Kim Son Handicraft Grip Review

[Lycanthrope]

Awhile back, forum member Kimsonvu offerred a free handgun grip trial to any forum member who would review his product.

Without any real expectations, I volunteered....... I sent him info on my full sized Kimber Eclipse and he chose his "Dust of Life 02" grips to try out.



I corresponded with Kimson quite a bit because I had some questions..... He responded within the day each time. To summarize the grips are made from water buffalo horn and are hand polished. I orginally thought they may be laquered since they have some depth. Under the flash it's hard to see. The grips look black, but are actually a very deep brown.

The grips he sent were better suited to an old school/GI gun and had the bevel at the bottom and the hole for the mainspring housing pin. Kimson told me than he could cut the grips flat for a magwell and to cover the mainspring pin. They can also be cut for an ambi safety. The grips have brass inserts for the grip screws. The gaps in the grips are due to the natural grain of the horn. Kimson can pick grips without any gaps shold you wish. On an old school gun, I think they could add some character...

OK...on to the bolt on.





The grips installed without issue. No hang ups with the safeties. They fit flush with the front strap with a slight gap on the rear and bottom. They may be more symmetrical with a gun without the front strap checkering. My only wish is that they were spaced toward the rear just a hair on my gun.

The grips were very secure and had good grip despite the smooth texture. The feel was very warm....like a nice wood or Ivory. The grips filled the hand nicely....the width came out to 1.365 inches with my Carbon Creations coming to 1.275 and Alumagrips showing at 1.255. Not thin but they felt good in the hand, regardless.

Overall, I think if you're looking for an alternative to Ivory, Micarta or a custom wood, then Kimson's grips are worth a look....if anything for the customer service and custom options at no charge.


Lycancallemasiseeemthrope

[BUCKMARK]

Looks good to me. It's no Colt, but hey.....


Hard to tell from the pics, but they look to be centered well on the frame. I have seen countless hi-dollar grips that were drilled off center and don't line up with the grip frame. Not acceptable on a quality 1911.

I like em!

[knight0334]

Man... A set of them would look good on my Vaquero or my Dragoon.

[T Durdin]

Thanks Lycan for the review ... I saw the offer and had wondered how that played out, if anyone got em' or liked em'.

[kimsonvu]

Thanks for your review .

[1FingrCHan]

Originally Posted by Lycanthrope

Awhile back, forum member Kimsonvu offerred a free handgun grip trial to any forum member who would review his product.

Without any real expectations, I volunteered....... I sent him info on my full sized Kimber Eclipse and he chose his "Dust of Life 02" grips to try out.



I corresponded with Kimson quite a bit because I had some questions..... He responded within the day each time. To summarize the grips are made from water buffalo horn and are hand polished. I orginally thought they may be laquered since they have some depth. Under the flash it's hard to see. The grips look black, but are actually a very deep brown.

The grips he sent were better suited to an old school/GI gun and had the bevel at the bottom and the hole for the mainspring housing pin. Kimson told me than he could cut the grips flat for a magwell and to cover the mainspring pin. They can also be cut for an ambi safety. The grips have brass inserts for the grip screws. The gaps in the grips are due to the natural grain of the horn. Kimson can pick grips without any gaps shold you wish. On an old school gun, I think they could add some character...

OK...on to the bolt on.





The grips installed without issue. No hang ups with the safeties. They fit flush with the front strap with a slight gap on the rear and bottom. They may be more symmetrical with a gun without the front strap checkering. My only wish is that they were spaced toward the rear just a hair on my gun.

The grips were very secure and had good grip despite the smooth texture. The feel was very warm....like a nice wood or Ivory. The grips filled the hand nicely....the width came out to 1.365 inches with my Carbon Creations coming to 1.275 and Alumagrips showing at 1.255. Not thin but they felt good in the hand, regardless.

Overall, I think if you're looking for an alternative to Ivory, Micarta or a custom wood, then Kimson's grips are worth a look....if anything for the customer service and custom options at no charge.


Lycancallemasiseeemthrope

Damn, that thing looks classy. Beautifully made by Papa San, I bet? He sent the pair all the way from Vietnam? Wonder if they have an importer here for these kind of art crafts. Me would hesitate to order them directly from Nam because I afraid of Uncle Ho, he he heh......

Kidding aside, good review and I think the forum would be more interesting if it has a review sub-forum for these kinds of stuff. What do ya think, heh?



1FingrCHan

[Lycanthrope]

Actually, when I saw the box from Viet Nam I was a bit confused. It was registered mail, too.

[kimsonvu]

Originally Posted by Lycanthrope

Actually, when I saw the box from Viet Nam I was a bit confused. It was registered mail, too.

What do you means?That way have different with your USA - PO?

[Lycanthrope]

No Kimson. Initially, I had forgotten that I had volunteered to test the grips because the majority of these offers are scams and/or junk. I didn't hold high hopes until I corresponded with you.

The mail here is relatively secure compared to many countries and registered mail is kind of rare......save for court notices and such.

Plus...seeing another language on the box was surprising.

You did everything right, though.

[kimsonvu]

Originally Posted by 1FingrCHan

Damn, that thing looks classy. Beautifully made by Papa San, I bet? He sent the pair all the way from Vietnam? Wonder if they have an importer here for these kind of art crafts. Me would hesitate to order them directly from Nam because I afraid of Uncle Ho, he he heh......

Kidding aside, good review and I think the forum would be more interesting if it has a review sub-forum for these kinds of stuff. What do ya think, heh?



1FingrCHan

I think we don't want any relate with politics here .....

Thanks for you comment.