Kirby Lambert Claw Gouge-Grip Knife

Review by corwin99

This is one of Kirby’s first Gouge-Grip folders. As I can tell he doesn’t make too many of these types of grips anymore, but did for a short period, and I really like them. I remember the day that Kirby emailed me to show me this new design he had, and I ordered one immediately.

Kirby is one of the few knifemakers that I would call a friend. He’s probably one of the nicest guys out there and I own more of his knives than anyone else’s. Fit and finish on his knives are immaculate and this Claw folder is no different. The backspacer has a very cool drilled design and is annodized several different colors. The overlays are carbon fiber, and it is a Titanium framelock obviously. Blade is handrubbed S30V stainless, with a single thumbstud. Most of my peices from Kirby have dual thumbstuds but this was before I thought about it.

Back spacer is annodized blue and bead blasted in tip down configuration. I typically prefer tip up, but this model works better tip down according to Kirby. I can see how that’s the case with the shape of the butt of the knife. The claw feels great in the hand and your pinky has the habit of slipping into that notch in the butt almost like you’d hold a straight razor. The hawkbill blade probably isn’t the most practical user blade around, but it is great for many chores and excels in draw cuts.

I didn’t buy this knife because of practicality anyway… but the fact that it works great doesn’t hurt!

blade length: 3.5″
handle length: 4.25″
blade material: CPM S-30v
handle material: Carbon fiber
frame: 6al/4v anodized titanium

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