Kizer Moving Beyond the Frame Lock ...

SpySmasher

SpySmasher

Lead Guitar
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Sep 1, 2016
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... and I love it.

Earlier this year they announced the Michael Vagnino and Tom Ferry-designed ZipSlip. A slipjoint featuring a non-moving backbar. I hadn't realized they were in the wild yet but now that I see they are available at dealers I am going to pick one up.

A few days ago they announced the Audaz, a clean-looking wharny with a swing lock. This type of design has been around for ages but you don't see it all that often. I own two but I'm interested to see Kizer's version.

If anyone at Kizer is listening: next, try a button lock.
 
Carrying the ZipSlip Ti today and enjoying it. Like you've said, it's a nice change of pace and also legal in the most places.

Was just cutting up an apple with it.

Apple.JPG
 
It's difficult to compare the ZipSlip to a "normal" slip joint IMO. In full disclosure, frame lock flippers are the majority of my collection so someone else might provide a better comparative perspective.

It's running on bronze washers, so it's smooth. It has the "Ever Flush" back spacer and spring. Tension is light enough for one-handed opening. The half-stop is not at 12 o'clock, but more like 1:30. The blade will "spring" back into the half-stop position from 15deg in either direction.

My sample is perfectly centered with symmetrical grinds and zero lateral blade play. The blade drops shut with 1/4" of travel remaining.

I like my knives to fly open, and this one does not. Although it can be opened one-handed using the thumb hole, I always use a pinch grip two handed open. It's my city knife , so it's all about not scaring the non-knife people.

The only other modern traditional I've had is the Lionsteel Roundhead. The finger choil and the deep carry clip on ZipSlip give it the edge, for me personally.

The Ti version's sunburst milling is amazing, if you're into that sort of finishing. Even knowing how Kizer's pricing can be, it was worth the $144.

Hope this helps. :thumbsup:
 
Eagle Scout said:
It's difficult to compare the ZipSlip to a "normal" slip joint IMO. In full disclosure, frame lock flippers are the majority of my collection so someone else might provide a better comparative perspective.

It's running on bronze washers, so it's smooth. It has the "Ever Flush" back spacer and spring. Tension is light enough for one-handed opening. The half-stop is not at 12 o'clock, but more like 1:30. The blade will "spring" back into the half-stop position from 15deg in either direction.

My sample is perfectly centered with symmetrical grinds and zero lateral blade play. The blade drops shut with 1/4" of travel remaining.

I like my knives to fly open, and this one does not. Although it can be opened one-handed using the thumb hole, I always use a pinch grip two handed open. It's my city knife , so it's all about not scaring the non-knife people.

The only other modern traditional I've had is the Lionsteel Roundhead. The finger choil and the deep carry clip on ZipSlip give it the edge, for me personally.

The Ti version's sunburst milling is amazing, if you're into that sort of finishing. Even knowing how Kizer's pricing can be, it was worth the $144.

Hope this helps. :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

How does the backspring work if it never moves?
 
SpySmasher said:
If anyone at Kizer is listening: next, try a button lock.
Click to expand...
View attachment 915450
Kizer does have a button lock...sort of. The Tangram Vector has a nicely done button lock for right around $40.

I can’t say I love the knife, mostly because the style doesn’t do it for me. The aluminum handles are slick too.

If I ever find the time, I want to strip off the handle coating and blast/anodize it!
 
Hackenslash said:
View attachment 915450
Kizer does have a button lock...sort of. The Tangram Vector has a nicely done button lock for right around $40.

I can’t say I love the knife, mostly because the style doesn’t do it for me. The aluminum handles are slick too.

If I ever find the time, I want to strip off the handle coating and blast/anodize it!
Click to expand...
Oh! I missed it.
 
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