Kizer Vanguard V3009N1 Pinch Folding Knife
Description
The Pinch is more than just an EDC knife, it represents that anything is possible given that you work hard enough. Rolf Helbig is not a knifemaker or designer, but an enthusiast and longtime KnifeCenter customer. But he had a goal to bring something from his mind to market and the result is something we think he should be extremely proud of. The Pinch will work for just about any knife user or collector; those who enjoy the biomechanical Brous knives to the classic Case knives, and everything in between.
The first thing that came to mind when we saw the Pinch was that this is a classic knife with new-age styling but we couldn't quite place it. Is it a compact folding version of the TOPS Brothers of Bushcraft? Is it an EDC non-locking version of Dirk Pinkerton's Escort flipper? But then we saw a Sodbuster on the Case brand page and it clicked. The straight back blade and handle with plenty of belly and a single continuous finger groove; it's a new-age Sodbuster! However, it's what you can't see inside this knife that truly makes it special.
The Vanguard Pinch is the first Kizer knife that uses Detent Action to keep the blade in the open and closed positions. It functions like a traditional slipjoint model but instead of a backspring, a perfectly set detent does that job for you. This allows for much more fluid opening and closing of the blade — with two hands of course — and that's a feature that cannot be overstated. Many traditional folders are super hard to open or to close and feature a half stop safety just to prevent the knife from lopping off a fingertip. The Pinch does away with this issue without even trying to and it feels very solid in the hand. Be sure not to apply pressure on the spine with your thumb and accidentally close the blade, but the ergonomics of the handle do a pretty good job of preventing this naturally. It comes complete with a small G10 backspacer, reversible tip-up pocket clip, and dual nail nicks which makes it completely ambidextrous.
Vanguard Series
The Vanguard Series brings excellent value to high-quality designs. Since the start of Kizer Cutlery, they have focused on the high end of the knife market with their impeccable quality and premium materials. This has earned them a place in the hearts of their fans. To increase the accessibility of Kizer brand products, they took the designs of the Bladesmith and Prime Series, and while keeping the quality at the same high level, re-forged them using materials that bring extra value for the money spent. Kizer uses only materials that have stellar performance, such as VG10 for the blades and G10 or stainless steel for the handles. This way, Kizer products are available at all budget levels but still maintain that incredible quality of construction.
Tools share a common goal and purpose. That purpose is performance, reliable to the end. Kizer brings you the Vanguard Series created with the purpose of distilling the essence of the Bladesmith and Prime Series into tools that excel in being used. This may not be your only knife, but this will be the knife you carry and use every day!
Specifications:
Blade Length: 3.03" (77 mm)
Cutting Edge: 3.03" (77 mm)
Closed Length: 3.86" (98 mm)
Overall Length: 6.89" (175 mm)
Blade Material: Bohler N690 Stainless Steel
Blade Thickness: 0.110" (2.8 mm)
Blade Style: Drop Point
Blade Grind: Flat
Blade Finish: Stonewash
Handle Material: Black G10
Handle Thickness: 0.450" (11.4 mm)
Liner Material: Stainless Steel
Locking Mechanism: Non-Locking
Pivot Assembly: Washers
Pocket Clip: Stainless Steel (Tip-Up, Right/Left Carry)
Weight: 2.8 oz. (79 g)
Designer: Rolf Helbig
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