North Mountain Blade x Lee Williams Collaboration The Zen Framelock TI Blue NMB2414AZDB

The North Mountain Blade x Lee Williams Collaboration Zen Framelock in blue titanium is a precision-built folding knife that brings together elite materials, innovative engineering, and a clean, purpose-driven design. This collaboration merges North Mountain Blade’s production expertise with the vision of renowned custom knifemaker Lee Williams, delivering a folder that captures the feel of a high-end custom piece while remaining practical for everyday carry.

At the core of the Zen is a 3.2-inch Japanese tanto blade crafted from ZDP-189 San Mai steel. This advanced powder metallurgy steel is pushed to an impressive hardness of 65–67 HRC, giving it exceptional edge retention that stands above many premium steels. The San Mai construction adds durability by cladding the ultra-hard core in tougher outer layers, allowing the blade to maintain strength while delivering long-lasting cutting performance. The hand-rubbed satin finish highlights the grind lines and reinforces the blade’s refined, high-performance character.

A defining feature of this knife is the patented Kickstop mechanism designed by Lee Williams. This hidden flipper system delivers fast, decisive deployment, but once the blade is open, the tab disappears into the handle. The result is a streamlined, uninterrupted profile that eliminates unnecessary protrusions. Paired with a ceramic ball-bearing pivot, the action is smooth, controlled, and consistent, providing a fast open and a clean, drop-shut close.

The handle is constructed from TC4 titanium, offering a strong yet lightweight foundation for daily use. The blue titanium finish adds a bold, modern look while maintaining a clean, professional feel. CNC machining ensures precise ergonomics, giving you a secure and comfortable grip in hand. The frame lock mechanism, reinforced with a steel insert, provides solid lockup and long-term reliability, while titanium hardware, including the pocket clip and backspacer, completes the build with a cohesive and durable structure.

A hidden lanyard loop is integrated into the backspacer, offering additional carry options without disrupting the knife’s clean lines. With an overall length of 7.5 inches and a blade thickness of 3.0 mm, the Zen balances compact carry with serious cutting performance.

The North Mountain Blade x Lee Williams Zen Framelock in blue titanium delivers a refined combination of advanced steel, innovative mechanics, and precision construction, making it a standout option for those who demand both performance and design.

A collaboration design that brings custom-level performance to everyday carry, available at SMKW.