Review Kizer Feist (REK regrind)

[miso2]

Another review of Kizer Feist.

I recently reviewed the knife in a different thread.
But after receiving a second one reground by Josh REK Knives , I thought it deserves a new review.
So here it is.

The specs

  Overall length:              165 mm (6.5”)
  Closed length:               94 mm (3.7”)
  Blade Length:                73 mm (2.875”)
  Blade thickness:             2.75 mm (0.108”)
  Edge thickness:              0.5 mm (0.019”)
  Edge angle:                  20 DPS
  Blade material:              S35VN
  Blade grind:                 Flat grind
  Handle thickness:            10 mm (0.39”)
  Handle material:             Titanium (bead-blasted?)
  Weight:                      71g (2.5 oz): 4 grams off from the original 75. 
  Lock type:                   Frame lock
  Deployment method:           Front flipper
  Pivot type:                  Ball bearings (caged)

The first one I got appeared to be a first generation Feist, judging from the rough internal milling.
I did not have any issues with the action, though, especially after cleaning the stop pin tract.

But I felt that the original edge was little too thick for this small knife.
So I bought a second one and sent it directly from a vendor to Josh REK Knives for regrind.

The second one seems to be an improved version.
The action was stiff, though.
I disassembled it and tried to flip the bearings.
The action became much better.
I don't know if it was wrongfully assembled at the factory or not.

The edge became very very thin.
It is much thinner than Opinel.
And the cutting performance is superb.
The blade just sinks into cut medium.

And would you look at the grind line?
Just so clean and impeccable.
The edge bevel is also even.

This will be my EDC for a long time!

 

[Lapedog]

Another review of Kizer Feist.

I recently reviewed the knife in a different thread.
But after receiving a second one reground by Josh REK Knives , I thought it deserves a new review.
So here it is.

The first one I got appeared to be a first generation Feist, judging from the rough internal milling.
I did not have any issues with the action, though, especially after cleaning the stop pin tract.

But I felt that the original edge was little too thick for this small knife.
So I bought a second one and sent it directly from a vendor to Josh REK Knives for regrind.

The second one seems to be an improved version.
The action was stiff, though.
I disassembled it and tried to flip the bearings.
The action became much better.
I don't know if it was wrongfully assembled at the factory or not.

The edge became very very thin.
It is much thinner than Opinel.
And the cutting performance is superb.
The blade just sinks into cut medium.

And would you look at the grind line?
Just so clean and impeccable.
The edge bevel is also even.

This will be my EDC for a long time!

So you have two razor edge feists now? Awesome! It is one of the best edc knives out there.

 

[REK Knives]

Thanks for the review man! Really happy how that one turned out... Was a challenging grind!

 

[miso2]

To be honest, I was ready to accept some imperfections and flaws on the regrind, as the blade is small in the length and height.
I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome and glad that I used the service.
Epic underestimation of REK!

All knife manufacturers send their blades to Josh before selling them.
Hoping that he can do another Feist (maybe Feist 2) for me in the future.

Clarification: I own two Feist, one original and one regrind.

 

[miso2]

Now hollow ground, Feist_REK is more of a front flipper version of small Sebenza Insingo to me.

At least, their specs are similar.
Blade steel (S35VN), lengths (2.9"), thicknesses (0.12"), handle thickness (0.45") and overall weights (~3 oz) are same or comparable.

Build quality of Feist is surprisingly good, and the action is excellent.
The build of Sebenza might still be cleaner.
But Feist comes very close to my consumer eye.

Of course, they are still very different knives.

What I would like to bring from Sebenza to Feist are:
(1) Bushing pivot with washers. Bearings are OK, but I have to find a sweet spot for the best action possible.
(2) The pocket clip. It is just way better for clipping and gripping.
(3) Grippy scale texture.
(4) Overall ergonomics.

What I like better on Feist are:
(1) The REK grind. I wish Sebenza is thinner if not this thin.
(2) Front flipper. I just like this method.
(3) Frame lock experience. Sebenza is too tight/stiff.
(4) The price. A $175 knife competing with a $375 knife.
(With the regrind, the prices became very similar, though)

This will be my front flipper Sebenza until CRK produces their own.
A man can dream, can't he?