I just got a Barbosa and the action is indeed smooth. The gimping on the handle is definitely not an issue. But I like gimping and wish this extended even further, from the handle onto the blade.
The handle is just a bit thicker than that of, say, the Dukes, for example. I mention that only because it is a little wider than it appeared to me in photos. It is comfortable in the hand.
This is a good-looking knife. I wanted one as soon as I saw it.
The G-10 scales are moderately grippy. The drop point, hollow grind VG-10 blade is sharp. It's a good slicer. The clip is reversible. I wouldn't call it deep-pocket. It sticks out further than some other Kizer clips and is a slight hot spot in my hand. Not enough to be a deal-breaker.
The liner lock is early and rock solid. The blade is well-centered and will shake closed with little effort. It's a fine flipper and fun to play with. Flipping action is snappy but not crazy strong enough to jump out of your hand. There is no manual opening, unlike many of the other Kizer Vanguards I own, like the Gemini and the Intrepids, which I can slide open with my thumb.
Out-of-the-box, the Barbosa initially struck me as competent but nothing special. That quickly turned out to be unfair. After a few days of use I ended up liking it at lot. This is another home run for the value-priced Kizer Vanguards.
Thanks to Kizer and Danish designer Mikkel Williamson for coming up with a 3-inch folder that just barely tips the scale over 3 oz. The Barbosa is very comfortable for pocket EDCing.
Too many of my favorite Kizers, the Gemini and the Dukes included, have blades that are just over 3 inches long. That is puzzling, considering the knife restrictions in many places. I hope there are many more 3-inch or just under folders like the Barbosa in Kizer's future and mine.