Kizer Vagnino Zipslip Heinnie® Exclusive Folding Knife 18

Great knife very happy.

As always, the HH customer service they are justifiably so proud of was excellent. Purchasing was easy and simple, delivery quick and efficient. My issues lie with the product itself and why I give only 3 stars. The HH Edition of the Kizer Zipslip is nowhere near as good as the original. In my opinion, there are several reasons for that. I wanted a knife to hopefully improve on other EDC pocket knives I have carried previously. I am not a collector, I use my knives every day. I have become an unintentional collector by constantly seeking improvements on what I already have. I was looking for a reasonably priced, one hand opening UK Legal EDC with specific features. The Kizer Zipslip offered what I sought to improve upon my Boker+ XS. The Kizer was similarly priced but has the flat grind and a deep carry pocket clip I wanted. The XS has a hollow grind, great for slicing, but I sought a stronger blade profile for other tasks. Unfortunately, I struggled initially to find the exact Kizer model and specifications I wanted. Most UK sellers had sold out, including HH, one even stating the knife I wanted was "discontinued". So I bought the HH Edition and now wish I hadn't. The polished blade is ok but not for me. The drop point blade shape is almost a spear point with it's deep swedge and reflects light off it in all directions. The original Kizer Vanguard series has a more discreet stonewashed blade. Without making any issue over the different steels used, (there's not that much difference for pocket knife use), the HH Edition grind is totally different from all versions of the original Zipslip. It is much less of a flat grind throughout the depth of the 'meatier' blade making it more like a scandi. I did like that, and the chunkier blade, heavier due to the thumb studs replacing the Zipslip's original thumb holes. But the thumb studs and heavier blade are the major problem with the HH Edition, making it extremely difficult, very uncomfortable and at times, impossible, (when your thumb gives in), to open one handed. The thumb studs are too small and positioned in the wrong place, way too close to the 3mm thick G10 scales to allow your thumb to get any decent purchase on them. One handed opening is possible using the tip or edge of your thumb, but after a while you will have an extremely sore thumb and either start using your non-dominant hand, if you dare, or both, when a sharp blade is involved. HH could greatly improve their version of this knife by redesigning. Either a) enlarge the thumb studs and make them more comfortable, (as in the Boker+ XS), or b) reposition the thumb studs, or c) carve scalloped channels into the edges of the G10 scales almost down to the steel liners to allow the user's thumb, (whichever hand is used), to be able to effectively access the thumb studs, or d) do away with the thumb studs altogether and revert back to the original Michael Vagnino design. The free Kizer case supplied with my purchase was a nice touch but as the HH Edition has proved to be practically useless for my needs, it will be used to store the knife in a drawer. I have since been able to purchase original Kizer Vanguard Zipslip's with both orange and black G10 scales, in addition to the Micarta scales version and even the Titanium scales version. All the same designed knife, different steels used in the blades. I had to source internationally but well worth it. The Kizer Zipslip is a great knife. The HH Edition made me realise it's potential for me, hence the multiple purchases subsequently. But the HH Edition was otherwise money wasted. Anyone interested in the Kizer Zipslip should avoid the HH Edition in it's current form and look further afield for an original as I eventually did

This looks and feel great and is super sharp on arrival. I was hoping this would be the knife that replaced my Boker XS due to the perfect size and shape of the blade with a comfortable grip. Unfortunately this knife is a little stif on the opening and with the small thumb studs which feesl a bit sharp when opening. If you could replace the thumb studs for the ones on the Boker this could be my No.1 knife

I love the subtle difference in shape, more pokey and still one handed open, I actually thinks it better.

I would go for the original Kizer version. It´s twice the price but really one handed to open by thumb hole and still UK legal.

This is my first knife. As I understand it a thumb knob is intended for one hand opening so why is it so hidden. I will either be sending it back (and look for a junzi) or scalloping the handle to see how much that helps.

Everything the Boker Plus XS HH edition should be but isn’t. Fit and finish are superb, blade grind is nearly perfect, good but slightly clunky one handed opening, excellent deep carry pocket clip….in short, everything I wanted from the Boker but didn’t get….

Excellent razor sharp chunky well built knife!! This heinnie model is so much better than kizers own edition!! Totally excellent in every way!! Definitely the one to buy!! Very happy!!!!

A good little UK Friendly EDC knife. The short blade (under 3" including the choil) and the red colour makes it extra UK friendly imo. The shaped G10 feels particularly nice in the hand, and the good sized handle and choil gives decent control and confidence that it's not going to close on you - and the two stage half stop helps with this too