The North Mountain Blade x Lee Williams “Zen” brings elite Japanese metallurgy together with one of the most respected mechanical innovations in modern knife-making. Designed in collaboration with legendary custom maker Lee Williams, this production folder delivers a true high-end custom experience—without the custom price.
At the heart of the Zen is Japanese ZDP-189 San Mai steel, a powder metallurgy alloy from Hitachi Metals known for extreme hardness and exceptional edge retention. With a carbon content of 3% and chromium at 20%, this blade is hardened to HRC 65–67, placing it among the hardest production knife steels available. The San Mai construction clads the ZDP-189 core in tougher stainless steel, pairing unmatched edge longevity with practical lateral strength.
Deployment is handled by Lee Williams’ patented Kickstop mechanism—a hidden flipper system prized in the custom world. Unlike traditional flippers, the Kickstop tab disappears into the handle when open, leaving a clean, snag-free profile that preserves the purity of the Japanese tanto silhouette. Paired with a ceramic ball-bearing pivot, the action is fast, controlled, and mechanically refined.
The chassis is built entirely from 6AL4V (TC4) titanium, CNC-machined for precise ergonomics and finished with a refined bead-blasted texture. Titanium hardware, a 3D-machined pocket clip, and an integrated hidden lanyard loop complete a design that makes no compromises in material or execution.
Typically, a knife combining ZDP-189 steel, full titanium construction, and a licensed Kickstop mechanism appears only in the $500–$800 custom range. Through direct collaboration and streamlined production, North Mountain Blade delivers this collector-grade tool at a production price—without sacrificing the elements that make it exceptional.
Feature Highlights
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3.2" ZDP-189 San Mai Tanto Blade – Japanese powder steel hardened to HRC 65–67
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Lee Williams Kickstop Mechanism – Hidden flipper that vanishes when open
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Hand-Rubbed Satin Finish – Highlights the Japanese tanto grind lines
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Full Titanium Architecture – TC4 (6AL4V) handles, clip, and backspacer
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Frame Lock with Steel Insert – Integrated locking structure
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Ceramic Ball-Bearing Pivot – Smooth, fast, controlled deployment
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Hidden Lanyard Loop – Integrated into the backspacer for a clean profile
Specifications
| Feature |
Specification |
| Overall Length |
7.5" (190mm) |
| Blade Length |
3.2" (81mm) |
| Blade Thickness |
3.0mm |
| Blade Material |
Japanese ZDP-189 (San Mai) |
| Hardness |
HRC 65–67 |
| Blade Style |
Japanese Tanto |
| Finish |
Hand-Rubbed Satin / Vertical Brush |
| Handle Material |
6AL4V (TC4) Titanium |
| Lock Type |
Frame Lock with Steel Insert |
| Pivot Assembly |
Ceramic Ball Bearings |
| Designer |
Lee Williams (Kickstop Design) |
FAQs:
What steel does the Zen Tanto use?
It uses Japanese ZDP-189 San Mai steel hardened to HRC 65–67.
What is the Kickstop mechanism?
Kickstop is a patented hidden flipper by Lee Williams. The flipper tab disappears into the handle when open, leaving a clean, snag-free profile.
Is this a full titanium knife?
Yes. The handles, pocket clip, and backspacer are all machined from 6AL4V (TC4) titanium.
What is the blade length?
The blade length is 3.2 inches (81mm).
Who designed this knife?
The Zen Tanto was designed in collaboration with custom knifemaker Lee Williams.
