Production KwaiKing

A factory production version of Tim's KwaiKing model.

Intro:

I (Tim Kingsford of Kingsford Knives) have been making my hand made version of this knife for a few years now and it is always met with enthusiasm when I post photos. So I thought it was well time to go to a knife manufacturer (Vosteed) and have a production version made at a much more approachable price than a hand made custom knife.

Previous hand made KwaiKings.

The Knife Overview:

Handle -

Being made from titanium alloy, the handle is the perfect balance between light weight and extremely durable. It features milled grooves running up and down the main handle chamfers for grip and striking visuals.

The handle comes in three finishes - silver blasted/stonewashed, Black PVD coating with brass anodized highlights and light bronze anodized stonewash.

Handles in stonewashed, black PVD and bronze anodized titanium.

Blade -

Just looking at the blade you know it was made to slice. Adding to the sliceyness of the shape is the 3mm blade stock, with a full flat grind that is nice and thin behind the edge. Made out of premium M390 stainless steel hardened to 61 ± 1 HRC you know it will get the job done.

The blade comes razor sharp our of the box and features a beautiful crowned spine for comfort and good looks that transitions into a chamfer at the jimping. The blade finish comes in stonewashed black PVD for the Blackout version and blasted/stonewashed for the silver and bronze versions.

Opening -

The KwaiKings main opening method is a front flipper. Not only is this a very fidgety and effective way to open a knife but it helps keep the profile slim, streamlined as well as reinforcing the minimalist aesthetic. The front flipper "tab" is just a continuation of the blade and has small but grippy jimping that runs around the corner of the flipper for maximum grip when flipping.

Inside the knife the blade is running ceramic bearings on hardened steel washers to make the knife super smooth and easy to open and close.

The front flipper paired with the button lock and reversable pocket clip makes the KwaiKing a versatile and ambidextrous folding knife.

Locking -

The KwaiKing has one of the most secure locking methods for a folding knife - the compression lock (sometimes called a top liner lock). The compression lock is similar to a liner lock or framelock but with an added element of security. Unlike the others, the lockbar slides into place between the stop pin and the lockface of the blade. So when pressure is placed on the blade the lockbar is compressed between the two, hence the name.

The button actuated compression lock adds to the ease of use and is more kind to the lefties among us. It is also a very fun and fidgety way to open and close the knife with the added safety benefit of keeping your fingers away from the sharp edge when closing.

Pocket Clip -

The KwaiKing has a user friendly, milled titanium pocket clip. Easy to clip on to the bulkiest work pants without deforming but grippy enough for thinner materials too.

The pocket clip design is ambidextrous with a filler plate to complete whatever side the clip isn't on.

Discreet and secure

The clip is sunk in to a slot on the handle to combat lateral movement and is secured with a T8 screw. Positioned as far back on the handle as possible so it nearly disappears in your pocket.

Backspacer -

The back of the knife is tied together with a titanium backspacer. This not only looks good but keep fingers away from the pointy bit when reaching for it in your pocket.

Note: The prototypes pictured have a jimping on the top edge of the backspacer. This detail will be left off the final product because it looks classier and a bit less busy without it.

SPECS:

Size -

Blade: 90mm (3.54").
Handle: 116mm (4.56").
OAL: 205mm (8.07").
Weight: 105g (3.70oz).

Blade -

Steel: 3mm (0.118") thick M390 Stainless steel.
Finish: Black stonewashed PVD coating or Blasted and stonewashed.
Hardness: 61 ± 1 HRC.

Handle -

Material: Titanium.
Finish: Black stonewashed PVD coating, Blasted and stonewashed or stonewashed anodized light bronze.

Opening -

Method: Front flipper or button flick.
Hardware: Ceramic bearings running on hardened steel washers.

Locking -

Lock Type: Compression lock (steel).
Method: Button actuated.
Detent: Ceramic.

Hardware -

Pocket Clip: Milled titanium clip with titanium filler plate.
Backspacer: Titanium.
Screws: Steel T8 screws and pivot screws (may be options to buy titanium replacements).
Pins, pivot and standoff: Steel.
Button: Titanium.

Production and Shipping -

The production KwaiKing will be made to my specifications in China by the knife company Vosteed. They will then all be sent to me and posted out to you from AUSTRALIA.