K.I.S.S. stands for "Keep It Super Simple" and that's what Columbia River Knife and Tool has done here.

Working hand in hand with CRKT Ed Mulligan's original hand-made design has been translated beautifully into a full production model. Quality and craftsmanship are well in evidence with all the parts fitting together and functioning like Swiss watch.

The design is unlike anything I've ever seen and makes the frame-lock of the K.I.S.S. serve not only as part of the frame, but also as the handle itself. There is the ever-present stud to handle the opening chores and a head blast finish that is handsome in it's own right.

The blade shape is inspired by the tanto craze and has no small amount of merit. The shape is tough and can cut all out of proportion to its size. I hacked, poked and cut my way through cardboard, small twigs and seatbelt material and finished it off with some stabs into a piece of oak after which I tried to break the point off by twisting the knife to the side. Other than a sore hand (that grip is good for light work but not for heavy duty stuff) both I and the K.I.S.S. knife remained unscathed.

The blade is 2 1/4" and it has an overall closed length of 3l 1/2" The pocket clip keeps it readily at hand and can also serve as a money clip or as a key ring if you put a split-ring through the lanyard hole.

The K.I.S.S. is made of stainless steel and the blade takes a shaving-sharp edge easily. The short bit of serration is aggressive enough for serious emergency cutting but doesn't interfere when you're trying to do fine work with the forward part.

COPYRIGHT 1999 Publishers' Development Corporation
COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group

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