Atlantic Salt/ Kiwi Passaround

Joined
Oct 28, 2003
Messages
303
Here is my quick review of these two knives.

Atlantic Salt: My first impressions were that this is a well put together knife. The feel and lock up felt very solid...as much as knives made with "high end" materials. The knife was exceptionally sharp. I tested this knife on tightly wound nylon rope, feed and dog food bags, plastic zip ties and a couple of navel oranges. It exhibited flawless performance for all tasks. However, my Pacific performes all of these tasks equally as well. I would buy this knife purely for an emergency situation...where I needed to cut something tough without cutting somebody. It would be a console/glove box knife to be deployed in these situations. I feel my PE Pacific would be equal to all tasks in day to day activity. One major gripe about this knife would be the amount of blade showing at the "point" end when closed. Being a tip up knife, when clipped to a pocket, a significant portion of the blade shows at the tip end or at the top of the pocket. This is surely visible to any one who takes the least bit of notice. There is a visible portion of bright steel for all to see. I would like to see more of this blades tip buried inside of the handle of the knife.

SS Kiwi: This is a neat little knife, but I emphasize "little". Although visually appealing, I feel there is much more available on the market for the same price as the Kiwi. The SS model runs $49. I think the SS Cricket is a better and more solid knife @ $40. The blade was wobbly in transition from closed to locked open. It is very difficult to open this knife one handed due to the small hole and slick ss scales. To me it is really a two handed opener. There are several slip joint folders which are better options than the Kiwi for deep pocket carry IMO. I did not receive this knife as very sharp and I will attempt to bring the edge about with some time on the sharpmaker. The SS model does nothing for me...maybe the one with wood inserts/scales would come across as better, but I have never handled one. It seems a little "cheap" to me and certainly not worth $49. I'd pay $30 for one though.
Well, that's it. Thanks for the opportunity.

Regards,

Scot
 
Thanks for the reviews Scot.

I also would like to see Spyderco come out with some other blades shapes in the rescue/Atlantic Salt handle (particularly the VG10 blade from the Stretch).


I am a little surprised that you had trouble one hand opening the Kiwi. I had no problem and I have big hands (all thumbs).




- Frank
 
wsyocum said:
One major gripe about this knife would be the amount of blade showing at the "point" end when closed. Being a tip up knife, when clipped to a pocket, a significant portion of the blade shows at the tip end or at the top of the pocket. This is surely visible to any one who takes the least bit of notice. There is a visible portion of bright steel for all to see. I would like to see more of this blades tip buried inside of the handle of the knife.
Is this just an aesthetic issue?

[SS Kiwi]

That looks like a very narrow handle with deep cutouts, any ergonomic comments?

-Cliff
 
When I first saw the Kiwi, I thought it was going to be too small for comfort and the stainless steel handle would be too slippery, but it turns out that the contours lock Kiwi into my hand perfectly. It is comfortable and secure. A great deep pocket knife.



- Frank
 
Cliff,
Yes, I suppose it is an asthetic issue. The blade fit does not pose any safety hazards or the like. I know people usually don't care for/ complain about too much of the knife handle showing above the pocket and with this knife, a good portion of the blade is visible too.

I also forgot to mention that I really like the design of the handle on the Atlantic Salt where it meets the blade. It looks good providing a smooth flow between the the two and also provides good handling ergos. I wish all FRN models were designed this way

Re: the ergos of the Kiwi...the design does allow this small knife a great hold and at the same time keeping fingers safe.
 
wsyocum said:
...I really like the design of the handle on the Atlantic Salt where it meets the blade. It looks good providing a smooth flow between the the two and also provides good handling ergos.
Yes, I feel much the same way. It also enhances the security of the lock because if the lock did disengage, the blade has to mash your index finger out of the way before the sharpened edge can contact your hand.

-Cliff
 
I've always preferred the Rescue style handle over the Endura style handle.

It just seems more comfortable and more versitile.

Allen.
 
Yeah, much the same here. I am currently carrying a Pacific and Alantic Salt and trying to see where the Pacific handle is superior, the thicker back end is more filling if you use rear biased grips, but for most work the Rescue handle seems more ergonomic and versatile.

-Cliff
 
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