First Kwaiback

[Pinnacle64]

I received my first Kwaiback this week I wasn’t sure if I should get the full TI or carbon fiber model. I cheated and bought the full TI, however ordered the carbon fiber scale from Jake Hoback’s online store

First, these are expensive knives and this is the most I’ve paid for a single knife ever. It wasn’t a easy decision for me to place the order.

With the Kwaiback in my hand it’s a very nice knife no doubt and the materials, construction and fit & finish is high end. There’s really nothing negative I can add or point out there.

Now design/ergonomics are more of a personal thing nothing against a maker if a knife doesn’t fit into your personal needs/taste/feel that’s Ok it’s just not your thing.

For me the Kwaiback is more of a tactical looking & feeling folder not so much EDC utility type task. In my hand the knife has amazing balance and ergonomics for a self defense type folder (yes a fixed blade would be my first choice, but folders are more handy to carry for most).

I also get really strong leverage and blade control only matched by my Stitch out of all of my personal knife collection for comparison. The knife just feels very good in my hand.

I don’t have a lot of flipper’s so this was a huge point of interest for me. After a few minutes of use it’s really a simple stupid action to use and is ball bearing smooth I like it.

Full TI vs Carbon both feel super nice just about 1oz weight difference. I also think the full TI has alittle more grip/feel overall. That said, I like the carbon best the 4.6oz weight for a folder knife this thick blade stock and size is very impressive.

Overall, first weeks impressions are I will keep this knife. I have need for its design in my collection and like the overall construction and build.

 

[Glenn Goodlett]

Kwaiback is a weird knife in that I appreciate it more as time passes. Most of my knives seem to go the other way.

There are many subtle design considerations that make it a truly timeless design. Wait until you use the knife while wearing gloves... you will see it's a joy.

Not to mention, Jake seems like a genuine good dude.

 

[Tommy-Chi]

Nice knives. Hoback makes some nice looking knives. Someday I'll own a couple! Thanks for posting.

 

[SeppukuSamurai]

The Kwaiback is my favorite knife, without a doubt, hands down. It ages like wine. Enjoy.

I kind of felt that you were a bit underwhelmed. Am I misreading or did you take issue with it in some way?

 

[Pinnacle64]

The Kwaiback is quickly becoming one of my top three favorites. Like you said it just keeps growing on me like fine wine everyday

I could see this knife becoming my favorite as well, I just really like it a lot. Adding the carbon fiber scale also just made me like it even more noticeable less weight vs full TI.

I want a second one, but can’t do it right now have that cash tied up in another upcoming purchase.

 

[SeppukuSamurai]

The Kwaiback is quickly becoming one of my top three favorites. Like you said it just keeps growing on me like fine wine everyday

I could see this knife becoming my favorite as well, I just really like it a lot. Adding the carbon fiber scale also just made me like it even more noticeable less weight vs full TI.

I want a second one, but can’t do it right now have that cash tied up in another upcoming purchase.

Jake Hoback, the maker, is an amazing guy as well. He does an awful lot for charity and genuinely aspires to better the industry as a whole. He offers his innovations free of charge and free of patent to any and all who'd like to utilize them. All that he asks is that they call it the "Hoback Rolling Detent."

He also offers upcoming knife makers a PDF and Cam file containing a complete knife, the OSF (open source folder,) again, free of charge. All that he asks is that it isn't used for profit.

Sincerely good dude with a sincerely good product. I'm glad you're happy. It pains me to see egomaniac makers ruling the day. Jake deserves everything he gets.

 

[SeppukuSamurai]

The Kwaiback is quickly becoming one of my top three favorites. Like you said it just keeps growing on me like fine wine everyday

I could see this knife becoming my favorite as well, I just really like it a lot. Adding the carbon fiber scale also just made me like it even more noticeable less weight vs full TI.

I want a second one, but can’t do it right now have that cash tied up in another upcoming purchase.

On the "I want a second" note....

I currently own 10 of his knives, I think, two of them being custom, two being semi-custom, and the others being productions.

The second-hand market is the way to go. You can easily purchase his knives with a solid 10-30% discount. Watch the exchange, deals all of the time.

 

[b00n]

I'm getting my CKF Kwaiback on Monday! Pretty excited to say the least. I'll post some pictures Tuesday after work and let everybody know how I like it.

 

[SeppukuSamurai]

Hey b00n,

Upon hearing of it, I immediately bought one as well. I managed to get it from CFK resale website, on sale, with a 15% coupon code. They really hooked me up. Needless to say, I'm elated with my purchase. The knife rivals any made in America Hoback, for sure. Hope you enjoy buddy!!

 

[b00n]

Hey b00n,

Upon hearing of it, I immediately bought one as well. I managed to get it from CFK resale website, on sale, with a 15% coupon code. They really hooked me up. Needless to say, I'm elated with my purchase. The knife rivals any made in America Hoback, for sure. Hope you enjoy buddy!!

I thought about ordering one directly from them but Tax+Shipping+Handling Fees didn't make it feasible, went with a big EU Dealer I bought from before. The only thing I would have changed would be a Satin Blade over Stonewash, but Stonewash is of course a lot more user friendly, so I am not gonna complain.