Displaying items by tag: kizer

When it comes to EDC fixed blades, my journey has been eye-opening. Having been a folder guy for decades, I’m now finding these small fixed blades to be versatile in ways I hadn’t fully appreciated. While I’ll likely remain a folder enthusiast, the Kizer Harpoon Mini is one of those knives that’s making me rethink my stance.

Kizer’s Militaw Series: A New Wave of Innovation and Design

Kizer has truly outdone itself with the latest expansion of the Militaw series, combining their hallmark quality and innovation with new, exciting options for knife enthusiasts. From premium models to the more accessible Vanguard offerings and the introduction of a fixed blade and mini versions, there’s something in this lineup for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just looking for a reliable everyday carry, the Militaw series continues to impress.

The Kizer Towser K is a knife that truly embodies the concept of a reliable companion in your everyday carry lineup. The name “Towser,” associated with a loyal dog, hints at the knife’s intended role—steadfast and dependable, ready for whatever task you throw at it.

The Kizer Huntsman, designed by James Low, stands out in the crowded field of folding knives with its distinctive aesthetic and impressive functionality. As a knife enthusiast with a deep appreciation for both form and function, I found the Huntsman to be an intriguing blend of innovative design and practical performance. This review dives into the elements that make the Huntsman a noteworthy addition to Kizer's lineup, especially for those looking for something a bit different from the norm.

The Kizer Mini Grouper, designed by Azo, is a noteworthy addition to Kizer's lineup. This compact yet versatile folding knife offers a blend of high performance, user-friendly features, and stylish design. For its price range, the Mini Grouper is quite impressive, particularly with its use of carbon fiber and Nitro-V steel.

The Kizer Cormorant, designed by Yue Dong (Doctor EDC), is a blend of intricate design and fidget-friendly features. Yue Dong, while completing his dissertation, designed this knife primarily for its fidgeting capabilities, reflecting his enthusiasm for knives. Despite being a knife enthusiast who primarily uses knives for casual tasks, Yue's detailed approach shines through in this design. The Cormorant features a patented locking mechanism that combines the benefits of a button lock while minimizing unintended release. This innovative lock design provides a unique, springy feel and ease of tension adjustment.

The Kizer Drop Bear is a versatile and high-performance knife, perfect for both everyday carry (EDC) and specialized tasks. Here's an in-depth look at its features, performance, and overall appeal.

Blade Material and Performance

*S45VN Blade*

For the first time, the Drop Bear incorporates S45VN steel, a premium material known for its increased toughness and exceptional edge retention. S45VN is a knife steel that uses a powder metallurgy process, resulting in fine grain structure and high uniformity. This makes the blade not only durable but also efficient in cutting tasks, ensuring long-lasting sharpness and reliability.

*Excellent Performance*

The Drop Bear's design includes a Thumb Stud and Clutch Lock, enhancing the safety and speed of opening and locking the knife. This classic structure has earned widespread recognition, contributing to the Drop Bear's enduring popularity. The quick deployment and secure locking mechanism make it a dependable tool for various applications.

"Nebula Fatcarbon Scale*

The handle of the Drop Bear is crafted from Fatcarbon material, featuring a striking Nebula pattern. This material is lightweight yet durable, providing a comfortable and stable grip. The unique patriotic color combination and graffiti-like fashion style add a distinct aesthetic appeal to the knife, making it not just a tool but also a stylish accessory.

*Scratch Resistant*

Both the blade and pocket clip are treated with a DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating, giving them a deep black color that's highly resistant to scratches. This is the first instance of Kizer using DLC coating on a product, significantly enhancing both the aesthetics and durability of the Drop Bear. The coating ensures the knife maintains its sleek appearance and robust performance even after extensive use.

Vincent Rizzo's Sparrow, brought to us by Kizer Cutlery, exemplifies a blend of functional elegance and robust craftsmanship. Rizzo's design philosophy shines through in every detail of this knife.

The specs for the Sparrow include an overall length of 7.6 inches, a 3.27-inch blade, and a handle length of 4.33 inches. The handles are made from contoured titanium, which is very ergonomic. Its subtle beveling and large finger groove provide a snug, comfortable grip that fits perfectly in hand. The titanium handle not only offers durability but also adds a touch of sophistication with its sandblasted, frosted finish.

Those that know me know that I view pocket knives as an art form. People are into paintings, sculpture, and other works that man creates. A man bears his soul when he creates, pouring out his creativity, passion, emotions, and even love. I, however, see beauty in knives. To others, they are purely utilitarian, cold steel made for a purpose. But I see knives as much an art form as those made with chisels and paintbrushes. It's the angles, curves, material choices, movement, acoustics, etc. It's poetry in motion. Knife designers are artists, and today we're taking a look at a design by Paul Munko.

Paul says that ever since he was a kid, he's been fascinated by anything with a blade. His dad had a toolbox full of pocket knives, using them for a variety of things around the house daily. Paul learned at a young age the utility that a knife could bring into your life. They made things easier in a way that you don't ever think about unless you carry one daily. They were not only useful but fun as well. He got hooked on pocket knives after a road trip, seeing them on display at a rest stop. He went to researching what makes for a good pocket knife. He found out how great the knife-collecting community was. He found collectors, creators, and even started speaking with designers and manufacturers about their work and how their ideas came to be.

Born and raised Minnesotan Jacob Lundquist is the designer of the Kizer Varatas. He's got a Bachelor of Science in Design, has been an Industrial Designer, CNC Machinist, Manufacturing Engineer for nearly 20 years. He's been a knife guy for a long time, and can’t remember a time where he did not have a pocketknife. In 2021 he started Qvist Bladeworks, and subsequently Jacob Lundquist Design. He feels collaborations open up the EDC world. You can be freer to experiment and design more than just knives.