Kornel Kiss

Q1: Could you please introduce yourself to our community?

My name is Kornel Kiss, and I live in Hungary, Europe. Professionally, I work as a graphic designer and also in GIS technology.

Knifemaking started as a hobby for me more than 15 years ago, but drawing and designing things has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Besides designing I make a few knives every year in my small home workshop, but only fixed blade knives and only with minimal machinery, without CNC equipment or other high-tech manufacturing tools.

Q2: How did your background in graphic design influence your knife designs?

Instead of sketching on paper I always start a knife design as computer graphics. It is much easier to make little changes in a software and every little change makes a different knife. To me this way makes it more effective to experiment on shapes, lines and arcs that make a knife design. The end of this process is a visual design that can be the base of an actual 3D CAD design.

The concept drawing of the Zander

About the Zander

Q3: What inspired you to create the Zander?

With the Zander, my goal was to design a full-size folding knife that can handle almost every everyday cutting task. I wanted a knife with a comfortable handle, a fairly wide drop point blade, and versatile deployment options.

Q4: Why did you choose a drop point blade for the Zander?

The drop point is one of the most versatile blade shapes available. It offers a strong tip, excellent control, and performs well across a wide range of cutting tasks, making it ideal for everyday carry.

Q5: What were the biggest challenges during the development of the Zander?

The only challenge for me was the waiting for the release.

I was very excited about the final product. The engineers at Vosteed did a really great job on applying the Vanchor lock, making the necessary modifications and finalizing the design. The materials and build quality of the Zander are beyond my expectations.

Q6: Which feature of the Zander are you personally most proud of?

I am particularly proud of the ergonomics. The overall size, the handle contours and texture work together to create a secure and comfortable grip, making the knife feel natural in use.

Q7: The Zander offers multiple opening methods. Why was that important to you?

The architecture of a knife can accommodate multiple opening mechanisms, so I think why not give users the option to choose the one that is most comfortable for them. And anyway, who doesn't like fidgeting with a knife? :D

Q8: How would you describe the ideal user of the Zander?

The comfortable handle, the blade’s length and shape makes the Zander capable of tasks from camping and daily uses to kitchen chores. It is designed for people who want a dependable everyday carry knife — something capable enough for serious use while remaining comfortable and practical for daily tasks.

Follow Kornel Kiss

IG：https://www.instagram.com/kornelknives/

YT：https://www.youtube.com/@kornelkissknives/videos