. With a satin polish (instead of anodization). And the handle could be thinner gauged... Wait no ! That would be almost Douk-Douk like... horror of horrors. Getting back to serious for two seconds : the quality certainly is there and the price is a subjective matter. Are you in love ? Go ! And if you regret the jump, tell us the story.
 
Duralumium is actually an alloy of aluminum. See here. Aviation history is the section to read: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duralumin. It has the weight and strength that Rockstead is looking for to provide both the machinability, feeling and toughness. The anodized finish on these handles feels NOTHING like normal aluminum anodizing. They are smooth but grippy...like skin.
 
TheGrownUpKid said:
Duralumium is actually an alloy of aluminum. See here. Aviation history is the section to read: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duralumin. It has the weight and strength that Rockstead is looking for to provide both the machinability, feeling and toughness. The anodized finish on these handles feels NOTHING like normal aluminum anodizing. They are smooth but grippy...like skin.
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That has a lower yield strength than most 7075-T6 (Another aluminum alloy if you're not familiar). The properties listed for Duraluminum are completely unimpressive. I wonder if it was chosen specifically for its ability to accept that type of anodizing.
 
I have, and use, a Rockstead Chi.
So far it is my favorite edc, not that my collection is anything to brag about. Yet.
I also have a Shu in all titanium handles on the way to me.
I find the Duraluminum to be very good, but time will tell I reckon.

To me, both usability, design and perceived quality surpasses that of my CRK's and my Hinderer. YMMW
 
hsc3_90293 said:
Ah Mr Veblen :-) Certainly there is some truth in this. But aren't all luxury goods subject to the Veblen theory?
I think I read that once about a Gibson Les Paul guitar.
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Rockstead might be an okay example of the Veblen effect on demand, but IMO the Hinderer knives would be a better example of the various related micro-economic demand theory effects at work. With the Hinderer product you see the Veblen effect, the snob effect and the bandwagon effect all at work, in addition to the obvious supply side restriction at work. A solid albeit not-really-special-at-all product with folks believing that it's worth more than the sum of its parts because of its inflated price, related status of ownership, scarcity, etc.
 
evilgreg said:
Rockstead might be an okay example of the Veblen effect on demand, but IMO the Hinderer knives would be a better example of the various related micro-economic demand theory effects at work. With the Hinderer product you see the Veblen effect, the snob effect and the bandwagon effect all at work, in addition to the obvious supply side restriction at work. A solid albeit not-really-special-at-all product with folks believing that it's worth more than the sum of its parts because of its inflated price, related status of ownership, scarcity, etc.
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Especially considering they're in the $300 to $500 range, from the manufacturor. The air of exclusivity is a huge driver. With a Hinderer, there's really nothing exclusive. Everyone either has one, has had one, or has, or has had a ZT collab. I have an 0551 and 0550, and 3 0560CBCFs which I turned into none flippers, and I have owned an flipper XM-18 in new condition. Honestly, it was NOT worth double Hinderer's MSRP. It was definitely worth more than the ZT's for sure...but that's where it's MRSP already is. The ZTs are $200 to $350, Hinderers are a few hunder higher (MRSP). The aftermarket prices are ridiculous. Especially when the ZTs are SO smooth, and SO solid, and so much easier to get...but of course they are: they're Hinderer's design, and the art of making a solid frame-lock has become mainstream. So its only perceived exclusivity.

A Rockstead though? Most have only barely heard of them, if they have at all, and most who hear, don't even believe what they hear. The few of us who have taken the leap of faith (and price) and ordered one, or have seen them at shows, will all understand. And because of that, because of their actual rarety, small numbers, and price range, they remain under the radar. Of course there are many custom knife makers at this level of price and above, but after having handled many and owned a few in that range, they just don't have what Rockstead's have. I have a set of 3 custom japanese swords, commissioned from a maker in Osaka. They took 4 months to get here. Whatever it is that an authentic Katana has over a Spanish rapier, a Rockstead has on just about everything else. Mystery and magic and 1500 years of history. You can see the "sword" in each one, and their literature even calls that out, as something to note when looking at the blade profile, which they say lends to its amazing cutting ability.
 
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Best edge of any knife. But not the best lockup. Blade play can be introduced with a little muscle. Hinderers and striders have them beat on this front.
 
I have handled a number of them, and the gentleman who sets up at the shows they attend is an example of patience, pride and humility combined.

The fit and finish are superb, I simply don't like the aesthetics of the designs....the folders all seem to have less than optimal blade to handle ratio, can't stand that in a folder.

The fixed blades are fantastically expensive, considering the makers I have access to.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Expensive knives. Dont care much for their folder design either. I like some of their fixed blade knives better.

Blasphemy to say on BB of course, but I find it sad that many of the fixed blade knives will go into collections and only be hauled out for the occasional photo op.

Im sure they are fine user knives.

I respect those who collect fine knives and give me the opportunity to see the fine knives here and their description, but personally I'm more user oriented.

With the price range, I doubt that many fixed blades from the company are used seriously by many. Thats a pity.

Veblen indeed.
 
I have a new and unused rockstead shin dlc for sale if anyone ist interested???
 
Personally, I have owned two...a Higo with ZDP-189 and a Tei (their flagship), also with ZDP-189. While they are definitely extraordinarily sharp knives, and are beautiful in their own ways, I don't feel the build quality and fit-and-finish are in line with their pricing. What I am saying is: THEY ARE TOO EXPENSIVE FOR WHAT YOU GET ;) ! Plus...no matter what anyone says...their blade edges are rather brittle due to their extreme hardness. I think Rockstead is about creating "perceived value" with their products so that you will pay more than you should. Bottom line: very sharp, nice quality, not worth the price (IMHO).
 
91a2jettavr6 said:
Personally, I have owned two...a Higo with ZDP-189 and a Tei (their flagship), also with ZDP-189. While they are definitely extraordinarily sharp knives, and are beautiful in their own ways, I don't feel the build quality and fit-and-finish are in line with their pricing. What I am saying is: THEY ARE TOO EXPENSIVE FOR WHAT YOU GET ;) ! Plus...no matter what anyone says...their blade edges are rather brittle due to their extreme hardness. I think Rockstead is about creating "perceived value" with their products so that you will pay more than you should. Bottom line: very sharp, nice quality, not worth the price (IMHO).
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Wot!!? A balanced POV from someone who actually owned a couple of Rocksteads instead of just having an opinion based on hot air!! Certainly, that wont be allowed to stand!!
:D
Ive never owned a Roskstead, but certainly get your point.
Further more, the user Rockstead folder pictured on the forums a while ago didnt age nicely. It was some sort of black handled thing, if I remember correctly and the wear on the duraluminium looked downright nasty!
Certainly not an iota of 'wabi' on that thing. Must admit, that I was downright disappointed by just looking at the pic of the thing and I was certainly not tempted into shelling out for one.
I'm sure they are nice knives......, but see the quoted comment above.
 
91a2jettavr6 said:
I don't feel the build quality and fit-and-finish are in line with their pricing. What I am saying is: THEY ARE TOO EXPENSIVE FOR WHAT YOU GET ;) (IMHO).
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Interesting indeed :-) I also have 2 now and owned 3, I have a Higo DLC and a TEI ZDP. The TEI was my grail. Whenever I carry the TEI I bring along another knife so I don't have to use it, lol.

Ok so I'm not trying to be belligerent, just some dialogue... I'm confused by the above statement. IMO the build and fit/finish is at the highest level I've seen and experienced (supported by my 20+ years in manufacturing engineering). There are no flaws in design or execution. The statement that it is not "in-line with their pricing" implies that there is a higher level to be achieved and that someone else has achieved this? That Rockstead could and should deliver more for the price they charge? That you actually saw flaws?

I have handmade knives that IMO have achieved the highest level of quality and fit/finish, at half the price. But pricing is a totally different issue.

I also get concerned about the brittleness, but haven't experienced any problems yet, mostly because I don't do any heavy cutting.

I do struggle with the price of the TEI, and valuing it's worth. Everyone has their "point of diminishing returns"
Currently I'm trying to get a GTC, I know it's going to hit me for about $1,500-$2,000. I don't know how I will feel when I get it...

Anyway, I like the Rocksteads I have, they feel good all around, the Higo is a keeper and I'm still up in the air about the TEI..

Again, just some dialogue here, I'm not throwing stones :-) I've learned alot here on this forum and I appreciate you all. :-)

regards
 
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