Jens Anso is a name that carries weight in the knife world. His designs are known for their clean lines, modern aesthetics, and an emphasis on ergonomics. If you've handled his work before, you know he blends function and form in a way that just makes sense. Anso has collaborated with some big names like Zero Tolerance, Böker, and now Kizer, bringing his unique touch to production knives.
One of the things he’s best known for is his work with integral handles—frames milled from a single piece of material. This adds structural strength and eliminates the need for extra hardware. Normally, integrals are found in high-end customs or titanium-based production models, but Kizer is flipping the script by making it accessible with G10. The result? A knife that gives you that solid integral feel without draining your wallet.
First Impressions
The Kizer Brat is one of those knives that grabs attention right away. Designed by Anzo, it takes the integral concept and brings it into the world of G10, creating something that feels rugged, unique, and well-executed. At 3.5 inches with a button lock, it’s a practical size for daily carry without being too much in the pocket.
The handle is the real star of the show. It’s completely seamless, giving me that integral feel without the price tag that usually comes with it. The G10 is tough, feels great in hand, and gives off the impression that it could handle whatever I throw at it. One thing that stood out immediately was the full-length jimping on the spine of the handle. Initially, I thought it would be too much—too aggressive, too overdone. But after using it, I was pleasantly surprised. The texture is just right, grippy without being abrasive, and it doesn’t tear up my hands. There’s nothing worse than overly sharp G10 that feels like it’s attacking you instead of helping. This? It’s dialed in.
Another bonus of the integral handle is that there’s nothing poking or digging into my hand. No weird seams, no uncomfortable edges—just a smooth, comfortable grip. Who’d have thought a G10 integral could feel this good? Props to Anso on this one.
Blade and Cutting Performance
At 3.5 inches of 154CM, the blade length is right in that sweet spot for EDC. The long flat portion has been great for slicing through rope, straps, and other daily tasks, while the subtle belly makes it surprisingly useful for food prep. The drop point tip is handy for piercing and makes precision cuts a breeze.
The jimping on the blade itself is well-executed, running about halfway up the spine. That means whether you have small or large hands, you’ve got plenty of space to grip and apply pressure where needed. It’s a small touch that really adds to the overall usability.
Lock and Deployment
The button lock is solid, no wiggle or play when engaged. It’s smooth, easy to operate, and just works. That being said—blade bounce. It’s something that plagues most button locks, and while the Brat isn’t bad in this regard, it’s still there. I love how easy button locks make deployment and closing, but that little bounce when the blade drops is always something I notice. It’s just part of the deal with button locks, but still, I wish it wasn’t a thing.
Carry and Everyday Use
At 3.7 ounces, it’s light enough to carry daily but still feels solid in hand. The deep carry clip is always a plus, keeping it secure and discreet in the pocket. Deployment is smooth and effortless thanks to the well-tuned detent and bearings, making the flipper-action quick and reliable.
Final Thoughts
The Kizer Brat is an impressive knife that brings the integral handle concept to an affordable level. The G10 build gives it a premium feel, the 154CM blade holds up well for daily tasks, and the overall execution is just spot on.
It doesn’t have the high-end materials of some integrals, but what really sells it is how well everything comes together. The seamless handle, practical blade shape, and smooth deployment make this an easy recommendation for anyone who wants a durable, unique, and comfortable EDC knife.
For those who have admired Anso’s integral designs but didn’t want to drop big money, the Brat delivers that same experience without breaking the bank.