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The Higo II comes in titanium frame lock or this titanium/carbon fibre liner lock. The Higo original came in aluminium. The two steel choices are available on all models. All the Higos have the same 89mm what they call Honzukuri blade. It’s really Shinobozukuri shape, but that’s getting a bit nerdy. The zero edge is the way that nihonto have been made in for 1000 years. The idea being that 67 rc steel will crack, but only if there is already a micro crack to start things off. Samurai swords are differential hardened, but not then tempered, so this is how they overcame cracking in their swords. Also, please note that this is a very traditional ‘tanto’ shape of blade. There are tanto with American style ‘tanto’ points, but they’re the exception, the shape here is much more common. Incidentally, I both carry and use mine. There is nothing wrong, in my mind, with buying a knife just to admire - that’s what I do with my Nihonto and my military swords - but this knife is so much built to be used. I’m about to buy it’s little brother, the Hizen, as it’s more practical in a country where everyone is paranoid about ‘big’ knives, and I really want to be able to carry one of these everyday! I’ll be doing a series of videos on this very soon. Perhaps you’ll watch out for it? Now up at: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/odqAlKqFvJrIY3U.html

That mirror finish is so good I can see my reflection thru the video lol

I’ve EDC’d a rockstead shu (button lock) for 8 years and aside from regular stropping i have done very little other maintenance. The fit and finish is amazing, and while the scales are showing the pocket wear, the blade has performed beyond my expectations. I debated sending mine in for a regrind and spa treatment on the frame, but I have come to love the look of the knife with the wear.

I’ll never (be able to) buy a Ferrari but man do they look and sound amazing. Please, please keep showing us cool stuff regardless of price. Thanks for giving us a peak under the hood MC.

The tiny little "dot" on the non-brand side of the blade towards where the blade meets the handle is where they measured the HRC of that exact blade. In mine, I got a receipt with the exact HRC of my knife (same model here just in gold color) and that was 66.6.

Update: Higo II (black full polished DLC Ti handle, YXR7 steel, HRc 64.8, a dlc polished clip w/country of origin in very small letters). Rockstead's new iteration is a huge improvement over the older model. As always, you always offer excellent insight and cogent advice.

I was looking at RS again recently for what ever reason and when I saw these on the site but had no attraction what so ever, it was one of the other models. But this one with that Ti, Oh my fucking god, That is stunning, and even though I hate carbon fibre because it's synthetic that still looks perfect. Designed from start to finish with the complete picture in mind if that makes sense. In contrast to knives designed well and then they throw on a scale that looks nice after the fact. You can tell this was perfected in mind before it even began. And I do love the profile so so much. I can understand your anxiety about the finish. But me, no, for me I am constantly in search for the perfect user knife. I would absolutely use a blade like this. I am undecided on the x steel or the z steel because I love bushcraft. and their bamboo tests with x steel is just far superior when it comes to durability to the zdp. Price shouldn't even be a consideration when you really think about it. People spend that sort of money getting their shocks and tyres fixed for a car that probably won't even last a decade, and they will likely spend 3-4000 over that decade on other car parts. This knife will last a life time for a moderate servicing fee of shipping once every 3-5 years. For a blade that you WILL pass down to your friends or kids. 1500 is absolutely nothing. You don't spend a life time looking for a perfect tool because you USE and love that tool and then keep it in a fucking box. Right? You like knives because they are tools, they make your life easier, and better. So why settle for second rate tools when you have the best. Like I said, I understand your anxiety, And she's damn pretty. But that cosmic energy you're feeling, that is the soul of the knife, not you. IT has anxiety because as a part of your family you are neglecting it's growth. No one wants their kids to go out and fall out of a tree in case they break a bone or scar their legs but you let them because they need to experience life for themselves right? Let your knives grow with you. is my perspective anyway.

Great video as always man. That’s why I have a rockstead shin for glamour carry and the xm18 for work carry.

I have this exact knife in gold vs blue as shown above. I bought it, in large part, due to this review. It is thick but it doesn't feel that way at all with the rounding of the carbon fiber.

It is an amazing knife you can see the precision and time put into these knives this is one that the price is definitely justified for sure great review 👍

Hi , l have a Rockstead NEHAN . They put The name of the knife on the blade in English and then in Japanese . The number on the blade is the number of the knife that’s used for when you register it. It’s also the build number. If it’s lost or stolen it can always be traced back to the registered keeper. As long as you’re the registered keeper whenever it requires sharpening you can just send it back to them and they sharpen it free of charge , all you have to do is pay the shipping. Love the review as always . And I never use mine lol.

I know what you mean about the wheeling action, some knives are better to flick some are more satisfying to roll and then feel that impact of the clicks after the roll. Out of the 3 latest knives I just got 2 of them are like that. I think the roller bearings on the Griffin are smooth to roll, the click is so-so. Then the Kizer Sliver is the opposite, the bronze washer roll out is okay, but the double solid click is the satisfying part of that one. When you can feel and hear the clicks engage. Every knife is slightly different, it's sweet.

I would love one of these. I get the impression that they take the craftsmanship required to make high end katanas and put all of that tradition, pride, and time together into a folding knife. If I had the money I would totally put it into one of these.

Beautiful knife. You describe things perfectly lol. When you say somthing I'm like yea I can relate to that lol you hit the nail on the head

Well, a little late but I can comment on two questions you had. My last and best knife that I produced for my best friend, an 11" blade length hybrid clip point bush knife made from N690 and hand polished to a 0 Ra mirror. My edge was also a 'zero edge', although I frankly chose it more for appearance and its natural tendency when combining a polished body with a mirror stropped edge. It may even be harder NOT to attain a zero edge this way. A zero edge merely blends the primary and secondary bevels together without a sharp contrast between. Enough blending will make the bevels indistinguishable from a distance. Aside form being easier, you'd only want a mirror edge as well as a secondary flat because the polishing process will work harden stainless steels and boost the HRc by a point or too, as well as add some more corrosion resistance. You could argue that the zero edge is more structurally sound since sharp edges tend to be void concentration points which lead to metal fatigue and eventual cracking. The entire blade I made, called the "Seventh Heaven", is fully rounded and polished on every corner and crevice leaving no sharp inclusions or protrusions for stress to form. That aside, ZDP 189 is a great steel that I have in my Spyderco Dragonfly. It will rust if left wet and without protectant, but it is very wear resistant and finishes well. I wouldn't call it a tough steel however and it's my impression that M390 is slightly tougher, at least due to ZDP189's bad rep that it can crack at the edge when exposed to torsional or hard impact forces.

Been really debating about getting one. Do you still have yours and what do you still think about it?

67 Hrc and a convex grind would hold an edge pretty well. It's really a pretty awsome knife.

Wow!. That's probably the shiniest blade in a knife thumbnail pic ever! 😀 I'll take two Santa. I need one to stay perfect and I need one for opening packages. I like to open my packages in style! Good video

Made in Japan is fine with me. I like it. It's definitely a sign of quality. Nobody does it any better- especially when it comes to blades and aesthetics

Love the stamped/engraved logo...classy

That pocket clip is hilariously cheap looking for a knife like that.

Had a tough time choosing between that and the Marfione custom protocol. The fat carbon fiber and USA made factor made me choose the Protocol, but it was still a hard choice. Great review as usual 👍

I don't know i kinda wanna see every knife out there regardless of whether or not I can afford it ,I'm hooked, keep them coming MC thanks . Outpost 76 did a test with zdp vs m390 for anyone curious about the steel.

Damn, I normally dont dig that mirror finish but it looks too cooooool. I go for practical working edges/finishes but this is just another level.

I have the Higo (original design). Oh what a wonderful knife to cycle, not so wonderful to let someone else fondle it though. But right up there with Rocksteads is the Brad Zinker Urban Trapper, I have both the BZ and the Boker licensed version, and it is so satisfying to slowly push the flipper and watch the blade slowly open fully, click. The Boker isn't quite as efficient as the BZ.

Think you could replace the clip with something a bit nicer?

Mirror polished, 67 hrc, convex, ZDP... FML... what an absolute unit.

The fact that you can’t sharpen this as you have to send it all the way to Japan is the only thing that’s keeping this out of my collection. I would liquidate so much to get this thing. One of the most gorgeous pieces on the planet.

Trust me not all the times but when it says Made in Japan you should absolutely be proud that it says it. Some of the most fantastic engineering and art has came out of Japan and they are my number one country along with USA and Germany. The sharpest knife I've ever had came from Japan Seki City, Japan police 4 Spyderco.

I’m not sure if I’d ever be able to make myself use this. No matter the task. True art and safe queen/king

It is amazing to see a knife as gorgeous as this and realize it was not made for me. Beautiful piece. I do not want it. That makes me happy.

Looking forward to the strength test

I have a ww2 Japanese officer sword it basically has the same edge as that rockstead it's over 70 years old and sharper than my knives

Man thats SWEET!

damn. i wish the clip had a little more pazazzz but the rest of the knife makes up for it. i have been wondering why more knife makers don’t utilize the contrast of brushed/satin and mirror finishing like watch makers do.

In terms of the not really matching clip: Think of it like that: Noone would expect a 1500$ folder behind this clip on your pocket. It's kind of a thief protector. ;)

You almost had a double rainbow moment there at 6:15

I wish they had this model with the dlc blade tho

I just received mine today. No titanium. All steel with Ironwood scales. The quality is off the charts. 68 HRC. I can’t believe they discontinued this model.

Ok but how well did it baton? /s

I have a Rockstead Kou and a Shiro 111, and I’d trade them both for one of these.

I have the same but in Golden color, and I must say that it's an amazing upgrade compared to the aluminium ones even if the price is not amazing :D

Please gush all u want. Beautiful knife. I love Japanese made quality, but I agree that the stamping on the pocket clip is not in keeping with the overall quality of the knife. It's kinda quirky to be honest. I'd use this if I owned it - we aren't down here for long.

On my BNB knife belt clip it says 'Not Made In China'. That made me a little happier.

This really is Hatori Hanzo steel. If God will touch it God will be cut.

Maybe.... its just me.... but I would like to see the pocket clip anodized to match the liners....

I can completely see every bit of quality in this beautiful knife, from actual material to fit & finish. Look, would I spend $1500 on a knife? Oh hell no. Then again I’m not going to spend the money on a Ferrari or a custom race gun. This is the same comparison. This is the difference between a Glock and a Wilson Combat or a Toyota and a Ferrari.

4:40-4:45 applies to women for me as well

"Nice beautiful thumb studs" You've got that right...unlike Chris Reeves Sebenza.

Ha rockstead! If only I could even think about affording one My brain won't allow me......

Guess who is a new owner of this same knife!!!! Meeee I am lol ☺️and it’s amazing!

This is a beautiful knife and I can't knock it but I could get 2 Hinderers, 2 additional titanium scales, and some custom hardware for what this thing costs. Lol

That knife is so dam perdy! It really is! I’d be nervous 😬 to do anything other then a review on the table with it. Thanks For the review

I love these knives but I wish they made a more affordable version. (Sub $600)

What's the point? It's really nice looking

Maybe it looks better in person but the handle looks underwhelming for 1500. However, the blade would make me guess big bucks.

that thing is HAWT!! It's too pretty to use.

Great video, but that clip....ouch.

I'd never be able to use a knife like that. I'd just look a it.

An incredible, beautiful, hand-crafted knife with a ugly wart of a pocket clip. Why?!?!

$1500 knife, $5 pocket clip.

Anyone else think the blue kills this knife? Probably just me but outside of silver, black or gold I don’t like colour on my knives, got a pm3 with a red spacer/lanyard retainer which is subtle enough but that’s my limit!

I have around 3-4 knives that are just sitting around doing nothing. Might as well sell them and get this one so it can sit around and do nothing!!!

Hot dang

Rock stead’s zdp 189 will blow anyone’s m390 out of the water no contest

Have you seen the Hinderer Dauntless Compact G-10? Sorry for the second message, but I just got a notice on my knife dealers site for new knives just in, and I wanted to tell you, because it's a Hinderer, I'm not going to buy it but you might be interested. It has a really interesting double Symetrical finger choil, looks pretty glove like.

Normal zdp189 will cut less than m390 but the cryogenic heat treatment, geometry, lamination and microscopic mirror finish on the Rockstead will make it cut more but also be tougher and more useful in every way (except sharpening which I have nightmares about). Edit: Would you put this in the top 10 précision knives?

Higo means ripe fig in spanish

Who has this knife and actually uses it? I would love to see a use case video from someone who owns a knife like this.

I love this knife, but at $1,500. Yikes, I am not saying its not worth that, but still

Rockstead Zdp will blow away any m390!

Compared to something like the norseman it looks so cheap

FIY 3.2mm blade thickness or .126" and the Model is called Higo II-X CF-ZDP (BL) not just Higo 2...anyway just getting it straight. Also, as far as size comparison the closest match and natural match would be the CR Sebenza (Large) I don't think there's a closer comparison than that not only in size but construction too, which leads me to think Rockstead wanted to go head to head with CR on the Higo AND Hizen which compares to the small Sebenza. I just received my Hizen ZDP and the small Sebenza I have are nearly identical in size

The pocket clip looks cheap🤔

hrc 66

I feel safe calling this review 'pornographic'.

A Dan Wesson Valor or Specialist would be a far better way to spend $1500.

I little small for a $1500 folder. Rather buy a $100 Recon 1. I don't fidget, I cut. Love to have Porshe 911 but settle for my 4x4 truck

The Benchmade gold class Crooked River has a msrp of 1500.. knives like these are what Trump rich people edc..gets scratched..meh just give it away and get a new one.

I S the D for Higo! 🤣😂

I love Rocksteads but this one isn’t doing it for me. Way too flashy.

Yeah a "made in Japan" stamp on a $1500 knife is kinda tacky they could've at least put it in some cool don't or something like come on that almost ruins it for me

I'm selling mine in unused condition.

$8,000 knife with a .35 cent pocket clip, doesn’t make sense. It’s like they are saying screw you!

Pretty boring and crappy looking clip for a 1500 knife

Those stunted worthless mini knives are way too shiny . Need a few hours of steel wool to polish Iblade down less reflective. I would rather just trade that off as fast as possible. Buy a Benchmade AFO 2 auto and a SOCP and still have enough funds to aquire a Glock 35 tactical in .40 cal hicap. Any of those are totally better than that chrome plated 1500.00 letter opener. I don't want any titanium either. The only good thing that communist metal upgraded was our SR71 Blackbird. As a edc folder I would much rather keep using my cold steel clip point recon 1and Benchmade Infidel. Way better designed and not ugly like that chrome plated Crack user knife

what's the point of a "review" that costs USD 1500?//I'm out//

*I don't like the shape of this knife at all. The scales look strange, the only advantage is that the blade is perfectly polished and very sharp. I don't think it's worth more than $100. If anyone has fallen on his head, let him buy it. I certainly won't.*

I might sell my car and replace it with a bicycle and this knife.