Rockstead SAI-ZDP (AWR) ZDP-189 BLade Claret Titanium Handle Folding Knives Collect

The material used for the SAI-ZDP handle is made from titanium, and the blade is made from ZDP189. The shape of the blade is a dual convex HONZUKURI blade. ZDP189 is a high carbon stainless steel and so, functions best if the blade is wiped after each use. The surface roughness is 0.0045 microns. We achieved an outstanding surface and extremely high hardnessin this steel.

才"SAI" in Jpanese means "a genius".

Rockstead SAI-ZDP (AWR) - Product Overview

The Rockstead SAI-ZDP (AWR) is a flagship Japanese folder built around a ZDP-189 core clad in VG10 and finished to a mirror polish. The titanium handle carries Rockstead's AWR colour treatment between blue and purple, and the dual-convex Honzukuri blade is ground to a surface roughness of just 0.0045 microns. This is a grail-level piece for serious collectors. View more Rockstead knives and Rockstead folding knives at EDCMALL.

Rockstead SAI-ZDP (AWR) - ZDP-189 & Honzukuri Performance

ZDP-189 pushed to roughly 67 HRC is as hard as production knife steel gets. It will hold a hair-popping edge through tasks that dull lesser steels in hours, but it is brittle, stain-prone and demands diamond abrasives for sharpening. The VG10 cladding and convex Honzukuri grind give the core the support it needs.

Rockstead SAI-ZDP (AWR) - Core Selling Points

• ZDP-189 core steel hardened to around 67 HRC for extreme edge retention.
• VG10 outer layers add toughness and support to the ultra-hard core.
• Dual-convex Honzukuri grind for smooth, efficient cutting geometry.
• Mirror-polished surface roughness of approximately 0.0045 microns.
• Titanium handle with AWR blue-purple colour treatment.
• Compact 190 mm overall length with an 80 mm blade.
• Precision liner lock and premium Japanese fit and finish.
• A true collector-grade folder from Rockstead.

Rockstead SAI-ZDP (AWR) - Where It Earns Its Pocket Time

• Collector showcase - the mirror polish and AWR titanium earn centre stage.
• Gentleman carry - a refined folder for special occasions and dress pockets.
• High-end EDC - for users who refuse to compromise on steel or finish.
• Gift for grail collectors - Rockstead is a milestone brand for many enthusiasts.
• Light precision cutting - the convex edge glides through packaging and fine materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ZDP-189?

A Hitachi powder-metallurgy stainless with very high carbon content, capable of reaching around 67 HRC for exceptional edge retention.

What does Honzukuri mean?

It refers to a fully convex Japanese blade grind with no secondary bevel, giving a strong, smooth-cutting edge.

How do I maintain the mirror polish?

Wipe the blade after every use, avoid fingerprints and never let acids or salt water sit on the steel.

Is the SAI made in Japan?

Yes, Rockstead manufactures and finishes these folders in Japan to extremely tight tolerances.

Rockstead SAI-ZDP (AWR) - Steel Comparison Table

Steel	Typical HRC	Edge Retention	Corrosion Resistance	Toughness	Sharpening Ease
ZDP-189 (this knife)	64-67	Exceptional	Good (wipe it dry)	Fair	Very Difficult
CPM-S90V	59-61	Exceptional	Very Good	Fair	Very Difficult
M390	59-61	Exceptional	Excellent	Good	Difficult
14C28N	59-61	Good	Excellent	Good	Very Easy

Glossary of Key Terms

ZDP-189
A Hitachi powder-metallurgy stainless with roughly 3 percent carbon, hardened to around 67 HRC. It holds an edge longer than any other production knife steel and is correspondingly difficult to sharpen.

Honzukuri
A fully convex Japanese blade geometry where both flats curve into the edge with no secondary bevel - it parts material with very little wedging.

Convex Grind
An edge whose cross-section curves continuously to the apex; it is thicker behind the edge than a hollow grind and far more chip resistant.

DLC Coating
Diamond-like carbon: a thin, extremely hard, low-friction coating applied by vapor deposition that adds wear and corrosion resistance without changing dimensions.

Concealed Clip System
Rockstead's retractable pocket clip that sinks flush into the handle when the knife is in use and deploys only for carry.

Clad / Laminated Steel
A hard core steel forge-welded between softer outer layers; here the VG10 cladding supports the brittle ZDP-189 core.

Rockstead SAI-ZDP (AWR) - Who Should Buy / Who Should Skip

Who Should Buy

• Collectors pursuing milestone Japanese folders.
• Users who value maximum edge retention and premium finish.
• Enthusiasts of ZDP-189 and convex-ground blades.
• Anyone shopping for a once-in-a-collection grail piece.

Who Should Skip

• People who will not maintain a high-carbon polished blade.
• Users who need a hard-use beater for dirty environments.
• Shoppers on a moderate budget - this is a flagship-priced folder.
• Those intimidated by sharpening ultra-hard steels.

Rockstead SAI-ZDP (AWR) - Care & Maintenance

1. Wipe the blade dry immediately after every single use - ZDP-189 carries so much carbon that fingerprints alone can start a stain.
2. Never cut acidic food and then walk away; citrus, onions and tomatoes etch a 67 HRC mirror almost instantly.
3. Keep a micro-thin film of camellia or mineral oil on the blade; reapply after handling or any humid day.
4. Clean with a barely damp soft cloth only - no soaking, no dish soap, no ultrasonic baths.
5. Sharpen on diamond or CBN plates; conventional aluminium-oxide stones barely scratch 67 HRC steel.
6. Use light, consistent edge-trailing strokes; the steel is hard but not tough and a heavy hand chips the apex.
7. Never pry, twist or lateral-load the tip; extreme hardness trades away impact toughness.
8. Store it dry and open, never in the original pouch, with a vapor tab in the case.
9. A convex Honzukuri edge is best maintained by stropping on leather with a fine compound rather than grinding.