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Rockstead Knives

Rockstead Knives

Rockstead Knives represents the pinnacle of Japanese precision engineering in the cutlery world. Based in Japan, this premium manufacturer has built a formidable reputation for producing folding and fixed blade knives that are considered "some of the finest in the world" for their exceptional polish and fit-and-finish. Each Rockstead knife embodies a meticulous fusion of advanced CNC machining and traditional hand-finishing techniques that result in their signature mirror-polished blades.

The brand's technical prowess centers on its use of ZDP-189 steel clad with VG-10, a material combination that delivers extraordinary edge retention. Through specialized heat treatment processes, Rockstead achieves blade hardness levels around 67 HRc—significantly harder than most production knives. This extreme hardness is complemented by their proprietary "Kitano Edge" asymmetric blade geometry, which optimizes cutting performance while maintaining durability. The result is a blade that holds its edge far longer than conventional steels, though it demands careful use and maintenance.

What truly distinguishes Rockstead is their unwavering commitment to quality over quantity. The company's combination of innovation and tradition in an incomparable way means each knife undergoes extensive hand-finishing to achieve their renowned mirror polish. This labor-intensive process, combined with limited production capacity, creates persistent product shortages that have become a hallmark of the brand.

Collectors and enthusiasts recognize Rockstead knives as investments in craftsmanship. The quality is described as "second to none" in both their fixed and folding knife offerings, justifying premium pricing that reflects hundreds of hours of skilled labor. For those seeking the absolute best in Japanese knife-making—where cutting performance meets artistic finish—Rockstead stands as an uncompromising choice that delivers heirloom-quality tools built to last generations.

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Folding KnifeFixed Blade KnifeEdc KnifePocket KnifeTactical Knife
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Rockstead Knives Knives (22)

Ryo

The Rockstead Knives Ryo is a fixed blade knife that was designed by Japanese knifemaker, Hiromitsu Naito. The Ryo features a 3.54 inch (90 mm) drop point blade that is made from VG-10 stainless steel. The blade has a full flat grind and a stonewashed finish. The handle of the Ryo is constructed from black G-10 scales that are attached to stainless steel liners. The handle has a finger groove for added comfort and grip. The Ryo also comes with a black Kydex sheath that can be worn on the belt or in the pocket.

Higo

The Rockstead Knives Higo is a high-quality knife that is perfect for those who are looking for a durable and reliable blade. The knife is made with a VG-10 stainless steel blade which is extremely sharp and will hold an edge very well. The handle of the knife is made from black micarta and it feels very comfortable in the hand. The knife also comes with a black leather sheath which protects the blade when not in use. Overall, the Rockstead Knives Higo is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a high-quality and durable knife.

SHU

The Rockstead Knives SHU is a fixed blade knife with a tanto-style blade. The blade is made of high-carbon steel and is extremely sharp. The handle is made of black Micarta and has a finger groove for added comfort. The sheath is made of Kydex and has a belt loop for easy carrying. This knife is designed for tactical use and would be an excellent choice for self-defense or survival situations.

Higo II

The Rockstead Knives Higo II knife is a beautifully designed and crafted Japanese-style knife. It has a 3.9 inch blade made of VG-10 stainless steel, which is extremely hard and holds an edge well. The blade is also hollow ground for superior slicing ability. The handle is made of black Micarta and is very comfortable to hold. The Higo II comes with a black leather sheath that can be worn on the belt. This knife is perfect for everyday carry or for use in the kitchen. It is an excellent all-purpose knife that will serve you well for many years to come.

HIGO II-ZDP (M)

The Rockstead Knives HIGO II-ZDP (M) knife is a high-quality, Japanese-made knife that features a 3.5 inch blade made of ZDP-189 steel. This steel is known for its exceptional hardness and edge retention, making it ideal for use as a EDC or tactical knife. The blade has a black DLC coating that gives it a non-reflective finish and helps to protect the steel from corrosion. The handle is made of black G10 with a contoured design that provides a comfortable and secure grip. The knife also includes a ambidextrous thumb stud for easy opening and a liner lock mechanism that keeps the blade securely in place during use. The Rockstead Knives HIGO II-ZDP (M) knife is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, durable EDC or tactical knife.

DON-T ZDP

Rockstead Knives is a Japanese knife manufacturer that specializes in creating some of the world’s most beautiful and unique knives. The company was founded in 2000 by knife maker Hiroshi Rockstead, who has been making knives for over 30 years. Rockstead Knives is best known for their use of high-quality materials and innovative designs. The DON-T ZDP knife is one of Rockstead Knives’ most popular models. It is a small fixed blade knife that measures just over 3 inches long. The blade is made from ZDP-189 stainless steel, which is known for its exceptional hardness and edge retention. The blade has a razor-sharp edge and a sleek, minimalist design. The handle is made from black Micarta and features a finger groove for added comfort and grip. The DON-T ZDP comes with a black leather sheath that can be worn on a belt or around the neck. The DON-T ZDP knife is the perfect tool for everyday carry. It is small enough to fit comfortably in your pocket, yet still large enough to tackle any task you might need it for. Whether you are looking for a knife to use around the house or one to take with you into the wilderness, the DON-T ZDP is an excellent choice.

REN-ZDP

Rockstead Knives is a Japanese knife manufacturer that specializes in producing high-quality, handmade knives. The company was founded in 2002 by Takeshi Saji, a master bladesmith with over 50 years of experience. Rockstead's knives are known for their exceptional sharpness, durability, and attention to detail. The REN-ZDP is a limited edition knife that was released in 2012. It is made from ZDP-189 stainless steel, which is an extremely hard and durable alloy. The blade has a double-edged tanto point with a razor-sharp edge. It also features a unique asymmetrical grind that gives the knife its distinctive look. The handle is made from black Micarta and has a comfortable grip. The REN-ZDP is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, durable knife. It can be used for everything from everyday tasks to more demanding applications such as self-defense or bushcrafting. If you are looking for a top-of-the-line knife that will last a lifetime, the REN-ZDP is an excellent choice.

Kou

The Rockstead Kou knife is a Japanese-style knife that is known for its incredible sharpness. The blade is made from high-quality stainless steel and is designed to hold an edge for a long time. The handle is made from durable materials such as Micarta or G10, which provides a comfortable and secure grip. The Rockstead Kou knife has a simple yet elegant design that makes it a great choice for both everyday carry and tactical use.

Chi

The Rockstead Chi knife is a Japanese-style knife that is made with a very hard steel. It has a sharp, angular blade that is perfect for slicing and dicing. The handle of the knife is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in your hand, and the blade is protected by a durable sheath. The Rockstead Chi knife is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a high-quality, reliable knife.

Hizen

Rockstead Knives is a Japanese company that specializes in creating high-quality knives. The Hizen knife is one of their most popular models, and it is known for its sharpness and durability. The Hizen knife is made with a VG-10 stainless steel blade, which is considered to be one of the best types of steel for knives. It has a 61 Rockwell hardness rating, meaning that it is extremely tough and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. The blade also has a 16-degree edge angle, which makes it incredibly sharp. The handle of the Hizen knife is made from black Micarta, which is a type of composite material that is very strong and durable. It also has a stainless steel liner for added strength. The handle has a comfortable ergonomic design that makes it easy to grip. The Hizen knife comes with a black leather sheath that protects the blade when not in use. It also has a belt loop so that you can carry it with you wherever you go. The Rockstead Knives Hizen knife is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a high-quality, durable, and sharp knife.

CHOU

The Rockstead Knives CHOU knife is a Japanese-style knife that is handcrafted with a VG-10 stainless steel blade. The blade is double-edged and has a sharp point. It is designed for slicing and dicing vegetables, fruits, and meats. The handle is made from black micarta and has a comfortable grip. The knife also comes with a black leather sheath for safe storage.

Shin

The Rockstead Knives Shin knife is a Japanese-style knife that is known for its exceptional sharpness. The blade is made of high-carbon steel and is hand-forged by skilled craftsmen. The Shin knife has a double-edged blade that is ideal for slicing and chopping. The blade is also serrated on one side, which makes it perfect for cutting through tough materials. The handle of the Shin knife is made of wood and is ergonomically designed to provide a comfortable grip. The Shin knife also comes with a leather sheath that protects the blade when not in use.

Don

The Rockstead Knives Don knife is a large, fixed-blade knife designed for heavy-duty outdoor use. It has a full-tang construction with a thick, durable blade made of high-carbon steel. The blade is coated with a black oxide finish to protect it from corrosion and wear. The handle is made of black Micarta, a material that is both comfortable to hold and slip-resistant. The knife also features a lanyard hole for attaching it to your belt or backpack. The Rockstead Knives Don knife is an excellent choice for camping, hunting, or any other activity where you need a reliable and tough knife.

Shun

Rockstead Knives is a Japanese company that specializes in creating high-quality knives. The Shun knife is one of their most popular models, and it is beloved by chefs and home cooks alike for its sharpness, durability, and elegant design. The Shun knife is made from VG-10 stainless steel, which is known for its ability to retain a sharp edge. The blade is also coated with a layer of Damascus steel, which gives it a beautiful wood grain pattern. The handle of the knife is made from black Micarta, which is both comfortable to hold and stylish. The Rockstead Knives Shun knife has a double-edged blade that is razor-sharp. It can easily slice through meat, vegetables, and fruits with ease. The knife also has a well-balanced weight and superb handling, making it a pleasure to use in the kitchen. If you are looking for a high-quality knife that will last you a lifetime, then the Rockstead Knives Shun knife is the perfect choice for you.

TEI-DLC

The Rockstead Knives TEI-DLC knife is a beautifully designed and crafted piece of cutlery. It features a 3.75 inch blade made of VG-10 stainless steel, with a black DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating. The blade has a full-tang construction for strength and durability, and is razor sharp right out of the box. The handle is made of contoured black G-10 scales, which provide a comfortable and secure grip. The knife also comes with a black Kydex sheath for safe and easy transport. The TEI-DLC is an excellent choice for both everyday carry and tactical use. Its small size makes it easy to carry, while its strong construction and razor-sharp blade make it more than capable of handling any task you throw at it. Whether you're looking for a dependable EDC knife or a tough tactical tool, the Rockstead Knives TEI-DLC is sure to exceed your expectations.

UN

The Rockstead UN knife is a Japanese-made knife that is known for its incredible sharpness and durability. The blade is made of VG-10 stainless steel, which is considered to be one of the best steels for knives. The blade is also heat treated to a hardness of 60 HRC, which makes it extremely resistant to wear and tear. The edge of the blade is also incredibly sharp, thanks to the use of a special grinding process called Honing. The handle of the Rockstead UN knife is made from black Micarta, which provides a comfortable and secure grip. The handle also has a lanyard hole, so you can easily carry it with you. The knife also comes with a custom-fit sheath, so you can keep it protected when not in use. The Rockstead UN knife is an excellent choice for anyone who needs a high-quality and durable knife. It's perfect for everyday carry, as well as for camping, hiking, or any other outdoor activity.

KON

The Rockstead Knives KON is a fixed blade knife with a 4.5 inch blade made of VG-10 stainless steel. The handle is made of black Micarta and the sheath is made of Kydex. The overall length of the knife is 9 inches and it weighs 5.5 ounces. The Rockstead Knives KON has a very sharp and durable blade that can handle any type of cutting task you throw at it. The handle is comfortable to hold and provides a good grip even when your hands are wet. The sheath is also well made and keeps the knife securely in place when not in use. This is an excellent all around knife that would make a great addition to any collection or as a gift for someone who loves to cook or camp.

TEI-ZDP

The Rockstead Knives TEI-ZDP knife is a high quality, Japanese made knife that is perfect for those who are looking for a durable and reliable blade. The TEI-ZDP features a 3.5 inch blade that is made of ZDP-189 stainless steel, which is known for its excellent edge retention and toughness. The blade has a full tang construction and is finished with a black oxide coating. The handle on the TEI-ZDP is made of G10 material and features a comfortable, ergonomic design. The knife also comes with a Kydex sheath for easy carrying.

SAI-ZDP

Rockstead Knives is a Japanese knife manufacturer that specializes in producing high-quality, handmade knives. The Rockstead SAI-ZDP is a folding knife that features a 3.54-inch blade made from ZDP-189 stainless steel. This steel is known for its excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance properties. The blade of the SAI-ZDP has a black DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coating that gives it a non-reflective finish and helps to protect the blade from wear and tear. The handle of the SAI-ZDP is made from G10, a type of composite material that is extremely durable and resistant to temperature changes. The G10 handle scales are textured for improved grip, and they are attached to the stainless steel liners with Torx screws. The Rockstead SAI-ZDP has a liner lock mechanism that keeps the blade securely in place when it is open. A pocket clip is included with the knife, and it can be configured for left or right-handed carry.

NEHAN-ZDP

The Rockstead Knives NEHAN-ZDP is a high-quality, all-purpose knife that is perfect for any outdoor activity. The knife is made with a durable 3.5" ZDP-189 stainless steel blade that can handle any task you throw at it. The blade has a black oxide coating that gives it a sleek, stealth look and helps to protect it from corrosion. The handle is made from G10 material and features a finger groove for added comfort and grip. The knife also comes with a Kydex sheath for easy carrying.

Ritsu

The Rockstead Knives Ritsu knife is a beautifully designed and crafted piece of cutlery. It has a simple yet elegant look, with a black handle and a sharp, silver blade. The knife is made from high-quality materials, and it is clear that a lot of care and attention has gone into its construction. The blade of the knife is made from Japanese Aogami Super Steel, which is known for its excellent edge retention and durability. The blade has been heat treated to a Rockwell hardness of 60-62, making it extremely tough and able to withstand a lot of wear and tear. The handle of the knife is made from black G10, which is both strong and lightweight. It provides a comfortable and secure grip, even when wet. The handle also has a lanyard hole, so you can attach it to your belt or pocket for easy access. The Rockstead Knives Ritsu knife comes with a black leather sheath that protects the blade when not in use. The sheath has a belt loop, so you can carry the knife on your belt for easy access. The Rockstead Knives Ritsu knife is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, durable knife that will last for many years. It makes an excellent addition to any collection, and it would make an ideal gift for any occasion.

Kei

The Rockstead Knives Kei knife is a Japanese-style knife that is perfect for slicing and dicing. The blade is made of high-quality stainless steel and is extremely sharp. The handle is comfortable to hold and the knife has a nice weight to it. The Rockstead Knives Kei knife is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a high-quality, durable, and sharp knife.

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