kissing crane

R

razorsdescent

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Jan 16, 2005
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Are kissing crane folders any good? im looking for a gift for my father who is kind of knife phobic but likes traditional things, so i figured i would get him a slip joint.b i was thinking about getting him a case but im not sure the thing wont spend its life in a desk drawer.

I dont know terribly much about slip joints but from what i do understand case knives are kind of the industry standard and are highly collectible. The only slipjoint i currently own is a case but i was not too impressed as the plated bolsters wore off quickly as i polished it daily as a sort of worry stone.

Anyways what do you slipie guys reccomend?
 
I got a KC "Medium Brown Mule" (basically a Sodbuster pattern with wood scales) off Amazon maybe a year ago. I must say it's around the best $10 bucks I ever spent on a knife. With some sandpaper, steel wool and linseed oil I had the scales a brilliant color. The brass liners shined up nicely as well. The blade (carbon steel of course) took a wicked convex edge. For a knife this price to have a crisp half-stop, and the spring flush in all 3 positions, is pleasantly surprising. I liked the knife so much I gave it to my brother because I know he would enjoy and use it as a working knife (he is a geophysicist).

At this low price I am sure the QC is variable--it's just the nature of the beast. But for what my anecdotal evidence is worth, I'd say it's worth trying out at least their take on the soddy.
 
The current KC knives are made in China and the few i've got are similar in quality to Rough Rider folders, i.e. very good.
I have just received a 4" Lockback Whittler with yellow handles by Kissing Crane and i'm very impressed. All blades are solid in the open position and the lockback saber ground Clip Master blade feels like it has fixed blade strength. Shaving sharp x 3.
If not too big for your dad's pocket, you certainly will not be disappointed with it. (knife knuts appreciate any very well made knife regardless of size or pattern).
I paid $9.99 which is a bit less than what they usually go for. I still cannot get over how ridiculous these prices are.
roland
 
I've had this KC for quite a while. It was bought NIB and rotated into EDC like my other knives. As you can see FF is not so good and it has developed more than a little blade wobble. So much so that I don't carry it anymore. I like the blade steel and it touches up quickly but I have to admit I have zero experience with KC's current production. I would naturally shy away from KC without a hands on inspection.

Actually, the RR's are worth trying. FF is not bad at all and the price is right.

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I think Kissing Crane is just as good if not better than Rough Rider I own a KC copperhead and I am astounded at the quality of this knife also the Italian made KC Brown Mule sodbusters are excellent values and come in carbon steel a plus IMO.
 
The KC traditional lock backs, like the 'bowtie', are made in Germany and priced to compete with Queen and the like.

The rest of their production line are in the >$20 range, and made in china. Expect price appropriate quality.
 
I only have one. Mini trapper. Nice knife. RR quality and I dig the shield.
 
Mr. Trooper, just to be clear: The 4" KC Lockback Whittler is made in Germany ? or maybe was made in Germany ?
Mine does not give a country of origin. Knives made in Germany almost always do.
roland
 
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I would say the new KC's are a step up in quality from RR's
Price is a little high for offshore knives but cheaper than Case knives by about 60%.
That said, go for a Case knife and "borrow" it back from your dad if he doesn't use it.;)
 
I purchased a Kissing Crane Boy Scout (Made in China) last week and the knife was a dissapointment for me. Super dull out of the box and a lot of blade play. I'm hoping the seller (Amazon) will honor the return. Also, when moving the blade or any of the tools, it soulds/feels like there is dirt in the pivot.
 
Bishop "a lot of blade play" is absolutely not acceptable. The seller should refund your money or send you a replacement knife that is problem free. Most sellers are very good about this but if not, it is our duty to insist via every avenue possible.
It's very disappointing to receive a "bad" knife. I hope you get satisfaction.
roland
 
Why not just get a Yeller handle or Amber Bone Case with CV blades. The Buck 300 Series Knives both American and Chinese (cheaper and usually at Wal-mart) versions are great. Anything by Victorinox. I'd also recommend Boker and Queen but that's getting a bit pricier and pretty enough to put in a drawer.
 
i just got a medium Kissing Crane stockman in yesterday. fit and finish are very good. the blades all came very sharp with even edge grinds. for the money, i am very impressed.
 
I've bought a couple of KC knives and I have liked everyone of them. I think they are very decent for the money. :)
 
I've got a copperhead in ram's horn which is as good as any $50 knife I own-- F&F, W&T, edge grinds, sharpness OOTB, just everything.

Cost $16 shipped.
 
The consensus so far is that the majority of the new offshore Kissing Crane knives are well made and a super deal for the price.
As with every brand the occasional one is sub par, but i don't see that as a reason to avoid K.C. knives as some have suggested. AGR carries K.C. and that is a strong endorsement of this brand because A.G. is a fussy dude when it comes to his passion: knives.
I see no reason to not get a Case or S.A.K. in addition to whatever K.C. pattern that you like.
roland
 
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