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.

• Unrivaled Edge Retention: Stays sharp significantly longer than M390 or S35VN.

• San Mai Construction: The core is clad in tougher stainless steel to provide lateral strength, combining extreme hardness with practical durability.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• TC4 Titanium Handles: CNC-machined for a perfect ergonomic grip and a sophisticated, bead-blasted look.

• Titanium Hardware: The 3D-machined pocket clip and backspacer are both crafted from solid titanium.

• Hidden Lanyard Loop: The backspacer features a discreet, integrated lanyard hole for those who prefer a tether without cluttering the handle's aesthetic.

Specifications

• 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

• Pivot Assembly: Ceramic Ball Bearings

• Locking Mechanism: Frame Lock with Steel Insert

• 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.