The HIGO II X-CF-ZDP (Blue) is a titanium frame-lock folding knife with contoured carbon-fiber scales over a blue titanium frame. Compared with the all-titanium HIGO II, the X-CF has a fuller, more rounded handle profile. Concealed scale hardware keeps the show side clean and uninterrupted.
ZDP189, Honzukuri and Progressive Edge Angle
The blade uses a ZDP189 core clad in VG-10 stainless steel and is hardened to approximately 67 HRC. Rockstead shapes the blade in its dual-convex Honzukuri geometry. The edge angle changes progressively along the blade, from approximately 30° around the middle of the cutting edge to approximately 24° near the tip. The main working section therefore retains greater support behind the edge, while the finer tip geometry reduces resistance during precise cutting. The Honzukuri bevels are finished to Rockstead’s mirror polish. On a continuously convex surface, even small irregularities in the grind become visible as distortion in the reflected image. A clear, undistorted reflection therefore shows not only the quality of the polish, but also the accuracy of the underlying convex geometry. Rockstead tests the edge retention of the ZDP189 blade with approximately 1,000 cuts through 25 mm Manila rope. After the test, the edge remains capable of cleanly slicing paper.
Carbon Fiber and Blue Titanium
The carbon-fiber scales are contoured both across and along the handle, creating a rounded, hand-filling profile. Unlike conventional woven carbon fiber, the material has an irregular layered pattern with flowing lines reminiscent of dark natural wood grain. The pattern changes subtly as the handle catches the light from different angles. The carbon-fiber scales sit over the blue titanium frame, which remains visible around the handle and forms the structural frame-lock side of the knife. The frame lock uses a hardened steel insert at the lock face, providing the contact surface against the blade tang.
Bronze Washers and Controlled Action
The blade pivots on bronze washers rather than bearings. The HIGO II X-CF has a smooth, controlled washer-based action rather than the loose, drop-shut feel associated with many bearing-driven folders. The blade moves cleanly through the pivot while remaining free of lateral play. The character of the action is deliberate: smooth and precise rather than tuned primarily for fast deployment.
Precision Assembly and Blade Centering
The HIGO can be disassembled for cleaning and maintenance. The precision of the HIGO II X-CF becomes especially clear during reassembly. Once the knife is correctly assembled and the pivot is tightened, the blade returns to center without the repeated loosening, shifting and retightening often required to correct blade centering on other folding knives. This repeatability comes from the close tolerances of the blade, pivot, bronze washers and titanium frame: the parts locate consistently in the same position each time the knife is assembled.
Individually Serialized
Each HIGO II X-CF-ZDP is individually serialized and supplied with its original Rockstead factory documentation, including the hardness measured for that specific blade.
