Japanese CNC-Machined Knives with Mirror Polished Blades
Rockstead manufactures precision folding knives and fixed blades in Sakai, Japan using NC machining centers and hand-finishing techniques. The company produces about 800 knives annually with an eight-person staff, combining CNC production with manual polishing and assembly. Rockstead knives use two blade steels from Hitachi Metals: ZDP189 powder stainless steel hardened to HRc67 and YXR7 high-speed tool steel hardened to HRc65. DLT Trading carries Rockstead folders with framelock and liner lock mechanisms, as well as fixed blade models including the UN, DON, RITSU, and KON with aluminum, titanium, wood micarta, and ebony handles.
ZDP189 and YXR7 Blade Steel Specifications
ZDP189 powder stainless steel achieves HRc67 hardness through high carbon content enabled by powder metallurgy processing. Rockstead uses ZDP189 as a single steel or in clad construction with VG-10 outer layers and a ZDP189 core. YXR7 matrix high-speed tool steel reaches HRc65 hardness while maintaining toughness for cutting dried bamboo without edge damage. YXR7 blades receive DLC coating applied at 500°C with 3-micron thickness and Hv1800 surface hardness. The coating bonds to the blade in a vacuum oven. The base steel's high hardness prevents coating fracture under impact.
Honzukuri and Shinogizukuri Blade Geometry
Rockstead produces blades in two geometries. Honzukuri blades feature dual convex surfaces inspired by Japanese sword construction, providing edge strength with cutting ability. Shinogizukuri blades use two-plane construction with a shinogi line where surfaces meet. Blade edge angles graduate from 30 degrees near the handle for impact resistance to 24 degrees near the tip for maximum sharpness. These angles are connected by one continuous reducing angle. This geometry results from Rockstead's research into blade edge angles and their effect on cutting performance.
Progressive Whetstone Polishing to #2000 Grit
Rockstead blades undergo sequential polishing through #400, #800, #1200, and #2000 grit whetstones to create mirror surfaces. Scratches require returning blades to previous grit stages for refinishing. After whetstone grinding, blades receive SMAP processing and buffing, followed by finishing on proprietary Super-finisher machines. The mirror polish extends to the blade edge, eliminating microscopic serrations visible under magnification on conventionally finished edges. This edge finish reduces nicking by removing random protrusions that cause edge failure.
Titanium Handles with Stingray Leather and Silk Wrap Construction
Rockstead folders use liner lock and framelock mechanisms with lock bars machined from SKD11 tool steel hardened to HRc61. Fixed blade models include the UN with silk-wrapped handles, DON and KON with wood construction, and RITSU with micarta scales. Folder handle materials include anodized aluminum (A6063, A7075, A2024) with surface hardness to Hv400, titanium scales with DLC and DLC-Prism coating, carbon fiber, and ebonite. Models like the SHU feature titanium with etched Japanese apricot and koi motifs. Each knife comes with a wooden presentation box, certificate documenting the serial number, and steel hardness test results.
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