Rockstead Knowledge Thread

[The Aflac Duck]

Hello all,

I just purchased a Higo X in YXR7 and am super excited to get it. I have a few questions for those that own one. How is the sheath that comes with it? DO you miss not having a pocket clip? I

I have never carried a larger (+3 inches) without a clip but I love the ironwood scales and that is what pushed me over the limit to purchase the X instead of the all Ti version.

Any insight would be appreciated.

The sheath is pretty decent. I carried mine a lot a few years ago and the leather is all broken in. I can flip it upside down and shake the knife out, if that gives you an idea, but overall it’s secure for daily use. It’s not going to slip out unless you do handstands or ride roller coasters all day.

 

[Irishrover]

I asked Rockstead this same question...
"If I am not the original purchaser of a Rockstead knife (and therefore not the warranty holder) what would be the cost of a regrind and sharpening performed by your company if needed (for example for a Higo or Tei)"

And they responded via email..
"Thank you for your inquiry.

It cost is around 80 ~ 100 USD. It include the shipping fee.
You can pay it by paypal. If you are dicided to send us, please let me know.

Shipping address
1-26, Kannabe-cho, Sakaiku Sakai
590-0984 Osaka Japan
+81-72-221-1331.

Errrrmmmmm ok...i have the Rockstead two I carry (not at the same time ) and now need to be sharpened. Anyone know of a good online sharpening video or maybe someone in EU that can do it for less than Factory? I sharpen all me other toys but I Can not get the Rockstead sharp....

 

[vjb.knife]

I looked at Rockstead knives for a long time and then about 7 years ago I went to a USN knife show in Las Vegas. I was there with my wife and I was fascinated with the Rockstead knives that a factory Rep had brought to the show. My wife actually talked me into getting a knife from them and I ended getting this Kon ZDP. The folders were nice but did not appeal to me as much and they were a bit small for my hand. The Kon is an amazing knife That I have sliced a few phonebook in half with and some rope. I stropped it once or twice on a leather pad that I made which is impregnated with .5 micron paste and a little oil. It still looks and cuts like new.

 

[Berengir]

Man I'd love to hear answers to your questions, as I've been going back and forth on picking up that model for a long time. I'm really hoping they do an updated version with ti liners and a clip!

They make a similar Higo II X with a titanium frame and pocket clip. Handles are not in IW though.

Hello all,

I just purchased a Higo X in YXR7 and am super excited to get it. I have a few questions for those that own one. How is the sheath that comes with it? DO you miss not having a pocket clip? I

I have never carried a larger (+3 inches) without a clip but I love the ironwood scales and that is what pushed me over the limit to purchase the X instead of the all Ti version.

Any insight would be appreciated.

I dislike pocket clips, more due to my location than the functionality.
So I'm happy with the Higo X not having a clip.
The sheath is made from thick black leather, and can be attached to a belt.
I've never used it though...

 

[Berengir]

Errrrmmmmm ok...i have the Rockstead two I carry (not at the same time ) and now need to be sharpened. Anyone know of a good online sharpening video or maybe someone in EU that can do it for less than Factory? I sharpen all me other toys but I Can not get the Rockstead sharp....

I use a drywall hand sander with 1000 and 2000 grit sandpaper for my Higo.
Works great, shaving sharp.
Easy to scratch up the mirror polish near the edge this way though...

 

[The Aflac Duck]

Errrrmmmmm ok...i have the Rockstead two I carry (not at the same time ) and now need to be sharpened. Anyone know of a good online sharpening video or maybe someone in EU that can do it for less than Factory? I sharpen all me other toys but I Can not get the Rockstead sharp....

Just use a fine ceramic rod and put a micro bevel on it.

 

[SlideRacker]

Just got my Higo II DLC last week. It's an incredible blade, for sure, like no other. As this is my first Rockstead, I wasn't aware of the Rockwell Hardness Test dimple prior to receiving it. Then later I noticed every pic I've seen has one. According to Japan, every Rockstead has it with the exception of the CHOU. I asked why they chose to run the test on the visible exposed portion of the blade as opposed to inside the handle. They chose that to prove to customers the test was actually run.

 

[The Aflac Duck]

Just got my Higo II DLC last week. It's an incredible blade, for sure, like no other. As this is my first Rockstead, I wasn't aware of the Rockwell Hardness Test dimple prior to receiving it. Then later I noticed every pic I've seen has one. According to Japan, every Rockstead has it with the exception of the CHOU. I asked why they chose to run the test on the visible exposed portion of the blade as opposed to inside the handle. They chose that to prove to customers the test was actually run.

They test the specific hardness of each blade and put it on the paper you get with the knife. They take pride in their blades and the mark is just a reminder of that.

 

[Smiling]

I found this thread by googling about Rockstead after a guy from my country has mentioned me that he'll soon have one.

I didn't meet the guy IRL yet, we kept talking after I contacted him months ago about a sharpener I considered buying from him.
Anyways, he's spending over 2000 euros on a knife and he has told me it's worth it in his opinion, and has also told me we can meet IRL once he gets the knife so I can see it for myself.

He is sometimes hunting and he plans to actually use the knife regularly. On my suggestion of comparing it he said that it's not a knife you'll smash and bash into things or baton with, so I have few questions for you guys that have them

1. Are they really that good?
2. What for do you usually use yours?
3. is it worth it?

 

[Sgt_Bobbo]

Well I got mine and I love it. The scales are out of this world. One problem is there is a crack in them so sadly I will be replacing it. I am pretty bummed as I have never had ironwood this light and with such tones. Everything else is perfect though.

https://imgur.com/Du7MLR2

https://imgur.com/ENIR9nW

 

[WValtakis]

Well I got mine and I love it. The scales are out of this world. One problem is there is a crack in them so sadly I will be replacing it. I am pretty bummed as I have never had ironwood this light and with such tones. Everything else is perfect though.

https://imgur.com/Du7MLR2

https://imgur.com/ENIR9nW

Oh damn...that's crazy Did it come from a dealer that can exchange it for you, or are you going through Rockstead?

Fingers crossed, hopefully my Higo-X will be here soon (with no issues).

 

[Sgt_Bobbo]

Oh damn...that's crazy Did it come from a dealer that can exchange it for you, or are you going through Rockstead?

Fingers crossed, hopefully my Higo-X will be here soon (with no issues).

It was from knifecenter. They are going to take care of me so that is nice.

 

[The Aflac Duck]

Well I got mine and I love it. The scales are out of this world. One problem is there is a crack in them so sadly I will be replacing it. I am pretty bummed as I have never had ironwood this light and with such tones. Everything else is perfect though.

https://imgur.com/Du7MLR2

https://imgur.com/ENIR9nW

Crack kills...

But seriously, that looks like a natural crack in the wood. Either way, Rockstead should have done something about that before it left the factory. I’d still send Rockstead an email with pics and also a picture of the certificate that came with the knife. They should be aware that this is unacceptable.

 

[Smiling]

Crack is unacceptable even on $50 knife IMO...

 

[jdmvette]

bummer about the crack but it's being corrected. congrats on the new rockstead!

 

[WValtakis]

My Higo-X showed up...also with a large crack all the way across the lockside scale and a divot in the front scale packed with buffing compound



I contacted Rockstead about this (knife is unregistered and unused, I said it was a gift from a friend), and was told that it would be $250 for replacement of the scale. When I asked for clarification on the warranty they informed me that the warranty is void, as the knife had been sold on Bladeforums and provided a screenshot (I never mentioned BF, they apparently are active here).

The short of it is, regardless of what anyone else says the warranty is only valid if YOU purchased the knife from an authorized dealer, registration status is irrelevant. Also, I'd highly encourage anyone interested in an ironwood model to have the knife inspected by the retailer before purchase.

 

[The Aflac Duck]

My Higo-X showed up...also with a large crack all the way across the lockside scale and a divot in the front scale packed with buffing compound

View attachment 1336515 View attachment 1336516

I contacted Rockstead about this (knife is unregistered and unused, I said it was a gift from a friend), and was told that it would be $250 for replacement of the scale. When I asked for clarification on the warranty they informed me that the warranty is void, as the knife had been sold on Bladeforums and provided a screenshot (I never mentioned BF, they apparently are active here).

The short of it is, regardless of what anyone else says the warranty is only valid if YOU purchased the knife from an authorized dealer, registration status is irrelevant. Also, I'd highly encourage anyone interested in an ironwood model to have the knife inspected by the retailer before purchase.

After being a long time fan of Rockstead, I gotta say I’m entirely disappointed with this. They should not be sending out knives with flaws and then expecting their customers to pay for their own mistakes. It should not matter if you are the second owner or not, the knife is unused and unregistered.

After reading through what’s up here, I’ll gladly retract the praise I’ve given Rockstead over the years and will no longer buy their products.

I can understand that there are limitations to warranty services, but this is just flat out cheap and ignorant. I will no longer recommend their products to others as well.

The fact that they searched for your knife on here and pinpointed the history of its sale is almost like an invasion of privacy. It’s not that hard to see the cracked wood is a natural crack that should have been filled and buffed before it left the factory. The gaps clogged with buffing compound are just lazy and careless craftsmanship.

Sorry, Rockstead, but you just lost a very loyal customer.

 

[Berengir]

My Higo-X showed up...also with a large crack all the way across the lockside scale and a divot in the front scale packed with buffing compound

View attachment 1336515 View attachment 1336516

I contacted Rockstead about this (knife is unregistered and unused, I said it was a gift from a friend), and was told that it would be $250 for replacement of the scale. When I asked for clarification on the warranty they informed me that the warranty is void, as the knife had been sold on Bladeforums and provided a screenshot (I never mentioned BF, they apparently are active here).

The short of it is, regardless of what anyone else says the warranty is only valid if YOU purchased the knife from an authorized dealer, registration status is irrelevant. Also, I'd highly encourage anyone interested in an ironwood model to have the knife inspected by the retailer before purchase.

That's horrible service!
A knife this price should be under warranty for life, no matter the owner. (Manufacturing warranty, not for abuse of course)
As BB said, hunting down the knives that are for sale on secondary market is just plain wrong...

Guess I'm not getting any more Rockstead knives in the future either.

 

[ArchVV]

It is disappointing to see those flaws but the company response is repellent. I appreciate both of you guys for warning the rest of us - I was just on the verge of ordering this model after mulling it over for some time.

 

[SlideRacker]

Rockstead senior management clearly don't understand the fundamentals of Social Media. How many sales will they lose entirely from the fallout of this thread?