Rockstead Knowledge Thread

juzam182 said:
Okay, need to bounce some ideas of people. I was able to handle an RYO, Higo, and a CHI this weekend. The plan for this knife is EDC often.

RYO: Awesome blade shape, nice handle, greatly dislike the way it sits in my pocket.
Higo: Love the ability to take the knife apart and clean it, handle is nice and comfy, blade shape not my favorite.
CHI: like the blade shape, feels kind of small, handle felt slippery, good pocket clip.

I work in an office but its a really relaxed setting. I was really planing on getting a Higo "IW-YXR7" but I only wear a belt like 30% of the time. I have never had a knife that doesn't have a pocket clip. I don't know how I feel about the knife just floating in my pocket.

I have even thought about getting a CHI and a Higo, then taking them apart and seeing if I can swap blades.
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The blades are not interchangeable between models!

Higo - you can get a Higo-JH (Duralumin scales) which comes with a pocket clip. I have the Ironwood version and yes, you are right. Its a great knife, amazing geometry and fit and finish.

Chi - to me, that is the ultimate every day carry pocket knife. I love everything about it - size, blade, finish, scales etc. Personally, I dont like the 'look' of the pocket clip as its made from a different material then scales and it gets worn marks as its made from steel. Yet, very comfortable pocket carry. As far as slippery - dont know your intended use, but for me its fine for urban edc. I do wish the blade was a a bit longer.

Ryo - thats my dream knife. I would get that if you can 'swing it'.

I often carry various traditional pocket knives without a clip in a leather pouch in my pocket.
 
Thanks for the kind words everyone! I took the picture with my Galaxy S6, the right angles and natural lighting make all the difference.

juzam182, since you have the rare opportunity to handle these knives before you buy, pick whichever you enjoy the most! With that said, my vote would be for the Chi. For me personally, it's the perfect size, weight, feel, etc. Despite the blade shape being a tanto, the way Rockstead made the grinds, it's a very "swooping" tanto that makes it a much better slicer than most "American" style tanto blades, it is a VERY capable and versatile knife indeed.
 
PinkmagicK said:
juzam182, since you have the rare opportunity to handle these knives before you buy, pick whichever you enjoy the most! With that said, my vote would be for the Chi. For me personally, it's the perfect size, weight, feel, etc. Despite the blade shape being a tanto, the way Rockstead made the grinds, it's a very "swooping" tanto that makes it a much better slicer than most "American" style tanto blades, it is a VERY capable and versatile knife indeed.
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Thank you! I couldn't really imagine buying one with out handling it first. Handling one and actually know how it is in the field is way different, so I greatly appreciate your incite.
 
juzam182 said:
Thank you! I couldn't really imagine buying one with out handling it first. Handling one and actually know how it is in the field is way different, so I greatly appreciate your incite.
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No problem! Buying a Rocky without handling it first is definitely a "leap of faith", but that is the only choice for most unfortunatly, so it's nice you have a different option. Good luck! I'm sure you'll be happy with your choice. I'm honestly considering selling a large chunk of my collection, as I just don't see myself carrying them over the Chi anytime soon.
 
juzam182 said:
How do you clean the knife if you can take it apart?
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I've taken my Chi apart, and I don't like doing so. It's too intricate to do often.

I just flush the pivot with Tuf-Glide, wipe the blade with isopropyl alcohol, and scrub inside of the scales with an old toothbrush.
 
juzam182 said:
How do you clean the knife if you can take it apart?
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I agree w/ Blues. Chi is not the knife to take apart often as even the screws can be stripped. I did take my knife apart and cleaned it because I got it used and then found the original owner from 3 years ago.
 
Finally got my Higo JH in ZDP189,it was my wife's 21st anniversary gift.Still don't believe she got me the knife I always wanted.Got few quick pics and will write latter about me using it(it is a user of course :)).It was little sticky in the beginning but after maybe 20 or so opening,glides like a charm.Can't write anymore got to go play with new favourite blade.Cheers.
 
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the knife barely touched me


Sunny
 
TheSunny said:
Did they feel different? I know there is a size difference but overall isn't it similar? What were your thoughts?


Sunny
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How did you cut yourself?

The Shin overall seemed 'larger' as the blade length and shape is different. The belly of the blade also makes the knife look bigger, but not by much. I am still stunned at how much better Rockstead knives are and flawless finish is in real life compared to photos on the web. The guys at the shop have never seen a Chi and they liked the blade shape. They were surprised that my Chi is a user.

I would have chosen a Chi again even after seeing them side by side. I can see why Shin is popular such a great knife.

Wish I had taken a photo with them side by side. They got the knife and sold it the same day so I did not get a chance to consider it!
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Question for Sshakari, Blues, or anyone else; would you rather have an $800 custom or a Rockstead? I am having a hard time deciding what path I want to go down first. My coworker, who I get a lot advise from and first turned me on to Rockstead is questioning why I would spend the same money on a Mid-Tech when I could get a custom for a small amount more. Please note we are not talking super crazy customs.

I was planing on getting a used Rockstead and a Shiro, totally would hopefully be around $1300 or I could get one custom $800-1200. Sometimes I do so much research and read so many reviews I lose perspective and I guess that is what I am asking for.

Thanks for time and consideration.
 
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The blade just touched me. I didn't even know I was cut until I saw blood. Is it possible to get a shiro and a Rockstead for $1,300? I would definitely pick a Rockstead. It is such a well built knife. You get the attention and craftsmanship of a custom and the consistency of a production. This knife is a production knife just by definition. You would be hard to find a production knife that's made this well. They really have to be handled to appreciate. Before my main edc was shirogorovs. Nothing could take it out of my pocket... Until I got my first shin. Now the Rockstead gets carried and my shirogorovs sit. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯


Sunny
 
TheSunny said:
The blade just touched me. I didn't even know I was cut until I saw blood. Is it possible to get a shiro and a Rockstead for $1,300? I would definitely pick a Rockstead. It is such a well built knife. You get the attention and craftsmanship of a custom and the consistency of a production. This knife is a production knife just by definition. You would be hard to find a production knife that's made this well. They really have to be handled to appreciate. Before my main edc was shirogorovs. Nothing could take it out of my pocket... Until I got my first shin. Now the Rockstead gets carried and my shirogorovs sit. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯


Sunny
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They are that sharp!

I agree with you. I think more people would be getting Rocksteads if there was a store that had an inventory and people can see them in person. I also have 2 Shiros, but the Chi gets more carry time except my Higo which is just sitting there.
 
Hi guys. First time posting. I don't have a Rocky (yet), but have been trying to follow this thread as best I can (so sorry if this is question has already been asked). Can someone elaborate on the differences between a blade of Zdp-189 clad in VG-10 vs Zdp-189 coated in DLC?

Also on Rockstead's website they still have the description of their titanium aluminum coating stating that it's even harder than the DLC (Hv 3000 vs 1800). But I recall a post saying that the titanium coating was the older version and the DLC is newer. Why would they transition to a 'softer' coating (or am I just mis-remembering things)?

Although most of this thread seems to be folder oriented, does anyone have any experience with their fixed blades, and if so, can you elaborate on the primary differences in the Kon, Un, and Don (besides the obvious handle differences unless they play a substantial role in the use of the knife)? Any video reviews (I'm having trouble finding any decent ones).

Thanks!
 
Smashmasta said:
Hi guys. First time posting. I don't have a Rocky (yet), but have been trying to follow this thread as best I can (so sorry if this is question has already been asked). Can someone elaborate on the differences between a blade of Zdp-189 clad in VG-10 vs Zdp-189 coated in DLC?

Also on Rockstead's website they still have the description of their titanium aluminum coating stating that it's even harder than the DLC (Hv 3000 vs 1800). But I recall a post saying that the titanium coating was the older version and the DLC is newer. Why would they transition to a 'softer' coating (or am I just mis-remembering things)?

Although most of this thread seems to be folder oriented, does anyone have any experience with their fixed blades, and if so, can you elaborate on the primary differences in the Kon, Un, and Don (besides the obvious handle differences unless they play a substantial role in the use of the knife)? Any video reviews (I'm having trouble finding any decent ones).

Thanks!
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Rockstead uses 2 types of steel: YXR7 and ZDP-189. They do not DLC coat their ZDP blades, only YXR7. The clad ZDP blades increase corrosion resistance (but not at the edge) and toughness (again, not at the edge). Page 5 of this thread goes into detail about these 2 types of steel.

As far as I know, Rockstead switched to the "softer" DLC coating due to availability. However, this doesn't mean the coating is "soft", it takes a lot to scratch up a DLC coating.

I have yet to see a fixed blade "out in the wild", but I'm sure someone on this forum has one (they just need to speak up:D). I'd really love to own a Don some day!
 
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