Sal: i've an idea for the Kiwi...

allyourblood

allyourblood

Joined
Sep 3, 2003
Messages
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we've all talked and talked and talked about how nice it would be to add a clip to the Kiwi. i speculate that the main reason Spyderco doesn't use one is the look -- the Kiwi is meant to be a gentleman's folder, and as such it may "ugly up" the design by adding holes that a lot of folks don't want. i can understand that.

but how about a clip that fastens thru the lanyard hole? maybe something akin to the clips on the FRN Delica and Endura? two threaded pieces that fasten together to hold a clip. or maybe something kinda cheapy -- a spring-tensioned piece? maybe it "pops" thru once side of the lanyard hole and springs open on the other to secure it, similar to a wall-anchor. the clip wouldn't necessarily have to orient itself to the Kiwi a certain way. even if it spun in the hole freely, the thickness of the pocket-lining could keep the clip and knife from squirming.

even a sleeve of some sort with a detent for the lanyard hole might work, similar to the clip on an ARC flashlight.

any thoughts?

abe
 
What about an option to have the Kopa Clip? A sprint run maybe? The clip would add a small amount of 'meat' to the grip of the Kiwi and would be something I would like to see.
 
Lack of a clip is the only real reason I do not own a Kiwi yet. The lanyard-attached clip is an excellent idea if it can be done.

---
Ta,

H
 
Dr. Hannibal Lecter said:
Lack of a clip is the only real reason I do not own a Kiwi yet. The lanyard-attached clip is an excellent idea if it can be done.
Click to expand...

yeah, i'm not the guy to figure it out, but the potential's there for sure. i had considered sending my Kiwi to someone for a retro-fitted clip, but i'm sure the cost will be high. if Spyderco whipped up a little something, it'd probably be a lot cheaper. but for all i know, the benefit may not outweigh the cost of machining such a clip. if anyone else wants to see this discussed further, please ring in. maybe some of you can come up with a more concrete visual or design?

abe
 
Sorry, but the idea of the Kiwi with a clip has zero appeal to me. Yet, I realize that the only constant in life is change, so all I will ask is that if Spyderco decides to add one to it they give a bit of notice, so I can stockpile a dozen or so of the current ones for future projects.

In order to mount the clip on the rounded bolster of the Kopa Spyderco elected to gouge out a chunk of metal from the bolster to create a flat surface for the clip to rest on. From a manufacturing standpoint it was the most logical and cost-effective way to mount the clip, and it's fine for those who like clips. But, unlike the flat steel handles where it's merely a matter of plugging a few holes, it's darn near impossible for someone who doesn't want a clip to neatly remove it from the Kopa. Thus, for me, the Kopas will be something to buy for the collection, but not something I'll ever carry. Any clip mounting system for the Kiwi would almost certainly need to include similar mutilation of the bolster in order to be practical.
 
I've always thought a clip on the Kiwi was a nice idea that could have some potential.

However, I don't think there is anything wrong with the current version and that that version should stay without the clip.

If a clip is going to be added to the Kiwi it should either be a run with a different type of handle material or it should be a sprint run of the stainless ones with the clip. I think how the Kiwi is right now is perfect and that shouldn't be messed with. A Kiwi with a clip also has the chance to be perfect, but in my opinion they are too separate things and one shouldn't replace the other.

Good idea for the clip, maybe Spyderco could modify the existing Kiwi design a bit and release a sprint to see how it goes over.

-Bryan
 
woah woah woah! :eek::D

my suggestion was a clip that utilizes the current design of the Kiwi in its entirety. that means no changes to the current knife, including holes or otherwise! my thought was of a clip that attaches to the existing lanyard hole.

my whole reasoning for this was because i agree that it would be a shame to mess up the Kiwi for everyone by adding a clip that is useful to only some.

abe
 
Abe, I understand what you're saying, and it's a great idea, just don't think it would be possible. A clip that mounted in such a way that it could rotate would be a nuisance when the knife was being used. It also would eliminate one of the positive benefits of adding a clip to this model, the extra gripping surface to aid with one hand opening.

So, the minimum change to the knife itself I can think of would require making the lanyard hole square or hexagonal and adding a machined clip with a hollow post that would fit into the lanyard hole and be held on with a single screw into that hollow post from the opposite side. Now reshaping the hole would be not change the looks enough to matter, and a clip mounted that way would be very neat, very slick, and very elegant. Unfortunately, it would also be very expensive.

I'm no metalurgist, so I could be dead wrong, but I don't think you could cast a clip like that as cast metal would not be "springy" enough to work. Injection molded nylon would be springy enough, but then the strength of the hollow post/screw combination becomes an issue. Now perhaps this could be worked out with some other attachement method that would be reliable and secure but, if so that setup is escaping me.

Otherwise, the only cost effective way to make and mount a clip is to mill a flat on one of the bolsters, drill it and tap it, and go with a bent sheetmetal one held on with screws.
 
I'd like a clip mounted with a single screw on the very end of the knife, just like an ink pen has. I think it would look fine on small folders.
 
Heres a way to do it with out much moding.
Clip from an SNG,grind it down to be more narrow,may need to be curved slightly by tapping it around a pipe to match with the curve of the Kiwi scale,tap the lanyard hole for a screw to attach the clip,measure and drill a small hole for the little nub at the top of the clip.
Polish the clip and attach.
 
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