Japanese Custom Knives by Takeshi Saji: Unique Blades for Sale

PREVIOUSLY PURCHASED KNIFE, FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Origin: Acquired from a private seller, previously purchased
* Condition: Overall in excellent condition
* Availability on the market: Hard to find
* Sharpening: Factory-sharpened
* Marks on blade: A few small abrasions visible against the light on the mirror finish
* Marks on handle: None
* Box: Present and complete
* Sheath: /
* Manuals, Certificates, and Warranties: Present
* Inspected and Certified by our in-house laboratory

The Rockstead HIGO II in titanium is not simply a high-end folding knife: it is the ultimate embodiment of Japanese philosophy applied to cutting, where every detail is pushed to the limits of perfection.

The minimalist, flawless titanium handle serves as a counterpoint to a ZDP-189 blade hardened to extreme hardness and finished with an almost unreal mirror polish. The result is not merely aesthetic: it is a living surface, capable of gliding through material with a smoothness and continuity that few knives in the world can offer.

Rockstead’s proprietary convex geometry does more than just cut: it separates, controls, and guides. It is a blade designed for those who recognize the difference between extreme sharpness and true long-term efficiency.

The HIGO II is an object for connoisseurs, where tolerances, treatments, and finishes are not mere technical specifications, but part of a precise language.

Intended use: Collectible / Sport

Production type: Midtech
Country of manufacture: Sakai - Japan
Blade: ZDP-189 stainless steel, hardened to 66.5 HRC
Blade finish: mirror polished
Handle: titanium
Blade length: 90mm.
Blade thickness: 3mm.
Closed length: 120mm.
Total length: 216mm.
Closed thickness: 12.2mm.
Weight: 136g.
Opening mechanism: ambidextrous pivot 
Washers: brass
Closure: FrameLock with SKD11 striker at 61HRC
Clip: removable, 420J2 stainless steel with PVD coating
Packaging: Wooden box with Rockstead logos, certificate with serial number and steel hardness test
Notes: knife from a private collection, previously purchased

KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Origin: Withdrawn from a private collection, previously purchased
* Condition: 2022 model in excellent overall condition, a few imperceptible abrasions on the handle and a couple of superficial scratches visible only when held up to the light on the tip of the blade
* Available on the market: Difficult to find
* Sharpness: Factory sharp
* Marks on blade: a couple of superficial scratches visible only when held up to the light on the tip of the blade
* Marks on handle: a few imperceptible abrasions on the handle
* Box: Present and complete
* Sheath: /
* Manuals, Certificates, and Warranties: Present
* Checked and Certified by our in-house laboratory

The Rockstead brand, owned by Ishida Co. of Sakai, Japan, currently markets the best industrial knives currently in production.

Created by Katsumi Kitano, who has been producing high-quality knives for over 20 years and has been awarded the highest recognition among artisan knife makers in Japan, these knives are exceptional in terms of cutting ability, penetration, and edge retention, as well as in terms of innovation in the materials used and construction techniques.

Intended use: Collection / Sports

Type of production: Midtech
Country of production: Sakai - Japan
Blade: ZDP-189 stainless steel at 67.3 HRC
Blade treatment: Mirror polished
Handle: A7075 duralumin with Hv400 hardness anodization
Blade length: 70mm.
Blade thickness: 3.3 mm.
Closed length: 104 mm.
Total length: 176 mm.
Closed thickness: 11.4 mm.
Weight: 74 g.
Closure: FrameLock with SUS420J2 50 HRC latch
Clip: removable, 1mm SUS420J2 stainless steel with PVD treatment
Packaging: Wooden box with Rockstead logos, cardboard outer box, certificate with serial number and steel hardness test
Notes: Serial number 848 - Manufactured in 2022

Intended use: Sport/Collection
Production type: Industrial cutting - artisanal assembly and finishing
Country of manufacture: Japan
Blade: SanMai steel with VG-10 stainless core (59/60HRC) and 33-layer nickel Damascus outer cheeks
Blade finish: Damascus
Handle: Pakkawood
Blade length: 70mm
Blade thickness: 3mm
Closed length: 95mm
Total length: 167mm
Weight: 66g
Locking mechanism: Liner Lock
Packaging: Fabric bag
Notes: -

KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Type: 2016 knife previously purchased and withdrawn from a private collection
* Condition: Like new, never used, never removed from packaging
* Commercial availability: Difficult to find
* Sharpening: Factory edge
* Blade marks: None
* Handle marks: None
* Box: Present and complete, with outer box
* Sheath: -
* Manuals, Certificates, and Warranty: Present and complete
Inspected and Certified by our internal laboratory

SHIN in Japanese means ‘trust’.

The SHIN is one of the largest folders in the Rockstead catalog and showcases all the typical and characteristic elements of the brand: aluminum handle with a pearl-radiant design, hardened anodization at 400 Vickers, and an insert of high-quality stingray leather (Samekawa).

This is a durable knife with strong cutting capabilities that maintains its edge for a long time. Even when used for rigorous cuts, the blade glides securely thanks to its particular sharpening.

The blade indeed has a HONZUKURI sharpening, convex on both sides, following the tradition of Japanese swords; this makes it both very sharp and sturdy, allowing it to cleanly cut a sheet of paper even after 1000 cuts through a very abrasive and resistant hemp rope.

A faithful companion for life, in which to place the utmost trust.

Blade: laminated stainless steel ZDP189 at 67HRC internally and VG10 at 61.7HRC externally
Handle: samekawa (genuine stingray leather) and aerospace-grade aluminum A6063S with black alumite treatment at 400Hv hardness
Blade length: 95mm.
Blade thickness: 4mm.
Total length: 210mm.
Weight: 145g.
Lock: linerlock type, made of 402J2 steel at 50HRC
Clip: removable, made of 402J2 steel at 50HRC, with black alumite treatment at 400Hv
Notes: complete with warranty certificate and technical specifications

KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Origin: Withdrawn from a private collection, previously purchased.
* Condition: In excellent, like-new condition
* Commercially available: Still in production
* Sharpening: Factory sharpened
* Marks on blade: None
* Marks on handle: None
* Box: Present
* Scabbard: /
* Manuals, Certificates and Warranties: Present
* Checked and Certified by our in-house laboratory

Intended Use: Collection / Sporting

Production type: Midtech
Country of manufacture: Sakai - Japan
Blade: Hitachi YXR7 steel at 64 HRC
Blade treatment: Black Hard Anodized at Hv400 hardness
Handle: Duraluminum A7075 with anodized to Hv400 hardness
Blade length: 70mm.
Blade thickness: 3.3mm.
Length closed: 104mm.
Total length: 176mm.
Thickness when closed: 11.4mm.
Weight: 74g.
Opening: via ambidextrous pin 
Washers: steel
Closure: FrameLock with clapper made of SKD11 at 61HRC
Clip: removable, 1mm 420J2 stainless steel with PVD treatment
Packaging: Wooden box with Rockstead logos, certificate with serial number and steel hardness test
Notes: serial number 338 - Production date 20/03/2019

KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Origin: Withdrawn from a private collection, previously purchased.
* Condition: Overall in good condition, some minor abrasion on clip and hardware
* Commercially available: Discontinued
* Sharpening: Factory.
* Marks on blade: None
* Marks on handle: Small abrasions on clip and hardware.
* Box: Present
* Scabbard: /
* Manuals, Certificates and Warranties: Present
* Checked and Certified by our in-house laboratory

Intended Use: Collection / Sporting

Production type: Midtech
Country of manufacture: Sakai - Japan
Blade: Hitachi YXR7 steel at 64.7 HRC
Blade treatment: Black Titanium mirror coat
Handle: Duraluminum A7075 with anodizing to Hv400 hardness
Blade length: 70mm.
Blade thickness: 3.3mm.
Length closed: 104mm.
Total length: 176mm.
Thickness when closed: 11.4mm.
Weight: 74g.
Opening: via ambidextrous pin 
Washers: steel
Closure: FrameLock with clapper made of SKD11 at 61HRC
Clip: removable, 1mm 420J2 stainless steel with PVD treatment
Packaging: Wooden box with Rockstead logos, certificate with serial number and steel hardness test
Notes: serial number 014 - Production date October 9, 2009

Higo is one of the most beloved models for Rockstead Knives fans around the world, and HIGOⅡX, with a custom Dark Matter Gold (DMG) carbon fiber coating and a titanium back layer, is one more step in the pursuit of perfection. The blade is made of ZDP189 super stainless steel and features a unique convexity with gradually reduced angle (30 degrees at the middle and 24 degrees at the tip). The variable blade angle is the result of Rockstead's long quest for superior sharpness and cutting ability.

Blade: ZDP-189 stainless steel at 66.7HRC
Handle: anodized titanium and Dark Matter Gold carbon fiber
Blade length: 89mm.
Blade thickness: 3.2mm.
Total length: 216mm.
Weight: 138g.
Closure: Frame Lock with SKD11 casement at 61HRC
Clip: made of 402J2 steel at 48HRC
Notes: Accompanied by warranty certificate with full technical specifications - Please note that the knife you receive will have a different serial number and production date than the model shown in the photographs.

With Rockstead brand of Ishida Co. Sakai, Japan, they are currently marketed with the best industrial knives currently in production.

Created by Katsumi Kitano, who for 20 years has been producing quality knives so much to have been awarded the highest award among the knife craftsmen in Japan, you demonstrate exceptional both in cutting capacity, penetration and tightness of the wire both in terms of innovation for and materials used for the construction techniques.

Blade: ZDP189 rolled stainless steel at 66/67 HRC inside and VG10 at 60/61 HRC outside
Handle: Same (real ray skin) and aircraft aluminum with black alumite treatment to HV400
Blade length: 95 mm.
Blade thickness: 4 mm.
Overall length: 210 mm.
Weight: 145 g.
Lock: Liner Lock steel in 52HRC 402J2
Clip: Steel 402J2 to 52HRC
Notes: Accompanied by a certificate of guarantee with the technical specifications. - Please note that the knife you receive will have a different serial number and production date than the model shown in the photographs.

With the Rockstead brand of Ishida Co. of Sakai, Japan, the best industrial knives currently in production are currently marketed.
Created by Katsumi Kitano, who for over 20 years has been producing quality knives so as to have been awarded the highest recognition among artisan knives in Japan, they are exceptional both in cutting capacity, penetration and hold of the thread and in innovation for the materials used and for construction techniques.

Intended use: Collection / Sports

Type of production: Midtech
Country of production: Sakai - Japan
Blade: in Hitachi YXR7 steel at 64HRC
Blade treatment: Black DLC mirror
Handle: A7075 Duralumin with Hv400 hardness anodizing
Blade length: 70mm.
Blade thickness: 3.3mm.
Length closed: 104mm.
Total length: 176mm.
Thick when closed: 11.4mm.
Weight: 74g.
Opening: through ambidextrous pin
Washers: in steel
Closure: FrameLock with wing in SKD11 at 61HRC
Clip: removable, in 420J2 stainless steel of 1mm. with PVD treatment
Packaging: Wooden box with Rockstead logos, certified with serial number and steel hardness test
Notes: -

Blade: stainless steel ZDP-189 to 67.2HRC
Handle: Duralumin A2024 with anodized surface to HV400
Blade length: 73 mm.
Blade Thickness: 3.5 mm.
Overall length: 176 mm.
Weight: 172 g.
Lock: Frame Lock with a swing in SKD11 61HRC
Clip: Steel 402J2 to 48HRC
Notes: Accompanied by a certificate of guarantee with the technical specifications.

KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Type: Previously Purchased
* Condition: In very good condition
* Commercially available Discontinued
* Sharpening: Factory
* Marks on blade: -
* Marks on handle: - -
* Box: marketed in silk pouch.
* Scabbard: Leather, belt, original, with a few small marks given by time.
* Manuals, Certificates and Warranties: present.
* Checked and Certified by our in-house laboratory



The HIGO-MH-DLC folder features a 3.5-inch YXR7 blade with DLC coating and Micarta handle. The incredible mirror finish is achieved by heat treating the blade and gradually grinding by hand with wet and dry sandpaper of 400, 600, 800, 1,200 and 2,000. The HIGO-MH-DLC comes with a black leather belt case with a slot to hold the included torx wrench.

Country of manufacture: Japan
Type of manufacture: midtech
Blade: DLT571 steel (Hitachi YXR7 at 64.1HRC with 3micron HPC coating and hardness of Hv1300)
Handle: 2mm stainless steel sus402J2 at 52HRC with micarta handles
Blade length: 90mm.
Blade thickness: 3.5mm.
Total length: 216mm.
Weight: 139g.
Closure: Liner Lock
Clip: stainless steel
Notes: Serial number 303 - 2010 knife accompanied by warranty certificate with technical specifications - Model discontinued and no longer commercially available

KNIFE WITHDRAWN FROM PRIVATE COLLECTION
* Type: Previously Purchased
* Condition: Like new
* Commercially available Discontinued
* Sharpening: Factory
* Marks on blade: None
* Marks on handle: None
* Box: Present
* Scabbard: -
* Manuals, Certificates and Warranties: Present
* Checked and Certified by our in-house laboratory.


The best industrial knives currently in production are marketed under the Rockstead brand. Created by Katsumi Kitano, who has been making quality knives for more than 20 years to the extent that he has been awarded the highest distinction among artisan knife makers in Japan, they prove to be exceptional both in cutting ability, penetration and edge-holding and in the level of innovation for the materials used and construction techniques.

Country of production: Japan
Type of production: midtech
Blade: Hitachi YXR7 steel at 64.8HRC with 3micron HPC coverage and hardness of Hv1800
Handle: Duralumin A2024 with surface anodizing and hardness of Hv400
Blade length: 90mm.
Blade thickness: 3.5mm.
Total length: 215mm.
Weight: 130g.
Closure: Frame Lock with SKD11 casement at 61HRC
Clip: made of 402J2 steel at 48HRC
Notes: Serial number 005 - 2010 knife accompanied by warranty certificate with technical specifications - Model discontinued and no longer commercially available

Under the brand name Rockstead, from Ishida Co. in Sakai, Japan, the best industrial knives currently in production are currently marketed: created by Katsumi Kitano, who has been making quality knives for over 30 years to the extent that he has been awarded the highest distinction among artisan knife makers in Japan, they prove to be exceptional both in cutting ability, penetration and edge-holding and in innovation in the materials used and construction techniques.

Intended Use: Collection/Sportsman

Type of production: Midtech
Country of manufacture: Sakai - Japan
Blade: rolled stainless steel ZDP189 at 66.4 HRC on the inside and VG10 at 61.3 HRC on the outer cheeks
Blade treatment: mirror polish
Handle: Aluminum A6063S with anodization to Hv400 hardness and genuine Breed leather inserts
Blade length: 82mm.
Blade thickness: 3.7mm.
Length closed: 111mm.
Total length: 189mm.
Thickness when closed: 16.2mm.
Weight: 133g.
Opening: via ambidextrous pin
Washers: steel
Closure: Sub FrameLock of 2mm. made of SUS402J2 stainless steel at 50HRC
Clip: deep pocket, 1mm. 420J2 stainless steel with PVD treatment
Packaging: Wooden box with Rockstead logos, certificate with serial number and steel hardness test
Notes: Shinogi Zukuri type blade sharpening - Please note that the knife you receive will have a different serial number and production date than the model shown in the photographs.

Extremely limited edition Platinum Label series folding knife with Mokume damascus blade and heads produced in only 20 examples each with a different coloration of the wood briar. Each specimen is therefore unique and differs from the previous one.

Intended use: collection

Type of production: industrial cutting - craftsmanship, assembly and finishing
Country of production: Seki - Japan
Blade: made of Mokume stainless steel with VG-10 cutting edge, forged with rainbow damascus rolling, achieved through layers of stainless steel, copper and brass and hammered through Tsuchime technique
Handle: made of Mokume stainless damask steel and wood briar
Blade length: 80mm.
Blade thickness: 3mm.
Length closed: 110mm.
Total length: 195mm.
Thickness when closed: 14mm.
Weight: 208g.
Closure: Liner Lock
Clip: handcrafted, removable and reversible, hammered stainless steel
Packaging: wooden box with Mcusta logos
Notes: Special and Limited Edition made in only 20 pieces for the Blade Show in Atlanta 2022

Intended use: Sport / Collection
Type of production: Industrial cut, assembly and handmade finishes
Blade: SPG2 steel, 61–62 HRC
Blade origin: Japan
Handle: Damascus steel and Pakka wood
Blade length: 70 mm
Blade thickness: 3 mm
Closed length: 96 mm
Overall length: 166 mm
Weight: 96 g
Locking system: Liner Lock
Clip: Hammered stainless steel
Notes: –

Coltelleria Collini is the official distributor for Italy of MCUSTA Japanese knives

Intended use: sports / collection

Type of production: industrial cutting - handcrafted assembly and finishing
Blade: SanMai steel with VG-10 stainless steel edge at 59 / 60HRC and external cheeks in 33-layer nickel damascus
Production Lama: Japan
Handle: Micarta
Blade length: 45mm.
Blade thickness: 3mm.
Closed length: 70mm.
Total length: 118mm.
Balancing: -
Weight: 44g.
Closure: Liner Lock
Clip: in deep pocket steel
Sheath:
Note: -

Coltelleria Collini is the official distributor for Italy of MCUSTA Japanese knives

Intended use: sports / collection

Type of production: industrial cutting - handcrafted assembly and finishing
Blade: SanMai steel with VG-10 stainless steel edge at 59 / 60HRC and external cheeks in 33-layer nickel damascus
Production Lama: Japan
Handle: Micarta
Blade length: 45mm.
Blade thickness: 3mm.
Closed length: 70mm.
Total length: 118mm.
Balancing: -
Weight: 44g.
Closure: Liner Lock
Clip: in deep pocket steel
Sheath:
Note: -

Collini Cutlery is the official distributor for Italy of the Japanese MCUSTA knives

The SHINRA MAXIMA series uses Japanese sintered and cryogenically hardened SPG2 in 3-layer laminate, one of the best ever produced in Japan

Intended use: sports / collection

Type of production: industrial cut - assembly and handmade finishes
Lama production: Japan
Blade: 61 / 62HRC SPG-2 stainless steel in three-layer San Mai laminate
Handle: Damascus
Blade length: 90mm.
Blade thickness: 3mm.
Length closed: 117mm.
Total length: 211mm.
Thick when closed: 17.5mm.
Weight: 170g.
Closure: Liner Lock
Clip: stainless steel
Packaging: cardboard box with Mcusta logos
Note: -

For more information on the steel used you can view the site: www.collinisteel.com

Collini Cutlery is the official distributor of MCUSTA Japanese knives for Italy

Intended use: sports / collection

Type of production: industrial cutting - craft assembly and finishing
Production Lama: Japan
Blade: in damask laminated and hammered stainless steel with cutting edge in VG-10 at 59 / 60HRC
Handle: Stainless Steel
Blade length: 85mm.
Blade thickness: 3mm.
Length closed: 112mm.
Total length: 192mm.
Thick when closed: 8mm.
Weight: 114g.
Closure: Frame Lock
Clip: in stainless steel
Packaging: cardboard box with Mcusta logos
Note: -

Mcusta - Series Katana - MC-0041C - knife

Intended use: sports / collection

Type of production: industrial cutting - assembly and handcrafted finishes
Production Lama: Japan
Blade: laminated steel with sharp VG-10 to 59/60 HRC
Handle: Aluminum
Blade length: 80mm.
Blade thickness: 3mm.
Closed Length: 110mm.
Overall length: 194mm.
Thick when closed: 14mm.
Weight: 96g.
Lock: Liner Lock
Clip: Stainless Steel
Packaging: cardboard box with logos Mcusta
Notes: -

Collini Cutlery is the official distributor of MCUSTA Japanese knives for Italy

Intended use: sports / collection

Type of production: industrial cutting - craft assembly and finishing
Country of production: Japan
Blade: in SanMai steel with VG-10 stainless steel cutting edge at 59 / 60HRC and outer cheeks in 33-layer nickel damask
Handle: Pakkawood (wood veneer and synthetic resin)
Blade length: 93mm.
Blade thickness: 3mm.
Length closed: 117mm.
Total length: 210mm.
Thick when closed: 17.5mm.
Weight: 120g.
Closure: Liner Lock
Clip: in stainless steel
Packaging: cardboard box with Mcusta logos
Notes: -

With the Rockstead brand of Ishida Co. of Sakai, Japan, the best industrial knives currently in production are currently marketed.

Created by Katsumi Kitano, who for over 20 years has been producing quality knives so as to have been awarded the highest recognition among artisan knives in Japan, they are exceptional both in cutting capacity, penetration and hold of the thread and in innovation for the materials used and for construction techniques.

Intended use: Collection / Sports

Type of production: Midtech
Country of production: Sakai - Japan
Blade: ZDP189 stainless steel hardened to 66.4HRC
Blade treatment: mirror polished
Handle: anodised titanium and carbon fiber
Blade length: 89mm.
Blade thickness: 3mm.
Closed length: 120mm.
Total length: 216mm.
Thick when closed: 15.8mm.
Weight: 133g.
Opening: through ambidextrous pin
Washers: in steel
Closure: FrameLock with wing in SKD11 at 61HRC
Clip: removable, in 420J2 stainless steel with PVD treatment
Packaging: Wooden box with Rockstead logos, certified with serial number and steel hardness test
Notes: Please note that the knife you receive will have a different serial number and production date than the model shown in the photographs.

Intended use: Sports / Collection

Type of production: Industrial cutting - assembly and handcrafted finishes
Production Lama: Japan
Blade: sanmai sharp stainless steel with VG-10 59 / 60HRC and External cheeks damask nickel to 33 layers
Blade treatment: -
Handle: Corian
Blade length: 87mm.
Blade Thickness: 3mm.
Closed Length: 110mm.
Overall length: 193mm.
Balancing: -
Weight: 98g.
Lock: Liner Lock
Clip: Steel
Sheath: -
Notes: -

Intended use: sports / collection

Type of production: industrial cutting - craft assembly and finishing
Production Lama: Japan
Blade: in damask laminated and hammered stainless steel with cutting edge in VG-10 at 59 / 60HRC
Handle: Stainless Steel
Blade length: 85mm.
Blade thickness: 3mm.
Length closed: 112mm.
Total length: 192mm.
Thick when closed: 8mm.
Weight: 114g.
Closure: Frame Lock
Clip: in stainless steel
Packaging: cardboard box with Mcusta logos
Note: -

Intended Use: Sport / collection

Type of production: industrial cutting - assembly and handcrafted finishes
Blade Production: Japan
Blade: damascus steel laminate and hammered with sharp VG-10 to 59/60HRC
Handle: Aluminum
Blade length: 85mm.
Blade thickness: 3mm.
Closed Length: 110mm.
Overall length: 190mm.
Thick when closed: 14mm.
Weight: 94g.
Lock: Liner Lock
Clip: Stainless Steel
Packaging: cardboard box with logos Mcusta
Notes: -

Intended Use: Sport / collection

Type of production: industrial cutting - assembly and handcrafted finishes
Blade Production: Japan
Blade: damascus steel laminate and hammered with sharp VG-10 to 59/60HRC
Handle: Aluminum
Blade length: 85mm.
Blade thickness: 3mm.
Closed Length: 110mm.
Overall length: 190mm.
Thick when closed: 14mm.
Weight: 94g.
Lock: Liner Lock
Clip: Stainless Steel
Packaging: cardboard box with logos Mcusta
Notes: -

Intended use: sports / collection

Type of production: industrial cutting - craft assembly and finishing
Blade: in SanMai steel with VG-10 stainless steel cutting edge at 59 / 60HRC and outer cheeks in 33-layer nickel damask
Production Lama: Japan
Handle: hammered steel
Blade length: 65mm.
Blade thickness: 3mm.
Length closed: 95mm.
Total length: 160mm.
Balancing: -
Weight: 74g.
Closure: Liner Lock
Clip: -
Sheath: -
Note: -

Intended Use: sporivo / collection

Type of production: industrial cutting - assembly and handcrafted finishes
Blade: Stainless steel sanmai with sharp VG-10 59/60HRC cheeks and stainless steel external
Treatment Lama: -
Blade Production: Japan
Handle: damascus steel
Blade length: 70mm.
Blade Thickness: 3mm.
Closed Length: 90mm.
Total length: 162mm.
Balance: -
Weight: 86g.
Lock: Liner Lock
Clip: -
Sheath: -
Notes: -