Rockstead Knowledge Thread

[Amurr]

I am about to pick up a rockstead for my non-office EDC: any preference between the chi and kou? I played with the chi at blade show and really liked it.

 

[The Aflac Duck]

I am about to pick up a rockstead for my non-office EDC: any preference between the chi and kou? I played with the chi at blade show and really liked it.

The Kou is smaller, the blade is different, and the design is only on one side of the handle. I strongly prefer the Chi based on aesthetics and blade shape.

 

[IronThunder]

Just delivered to Japan, should have the knife back shortly. Looking to get a higo, how do you like the sheath carry option Blues Bender? I really like the ironwood model you have.

 

[The Aflac Duck]

Just delivered to Japan, should have the knife back shortly. Looking to get a higo, how do you like the sheath carry option Blues Bender? I really like the ironwood model you have.

When that Ryo gets back you must post pics for us! I'd love to get my hands on one just so I can photograph it, but $1,800 is too much for a picture or two

I think you'll be impressed with a Higo-X, they're great knives. If you plan on carrying it, sheathed carry might seem akward at first but you may appreciate the extra pocket space you'll gain (I sure do!). I like both methods of carry; clipped or sheathed.

I don't think you can go wrong with anything from Rocky's collection:thumbup:

 

[IronThunder]

Haha, here's a few pics for now, never thought to post them.

As for the higo, I'd love a rockstead that I can maintain a bit more. I'm very happy with the ryo-h but would like to be able to clean out my stuff more. I might make it available...

 

[The Aflac Duck]

Wow, the finish on the scales look amazing. I can't remember, do the Ryo's handles have a polished DLC coating?

To be honest, I've only taken apart my Rocksteads 3 times. My Chi and Higo have each been opened once to see what's inside, then I took apart my Chi a second time because I bent the pocket clip accidentally. I don't really see a need to clean them out via disassembly, and I work in a pretty dirty/dusty environment.

You may feel the need to open yours up more often than myself, but I don't see the need, personally. Other knives I own get tossed around in mud and stuff, but I'm more careful with the Rockys. However, it is a huge plus knowing that disassembling the Higo is covered under warranty. It's also easy to break down, almost like a Sebenza.

 

[IronThunder]

The handles are polished DLC, best of both worlds! And I'm a little anal about cleanliness, so I enjoy cleaning mine. Though I admit it isn't very necessary, most of my issues with the action being somewhat rough was fixed with a thicker oil. I'll probably keep it as soon as it's in my hands

I'll probably enjoy the higo, I used to carry a fixed on my belt, though I may make a pocket slip

 

[sshakari]

I agree with Blues Bender. Once I opened my Chi and figured that its not necessary to take apart. I mostly did it because my Chi was older.

I only wish the edge can be maintained 'easier'. Its kind of too simple - just strop and its back to crazy sharp. I just dont like the feeling that I will have to mail my knife to the Rockstead spa eventually.

Most of my knives other then hollow ground blades will never have to go back to manufacturer.

That Ryo is freakin awesome!!

 

[The Aflac Duck]

The handles are polished DLC, best of both worlds! And I'm a little anal about cleanliness, so I enjoy cleaning mine. Though I admit it isn't very necessary, most of my issues with the action being somewhat rough was fixed with a thicker oil. I'll probably keep it as soon as it's in my hands

I'll probably enjoy the higo, I used to carry a fixed on my belt, though I may make a pocket slip

You be surprised what an old toothbrush can do! Scrub the detent path with the bristles, open and close it a few times, repeat. This usually gets rid of any "grit" I'm feeling. If it's really dirty, I'll flush the pivot with Tuf-Glide.

I agree with Blues Bender. Once I opened my Chi and figured that its not necessary to take apart. I mostly did it because my Chi was older.

I only wish the edge can be maintained 'easier'. Its kind of too simple - just strop and its back to crazy sharp. I just dont like the feeling that I will have to mail my knife to the Rockstead spa eventually.

Most of my knives other then hollow ground blades will never have to go back to manufacturer.

That Ryo is freakin awesome!!

Honestly, I said to-hell-with all that fancy edge geometry and put a micro bevel on both my Rockys about a month or two ago. Shinogizukuri is not convex so a micro bevel is easy to achieve and maintain, Honzukuri is a little more tricky though, it takes patience and a very steady hand. I just use a fine ceramic bench stone made by Spyderco followed by a few passes on a balsa wood strop. Works like a charm👌👌

 

[sshakari]

Honestly, I said to-hell-with all that fancy edge geometry and put a micro bevel on both my Rockys about a month or two ago. Shinogizukuri is not convex so a micro bevel is easy to achieve and maintain, Honzukuri is a little more tricky though, it takes patience and a very steady hand. I just use a fine ceramic bench stone made by Spyderco followed by a few passes on a balsa wood strop. Works like a charm👌👌

Agreed about Honzukuri. Have not thought about putting a micro bevel. I'll give it a try once it dull.

I also use the Spyderco ceramic stone my kitchen knives, have not used it on my Rockstead.

My Chi gets most of the carry time and my Higo is leading a sheltered life as a model - mostly due to lack of pocket clip.

BTW, if anyone wants to know the difference in between various blade shapes and names: http://www.ksky.ne.jp/~sumie99/styles.html

 

[IronThunder]

Agreed about Honzukuri. Have not thought about putting a micro bevel. I'll give it a try once it dull.

I also use the Spyderco ceramic stone my kitchen knives, have not used it on my Rockstead.

My Chi gets most of the carry time and my Higo is leading a sheltered life as a model - mostly due to lack of pocket clip.

BTW, if anyone wants to know the difference in between various blade shapes and names: http://www.ksky.ne.jp/~sumie99/styles.html

Gorgeous knife, I think I'll go the ZDP route when I have the funds. And Blues, the instant I get the knife back I'll be carrying it and such, so I'll try tufglide and a brush :thumbup:

 

[Ruggdogg87]

Does anyone own the Higo Micarta? I have gone down the Rockstead rabbit hole for the last few hours and I can't stop now. Im really about to push the order button :/ but not sure about the Micarta or the lack of pocket clip. My other options are the Chi or Kou. What do you guys suggest for a first model? I really like the Chi but normally not a Tanto fan. I feel the micrata of the Higo (may be a better user than the aluminum) and ability to take it apart without voiding your warranty (and cheaper price) may beat out the Chi.

 

[Ruggdogg87]

Also, Blues you were talking about asking the dealer which grind a knife has. Which is preferred between the 2 discussed and what are the differences?

 

[The Aflac Duck]

Does anyone own the Higo Micarta? I have gone down the Rockstead rabbit hole for the last few hours and I can't stop now. Im really about to push the order button :/ but not sure about the Micarta or the lack of pocket clip. My other options are the Chi or Kou. What do you guys suggest for a first model? I really like the Chi but normally not a Tanto fan. I feel the micrata of the Higo (may be a better user than the aluminum) and ability to take it apart without voiding your warranty (and cheaper price) may beat out the Chi.

I almost bought the micarta Higo myself, but I splurged on the flagship Higo instead I still want the micarta one, but don't want two of the same knife!

Yea, it's nice to be able to take them apart, but as we've been discussing recently, it's not very necessary unless you're really hard on your knives. I use the hell out of my Rockys, but I don't toss them around like other knives I own. The Chi is very capable despite the duralumin handles, you can't go wrong either way!

Also, Blues you were talking about asking the dealer which grind a knife has. Which is preferred between the 2 discussed and what are the differences?

Honzukuri (left) is basically a convex zero-grind (or scandi, rather) and Shinogizukuri (right) is flat ground with a large secondary bevel (also flat, but zero ground). Notice how the Chi's blade has a line that runs parallel with the edge?

I like both, and am unsure which I prefer. Shinogizukuri's mirror finish is more "clear" since there is no "distortion" from the convex bevel (Honzukuri), you can use it as a mirror to make sure there's no salad stuck in your teeth before a meeting

Ask us before you buy and we'll do our best to determine the grind you're getting. Sometimes the dealers don't state this clearly.

 

[Amurr]

All chi's are Shinogizukuri correct??

 

[Ruggdogg87]

Well it looks like they speak about the Higo as having a polished convex grind, which I would assume is the honzukuri. As Amurr asked above are all Chi's shinogizukuri? They don't speak about it on the site.

 

[sshakari]

"Shinogi is the Japanese word that describes the line created by the meeting of two surfaces" - This line is where the cutting area starts to taper down to the bottom edge. It is the line you see on the Chi at the bottom where Kireha (blade road) starts. Blues Benders photo really shows it well.

In my shopping for the Chi I have not seen a non-shonogizukuri.

When I was thinking about getting a Rockstead I must have read this thread end to end 3 times and still could not make a choice. I ended up getting both the Higo and a Chi.

Chi is a knife that you must see in real life - its an amazing work of art. Its my most carried folder and knocked many custom knifes out of my pocket.

Higo is very different in almost every aspect and one that I dont carry as often. I think because it lacks a pocket clip and no other reason.

 

[Ruggdogg87]

"Shinogi is the Japanese word that describes the line created by the meeting of two surfaces" - This line is where the cutting area starts to taper down to the bottom edge. It is the line you see on the Chi at the bottom where Kireha (blade road) starts. Blues Benders photo really shows it well.

In my shopping for the Chi I have not seen a non-shonogizukuri.

When I was thinking about getting a Rockstead I must have read this thread end to end 3 times and still could not make a choice. I ended up getting both the Higo and a Chi.

Chi is a knife that you must see in real life - its an amazing work of art. Its my most carried folder and knocked many custom knifes out of my pocket.

Higo is very different in almost every aspect and one that I dont carry as often. I think because it lacks a pocket clip and no other reason.

Thank you for that. That helps a lot. Have you ever handled a Shin? How do you think the Chi compares? I guess I don't see why the Shin costs so much more than the Chi (several hundred dollars). Shin is a little bigger but has same blade steel, handle materials, and both liner locks. I see them rarely on the forums but feel this one might be better purchased as new from a dealer.

 

[Ruggdogg87]

I just read an earlier post where you talked about the Shin and Chi side by side. I think I will be getting the Chi. Just wish I could handle one. I unfortunately they are rare. Unless someone in Portland has one that I can play with!

 

[sshakari]

It would be great if there was a location where a Rockstead can be handled and fondled - they would sell much more.

I dont know how they determine prices. I know you can buy a custom knife for much less then what Rockstead charges. We discuss price vs value vs design etc....

There is a Higo version with aluminum scales and it has a pocket clip if you dont linke tanto, but want a pocket clip. Just sayin, but the Chi is unique in so many ways. If I lived in Portland - no problem.