Rockstead: Shin, Kou or none?

If I were choosing for myself and only from the pictures provided I would get the Shin. The longer handle would be more suitable for my large palms. If the handle is contoured so much the better.
 
Noctis3880 said:
Title is "Rockstead: Shin, Kou or none?" I think that might have invited reasons NOT to buy one:thumbup:.
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Yes, of cause, any good reason not to buy a Rockstead knife is welcome and well appreciated. But from what I know "overpriced" is just not a valid reason (considering the low production numbers, the type of machinery and amount of hand work involved in the production process), neither is the suggestion to buy something cheaper and save the rest. A failed locking mechanism, hassles with customer support, unfair guarantee handling, dented scales, chipping blades... all this would be interesting to hear about. Or a direct user comparison with another quality folding knife. But lets have this discussion detached from the money factor, please, because it will lead to nowhere. Is a large Sebenza exactly three times better than a spyderco military? Nobody will ever know...
 
Al-Sheikh said:
Yes, of cause, any good reason not to buy a Rockstead knife is welcome and well appreciated. But from what I know "overpriced" is just not a valid reason (considering the low production numbers, the type of machinery and amount of hand work involved in the production process), neither is the suggestion to buy something cheaper and save the rest. A failed locking mechanism, hassles with customer support, unfair guarantee handling, dented scales, chipping blades... all this would be interesting to hear about. Or a direct user comparison with another quality folding knife. But lets have this discussion detached from the money factor, please, because it will lead to nowhere. Is a large Sebenza exactly three times better than a spyderco military? Nobody will ever know...
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Agreed, it's not like my R.J. Martin Overkill is 3 times better than my ZT 0551 at more than triple the price. Just saying that you could get a custom-made knife, with your choice of steel(to a point), handle material, handle color, and design with the same money.

It would be like comparing the XM-18 to a true custom made knife like an AD-10. The XM-18 is more or less dead set on the blade grind and choice of steel(either CTS-XHP or 20CV or S35VN), as well as original handle material and color(there are other scales, but those are sold separately). It is by no means bad. Just that with a true custom you can have your say in blade grind, steel choice(even heat treatment and hardness range), handle material, and handle color.
 
Noctis3880 said:
Agreed, it's not like my R.J. Martin Overkill is 3 times better than my ZT 0551 at more than triple the price. Just saying that you could get a custom-made knife, with your choice of steel(to a point), handle material, handle color, and design with the same money.

It would be like comparing the XM-18 to a true custom made knife like an AD-10. The XM-18 is more or less dead set on the blade grind and choice of steel(either CTS-XHP or 20CV or S35VN), as well as original handle material and color(there are other scales, but those are sold separately). It is by no means bad. Just that with a true custom you can have your say in blade grind, steel choice(even heat treatment and hardness range), handle material, and handle color.
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The thing is, as long as I stick with production knives I have some sort of boundaries. I try to delay my entering the custom knife world for as long as possible, because when I start with it I'm afraid I'll be completely out of control :eek: ...and now I'm talking money :o ;)
 
I suppose I can agree with that. Pre-orders and custom orders are more dangerous because the knife takes a while to get in your hand, and until that time comes, you'll be feeling the itch all the way.
 
I may be wrong but I think there was a review done not to long ago of some sort of rockstead in knife tests and reviews. Hope I said that right.

Les
 
You evidently have the funding to purchase one of the Rocksteads, or you wouldn't be considering them, so price is not of any concern. Like some others have said, I would go for the larger of the two models, the Shin, because I prefer larger knives.

Far as I could tell, of those who have responded, only Tony8179 has one of these knives and his post was very favorable towards the knife. So much so that he is considering the purchase of a second one. From the post's I've read that Tony8179 has made, he knows quality knives!:thumbup::)

If the money is not an object, then I would say to go ahead and purchase a Rockstead.:)
 
Oh yeah, I never said which one of the two I would get. I also prefer larger knives so I would get the Shin. Actually, I'm looking into the Shin, Tei, or Higo as my next Rockstead.
 
Handled a couple at a show. The quality and cutting ability as well as the polish on the blades is beyond anything I've seen in the production knife world. And beyond most custom knives I've seen.

If I had the money for one I'd have spent it in a heartbeat. As for which model, as opposed to general opinion I'd go for the smaller of the two. Ihardle ever need a big knife and I generally like carrying smaller knives....if they ever make a slipjoint....well...that'll be my money spent....
 
Thanks everybody. Very controversial opinions on Rockstead knives concerning the value for money question. However, nobody seems to doubt that they produce excellent products. Especially those who own one or several of their knives reassured me (either within this thread or by PM) that they are a good investments. Quod esset demonstrandum. Yesterday evening I've place my order for a Shin. Today morning I felt so good about it that I ordered the Kou as well. Both knives should be with me in about two weeks. Then I will gladly share my first impressions.
 
Al-Sheikh said:
Thanks everybody. Very controversial opinions on Rockstead knives concerning the value for money question. However, nobody seems to doubt that they produce excellent products. Especially those who own one or several of their knives reassured me (either within this thread or by PM) that they are a good investments. Quod esset demonstrandum. Yesterday evening I've place my order for a Shin. Today morning I felt so good about it that I ordered the Kou as well. Both knives should be with me in about two weeks. Then I will gladly share my first impressions.
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Good stuff! Now thats the way to do it. Why buy one when you can get both? I like your style. :thumbup:
 
I'm a big Rockstead fan myself - you'll enjoy both. The only problem is trying to not buy more...! I have the Hizen and TEI-S and really appreciate them both. I carrry the Hizen as an EDC when I have to wear suits and don't have much room for a large knife. It's come in handy more times than I can count. Of course I don't "need" a Rockstead and could carry my old Boy Scout knife for much of what I do with the Hizen. The Tei makes it in the pocket from time to time as well.

I've been debating about picking up a JIN or REI - both of which have also been discontinued. If I found either for a good price, I'd snap it up. I may just break down and call Rockstead and place an order for some of their existing stock...

Overpriced? Maybe. But they got 'em. And I want 'em. So then it comes down to how bad I want them. Do I want to spend $2000+ on one. Hmmm. Maybe. Al-Sheikh, you're right on in that "value" is truly a subjective thing. Some guys would pay $100,000 for an autographed baseball. Meh. I don't understand that at all. But I do understand the allure of a Rockstead. Wouldn't be the first time I spent money on something that uniquely appealed to me.

:)
 
Sheik,

congretulations, it is a lot off money, but you will enjoy your rocksteads
i did edc my tei for over a year, very good, do not use as a screw driver

there sharp, please take care
 
Rockstead came up in a thread of mine not too long ago. It's interesting. Expensive, but until I own one I can't judge if It's worth it. That said its likely I won't due to the high cost and low desirability of their designs.

I do feel the need to apologize for the my fellow forum members' ignorance. It's your money, do with it as you please. If given those choices I like the shin. If you're open to other options on their catalog, there was a really cool ti button lock I saw.
 
Strangely enough I recently handled a fake Rockstead. My friend paid $60 for it. He said it came from China. Claimed the company said they just assembled the parts from Japan.Very tight knife,high polish blade,crazy sharp.Rockstead logo on the blade made in Japan on the clip and a box with Rockstead printed on it. Might want to be careful out there. Its shown on there site as a fake, but its a high end knife,by high end I mean something you would spend $ 100 or more on.
 
I did handle few of them from a friend who has them and uses them last 3 years.He does have sebenza,hinderer,custom knives and well I can say that there is nothing like a rock stead out there.Build quality,F@F,tolerances,and most of all after few years and disassembling one of them there is absolutely no wear on the internal parts,amazing.They are expensive knives but if you can afford them get them.I dont now why people are saying that they would pay more for a custom who they will keep it in safe instead of buying a rock stead and use them.Knives are made to be used.My two cents.Cheers.
 
Noctis3880 said:
It's the old argument of Sebenza VS a custom mid-tech knife like a Galyean Pro Turbulence. The mid-tech will have tolerances nearly as tight(mine was about 1mm off-center in the handles), zero blade play, same titanium(with TiAlN coating), titanium clip, IKBS, and a steel offering better edge retention and ease of sharpening.

From a general standpoint, the mid-tech offers more bang for the buck. Material-wise, a Yuna Mini Hard Series would offer more(titanium, G10, or carbon fiber) for less.

Of course, if the ergonomics of the Rockstead knives calls out to you, and you can afford one without breaking the bank, go for it:thumbup:. If you've already considered all the other pickings in the ocean and came to Rockstead, then I suppose nothing else will float your boat.

My own personal experience after buying a Sebenza, XM-18, SR-1, Mini Yuna Hard 2, and Galyean Pro Turbulence is that there will always be one "better" than the one you just bought.
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The past 2 years I've spent about 15k buying knives . Finally broke down buying an aluminum handled knife that I thought were highly overpriced . Well since I got one I have been selling off my Shiro's , Hinderers ect. Nothing in mid tech construction comes even close . Ya there not figity but hands down better knives .
I wish I would have not played around buying these inferior products. Nothing beats a Rockstead , could have saved 13k .
 
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