In Late Praise of the KIWI

[BlrdNo3F]

OK, so I like small pocketknives.

I also favor SPYDERCOs. A lot.

And yeah, I finally just got a KIWI (C75P).

Now that we have that out of the way, let’s consider the KIWI.

I used to think, and still do, that the CO-PILOT (C09…P or S) was the cat’s meow in small pocketknives.

On dress occasions, I used to like, and still do, the original JESS HORN (C27).

And, of course, on post-modern occasions, one can always turn to the trusty, Ti-SALSA (C71PTI).

However, none meet, much less beat, the KIWI for everyday use. About the only thing missing on the C75P is the clip.

If a clip is ever added to the KIWI (or its offspring), please:
[1] continue manufacturing the existing design as long as demand warrants
[2] make the clip out of any but sheet metal (best alternative: see C27)

Notice that, other than model numbers, etc., I give no “hard data” above. This, of course, was purely intentional.

Thank you.

Cheers,
BALLARD

(ed. to correct spelling of Mr. Horn's first name)

 

[PhilL]

On dress occasions, I used to like, and still do, the original JEFF HORN (C27).

For the record it's Jess Horn and IMO probably the best production knife ever.
The Kiwi is also a wonderful knife.

 

[Lost Jaguar]

Despite the much larger knives that I often carry, my jigged-bone Kiwi gets the most use. Many urbanites are dismayed by the very sight of a Chinook, but a Kiwi gets by just fine. It definitely passes the "sheep-o-meter."

In recent years, I moved off the floor to a desk job. I still carry a big boy, but it's the Kiwi that comes out most often for the frequent, but small, cutting chores I now encounter.

 

[anthony cheeseboro]

I agree about the utility of the Kiwi. The jigged bone version looks pretty traditional, but that sharp little wharncliffe blade makes it a winner. I think I'll get a stainless one to go with my jigged bone version.

 

[The Deacon]

Excellent taste BlrdNo3F. The Kiwi is a great little knife. I currently have both the jigged bone and stainless versions, and two Santa Fe customs - malachite and dinosaur bone. Another Santa Fe is in the works which will sport stag scales I supplied, and another stainless on its way to the UK for some of Marcus Hunt's handiwork.

An additional plus, which you probably won't get to experience for a while is the ease of sharpening the combination of a straight edge and spanish notch creates. I'm not a fan of clips myself, so I'd really prefer the Kiwi to stay as-is, but if a clip were to be added, agree that the design calls for one like that of the C27, not just a piece of bent sheetmetal.

 

[Lost Jaguar]

Deacon--I need details about Santa Fe, and that UK fella you mentioned. Does he do engraving? I'm considering giving my friends engraved stainless Kiwis.

 

[shaldag]

Kiwi all the way.

AG Russell had some black-lip pearl models....

 

[The Deacon]

Deacon--I need details about Santa Fe, and that UK fella you mentioned. Does he do engraving? I'm considering giving my friends engraved stainless Kiwis.

Santa Fe Stoneworks adds stone, shell and wood marquetry onlays to Spyderco and other knives. On the Kiwi, they offer alternatives to the Spyderco jigged bone scales. Photo below shows two of theirs, in malachite and dinosaur bone, along with a jigged bone and all stainless.

As shaldag pointed out, Santa Fe makes the MOP and black lip pearl Kiwis sold by AG Russell. They also sell a slightly different version of these, with a nickel silver "bug" on them, plus their dinosaur bone Kiwi through New Graham. They will also build one for you, using any of the other minerals they offer, as they did the malachite for me.

Marcus Hunt is most definitely an engraver, and a very talented one at that, here's an example of his craftsmanship...

Note that unlike most of the engraved Spydercos you see, these are not soft metal "onlays" applied over the stainless handles. The engraving is cut directly into the steel.

 

[Mr Blonde]

Yep, the kiwi rocks. It's part of my office carry and it hasn't failed me so far.

pics and review at:

http://www.geocities.com/mrblonde50/kiwi_review.htm

http://www.geocities.com/mrblonde50/kiwi_mop.htm


Wouter

 

[mycroftt]

My jigged bone handled Kiwi is my office EDC. I always carry it in the little suede pouch that came with it. This not only protects the knife but I believe it makes it even LESS threatening to people hypersensitive to knives. When I squeeze it out of the pouch it looks like a little work of art. I get comments like "What a beautiful little knife" and "How cute!". I don't generally select a knife based on its "cuteness" (really - I don't ) but if it gives the folks a warm and fuzzy that's a definite advantage.

 

[edb]

OK - that does it - I think...

I've been thinking about getting a bone Kiwi for months now, for many of the same reasons listed. I work in an office environment, and although I always have a Delica with me deep pocket carry, I've been wanting something more sheeple friendly.

So, I've been carrying a variety of slipjoints, which I really do like - except that I'm clumsy, so I occasionally slice myself when opening/closing them (nothing ever more serious than a bite solved by a band-aid, but it's annoying). I'm sure than having that Spydie hole to help open/close the blade would solve that problem.

Anyone want to trade a used bone Kiwi for a couple slipjoints in great condition?

Nah - I didn't think so... But I might try it on the exchange forum just on a whim, in case...

 

[allyourblood]

man, i can't believe i haven't bought one of these yet....

...there! just added it to my Christmas list. anyone ever succeeded in adding a clip to one of these? i would be more than happy to do this myself, but fear i lack the proper skills necessary to begin such a task... sigh...

still a beauty of a Spydie, and i'm surprised it doesn't come up in conversation more often.

abe m.

 

[The Deacon]

anyone ever succeeded in adding a clip to one of these?

Abe, if anyone has, they've kept it to themselves, which would be a shame as, IMHO, it would a tribute to the skills of whoever did it. It may not be apparent from the picture, but unlike most Spyderco knives, the handles of the stainless Kiwi and the bolsters of the jigged bone one do not have a flat surface. That, coupled with the small size, rules out using any of the "stock" Spyderco spring steel clips. One would either need to machine a flat on the knife, then fabricate a spring steel clip, or machine a "C27 style" clip with a concave saddle to fit the compound convex curve of the handle. Not just a matter of drilling and tapping three new holes.

On the other hand, while not a Wharncliffe and closer in size to the Calypso Jr than the Kiwi, the soon to be released Kopa will feature double bolsters, a variety of scale materials, and a clip. A litttle further into the future, the Navigator II will also offer bolster and scale construction and a clip in a smaller package.

 

[uncleknife]

I just recieved in trade, a Spyderco Kiwi & wondered if a small clip case from William henry will work with the kiwi.
Does any one have both & could you let me know?

Thanks in advance

 

[allyourblood]

that sounds pretty cool, thanks T.D.! i was actually thinking about the curved-handle situation earlier. if it were possible, i would definitely attempt to tap some screw holes in the handle, angled as they'd be, and then bend or buy a concave clip to apply. probably just a dream, but if i do it, or at least, screw up a really nice knife, i'll post here and let you all know.

abe m.