Kiwi or Kopa?

Prince of Peace · Mar 24, 2009

I handled a Kiwi at the Badger Knife Show last weekend, and I didn't but it.

That decision haunts me already. The Kiwi and Kopa are so similar and both feel great in hand. But that Kiwi seems to fit like another finger in my hand.

Does anyone here own both? Can you give me pros and cons about those two models.

And is it really worth over a hundred dollars for such a small knife?

I thank you all in advance for any and all input that you may share.

Peace.

hiredgun · Mar 25, 2009

I'll be the first to bite...

You're right about the kiwi being like another finger on your hand. I own 4 kiwis and I love them. Perfect little gent's knife and I always get compliments. The main criticism I have (and it's no biggie really) of the kiwi would be the lanyard hole is too small. Either make it bigger or no hole at all please. You really can't go wrong with a kiwi. I wish they came out with as many variations as the kopa line. By and large, you have to go through Santa Fe Stoneworks for your pretty ones.

I had a turquoise kopa and as much as I thought it was a beautiful piece, I just couldn't get over the pocket clip on such a small gentlemen's folder. Taking the clip off just left me with 3 holes. I ended up selling it and as nice as the kopa line is, I just can't bring myself to buying another simply because of the clip. Also the clip get's in the way of an otherwise good looking scale. And it interferes with your grip too. If a clipless kopa were ever made with some of the exotic scales, I'd be right back in the hunt.

Good luck in your quest.

ozspyder · Mar 25, 2009

I am a Kopa freak !

I love the solid and faultless construction on these mini tanks ! The scales on (almost) all of them are awesome. Evrina being the blandest IMHO but it is good for scrimshawing if you find a great artist able to do that (see Linda Karst). I've left my Evrina blank as it hasn't inspired me yet.

I don't have any Kiwis due only to personal choice. I feel that my addiction to the Kopas is enough to keep my wallet drained. I fear if I ventured into Kiwi territory that I would be declared bankrupt within weeks

There has been talk and confirmation by Sal that the Kopa line will be extended from the initially announced 17 releases - now up to 27 releases in total. Talks also of a clipless Kopa, and a lefty Kopa, with also a Boye Dent-less Kopa being mentioned now and again (probably my wishful thinking

)

Paul (The Deacon) might be able to comment more on this as he is the worldwide expert on Kiwis and he has Kopas by the dozen as well. Paul's preference is for the Kiwi.... but I will leave his comments to his post if he sees this thread.

arty · Mar 25, 2009

I have a Kopa and it is very well made. I wish it didn't have the clip. I can't use the hole to open it with my right hand - the clip gets in the way.
The clip turns the knife into a left handed knife.
I like the knife, but would not get another one with a clip.
Personally, I don't like clips on any knife, and take them off when I can. I figure that a pocket knife belongs in a pocket, not on it.

iamtoast · Mar 25, 2009

My first post in this forum...

I recently purchased an all stainless kiwi. I had a kopa that I have just sold. My take, the kopa is an overall more capable knife. It will likely be a bit better slicer. The kopa is also more, well, relatively speaking anyway, hand filling. It will do a better job on most daily tasks, cutting cardboard, opening mail etc.

That being said I prefer the kiwi. I purchased it as a wood carving knife and I think it will excel in that role. The double choil provides for a lot of control as does the shape of the blade. As for daily chores, I do not mind using the kiwi as it just makes them more interesting. If you can find an all stainless version the price tag should be very significantly lower than $100.

roguesoul · Mar 25, 2009

The Badger Knife Show is this coming weekend, 27-29th. Please explain.

Kopa is an all around nicer knife. Better usability and value if I was choosing.

bh49 · Mar 25, 2009

I have strong preferences to Kopa. I love this knife, carry Cocobolo few times a week for couple years and enjoy every time. I never liked Kiwi, I was able to handle CF variant, just not my cup of tea.

The Deacon · Mar 26, 2009

Both are well built knives produced by the same Japanese maker for Spyderco. Both use VG-10 steel and offer similar construction. So it pretty much comes down to what you're looking for in a knife.

The Kopa's blade shape does make it more versatile, so if you will only be carrying one knife, it might be a better choice. However, that would really depend on how you normally use a pocketknife. The larger Spyderhole would also be a plus for it. Downside would be that it's bulkier, mostly taller and more expensive. Then there's the clip. I'm not a fan of clipped carry, it creates too much potential for loss of the knife and damage to cars, furniture, etc. It also raises the potential for legal issues in some parts of my state. So a clip, especially one which cannot be removed without disfiguring the knife is a negative for me. Others do find a clip to be an asset.

As for "feel", the Kiwi feels better in my hand. The ultra deep 50/50 choil locks my hand in place and the remaining handle offers excellent support for the rest of my fingers. The shallower 50/50 choil of the Kopa does not offer me the same sense of security, but I find myself using it since there is not enough room for a full four finger grip behind it. The only way to know for sure which feels best in your hand would be to handle both.

Paul

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DavidZ · Mar 29, 2009

I struggled last week with the Kiwi vs. Kopa descision as well. So I did what any Spyderco fan would do.... I ordered both of them yesterday.

I will let you know my initial thoughts when I get them. as a lefty, I struggle with a knife purchase where the clip is not reversible, or at least removable, without leaving a noticeable scar. I am thinking right now, that I will really like them both, :thumbup: but when they arrive, I will let you know.