Crkt K.i.s.s.

saturnine138

saturnine138

Joined
Dec 15, 2005
Messages
241
I was at the store today and was looking at the knives as I need to replace my current folder, it's a cheap $5 thing that I've had for 5+ years and its taken quite a beating and its time for a new one. I was looking at the CRKT K.I.S.S. model, it was small and I liked the style and price(I'm a poor college student), but I wanted something of decent quality and decided to check with you guys first. I would also appreciate any other reccomendations you guys have, I need something reletively small, locking blade, and a pocket clip. Thanks guys.
 
I got one of those a few years back, early in my knife collecting days.

I originally liked it for the size, the price, and the "gee whiz" factor. Seriously, it's small, light, affordable, and the skeleton frame is kinda cool to look at, right?

After using the knife a while, I started to notice that:

1) the knife wouldn't stay sharp, and was hard to sharpen
2) the "lock" didn't, i.e. it wasn't secure
3) the chisel grind on the blade made the knife squirm to the side when cutting thick material.

At the time of purchase, my knife was made of AUS 6, a passable steel, nothing to write home about. I believe the current batch is made of AUS 4, a softer steel than AUS 6.

My advice? If you want an inexpensive knife, look for a Buck stockman. The blade may not lock, but you won't be worse off than with a K.I.S.S. Otherwise, I suggest you save a bit more money and look at a small Spyderco or Benchmade Griptillian.
 
I am partial to Benchmade knives, and I think one of the company's Red Class offerings would fit your needs nicely. The quality of these knives is much greater than their prices suggest, and there are numerous models to choose from. If pure value is your goal, the Mini-Pika (or its full-sized sibling) is one of the best knives I have come across.
 
get a SAK

w/ the locking main blade if u want, it will last years, ive had mine since i was a 14 year old boy scout (im 38 now)
 
saturnine138 said:
I was looking at the CRKT K.I.S.S. model, it was small and I liked the style and price(I'm a poor college student)... I need something reletively small, locking blade, and a pocket clip. Thanks guys.
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I startet out liking the idea of the KISS and similar models, like the S&W Pocket Protector, but found them not good enough in the handling.
What was really good in the hand, snappy, sheeple-friendly, a beauty and a user, and still small enough to fit in your fifth little jeans pocket, was the Kershaw Chive!
So I got that (available from 25$)... and then lots of them to give away, and then the Scallion, the Leek, the Boa and Bump and... and... :-)
best,
t.
 
Skip the K.I.S.S. Had one, as well as others similar, and it is not a satisfying buy.

I'd recommend you take a gander at the bazillion (well, exaggerating the number there) Spydercos that are inexpensive. Kershaw also in the lower range (Chives are like popcorn, hard to have just one). Camillus and Buck have some well thought non-liner lock knives that are inexpensive.

Moving up the money tree, Benchmade is popular with reason, as is Spyderco.

There are other brands, but I feel these are probably the most popular.
 
Just my 2 cents but I would steer clear of the KISS knife. When you squeeze the knife tightly it's not all that uncommon for the lock to disengage. I have a nasty scar on a finger as a result of that... If you're looking for a decent knife at a bargain price take a look at the Benchmade Benchmite II w/AUS-8 steel (24.95) and the Spyderco Byrd line of knives (around 20 bucks) @ http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=1037

bm10610.jpg
by08.jpg
 
dont like the KISS myself, the stiff KISS is a passable neck knife i guess, but the KISS is almost junk imho.

i'm not sure what the KISS runs these days but a $30 spyderco delica is 3X the knife.
 
My favorite cheap - um, inexpensive locking folder is my Kershaw Vapor. I think it was about $20. It is better quality than its low price would suggest, but cheap enough to use and abuse.
 
The killer deal on an inexpensive locking folder is the Spyderco Native in S30V from wally-world $39.95.:thumbup:
 
orthogonal1 said:
Chives are like popcorn, hard to have just one
Click to expand...

You're right, I forgot to brag about getting half a dozen Chives, all in different colors :)
somehow the popcorn analogy is a bit of an insult too, of course :)
 
I'd have to say for the money you cant go wrong with a kershaw chive. I have an all black one , and the fit and finish is great. I got it at wally world for around 30 bucks. Go check it out, play with it; look at the fit and finish; i think you will like it.
 
Boozoo Chavis said:
Just my 2 cents but I would steer clear of the KISS knife. When you squeeze the knife tightly it's not all that uncommon for the lock to disengage. I have a nasty scar on a finger as a result of that... If you're looking for a decent knife at a bargain price take a look at the Benchmade Benchmite II w/AUS-8 steel (24.95) and the Spyderco Byrd line of knives (around 20 bucks) @ http://www.knifeworks.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=1037

bm10610.jpg
by08.jpg
Click to expand...


I have both a Meadowlark and a Raven ($15-$20 Byrd knives from Spyderco) and they are absolutely amazing bang-for-buck. Fit & Finish are comparable to the main spyderco's and the ergonmics are quite nice too. Solid locks and no blade play. Made from chinese 440C.
 
I think CRKT has actually moved downwards to 420J2 on the KISS. If you want something gimmicky, you could look at the CRKT Van Hoy - sort of the 21st century KISS. P.S. There are 440C Griptilians around for under 50 bucks, but probably not for long. I'd get one of those.
 
fudo said:
The killer deal on an inexpensive locking folder is the Spyderco Native in S30V from wally-world $39.95.:thumbup:
Click to expand...

I' haven't tried it yet but I keep reading only good things about the Spdyderco Native. From my experience, go with a Kershaw or a cheap Spydie, you won't go wrong.
 
Another thumbs up for the Kershaw Chive. Small, fun, great build quality, useful and inexpensive. Hard to beat.
 
The Benchmade Mini Pika is around 25 USD and it serves me well as a beater and sheeple friendly knife.
 
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