What is a Kiwi or Kom Kom?
Kiwi and Kom-Kom are two brand names that have been created by the company Kiwi & Kom Kom Co. Ltd. who are based in Bangkok, Thailand (http://www.kiwiandkomkom.com/).
They have been crafting knives (and peelers) that are world-renowned for being razor sharp and exceptionally good value for over 40 years. Why not try one and find out for yourself just how good they are.
Known globally by their reputation as some of the best knives that Thailand has to offer, Kiwi Brand and Kom-Kom knives are both attractive and practically suited for everyday use.
The two separate brand names are used to differentiate between the different qualities of the knives. While they are very similar in design and functionality the Kom-Kom Branded knives are generally slightly higher quality (see below for more info).
Many people who buy Kiwi or Kom-Kom knives have already used them and know what to expect, while others may have read some of the glowing reviews, either online or in the major press and are interested to see what the hype is all about.
From the Guardian newspaper
'It’s literally the perfect knife': Dan Hong on the three most useful objects in his life
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/oct/21/its-literally-the-perfect-knife-dan-hong-on-the-three-most-useful-objects-in-his-life
"It feels good to have something so cheap that works so well. It’s nothing against good knives. If you look at sushi chefs, for instance, you just can’t do your job with a Kiwi knife. It’s the same for butchering. But for simple at-home chopping jobs, it’s literally the perfect knife."
Marmite, 7Up, smoked butter … chefs on how to improve your cooking for £5
https://www.theguardian.com/food/2020/feb/05/marmite-7up-smoked-butter-chefs-on-how-to-improve-your-cooking-for-5
Kiwi knives
Shaun Hurrell, Barrio Comida, Durham
"I used expensive Japanese knives for years before an Aussie chef put me on to the Thai-brand Kiwi knives. They’re my go-to knives for daily prep – ultra-sharp, super-lightweight and with a very thin blade you can quickly put an edge on. You can pick them up for about £5."
TEN MILLION THAI CHEFS CAN’T BE WRONG!
https://www.tactical-life.com/tactical-knives/credible-cutters-on-the-cheap/
Review of Kiwi Knives on Cooltools website kk.org
"Kiwis are the most consistently sharp, most durable, and have the most effective shapes. I've bought or suggested them for all of my foodie friends, and people can't get over how wonderful they are."
http://kk.org/cooltools/kiwi-knives/
Mob Tools Like Kiwi knives too.
https://www.mob.co.uk/life/the-best-value-kitchen-knifes
So is there a difference between the two brands?
Where there is a Kiwi and Kom-Kom version of the same knife style available, the Kiwi Brand version will typically be the cheaper of the two, as the Kom-Kom knives are generally made of higher quality materials and have a better finish.
See image below for example:
Both the Kiwi Brand "503" (top) and the Kom-Kom Brand 503-1 (bottom) are 4" fruit knives with wooden handles and look are almost identical in design. Both the Kiwi and Kom-Kom knives use Japanese martensitic stainless steel (SUS420J2) that is tempered and hardened using a method that is unique to Kiwi & Kom Kom Co. Ltd.
See here for more information regarding carbon steel: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_steel
In this example the Kom-Kom branded knife has a superior finish and uses a higher quality hardwood for the handle. It also has brass rivets which are flush with the handle. When it comes to using the knives, they are interchangeable.
If you are unsure if a Kiwi or Kom-Kom knife is for you, why not give either one or both a try?