- Joined
- Oct 25, 2010
- Messages
- 798
Backstory
I received my K.I.S.S. ASSist as a present from my dad on 11/4/11
, before I was set to go on a Steelhead fishing trip to the Columbia River, we have a superstition that if I carry a new knife from a company based in Oregon with me every time I go fishing, we bring home at least 1 fish, It did not hold true :grumpy:, however the knife is very nice, has solid lockup and is lightweight.
First Impressions
My first impression of this blade was "Wow, that sure looks goofy, lets give it a try." I found it to be quite sharp out of the box, not the sharpest ever, but still sharp enough for me, it can push cut paper straight out of the box. It is heavy for its size at 2.6oz and the blade is a thick one for this size of folder at 3mm. The Carbon Fiber insert adds a level of gentlemanly flair and the assist pushes the blade out as fast as any other I've used.
SPECS FROM CRKT:
Blade Length: 2.75" (70 mm)
Thickness: 0.119" (3.0 mm)
Steel: AUS 4, 55-57 HRC
Closed Length: 3.875" (98 mm)
Overall Length: 6.75" (171 mm)
Weight: 2.6 oz. (74 g)
The Assist and the Lock
The assist is CRKT's Patented OutBurst assist, where you have to press in the thumb stud and flick out, the blade comes out very fast and locks up solid. The lock is incorporated into the frame and my lock up is about 30%-35%. It's almost impossible for this knife to open in the pocket, you have to have a perfect storm of events to have this thing open on you.
The Steel
The AUS-4 steel used in this knife is 55-57 Rockwell, it holds a good edge, but by no means is this a super steel, as we all know. The steel will work for all tasks and will require a touch up after hard use like Zip Ties and Bailing Twine, however if you get the serrated version like I have, you can eat through items like these with absolutely no problem.
The Feel
I have average sized hands, and this knife feels good in them. The Choil towards the front allows for more precise control and you can really choke up on it. The feel reminds me a lot of my Kershaw Chive with how the handle and blade slope down. The blade tucks into a Zytel guard, and in spite of how i've tried, I can't cut ANYTHING, including my finger with this blade in the closed position. The pocket / money clip is removable and doesn't allow the knife to ride low in the pocket, however it doesn't impede performance and the knife still feels very good in the hand.
Overall
Blade Steel: 7/10 Not a super steel, but heat treated well and came sharp.
Assist: 10/10 It does what an assist is supposed to do, it throws the blade out fast.
Lock: 9/10 I've felt better locks, but this one locks solid and strong.
Feel: 9/10 A little slimmer for big hands, but fits small and average hands very well.
Aesthetics: 10/10 It looks goofy at first, but the design grows on you, the Satin blade is finished very well, the CF inlays are nice and give a "Gentlemanly" touch to the knife, the Bronze Pivot Screw and the Bronze Bushing add an element of contrast to this knife, that is much welcomed. :thumbup:
Final Score: 45/50.
I would recommend this to a friend, and I would buy another.
This is my first review, If there is anything else you'd like to know about this knife, let me know. And if there's anything I can do to improve my reviews let me know.
I received my K.I.S.S. ASSist as a present from my dad on 11/4/11
, before I was set to go on a Steelhead fishing trip to the Columbia River, we have a superstition that if I carry a new knife from a company based in Oregon with me every time I go fishing, we bring home at least 1 fish, It did not hold true :grumpy:, however the knife is very nice, has solid lockup and is lightweight.First Impressions
My first impression of this blade was "Wow, that sure looks goofy, lets give it a try." I found it to be quite sharp out of the box, not the sharpest ever, but still sharp enough for me, it can push cut paper straight out of the box. It is heavy for its size at 2.6oz and the blade is a thick one for this size of folder at 3mm. The Carbon Fiber insert adds a level of gentlemanly flair and the assist pushes the blade out as fast as any other I've used.
SPECS FROM CRKT:
Blade Length: 2.75" (70 mm)
Thickness: 0.119" (3.0 mm)
Steel: AUS 4, 55-57 HRC
Closed Length: 3.875" (98 mm)
Overall Length: 6.75" (171 mm)
Weight: 2.6 oz. (74 g)
The Assist and the Lock
The assist is CRKT's Patented OutBurst assist, where you have to press in the thumb stud and flick out, the blade comes out very fast and locks up solid. The lock is incorporated into the frame and my lock up is about 30%-35%. It's almost impossible for this knife to open in the pocket, you have to have a perfect storm of events to have this thing open on you.
The Steel
The AUS-4 steel used in this knife is 55-57 Rockwell, it holds a good edge, but by no means is this a super steel, as we all know. The steel will work for all tasks and will require a touch up after hard use like Zip Ties and Bailing Twine, however if you get the serrated version like I have, you can eat through items like these with absolutely no problem.
The Feel
I have average sized hands, and this knife feels good in them. The Choil towards the front allows for more precise control and you can really choke up on it. The feel reminds me a lot of my Kershaw Chive with how the handle and blade slope down. The blade tucks into a Zytel guard, and in spite of how i've tried, I can't cut ANYTHING, including my finger with this blade in the closed position. The pocket / money clip is removable and doesn't allow the knife to ride low in the pocket, however it doesn't impede performance and the knife still feels very good in the hand.
Overall
Blade Steel: 7/10 Not a super steel, but heat treated well and came sharp.
Assist: 10/10 It does what an assist is supposed to do, it throws the blade out fast.
Lock: 9/10 I've felt better locks, but this one locks solid and strong.
Feel: 9/10 A little slimmer for big hands, but fits small and average hands very well.
Aesthetics: 10/10 It looks goofy at first, but the design grows on you, the Satin blade is finished very well, the CF inlays are nice and give a "Gentlemanly" touch to the knife, the Bronze Pivot Screw and the Bronze Bushing add an element of contrast to this knife, that is much welcomed. :thumbup:
Final Score: 45/50.
I would recommend this to a friend, and I would buy another.
This is my first review, If there is anything else you'd like to know about this knife, let me know. And if there's anything I can do to improve my reviews let me know.
