Larger Kiwi?

Evil D · #1

I've recently fallen in love with the Kiwi 3 and realize i'm stupid for not jumping on the VG10/midlock version while they were readily available. I bought a Kiwi 3 because 1) i just wanted to see how i'd like the knife design and 2) i haven't tried out the lower cost 8cr13mov steel yet. I haven't put it to much use yet but i already reprofiled it down to about 30 inclusive..i don't know what they come at but man it was really steep. I love how this little thing fits in your hand and i love the doube finger choil...so i got to thinking how awesome it would be to have a Delica-to-Paramilitary "full size" version of the Kiwi with a back lock, bolsters and all those great scale materials. I can dream i guess :)

The Deacon · #2

Yep, we both can. I did this up about six or seven years ago...

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I resized the one Kiwi image till it was Delcia size. I'm sure a couple tweaks would be needed. Choil could be a bit smaller, front to back, for one. But it certainly looks like the concept would work.

captnvegtble · #3

Evil D wrote:I've recently fallen in love with the Kiwi 3 and realize i'm stupid for not jumping on the VG10/midlock version while they were readily available.

I'm kicking myself too for not picking up a backlock version of the Kiwi. I'm just not interested in the slip joint knives. I'm hoping the new Bradley Air will fill the void.

dj moonbat · #4

That would be simply amazing.

Evil D · #5

captnvegtble wrote:I'm kicking myself too for not picking up a backlock version of the Kiwi. I'm just not interested in the slip joint knives. I'm hoping the new Bradley Air will fill the void.

Honestly, this thing is so tight that i don't feel bad for it not locking...the only part i don't like is how much force it has when closing...it already nipped my palm and cut the crap out of me right out of the box, and i wouldn't have to deal with that if it was a back lock. That aside, i think it would make an excellent key chain knife because it takes some force to pull the blade open and it wouldn't ever accidentally open on your keys...but the down side to that is it's also not a one handed opening knife.

Still, for $18 at my local knife shop, i couldn't pass it up. It's a great jeans "5th pocket" knife.

Paul that is exactly what i'm talking about...and i think you nailed it on the head, all it really needs is slightly smaller choils and it's good to go as is.

grumpyphil · #6

Kiwi with a 3.5" blade, lockback, 4 way clip, CF scales, CPM 4M...YEAH!

captnvegtble · #7

grumpyphil wrote:Kiwi with a 3.5" blade, lockback, 4 way clip, CF scales, CPM 4M...YEAH!

Sounds expensive :eek:

grumpyphil · #8

captnvegtble wrote:Sounds expensive :eek:

Yeah...so?

captnvegtble · #9

grumpyphil wrote:Yeah...so?

just sayin...

Handwrecker · #10

The Deacon wrote:Yep, we both can. I did this up about six or seven years ago...

Deacon, that Delica-sized Kiwi you photoshopped looks to be amazing. :eek: I'd really like to see a Kiwi or wharncliffe in that size.

wongKI · #11

Hmm, FFG, double bolsters, clipless 3in folder sounds nice to me. Especially with Kiwi ergos and blade style.

The Deacon · #12

grumpyphil wrote:Kiwi with a 3.5" blade, lockback, 4 way clip, CF scales, CPM 4M...YEAH!

Personally, I'd pass on that version.

Sounds like you want to turn it into yet another tactical folder. To me that would be almost as sad as seeing it downgraded to an low-end slip joint was.

wongKI · #13

^I'd not like the CF scales and clip, unless CF is the between-bolsters inlay. 3.5in blade is a little long too. 3in is a nice spot for a Kiwi-style knife, lose the clip or at the least make it PPT style so no empty holes in the bolsters. M4 is OK, but the Kiwi is more of a light user, so I'd swing more towards ZDP for a super-steel.

That would be a nice upgrade to a "traditional" folder such as a Buck 110 :)

freeman7 · #14

For me, the Kiwi is a terrific gent's knife. It is a small and handy lockback, has bolsters and can sport elegant handle scales. I could go for a very slightly enlarged version, but ditch the clip, please.

#15

Interesting thread.

When we were in China, touring the many factories, it was surprizing to see our "Kiwi" design in so many factories. Copies in all sizes in their displays. Those that knew it was our design thanked us for "creating such good designs for them to build".

The Slipjoint Kiwi is really not meant to be a one hander. It's an inexpensive offering of a "unique" design that is safer than traditional slippies, and can be legally carried in many areas where; locks, one handers, etc. are not permitted.

If we were t make a larger Kiwi, we would make it with the same maker in Seki to a very hgh quality standard. Yes, it would be expensive and limited production.

I don't think a "tactical" bend would serve the design as it was created originally to be a modern "gent's folder". (Actually the original design was for a Slipit, but the one hand open at that size didn't work well so we converted the design to a locker). Should we condsider this direction, what would you want it to look like?

sal

The Deacon · #16

My preference would be for it to be as close as possible to a scaled up version of the original. However, I imagine that, just like there are things which cannot simply be scaled down, there are probably be things that just can't simply be scaled up. So I suspect there might be some changes needed to the choil and the finger cut behind that. Aside from that, the only other changes I think might be worth considering would be a couple I suggested for the original Kiwi, a full flat grind and eliminating the jog in the spine, as in the mock-up below...

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Scale material could be any number of things.

buckthorn · #17

Sal,
Would you consider FFG? I am a big fan of that grind and the only fault I find with the Kiwis (either type) is lack of it. One of my basic "surrogate tests" of a knife is its ability to sharpen a pencil and FFG excels for this. I would also prefer any new versions to be Slipits to avoid potential carry legality issues. Keep up all the great work you do!

Evil D · #18

sal wrote:Interesting thread.

When we were in China, touring the many factories, it was surprizing to see our "Kiwi" design in so many factories. Copies in all sizes in their displays. Those that knew it was our design thanked us for "creating such good designs for them to build".

The Slipjoint Kiwi is really not meant to be a one hander. It's an inexpensive offering of a "unique" design that is safer than traditional slippies, and can be legally carried in many areas where; locks, one handers, etc. are not permitted.

If we were t make a larger Kiwi, we would make it with the same maker in Seki to a very hgh quality standard. Yes, it would be expensive and limited production.

I don't think a "tactical" bend would serve the design as it was created originally to be a modern "gent's folder". (Actually the original design was for a Slipit, but the one hand open at that size didn't work well so we converted the design to a locker). Should we condsider this direction, what would you want it to look like?

sal

Sal, personally i wouldn't change a thing except the size. I really love everything about the older VG10 Kiwis from my limited experience with them. I like the idea of different scale materials dictating the ending price...i don't mind paying extra for the carbon fiber stuff, but i like a less expensive all stainless option too. I agree, i don't think this knife needs a pocket clip...the lanyard hole is plenty for a gents knife. I would love to see something like Paul's blown up picture, with scaled down finger choils, and with something like desert iron wood scales. I think VG10 is plenty for a knife like this that shouldn't even be considered for heavy cutting use and will help to keep cost down. Of course, if you made one with ZDP or S30V and carbon fiber and all the bells and whistles, it would make for a very nice collector.

dj moonbat · #19

The Deacon wrote:My preference would be for it to be as close as possible to a scaled up version of the original. However, I imagine that, just like there are things which cannot simply be scaled down, there are probably be things that just can't simply be scaled up. So I suspect there might be some changes needed to the choil and the finger cut behind that. Aside from that, the only other changes I think might be worth considering would be a couple I suggested for the original Kiwi, a full flat grind and eliminating the jog in the spine, as in the mock-up below...

[CENTER][/CENTER]

Scale material could be any number of things.

Sal, if you make this "Deacon," I will buy at least two. Promise.

#20

Hi Paul,

Nice thoughts. I guess the next question is, How much larger?

buckthorn wrote:Sal,
Would you consider FFG?

Hi Buckthorn,

I consider anything exect poor quality and unsafe.

sal