Kizer is releasing an updated batch of Feist front-flippers after acknowledging two issues with the original run. Uneven interior finishing and a loose stop pin have been resolved, and a comprehensive exchange policy is in place for affected customers.

“If anybody is unhappy with the fact that they have a first generation Feist, they can exchange it at any time,” Kizer’s David Sun says. 1st generation Feists can be exchanged directly through Kizer, or with participating dealers. Sun reckons about 90% of the original batch of gen 1 Feists have been sold or reclaimed. Any new stock that appears with dealers will be generation two.

The Feist was Kizer’s most hotly-anticipated 2017 release. As the first units began to arrive with dealers and customers, designer Justin Lundquist noticed two issues with his prototype. Rough interior finishing contributed to a grittiness in the front flipper’s action. The floating stop pin wasn’t correctly fitted into the blade, rattling back and forth in its channel. He notified Kizer, which subsequently halted production and distribution while addressing the problem.

They tightened up the finishing steps on the Feist, performed additional polishing on the interior, and refitted the stop pin. “This is the way the Feist will be made from now on,” Kizer’s David Sun assures us. Kizer doesn’t consider the refined Feist to be a sequel or full renovation of the product, so no distinguishing marks or nomenclature will be made to distinguish the blades. “When we said there were changes everybody expected it was going to be a modified Feist,” Sun explains. “It’s more of an improvement in manufacturing based on the original design.”

“I want to point out with emphasis there is no mechanical, safety, or operational issues with the original,” Sun continues. Lundquist himself confirmed this through extensive independent testing. “I’ve been carrying my prototype and using it every day. It exhibited both issues, but there’s nothing wrong with it functionally.”

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The Feist situation has been a learning experience for Kizer. “We could have done a better job of explaining to people what we did,” Sun tells us. The company plans to boost its social media presence for more thorough communication going forward. They’re also extending the prototype testing period, so issues are more likely to get flagged before a knife goes into production.

Lundquist tells us that although he was dismayed with the problems, he’s grateful that it was taken care of. “I’m glad it was able to be fixed. Not all companies would have done that.”

Knife featured in image: Kizer Feist