Lightweight small "shorts" knife...CRKT KISS?

M

Mustang

Joined
Jan 2, 2001
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I would like to buy a small knife that is confortable with shorts. I usually carry a Swiss Army knife as my daily beat on knife but on the weekends when I'm wearing shorts, T-shirt I rather leave my wallet and Swiss Army knife at home since they tend to be bulkier than I care for. I was considering something like a money clip to secure my drivers license and a little cash but I'd be missing my knife. I ran across the CRKT KISS knives that seem to fit the bill. I am, however, somewhat concerned about the open blade in the pocket. Is this a problem? Do they have any tendancy to open in pockets? I like the money clip on it and it does look cool. But, last think I want to happen is my pecker gettin' cut off because it opened up in my pocket! :eek: I'd be interested in hearing about how people like these knives and what other knives I should consider. Thanks.
-Mustang
 
I had a similar experience a few years ago. However, things didn't work out too well in my case. First of all, I found the blade could and did open in my pocket; fortunately I avoided any real damage. Then someone suggested I lightly twist the blade (holding the open blade in one hand, the handle in the other) and see how easily the lock disengaged. That was scary enough that I would never consider carrying the knife again. I've also been reluctant to sell or trade (or even give) it away, knowing how easily it could malfunction and cause injury. You might consider an alternative.
 
The blade never accidentally came open when I carried it. However, it does disengage very easily--more easily than your average slip-joint knife, I'd say.

Whether this knife is safe for you depends on how you use it. It's a nifty little desgn, andit does lay pretty flat in a pocket or on a belt.
 
Get one of those little bitty bucks lights. They are nearly undetectable in the pocket.
 
If I'm not at work, I'm almost always in shorts. I find that a Spyderco Endura lightweight is damn near undetectable when clipped to a pair of cargo shorts. If that's still too much, then Spyderco makes a bunch that are smaller and, naturally, weigh even less.
 
A friend at work uses one of the KISS knives. After playing with it some I chose to use a Kershaw Chive for shorts (or any) EDC instead. The KISS blade is chisel ground - flat on one side. I don't think it will feel good in any kind of cutting unless you use chisel ground blades all the time. The skeletonish handle feels flexible and uncomfortable in my hand too. Overall, the KISS strikes me as a knife that looks better than it works.

IMO the Chive is a good cheap alternative - and one that's faster to the draw than anything except a real automatic. Its bigger brother, the Scallion, is an option if you want more blade. Both of these have clips. You might be able to hold bills in them, but they would just get in the way when you need the knife. I'd get a nice small EDC and a separate money clip.

Regards, Dave
 
Originally posted by dsnw
Overall, the KISS strikes me as a knife that looks better than it works.
Click to expand...
It's rather unfortunate, but the design is probably as you've described.
I've not carried one myself, but I frequent a knife store and they once show me a KISS that the lock does not engage properly. And it was possible for the careless tinkerer to loosen certain screws to allow the blade to open much easier than it's intended. Not to mention screws does loosen by itself after use. The chisel ground blade is something that IMO had to be done because of the design. The good knives that I've tested will not cut your hand, but I would suspect the maintainence would be more than you want.
I feel that spyderco dragonfly/salsa may suit your need of a small knife better.
 
Buy a good quality "Gents" folder, like Fällkniven model P or William Henry or some of Benchmade's smaller ones. Benchmade also have a money-clip knife, I think. The Fällkniven is cute, even if it does not come with a pocket clip.
 
I don't have any experience with the CRKT KISS but here are a few I can recommend:

Spyderco Delica
Spyderco Native
Spyderco Calypso Jr.
Kershaw/Ken Onion Scallion

Good luck,
Allen.
 
I have owned both the KISS and the Peck.

I really cannot recommend these knives. Although they are inexpensive and attractive designs, the blade shapes are of limited use when compared to other knives in the same general category.

For your purposed, the Spyderco Delica FRN or Dragonfly FRN come to mind. If you prefer and all-metal knife, perhaps the Camillus EDC, Kershaw Vapor or Outdoor Edge Paragee are a possibility. If you are okay with Speedsafe opening, the Chive or Scallion are also good choices.
 
I just bought a Benchmade 771, very light with a slim profile and a long blade for a knife of its weight. It fits the bill for lightweight shorts and dress pants. I have also tried most of the Spydercos mentioned in this thread and I am now caryying the BM. The Axis lock ia very slick system and seems very solid. I have always been a Spydie fan and have rotated through the following: Jester, Ladybug, Native, Delica, Salsa, Vesuvius. The smaller ones are too smal for one-handed open and the larger are heavier than the Benchmade. I almost forgot I have a Calpyso, Jr thatyou should also look at. It is tough to find as I think it is discontinued but is a very nice knife and about half the price of the BM.
 
I also have the 771 and it's a great knife. Small enough that you can't feel it but big enough that it's useful. The only bad thing is that the aluminum scales are really sharp on the inside corners and feel like they might be able to cut your fingers.

For IWB carry the camillus EDC is also great. It has a much thiner profile than the 771 so it's feels like it's practically not there. If it weren't for the axis lock the EDC would be my first choice.
 
The Umfaan also comes to mind. i carry mine almost every sngle day. been taking it to the beach quite bt recently too. great little knife.
 
If you want a knife like the CRKT try the Gerber version (Skeleton) it locks up a lot more secure then the CRKT and has a better blade location in the closed position. You can get them at WalFart for under $18.00. But you can also pick up a Chive for under $30.
 
I put my KISS away permanently after seeing how easily the "frame" lock let go with only a little pressure on the blade. They look cool but they just don't seem safe.

Some great "loose in the pocket" knives are the BuckLite, Spyderco Jester, or any good quality slipjoint or lockback.

If you want a money clip knife, like I did with the KISS, I would suggest a Benchmade 335 Big Spender. Much better lock than the KISS, plus a premium steel (154CM) blade.
 
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