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Spyderco Kiwi C75 Lock-Blade Folding Knife By the Guns and Shooting Online Staff  Illustration courtesy of Spyderco. The Spyderco brand is well known for its high quality knives. Several of our staff members own and carry Spyderco knives. One of the handiest Spyderco pocket knife styles is the Kiwi, which is available in lock-back and slip joint form with various handle materials. The sample reviewed here is the C75 lock back version with an amber colored, jig bone handle (scales). The equivalent slip joint (non-locking blade) version is the Kiwi 3 ~ C75ST3. The blade, liners, bolsters, pins and all other metal parts are stainless steel. There is a lanyard hole in the rear bolster. The 2-3/8", hollow ground blade is made from VG10 stainless steel. With a blade thickness a bit less than 1/10", it is a rather heavy duty small pocket knife. The blade has a drop point and a straight cutting edge. This carefully crafted Japanese knife is sharp out of the box; it holds an edge well and is easy to touch-up on a hard Arkansas stone. VG10 is hard steel, so it is best not to let the blade get dull. Spyderco literature says this about the Kiwi C75: "Scores of knife knuts have asked 'why doesn't Spyderco make a conventional folder like an old time jackknife or penknife?' We have. Our traditional-influenced offering is the Kiwi and it reflects features found on Grandfather's favorite whittler while remaining true to Spyderco's preference for high-tech materials and ergonomics." "Its two-inch VG-10 blade has a Wharncliffe profile and pronounced hump created to accommodate the Spyderco Round Hole. Position of the hole on the blade is important (especially for smaller knives) in finding the spot with the most comfortable/natural pivotal rotation when opening one-handed. Dual finger choils cutaway on the underbelly of the handle deposit the fore and middle fingers in alignment for optimal control. Amber-colored jig bone scales set next to brushed stainless bolsters are reminiscent of more traditional cutlery. In the manner of a true gent's folder, it is clipless." Specifications
Like all folding Spyderco models, one hand opening is by means of a hole cut in the blade. There is no slop or play in the mechanism and the blade opens and closes easily and smoothly. Locking is very positive. Fit and finish are excellent throughout. The Kiwi is a pocket knife you can be proud to own and it should provide many years of good service. The handle is ergonomically shaped for comfortable and secure holding. Despite the knife's petite size, all four fingers of a medium size hand can grip the handle. The quality of materials and construction is top notch. VG-10 steel was developed specifically for knife blades and is one of the best steels available for the purpose. The only real complaint we have about the Spyderco Kiwi series knives is that they were discontinued for 2013, so you will have to search online if you want one. |