When I began designing the Kinigos, the weight of history was quite tangible. One cannot reference the clip-point blade style made famous by the Bowie lightly; anything done trivially disrespects the history and tradition before it. The challenge when doing when taking intention to reality stems from the need to create something reliable, but also good looking. I always adhere to the ethos that form must follow function, and as such, I began with a tactical knife-style construction.
Tactical knife construction does not mean it’s a military style knife by any means, rather it employs a number of features designed to make the tool more effective. The blade must pierce and slice, a given for a clip-point blade, and the lock must be overbuilt, the handles grippy with a well defined finger guard so that the users’ hands do not slide on to the blade.
These qualities are perfect for tactician, but also the hunter and EDC user, and so, the Kinigos began life as a 3.5in clip-point blade. It features a generous belly and a thin false clipped edge. Then the primary bevel is hollow ground, and the edge reduced to 17/1000ths-in behind the edge. Processing any media or game should prove easy work for the Kinigos, it’s size making it great for the field or for every day carry.
Supporting the blade is a pair of phosphor bronze washers, chosen for their durability and reliability. Furthermore, phosphor bronze washers provide maximal contact between the blade tang and the handles, creating a robust joint that you can feel. The handles milled out of 6AL4V titanium, ensure the 3/16ths (5mm) stop pin is held in place securely. The 3/16ths (5mm) stop pin is a feature I’ve come to appreciate; it provides tremendous lock stability.
Nearly as much focus went into the handle design and scales. With Micarta inlays for grip, I opted for a neutral handle shape. This will allow any user to use the knife effectively in a number of various grip orientations, hammer, saber, reversed, and so on, without any hotspots. The combination with micarta inlays ensures that one’s hands will never be without a grip surface.
I could continue on for many paragraphs discussing the number of considerations that went into the Kinigos. With the history of the clip-point blade dating back to the 1800’s I knew I had to make a tool befit the legacy; an evolution of it in folding form. With the Kinigos, I feel I’ve hit that mark. A trustworthy tool, with an amazing blade, wonderful feel, and tremendous lock and action. I hope you enjoy it as much as I will.
• 6AL4V Titanium bolsters with Micarta inlays
• Phosphor Bronze bushings
• Frame lock
• Thumb Stud deployment
• Blade Grind: Hollow
• Blade Length: 90 mm / 3.5 in
• Blade Thickness: 4 mm / 0.157 in
• Handle Thickness: 13.6 mm / 0.535 in
• Overall Length: 204.2 mm / 8.1 in