C75 Kiwi

The Kiwi

The Kiwi is a regular production Spyderco model intended to appeal to those who favor the more traditional appearance of a slipjoint pocket knife, but want the convenience of one hand opening and the added security of a lock. Although its model numbers bear a C prefix, it lacks the clip common to almost all other models with that designation. It also lacks the "hump" in the blade common to most of Spyderco's "in house" designs. Instead, the Spyderhole opener is contained within the rather narrow modified Wharncliffe pattern blade. It has been offered in two basic formats, bolster and scales construction with both front and rear bolsters which was introduced in 2002, and all stainless steel which was added in 2003. Like Spyderco's first model, the C01 Worker, and many other models over the years, the Kiwi incorporates a Mar/McBurnette style front lock.

Appearance in catalogs

The C75 Kiwi first appears in the 2003 catalog. It is shown there as "new", but its description there, and Spyderco's Across the Years timeline, indicate it was actually released in 2002. The all stainless version first appeared in the 2004 catalog, but according to the timeline was released in 2003.

Designer

Sal Glesser

History, mentionings from the forums, etc.

In addition to the regular Spyderco models, there were two versions made exclusively for A. G. Russell. The Kiwi has also been a favorite platform for customization by Santa Fe Stoneworks.

Information from the Spyderco catalog on the web

The following info has been transposed from the Spyderco web catalog and is specifically from the page showing the first version of the Kiwi to be released.

"Scores of knife knuts have asked "why doesn't Spyderco make a conventional folder like an old time jackknife or penknife?" We have. Our traditional-influenced offering is the Kiwi and it reflects features found on Grandfather's favorite whittler while remaining true to Spyderco's preference for high-tech materials and ergonomics.

Its two-inch VG-10 blade has a Wharncliffe profile and pronounced hump created to accommodate the Spyderco Round Hole. Position of the hole on the blade is important (especially for smaller knives) in finding the spot with the most comfortable/natural pivotal rotation when opening one-handed. Dual finger choils cutaway on the underbelly of the handle deposit the fore- and middle fingers in alignment for optimal control. Amber-colored jig bone scales set next to brushed stainless bolsters are reminiscent of more traditional cutlery. In the manner of a true gent's folder, it is clipless."

The "hump" referred to in the catalog would more accurately be called a brow. The spine of the blade never rises above the level of the backstrap, but dips in front of the Spyderhole opener making the blade even narrower from that point forward.

Variations

To date, the Spyderco C75 Kiwi has been made in several variations. All are made in Japan, probably in Seki City, by Moki.

Variations of the C75 Kiwi

SKU	Handle	Edge	Steel	MSRP	Note	Number made	Grind	Year of Release
C75P	Stainless Steel Bolsters with Amber Jigged bone Scales	PE	VG-10	139,95$		Unknown	Hollow	2002
C75P2	All Stainless Steel	PE	VG-10	75,95$	The all stainless version is thinner than the bolstered versions	Unknown	Hollow	2003
C75MOP	Stainless Steel Bolsters with Mother of Pearl Scales - A.G. Russell Exclusive	PE	VG-10	144,95$	Box carries dual labels. AG Russell calls it SPC75MP. Distinguishable from Santa Fe MOP customs by its brushed finish bolsters (SFSW Bolsters are polished).	Unknown	Hollow	2004
C75BMOP	Stainless Steel Bolsters with Black pearl Scales - A.G. Russell Exclusive	PE	VG-10	159,95$	Box carries dual labels. AG Russell calls it SPC75BP. Distinguishable from Santa Fe black pearl customs by its brushed finish Bolsters (SFSW Bolsters are polished).	Unknown	Hollow	2004
C75P	Stainless Steel Bolsters with Chestnut Jigged bone Scales	PE	VG-10	154,95$	This did not receive a new SKU, but the color of the bone changed, as did its description in the catalog	Unknown	Hollow	2005
C75PRB Pinned	Stainless Steel Bolsters with Smooth Red bone Scales	PE	VG-10	N/A	These were the first pre-production amples made for this variation Sal Glesser did not like the look of the pins in the smooth bone, so the design was changed and the production versions used glued scales. One was given to Paul Beretta by Sal Glesser.	Appx. 12	Hollow	2006
C75PRB	Stainless Steel Bolsters with Smooth Red Scales	PE	VG-10	154,95$	Unlike the Jigged bone version, the scales are attached with glue	Unknown	Hollow	2006
C75MOPA	Stainless Steel Bolsters with Mother of Pearl Scales with Abalone Aaccent Stripes	PE	VG-10	179,95$		Unknown	Hollow	2007
C75CF	Stainless Steel Bolsters with Matte Carbon Fiber Scales	PE	VG-10	199,95$	Unlike the Jigged bone version, the scales are attached with glue	Unknown	Hollow	2008

Technical information

Typical measurements (mm and grams) of the C75 Kiwi:

Variation	Length overall	Length closed	Length blade	Length edge	Hole Ø	Blade thickness	Weight
C75P	138mm	81mm	60mm	47mm	10mm	2,5mm	52g
C75P2	138mm	81mm	60mm	47mm	10mm	2,5mm	47g
C75MOP	138mm	81mm	60mm	47mm	10mm	2,5mm	50g
C75BMOP	138mm	81mm	60mm	47mm	10mm	2,5mm	50g
C75PRBP	138mm	81mm	60mm	47mm	10mm	2,5mm	52g
C75PRB	138mm	81mm	60mm	47mm	10mm	2,5mm	50g
C75MOPA	138mm	81mm	60mm	47mm	10mm	2,5mm	50g
C75CF	138mm	81mm	60mm	47mm	10mm	2,5mm	47g

Typical measurements (Inches and ounces) of the C75 Kiwi:

Variation	Length overall	Length closed	Length blade	Length edge	Hole Ø	Blade thickness	Weight
C75P	5.4375in	3.1875in	2.375in	1.875in	.375in	.0938in	1.83oz
C75P2	5.4375in	3.1875in	2.375in	1.875in	.375in	.0938in	1.67oz
C75MOP	5.4375in	3.1875in	2.375in	1.875in	.375in	.0938in	1.75oz
C75BMOP	5.4375in	3.1875in	2.375in	1.875in	.375in	.0938in	1.75oz
C75PRBP	5.4375in	3.1875in	2.375in	1.875in	.375in	.0938in	1.83oz
C75PRB	5.4375in	3.1875in	2.375in	1.875in	.375in	.0938in	1.75oz
C75MOPA	5.4375in	3.1875in	2.375in	1.875in	.375in	.0938in	1.75oz
C75CF	5.4375in	3.1875in	2.375in	1.875in	.375in	.0938in	1.67oz

References

Sal Glesser as designer

Pictures

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  Amber Jigged Bone

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  All Stainless Steel

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  A. G. Russell Black Pearl

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  A. G. Russell White Pearl

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  Chestnut Jigged Bone

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  Smooth Red Bone

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  Smooth Red Bone

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  Pearl with Abalone accents

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  Carbon Fiber

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  View of Kiwi closed