Rockstead SAI-T Folding Knife - Overview and Review

[@metal_complex]

My Amazon page! The gear I use here on the channel! - www.amazon.com/shop/metalcomplex Thanks so much for watching! You can support my channel on Patreon here - www.patreon.com/metalcomplex MC stickers! - www.redbubble.com/people/metal-complex/shop?asc=u

[@harryberry474]

The experience I've had with my 3 Rockstead knives is very disappointing. I have a High II X ZDP Cf, Higo II TI ZDP and a Hizen ZDP. ALL three have lost their razor sharp edge in very short order, I've only cut cardboard boxes, paper and 1 steak. I haven't abused them in the slightest. All three are pretty dull compared to how I received them...I'm very disappointed. Also I haven't used them very much at all maybe 1-2 hundred cuts between the three. These knives are just sitting in my knife collection now. I know I can return for so called "free" sharpening but all three have lost their sharpness so quickly will it be worth the bother? Just to get back and find they'll lose their edge again. Other than that I like the feel and looks...haha.

[@anthonyberardi8904]

That is a work of art…As I sit here watching this all I can think of is “do I REALLY need my car, or does it make more sense to hitchhike and be able to own something like this?” Anyways, great vid 👍

[@Knife_Eclectic]

People: "You can get from A to B with a car, you can't with a knife!" Me: *puts knife in my pocket and walks to point B*....checkmate.

[@pioong7443]

That mirror finish is just 🤤🤤

[@AMRonin]

The "L" before the serial number indicate it is a clad steel (ZDP-189 and VG10); I personally prefer the pure ZDP-189 as it will be more resistant to scratches. Rockstead releases clad and unclad versions, most likely based their raw material availability.

[@kn1fe_add1ct51]

They obviously wanted smaller screws so that they didn't take away from that beautiful handle

[@ericmack001]

I thought the Rockstead Higo 2 was beautiful! And then you show this thing. I love that tanto blade shape. Its amazing how Rockstead knives keep getting better. This knife is so beautiful it would stand out in any knife collection, even customs. Rockstead is an amazing company!

[@xmetal280]

I have a Hizen and carry it at least a few days a week. I cut with it, and the most satisfying thing I’ve done with a knife recently was simply press the blade straight down into a Postit note pad and shave off 100 corners in one fell swoop. Love this thing.

[@mortem-tyrannis]

I bet yours looks used even if it's just slightly, his looked never used for more than cutting butter. Cleaning don't remove wear and scratches.

[@drfunkinstein1]

I bought a Ryo and realized that was too fancy to carry so I got a Hizen to enjoy carrying a Rockstead. The Hizen is so good for EDC and doesn't have the convex grind so you can sharpen it yourself if you trust yourself enough and it's easy to take apart for maintenance. Only thing is I feel like I have to clean it every time I cut some box tape and gunk it up where some of my other EDC knives I just let them stay dirty.

[@mikejurnak4253]

THANK YOU another beauty I can't afford but your vids of knives I can't afford make me appreciate my $200 dollar knives that maybe someone in a different situation can't afford

[@Knife_Eclectic]

Gotta say, aesthetically it's not entirely my thing. I think it's the scale pattern that throws me. But it's an incredible knife for sure. You can tell even on the video that it's just an incredibly well made item. Also GOLD HELMET!!

[@austinkuipers6087]

It would be interesting if Rockstead made ~$500 reblades for a handful of production knives. I'm sure lots of people use their rocksteads regularly, but being an obtainable luxury item it's a safe bet many are not carried. Taking care of a blade is easier than that blade wrapped in a piece of art.

[@lukehendrickson3669]

I mean … def one of the most beautiful knives I’ve ever seen dude. Truly. Blade shape, finishing, scales … Just wow! Thanks for reviewing this beaut and bringing it to my attention. Now, with price considered, I’d always rather spend that money on a knife from my fave maker of all time, Phill Hartsfield, Sr. Sick heat treatment, epic finishes on the blade. Is it comparable to this knife in any metric? Nope, totally different. I’d just wanna spend money on a knife that I’d both be less afraid to hurt and that inspires use, too. Either way, great review as always MC.

[@edwardk6764]

Beautiful rockstead. Love the convex ground tanto blade as well as the iridescent coated stepped cut titanium scales/body. Can't explain the tiny body screws. Wish my knife budget was closer to $2k than $150

[@ZeedePlus]

Wow, the topography scales are stunning! No chance I could ever spend that kind of $ on one, but hey, gratuitous knife goodness is a big reason I watch your videos 😁

[@Adam-M]

Wickedly cool scales. Love the topo aspect

[@Hayabusa_Rider]

I just got one of these! I personally like the topo sort of scales. Was torn between this and the one you have… either in blue or ironwood. Different knives for sure but, my first Rockstead. Been on a Shiro buzz before this. 😉

[@mbks77]

Coming from someone that does hand polishing on blades and hardware,...yes, it is a lot of work...that is an amazing looking knife...if you need yours touched up, let me know

[@_BLANK_BLANK]

In the Japanese kitchen knife market you mostly see san mai clad style knives. Those are about what fit in the normal price range. Then you get the hand forged Damascus san mai, then the honyaki. Honyaki, is a single steel, differentially hardened knife. It uses the core steel for the whole knife, and they are very expensive. So coming from the world of japanese kitchen knives its easy to understand why this knife would be more than a san mai knife.

[@verdantpulse5185]

If the zdp were clad, there would be a visible line in the polsihed edge where the steels meet. They went for the clean asthetic. Just as in omitting the pocket clip.

[@ItsAnAddiction]

Your definitely correct, u can def see where they meet up.

[@ivanrheedee4369]

Amazing video,I just whant to clarify that is a scandi-vex grind,a convex edge tapers from the spine without any bevels where a scandi-vex starts where you're secondary bevel should start and smoothly tapers into nothing,it makes for a stronger edge,please don't take offense from this,I truly enjoy your videos,please keep up the amazing work

[@DrBlazer50]

I know you don't like tiny knives, but i would love to see you make a video and review of the Rockstead Nehan. I want one, but the price is pretty crazy.

[@Lochlann13]

Rockstead knives are legendary for good reason. The amount of effort that goes into them is what makes them 'worth' the money, rather than the materials or performance alone. They are the epitome of the phrase "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts." However, that makes the Rockstead experience incredibly individual and subjective. Personally, the Higo 2 is one of the most beautiful blades I've ever seen. The SAI-T, to me, just doesn't do it. The angular, chucky handle, undersized fasteners, lack of clip, and seam where the scales meet give off a 'cheap knife' vibe to me. The blade is gorgeous; the handle does not live up to it.

[@billcarpenter5615]

Agreed if I could pick one Rockstead to own it would not be the SAI-T, the higo 2 would definitely make the list.

[@jefferydellinger7422]

You need to check out the Shu (Koi) Beautiful !!!!

[@bigblue7091]

Personal Preference & this was Mine Tanto & Aurora Handle Spectacular "..

[@taazen74]

You can get someone to make you a leather sheath perfectly fitted for this knife, not to big, just perfect, and without that big belt clip, but with a pocketclip so you can carry it inside your pocket so only the clip shows on the outside. And it's so well made, it doesn't get much bigger than the knife. So then it's just like pulling the knife from your "pocket", really. So for me, after seen it and tried it, I have no problem buying folders without a pocketclip. And that means a lot. And with a Lanyard on, well, then even much simpler to pull it up from your sheath/pocket.😊

[@stickyedge7113]

The socom elite looks like a cheap toy next to the rockstead. Those are possibly the coolest scales I've ever seen. Sooo nice

[@CinelliBinelli]

This used to be mine then I sold it to Thomas. One of my favorite knives, used it alot and stropped it back to a nice polish every time too. I agree the regular Sai is the better one

[@bigblue7091]

When I'm DEAD someone else enjoy it🍄

[@mitchhifi9192]

My S125V knife is phenomenal, expensive at around $1200 for a fixed blade hunting knife. Cut straight through the spine of a kangaroo pretty much by accident there was so little resistance

[@tyarnold4088]

Wait a second? You cut straight through the spine of a kangaroo? You definitely aren't from Illinois.

[@taazen74]

Is it an older version of the Socom Elite you have, or the newest ones? I had one from 1998, I think. It had a broader linerlock on the top where you opened it, and went over the scale perfectly. And the Aluminium felt so amazing, just loved the finish on it. Had it i Brown Alu. with Carbonfiber inlays. Lost it, or got stolen, never got a new one after, but I sure will since it's one of my favorite knives. I wonder if the new ones have the same good feeling and finish as the older ones? Do you know anything about it? I have tried one from China, an expensive one at around $200+++, but it had a slippery feel to the aluminium finish, just to smooth and no good feeling. So I've been afraid that the new ones is like that super copy of the Socom Elite. Any thoughts?

[@jerryascolese6002]

How do you go about sharpening?

[@48mastadon]

Exactly my question. You have a convex zero degree grind on a mirror blade with a hardness of over 66 HRC on a two thousand dollar knife. I would send it in to Rockstead for sharpening.

[@mikehalf4027]

They give u chuck Norses number.

[@shaggy_e210]

Strop with a very ultra fine diamond emulsion

[@ryanjennings6541]

Did they order the thumb studs from hinderer?

[@eyesintheskies]

When you showed it next to the Microtech I saw John wick next to an elite Yakuza!

[@jethrolionheart182]

My guess as to why this knife isn't vg10 clad is probably because vg10 would be softer and make it pick up scratches easier

[@metal_complex]

But the less expensive version is exactly that. I can't imagine a scenario where Rockstead was attempting to appeal very specifically to a crowd of potential buyers in exactly that way.

[@bigblue7091]

Tanto & Aurora Handle Rocks my Grail ".. 🐘💨💨💨

[@bigblue7091]

Think they did T5 for Aesthetic's & will be Thread locked , Pivot is well Protected , if you like a Tanto, Rock this , I Respect Rocksteads Pro ~Spec's

[@alanchelnick8148]

I like the knife holster, (I guess if you carried a gun it would be in kydex stuffed in your pants).. easy access and re- storage especially if your moving around .

[@slick_slicers]

Like it or not, this knife is not designed to be user serviceable. That’s like your new Ferrari. The Higo and Hizen are designed to be user serviced. If you want to take your knife apart, don’t buy this knife, consider the Higo, or go elsewhere. This blade is also Ti coated.

[@dogonmountain6445]

That is a gorgeous knife. Wow.

[@ItsAnAddiction]

There are def different models with different blades. I have 2 Sai's..., my Sai-T Prism Honzukuri Tanto is clad zdp189/vg10 HRc 66.8/60.5 and my Sai Blurple Model Drop point Blade is only ZDP189 HRc 66.7. So it seems theres def maybe different ones out there. Cool good to know. Thnx ✌🤪🤟🤟

[@CHUCKIT]

Mmm shiny. Thanks MC

[@little2826]

Very nice looking knife.

[@BNIRc]

I just don't understand the cost on a liner lock 😅, I mean I want one butttt lol.

[@RileySantiago]

Id love to see Cedric and Ada rope test one of these

[@jpolhamus71]

The ones that are going to use that pocket sheath thingy are the same ones rocking a fanny pack

[@BennyBladez-]

At the end of the day I like yours the best

[@SpaceDave3000]

Rockstead's Sebenza? More like the Sebenza is Chris Reeve's Rockstead!

[@alexf9472]

I bet zdp-189 gets fewer scratches than vg-10 clad

[@mikehalf4027]

It looks great. I love some shine. Those scales, someone took some time on that design.

[@WeaselJuice]

The design on the scales looks like a topographic map.

[@shadeshiest22]

lol yea someone took some time clicking a button…looks like a computer program shot them out and we’re 3D printed last minute

[@mikehalf4027]

@@shadeshiest22 you monster.🤣

[@hafertr1235]

@@shadeshiest22 it's not just clicking a button bud it's alot of programming and time spent doing that and also the cost of the equipment that is able to produce that cost a shit ton.

[@mikehalf4027]

The Hidden bits, and almost seamless back took some smooth thinking. Or maybe it was aliens.😌

[@mountainmanwatchreviews8081]

I follow someone on IG who had one of these and was carrying it in the sheath on the belt, got in a car accident and flipped upside down and it fell out and he never found it. Freak thing obviously but I would be devastated. I'm just not a carry anything on my belt guy anyway so no clip on a knife and I'm out regardless of price.

[@jdisdetermined]

Same. Don't buy anything without a clip. Imagine just finding that knife on the side of the road and being curious enough to Google it. Like a little lottery win. The odds are probably much crazier too. 😲😲

[@coprolite1979]

Owner: Well you see, the centering was perfect until one day I was batoning firewood and one of the cement blocks of the fire pit just needed a little trimming….

[@mikehalf4027]

I hope someone somewhere awoke from a nightmare.

[@defectocanario]

I never saw anyone test this blade in a cutting test . Did you see one?. It's a beautiful blade ugly scales no bearings whatever

[@surroundedbymorons3491]

I don't know why people freak out at the price of Rockstead Knives, these same people probably drop $1000+ on a new cell phone every single year, I mean c'mon, Each and every one of these knives have many hours of skilled craftsmen producing a product that puts apple/Samsung to shame, a product that could potentially last a thousand years +. $2000 for a product like that is nothing at all.

[@ryangilbert3184]

I can’t be the only guy who watched these videos by himself and talks back to my phone(or computer) and says things like, “ oh, one hundred percent!”, or “what?! No effing way!” Anyways..zdp with a jacket =100%, zdp without one for 1600?…well you get it.

[@Hayabusa_Rider]

Do you think the vg-10 adds or detracts from the knife? Curious… I just picked one up new and the seller said it was zdp 189 …. Then I come to find out possibly otherwise. I got the plain titanium looking model. Not the dlc version.

[@Eternalgameplayer]

I only have so many pockets on dress style work pants! 😂

[@darkoflight4938]

"it feels bigger than it is", that´s what I have been saying most of my adult life!

[@Cyanoblades]

Two of these cost as much as a papered Japanese sword from 1673 that I have, lol.

[@wupwop]

Heck yeah

[@ericmack001]

Nerves Knives cut cardboard with the Higo 2. He viewed the knifes edge under a microscope. The knife was scratched up. It was very surprising that cardboard could do that. There is hype and exaggeration with these knives. They are awesome knives but they are over hyped. The knives are great and would sell without the hype.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

That's a cool scale. I've not got any knives with a grind like that. I've messaged you on Insta about a collaboration I'm organising with a few other EDC KZbinrs. Stay safe buddy

[@theknifeconnection9571]

Just curious. What type of collab

[@MoorlanderEDC]

@@theknifeconnection9571 I've been in talks with several large channel where we do a "$600 full carry" style piece of content. We'd all post it at the same weekend and have a fun vote between out channels. There'd be set things like a knife, flashlight, wallet, pen, key chain etc. I thought it woukd be a fun way to build on our international EDC community. All I'm waiting to hear back from if BEST damn EDC and Metal complex 👍

[@experienceprecision5406]

There out of there minds

[@naiboz]

All I’m saying is thank god with that mirror finish you don’t do reviews in your birthday suit 😂

[@chefboiarby304]

He forgot to wear his Batman mask.

[@naiboz]

@@chefboiarby304 as long as he’s wearing something

[@jimmymckay73]

The price reflects the idea of super car of knives , no more .

[@AnthonySmith-sc4zs]

T - for Topography

[@Exodus26.13Pi]

My stomach bore witness when it opened

[@mikehalf4027]

That sounds wet. Right.. sounds gross in my head to.🧐

[@My_Bow_L.Y.F]

I would use the hell out of that knife. The mirror finish would be gone 😂. I beat the hell out of my benchmade anthem and my Paragon Phoenix.

[@christiandamoude2853]

Looks like the MT Socom Elite.

[@Nierlock]

4:01 F A C E R E V E A L

[@metal_complex]

No! My identity!!! (😉)

[@alpine1600s]

The size of the torx head has nothing to do with screw diameter or pitch of the threads.

[@metal_complex]

You're misunderstanding me.

[@alpine1600s]

@@metal_complex then you should probably make that clearer in your video. 🤔

[@metal_complex]

Na. You're the only one asking friendo. It's ok. It happens.

[@suttonmatthew]

Do not try to take this to the sharpener. All it needs is stropping. Send it back to Japan if you somehow need to regrind the blade edge.

[@pioong7443]

First. Its been a while. Tell me you miss me commenting first.

[@metal_complex]

I miss you ❤

[@pioong7443]

@@metal_complex eyyy. Miss ya MC. Daylight savings messed it up. So cant stay up that late anymore :((

[@wupwop]

Heck yeah

[@3sts246]

Is it supposed to look like poop? Honest question not mad.

[@johnj.baranski6553]

more knives should come without clips. these are pocket knives after all

[@_BLANK_BLANK]

Mirror polishing zdp-189 is way more time consuming, so that could ad to the price of the only zdp-189 one.

[@charlesholland6851]

As far as users, send them to DBK. They killed one with a rifle. 😂

[@metal_complex]

They sure did!

[@targuscinco]

I have like 5. Can't remember. Meh.

[@jurriaanvankampen5171]

Looks like a Socom elite

[@eyesintheskies]

Defined beautiful, unique and well made but the outline of the general handle shape for some reason doesn’t really appeal to me. Looking for a rockstead but looking for a wife rather than an expensive high maintenance girlfriend!

[@darylcheshire1618]

T5 a deal breaker.

[@My_Bow_L.Y.F]

I think dutch bushcraft boys channel put I think magnacut against a rockstead and I think they almost cut the same. I think Japan has a superior heat treat to the world. The crazy thing is that ancient times China yes I'm saying China has an even better heat treat. If you think I'm crazy there is one of the oldest swords in the world is from China and is still in perfect condition.

[@metal_complex]

..... no. Lol. No what you're saying about the ancient Chinese heat treat is inaccurate. You don't have all the information there bud. That, or you've been sold a flat out lie.

[@charlesholland6851]

@@metal_complex I just looked it up. Bronze with a tin edge. That's no heat treat but it's definitely cool

[@metal_complex]

That's sort of what I figured this was in reference to. Or something related. Things like this get interpreted many different ways 👍

[@jimmymckay73]

The word you are looking for is " CHATOYANCE " .

[@theamirbarismillworks2253]

All i see is Peter Griffin from family guy!

[@elcavi44]

I want one! So nasty!

[@josephlilley9249]

I'm sure rocksteads are great knives, but honestly I just think they are ugly lol. That's just my opinion, if I buy a knife especially in that price range witch will prob be never but I'd have to love the way it looks along with materials and good performance. But the looks definitely matter to me on blades this expensive. Hell looks matter for me on anything over 100 bucks lol

[@bronco1199]

It's a bit of a seahorse 🧜‍♂️

[@nikst7463]

Too small to expensive

[@AbbaKovner-gg9zp]

the handle looks like an oil leak in a wet parking lot

[@duanedas5346]

Wtf 2000 dollars

[@tyarnold4088]

The voice he uses when he's talking about people. WtF? Great video though

[@stephendigiovanni3854]

Not worth the money, that's crazy.

[@matthewberry1738]

You lost me when you talked ounces. Meh

[@metal_complex]

Sorry. It weighs roughly half of a standard potato 👍

[@tyarnold4088]

​@@metal_complexhilarious. Lol.

[@RovingRoninEDC]

How on Earth do you come to the conclusion someone isn’t using an expensive knife ?? That’s a good question…..makes you wonder if they’re folks watching who see your reviews and say “ He owns a Rocksted? Oh! So he never uses it, he’s vegan and clearly hates Disney” 😂😂😂😂

[@EDGY12345]

I can't believe the Rockstead is on washers , pretty poor Idea for such an expensive knife !

[@metal_complex]

This comment makes zero sense

[@EDGY12345]

@@metal_complex Don't you think that the knife should have ben on bearings instead of washers ,Get it now !

[@metal_complex]

So all expensive knives should run on bearings... and all inexpensive knives should run on washers? Lol, where did you learn this? What makes you think the washer setup has anything to do with the final price tag?

[@EDGY12345]

@@metal_complex What are doing telling me what I think ! As far as I think all knives should be on bearings! $1,000.00 knives should be on bearings for sure ! Thanks for letting us know that those Expensive Rockstead are on washers Now I will never buy one to cheaply made knife for me !

[@metal_complex]

You have a terrible understanding of why knives are expensive/inexpensive. Bearings themselves cost almost nothing, and neither do washers. Washers keep dirt and debris out of the pivot and (when done correctly) can actually rival bearings in terms of action. Bearings can offer a wide range of action quality, but they provide almost no defense when it comes to debris getting inside the pivot. Washers and bearings are not exclusive to any specific price range of knives. They both appear in budget knives and hyper expensive knives alike. If you have been judging the quality of folders purely on their pivot internals, you need to start over. You've gone down a path of nonsense.