Rockstead SHIN-ZDP Japanese Folding Knife 3.5" ZDP-189/VG10 Clad Mirror Finish Blade, Aluminum Handles, Liner Lock

$1,450.00

Description

RSSHINZDP: SHIN-ZDP

Rockstead

The Rockstead Knives are, in our opinion, some of the best knives available on the market. With Rockstead's meticulous craftsmanship and unique designs, this semi-custom folder is worth the premium price tag. The SHIN is the larger version of the Rockstead KOU model. It features a 3.5" VG10 clad ZDP-189 mirror finish blade and aluminum handles with stingray inlays. The opening action is smooth with a solid liner lock to securely keep the blade locked in place. The incredible mirror finish is achieved by heat treating the blade and gradually hand grinding through 400, 600, 800, 1,200 and 2,000 grits wet-dry sandpaper. This is very intense and time-consuming because if any scratches were to occur during this process, the blade must be sent back to the previous step for refinishing. Once this is complete, the blade will be buffed for the final finish. The folks at Rockstead have mastered this process to give the knife a beautiful finish and sharp edge like no other. Each knife is individually numbered and includes a certificate of authenticity.

With proper maintenance, Rocksteads are known to keep a sharp edge for 2-3 years. Rockstead Knives come with free sharpening and regrinding. You would be responsible for shipping charges to and from Japan.

Be sure to register your Rockstead Knife here.

Specifications

  • Blade Length: 3.5"
  • Closed Length: 4.875"
  • Overall Length: 8.25"
  • Blade Thickness: 0.145"
  • Blade Material: VG10 Clad ZDP-189 Stainless Steel
  • Blade Hardness: 67 HRC (approximate)
  • Blade Style: Drop Point
  • Blade Grind: Convex
  • Blade Finish: Mirror
  • Handle Thickness: 0.62"
  • Handle Material: A6063 Hard Anodized Aluminum with Stingray Inlays
  • Locking Mechanism: Liner Lock
  • Pocket Clip: Tip-Up, Right Carry
  • Weight: 5.3 oz.
  • Made in Japan

UPC Code: 420069

Related Categories

Rockstead Knives, Rockstead SHIN Series, ZDP-189 Clad by VG10 Blade Steel, Aluminum Handle Material, Folding Knives, Folding Knives Liner Locks, Made in Japan

Product Clip Type Badge: Pocket Clip
Product Handle Badge: Aluminum Handles
Product Semi Custom Badge: Semi-Custom
Product Country of Origin Badge: Made in Japan
Rockstead SHIN-ZDP Japanese Folding Knife 3.5" ZDP-189/VG10 Mirror Finish Blade, Aluminum Handlesrated 4.800 stars out of 5 (5 reviews)
4.8 out of 5 stars
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Rockstead SHIN-ZDP Japanese Folding Knife 3.5" ZDP-189/VG10 Mirror Finish Blade, Aluminum Handles
rated 5 stars out of 5
Mark C
Arizona
Dec 01, 2025
Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Handle Material, Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type, Overall Quality, Pocket Clip, Weight
Cons: Ease of Opening, Handle Feel, Sheath
I've been wanting this for years and finally bought it. Love it.
Best steel in the world.
Rockstead SHIN-ZDP Japanese Folding Knife 3.5" ZDP-189/VG10 Mirror Finish Blade, Aluminum Handles
rated 4 stars out of 5
Robert
Winthrop, Ma
Feb 13, 2022
Pros: Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: Weight, Handle Feel, Lock Type
Super sharp, but has caveats...
FIrst off, this is the first Rockstead I've bought, and maybe not the last. I own everything from ZT (0762 us the best!) to Shirigorov, and none of them are blade finished like this knife. The mirror polish and slicing ability are unbelieveable! There are some cons though. First is the weight. This knife is 5.33 oz. on my scale, which is 2.5 oz. more than my favorite ZT 0762. It may not sound like much, but the added weight in the front pocket of a pair of shorts can be cumbersome. I also don't care for the slippery handle. It is substantial, and the milling on the front with the stingray inlay is nice. However the top of the knife and the right side are not milled and the knife easily slips in your hand. Overall, I'm happy with this knife, but it's not the ideal folder I thought it would be...
Rockstead SHIN-ZDP Japanese Folding Knife 3.5" ZDP-189/VG10 Mirror Finish Blade, Aluminum Handles
rated 5 stars out of 5
Ryan K
North Carolina
Nov 11, 2020
Pros: Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Blade Material, Overall Quality, Blade Sharpness
Cons: Pocket Clip
Worth every penny
I have had knife for 2 years. Was in my edc rotation for over a year. Used all the time. Razor sharp. My wife used it to open my teenage sons locked door by shoving the knife into the knob and twisting back and forth with the best knife I own. It had two very small chips towards the point. I sent it to Japan and they sharpened it and returned it a few weeks later with no questions asked. The knife looks just as good as the day I bought it. I own a few dozen knives that are all wonderful with excellent steel. This one is like no other knife I have ever owned or seen. The mirror finish is silly beautiful. Handle is perfect and smooth and workable with flawless action that makes a subtle lockup sound that says perfection. I will someday own another Rockstead.
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