Rockstead Knowledge Thread

Redsnake1997 said:
I've been reading thru this post and several others... and after a while of contemplation and finding the right deal, I finally have a 'like new' Shin in my hands. Fit and finish seem to be very nice, however there is something that is really bothering me on mine. When the blade is closed there is quite a bit of 'wobble' or movement back and forth. It's not noticeable when open, however if you twist on the blade you can feel a bit of 'play' in the blade. The only other folder I had which felt like this was a mid-tech which had been abused like crazy. I bought this Shin secondhand in as-new condition. Is this normal? The blade and edge seem to be perfect and never used. A very sexy folder, albeit VERY slick in the hand. I think the handle slabs could use some texture of some sort and I don't really want to put skateboard tape on a $1K knife. :)

Mine is ZDP and # L364

I just hope I didn't get a knockoff... it appears to be genuine w/box and all appropriate paperwork. No screws are loose and in fact I was trying to loosen and/or tighten the screws on the back of the spine and when slight pressure was applied to my tool it was almost twisting my torx bit so I stopped before damaging the screws. Any ideas as to why the blade play is there or is this common on the Shin models?
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In what direction is the play when closed? If the blade has play up and down (as in the motion it would move in if you were opening it), that would be detent play and could be because either the detent hole is too big or the detent ball is pressed in too far. If the play is lateral when closed, that just seems like loose tolerances in the pivot. The pivot could be loose but it's very difficult to access on the Shin.
 
zero play (open or closed) in my Shin... and btw, VERY little clearance between the handles and blade flat when closed, seems significant lateral play would be almost impossible
 
The play is lateral... and it almost goes from one side of the handle to the other. It doesn't touch but it's obviously there. :\ I asked the seller about it and he said he didn't notice it and it was as-new. The detent seems good and the blade opens and closes pretty smoothly. It's just strange to me. I'd post a video of it but not sure how to upload anything other than just pics here...

Biggest problem now is do I keep it and use/carry it or sell it. If I sell it I'd have to discount it I think given the lateral blade play in this one... Ugh!!
 
My shin has zero blade play when closed, I need to use some force to move the blade, so IMO its not common
 
Grandmaster said:
My shin has zero blade play when closed, I need to use some force to move the blade, so IMO its not common
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Thanks for the info. As this was the first Rockstead purchase I was impressed and also disappointed about certain aspects of this knife. And for the amount of money and reputation perhaps I was expecting more. I contacted the seller to see about getting a refund and returning this back to him as it was portrayed as as-new before I purchased it. Guess know we'll see what happens.
 
Can anybody recommend somone do do a repolish on a zdp blade? I'd like to get it back to a mirror polish again and Rockstead will only resharpen, not restore.
 
Great stuff in this thread, now it is time for me to contribute!

I took a trip to Tokyo to check out the online shop.
Initially I was a bit hesitant as the pictures of the Higo X Zdp blade I saw online was a bit too shiny (White?)
But after seeing it in person, it is actually more grey-ish, much nicer than I thought.
So it is probably safe to say for me. ZDP > DLC
ZDP is more corrosion resistant and it is grinded to a perfect convex.

Picture of my Higo X ZDP
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Then I headed to Osaka next where I paid a visit to the Rockstead factory. Both the online shop and the salesman at Rockstead were extremely nice people, I could have chatted with them all day.

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My fiance wanted to buy me a gift as an exchange when we got engaged. I'm looking for something special, that will last a lifetime and could potentially be passed along to family in the future. I've basically narrowed it down to a Rockstead Higo X DLC YXR7 w/Ironwood Handles or a Sebenza 21 with wood inlays (Elder Burl or Spalted Beech). I really love the look of the Rockstead and something about it just seems much more unique and special. However, I do have concerns about the longevity. I don't plan to use it all the time, but I probably will use it (why buy a $1,100 knife and not use it). I'm looking for advice / opinions and I'm also open to other recommendations. Thanks for your help in advance!
 
sammyg27 said:
My fiance wanted to buy me a gift as an exchange when we got engaged. I'm looking for something special, that will last a lifetime and could potentially be passed along to family in the future. I've basically narrowed it down to a Rockstead Higo X DLC YXR7 w/Ironwood Handles or a Sebenza 21 with wood inlays (Elder Burl or Spalted Beech). I really love the look of the Rockstead and something about it just seems much more unique and special. However, I do have concerns about the longevity. I don't plan to use it all the time, but I probably will use it (why buy a $1,100 knife and not use it). I'm looking for advice / opinions and I'm also open to other recommendations. Thanks for your help in advance!
Click to expand...

Cannot go wrong with Sebenza.
As far as Rockstead have not had the pleasure so cannot confirm
 
If you are not using it as a thrower or to open cans of paint or for some mechanic work the HIGO you describe will last several life times. It will arrive beautiful (even sensuous), extremely sharp, work beautifully and age gracefully.

Can't go wrong IMHO.

Cheers, Ray
 
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sammyg27 said:
My fiance wanted to buy me a gift as an exchange when we got engaged. I'm looking for something special, that will last a lifetime and could potentially be passed along to family in the future. I've basically narrowed it down to a Rockstead Higo X DLC YXR7 w/Ironwood Handles or a Sebenza 21 with wood inlays (Elder Burl or Spalted Beech). I really love the look of the Rockstead and something about it just seems much more unique and special. However, I do have concerns about the longevity. I don't plan to use it all the time, but I probably will use it (why buy a $1,100 knife and not use it). I'm looking for advice / opinions and I'm also open to other recommendations. Thanks for your help in advance!
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Sammy,

I got your message. Thanks for reaching out!

I don't think you can go wrong with any Rockstead as long as you are comfortable sharpening it. If not, you'll need to be comfortable sending it to Japan for sharpening.

I own a Higo-X and a Chi; both in YXR7. I've used and carried mine in a construction environment without concern. They have cut wood, wire, cardboard, zip ties, plastic, silt fence, fabric, etc.. The edge retention is great, blade geometry is superb, and resharpening is easy (if you're experienced)... And they are down right sexy knives!!!

Sebenzas are great knives, but I get more satisfaction from a Rocky. Your satisfaction will depends on what you'll use the knife for. It sounds like you will use it for reasonable tasks, not as a pry bar or drywall knife.

I'll tell you what, if you want something that will forever remind you of your engagement (congrats btw) get a Chi. The tanto grind on the blade should remind you of the facets of a diamond and I'd hope it would draw parallel to the diamond you presented to your fiancé.

My picture below will do no justice to the beauty of the tanto, which is realized only in person. However, I hope it gives you an idea of what I'm trying to describe to you.

Whatever you decide on, wether CRK or Rocky, let us know in this thread. I'm interested to hear your first impressions for either company, however, I'd encourage you to get a Rocky:D

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Higo- left
Chi- right
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To add to the poetry of the BLUES :cool: :thumbsup:





I especially like the CHI - will never look at it quite the same again :D

Congratulations and Good Cheer,

Ray
 
Hello. I wanted to inform the group of a use test of a Kou I have. 99.9% of the time I had the Kou, it stayed in a cabinet. I asked a friend (machinist, outdoors/sportsman) to EDC the Kou for a while. I wanted to see how it held up to my friend's use and I wanted to try to fix the edge nicks, blade scratches, general sharpness, etc..
After a few months, my friend called and he came over to visit. I asked him to bring the Kou because I wanted to see how it looked.
I was prepared to see the knife with the blade/edge nicked, scratched, maybe the very tip broken off, and relatively dull.
I was truly stunned when he handed it to me!! To my eyes, I could only see a few VERY small, superficial scratches and the edge looked undamaged! I really couldn't believe it and asked him if he carried/used it (he's EDC'd a Spyderco folder for many years). He said he used it and he described the many things he cut and generally how he used it around the house and at work (machine shop). Again, I was stunned how well the blade/edge looked. Also, I checked opened lateral blade movement, lockup, etc... and it was solid w/no movement.
I ran the edge over my thumb nail and I could barely feel two very very small nicks (that I or my friend couldn't see).
WOW!
To be honest, the edge was relatively dull and did not cut phone book paper cleanly.
Now I'm going to see how well I can touch-up and polish the blade/edge.
Sorry for the very long post, but I thought many of you would be interested.
I have to say I'm very surprised at the results of use. *** Also, please don't take my comments to imply that everyone could expect the same performance of their Rockstead and/or ZDP-189 blade.
Thank you. Regards, Adam
 
alongoria said:
Hello. I wanted to inform the group of a use test of a Kou I have. 99.9% of the time I had the Kou, it stayed in a cabinet. I asked a friend (machinist, outdoors/sportsman) to EDC the Kou for a while. I wanted to see how it held up to my friend's use and I wanted to try to fix the edge nicks, blade scratches, general sharpness, etc..
After a few months, my friend called and he came over to visit. I asked him to bring the Kou because I wanted to see how it looked.
I was prepared to see the knife with the blade/edge nicked, scratched, maybe the very tip broken off, and relatively dull.
I was truly stunned when he handed it to me!! To my eyes, I could only see a few VERY small, superficial scratches and the edge looked undamaged! I really couldn't believe it and asked him if he carried/used it (he's EDC'd a Spyderco folder for many years). He said he used it and he described the many things he cut and generally how he used it around the house and at work (machine shop). Again, I was stunned how well the blade/edge looked. Also, I checked opened lateral blade movement, lockup, etc... and it was solid w/no movement.
I ran the edge over my thumb nail and I could barely feel two very very small nicks (that I or my friend couldn't see).
WOW!
To be honest, the edge was relatively dull and did not cut phone book paper cleanly.
Now I'm going to see how well I can touch-up and polish the blade/edge.
Sorry for the very long post, but I thought many of you would be interested.
I have to say I'm very surprised at the results of use. *** Also, please don't take my comments to imply that everyone could expect the same performance of their Rockstead and/or ZDP-189 blade.
Thank you. Regards, Adam
Click to expand...

Nice write up, Adam. Another testament to Rocksteads quality!

If you have the Spyderco brown and white ceramic stones/rods, you'll get that thing sharp in no time.
 
Hi Adam,

Sounded like your Machinist friend knows his salt and prevented abusive treat-
alongoria said:
Hello. I wanted to inform the group of a use test of a Kou I have. 99.9% of the time I had the Kou, it stayed in a cabinet. I asked a friend (machinist, outdoors/sportsman) to EDC the Kou for a while. I wanted to see how it held up to my friend's use and I wanted to try to fix the edge nicks, blade scratches, general sharpness, etc..
After a few months, my friend called and he came over to visit. I asked him to bring the Kou because I wanted to see how it looked.
I was prepared to see the knife with the blade/edge nicked, scratched, maybe the very tip broken off, and relatively dull.
I was truly stunned when he handed it to me!! To my eyes, I could only see a few VERY small, superficial scratches and the edge looked undamaged! I really couldn't believe it and asked him if he carried/used it (he's EDC'd a Spyderco folder for many years). He said he used it and he described the many things he cut and generally how he used it around the house and at work (machine shop). Again, I was stunned how well the blade/edge looked. Also, I checked opened lateral blade movement, lockup, etc... and it was solid w/no movement.
I ran the edge over my thumb nail and I could barely feel two very very small nicks (that I or my friend couldn't see).
WOW!
To be honest, the edge was relatively dull and did not cut phone book paper cleanly.
Now I'm going to see how well I can touch-up and polish the blade/edge.
Sorry for the very long post, but I thought many of you would be interested.
I have to say I'm very surprised at the results of use. *** Also, please don't take my comments to imply that everyone could expect the same performance of their Rockstead and/or ZDP-189 blade.
Thank you. Regards, Adam
Click to expand...
ment onto your Rockstead!
Machinist Journeyman generally adheres to the rule of "There is no such thing as an all purpose tool", and will select the proper tool for the job to optimize tool life, production and all the while with safety as the upmost concern. Within a machine shop(over 700 machinist-where I cut my teeth since '74), guidelines, specification and tolerance are available to assist Machinist to select the correct tooling matching to their job, proper selection will avoid unnecessary unpreditable end results, such as premature tool damage and failures, both will affect end cost and on time production. Infrequent error will gain no respects from other machinist - frequent ?? Will have a short career!!

Regarding Rockstead knife, whether its ZDP or YXR7 variance, both having elevated RHc, each has its limiting factor, therefore, respect must be given during use to avoid exposure to foolish damaging situations and to prolong lasting as made knife finish.

I use box cutter for cardboard and lesser knife for light cutting task. Needless to say, for wires, ziptie and such-side cutters.

My Rocksteads are for pure appreciation and enjoyment on craftsmanship!

I finally broke down and ordered my RYO:



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After one week without update, answered email told me my order was botched! As a token for the mishap, Rockstead gifted me this:

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Existing old timers:

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New members joining up:

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Hello Victorf. Thank you for the info re. machine shop, machinist, etc... Makes perfect sense! BTW, my friend has been doing this work for ~25yrs. Also, you are correct about my friend's use of a knife and using the correct tool for the task! I don't want to start a war about use/abuse of knives, but it seems to me some people use knives for unintended purposes and then are surprised when the knife gets damaged.
Anyway, your Rockstead knives are fantastic. And congrats on your new knives! Regards, Adam
 
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