North Mountain Blade x Lee Williams Collaboration: The "Zen" ZDP-189 Tanto
Overview
Experience the pinnacle of Japanese metallurgy and American knife design. This collaboration between North Mountain Blade and legendary custom knifemaker Lee Williams brings the high-end custom experience to the production market. Featuring the patented Kickstop mechanism and the "super steel" ZDP-189, this folder is a masterclass in minimalism, precision, and raw cutting power.
Key Technical Features
1. The Steel: Japanese ZDP-189 San Mai
At the heart of this blade is ZDP-189, a powder metallurgy steel from Hitachi Metals. With a carbon content of 3% and chromium at 20%, it is pushed to an extraordinary hardness of HRC 65-67.
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Unrivaled Edge Retention: Stays sharp significantly longer than M390 or S35VN.
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San Mai Construction: The core is clad in tougher stainless steel to provide lateral strength, combining extreme hardness with practical durability.
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Hand-Finished Satin: Each blade features a meticulous hand-rubbed satin finish that highlights the Tanto grind lines.
2. The Mechanism: Lee Williams' Patented Kickstop
Innovation you can feel. The Kickstop hidden flipper is one of the most sought-after designs in the custom knife world.
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Clean Lines: Unlike traditional flippers, the Kickstop tab is not part of the blade. Once the knife is open, the tab disappears into the handle, leaving a sleek, snag-free profile.
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Action: Paired with a ceramic ball-bearing pivot, the deployment is lightning-fast and "drop-shut" smooth.
3. The Build: Full Titanium Architecture
No compromises were made in the chassis.
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TC4 Titanium Handles: CNC-machined for a perfect ergonomic grip and a sophisticated, bead-blasted look.
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Titanium Hardware: The 3D-machined pocket clip and backspacer are both crafted from solid titanium.
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Hidden Lanyard Loop: The backspacer features a discreet, integrated lanyard hole for those who prefer a tether without cluttering the handle's aesthetic.
Specifications
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Overall Length: 7.5" (190mm)
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Blade Length: 3.2" (81mm)
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Blade Thickness: 3.0mm
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Blade Material: Japanese ZDP-189 (San Mai)
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Hardness: HRC 65-67
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Blade Style: Japanese Tanto
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Finish: Hand-Rubbed Satin / Vertical Brush
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Handle Material: 6AL4V (TC4) Titanium
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Pivot Assembly: Ceramic Ball Bearings
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Locking Mechanism: Frame Lock with Steel Insert
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Designer: Lee Williams (Kickstop Design)
Why This Knife?
Typically, a knife featuring ZDP-189 steel and a Full Titanium build is priced in the $500–$800 range. By streamlining our production and collaborating directly with Lee Williams, we are offering this premium collector’s tool for $240.
Whether you are a steel nerd chasing the ultimate edge or a collector of innovative mechanical designs, this North Mountain Blade Tanto is the highest value-to-performance folder available today.
Care Instructions
ZDP-189 is a high-performance steel. To maintain its pristine condition, we recommend wiping the blade clean after use and applying a light coat of mineral oil if stored in humid environments.
