Anyone had experience with the CRKT K.I.S.S.?

A

anewguy

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May 8, 2003
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I am thinking about getting one of these for my little brother’s birthday. I am debating between the KISS, KISS SST and the Kershaw chive. He is not so much a knife guy, but I think he would appreciate one and the “gadgetry” factor that these knifes have going for them. Any help would be great, especially along the lines of “AD.” I have yet to see a picture of the KISS when it is closed and I was wondering if the blade itself folds into the handle so that it is surrounded by something, or if it just folds flush with handle. I assume it is the former but, again, just want to make sure. Thanks!
 
With the KISS, the blade is exposed when closed, fitting flush with the handle. I have one but have issues with the lock not functioning very well, to the point that I won't carry it. I originally bought mine to use as a money-clip.

I would go for the Chive instead. The Speed Safe opening is addictive.
 
DO NOT BUY A FOLDING KISS - IT IS A SAFETY HAZZARD :eek:

I lady at work tried to amputate fingers using one of these horrible knives in an ice pick stab into a can of soup.

I was horrified by this tragic event. On me at the time, a swiss army knife, a leatherman supertool and, a knife that was safe to use in an ice pick stab. Not to mention of course the manual can opener I had in my desk (you know the kind with the handle you wind around the can).

A Buck 110 lockback is a classic available at almost any sporting goods store for ~$35. It is safe and reliable.
 
I gave mine away. It is pretty useless for me. The blade is thick on one side to be useless for letter opening. You can't stab with it because it is not ergonomic. The only useful thing for it is as a money clip. But I use a wallet so...
 
I have 2 currrently and would consider them a toy/gadget rather than a knife. I definately would not buy one to give to somone if they wanted to actually do real cutting.
 
Chive, definitely. It's a well made little knife. And the Speed-Safe is definitely cool.

I bought a KISS back in 1998, based entirely on gadget-factor. Useless POS -- I won't even use it as a money clip, since it tends to open in my pocket.
 
wow! thank you all for your help. I had a chive myself and that is why I was leaning towards the KISS, but now I don't think I'll be getting one of those for him. Thanks again for the comments.
 
One more vote for the Chive. I've previously owned both knives and will probably get another Chive one day but I've "Kissed" the idea of another K.I.S.S. goodbye. I was not impressed with it's fit/finish or function.
 
Of the choices given, the chive will be less prone to taking fingers off accidently while in use.

My wife has a KISS on her keychain but will not use it unless she has to. She goes for the Blade-tech Mouse2 on her pocket first.

I worry about the KISS being used by her and have shown her what to watch for while using it, like the lockup not being solid as mentioned previously.

Brownie
 
Another vote for the Chive!

Even if I'm predominately a Spyderco fan, I just can't stop playing with my Chive!

Guy
 
anyone can see that the Kiss wasn't made for that type of hard use. I think you're friend just made a dumb mistake. If you stabbing hard at things with a folder, any folder, you're going to have a bad day sooner or later. I thing the Kiss is a fine knife.
BTW, I did give one to my only life long friend, and brother-by-being-neighbors and he absolutely loves it.
 
I agree with Walking Man. I have one clipped to my key ring, and that goes with everywhere. Treat it like a slip-joint that you can open and close with one hand and you'll be ok.
 
I've given out CRKT KISS's to my girlfriend, and she just keeps losin' 'em, when I gave her a Ken Onion/Kershaw Leek, she hasn't lost that... She loves the speedsafe and your brother probably will too. Most of my friends (who aren't into knives) me and my lady hang out with, after seeing my BM 710 or ER MPC and her Leek, opt to play with and praise her LEEK:( !?! I don't have anything against KISS's, but I bet your brother wouldn't be able to put the chive down once he got it.:)
 
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