KizerGrazioso

I think these knives are amazing.I've carried a knife as long as I can remember, since I was about 5 or 6. I've had "cheap" knives, "decent" knives, and "quality" knives. I USE a knife, constantly, my whole life, all the time. There's almost never a day when my knife doesn't come out of my pocket at least a dozen times. And I've certainly learned the difference between having just a knife, and having a GOOD knife.This is what I consider the perfect price range. For a tool you're going to use constantly, every day, so you want it to be good, I think about $70 is very reasonable. Something that won't aggravate you when you use it, and might even be a pleasure to use if possible... something that's ergonomic and will LAST, be just as useful 5 years from now as they day I bought it... a tool that when people see it they'll think, "okay, this guy's a professional, he takes his tools seriously," $70-ish is what I expect to spend on a knife.Anything beyond that is just decorative. If I paid $140 for a knife it would be the same QUALITY, the same USEFULNESS, it would just be the same thing... a lot prettier, because I want it prettier.Well, I've now owned 2 different Kizer knives, in the $70-ish range, and I've been very happy with both. (I was so happy about the first one that I'd probably never know anything about any other knife, but I lost it, so I bought another Kizer.) They're worth every penny. I even just found out this one is now cheaper than when I bought it, but I don't care, it's worth what I paid for it.The fit and finish on these is top-notch. Smooth, no sharp edges, they feel really nice in the hand. The seams between different materials are perfect. The opening action... I've had many one-handed knives that opened EASILY, that's what they're designed to do, but this is actually a pleasure to snap open. It's so slick, and snaps into place so solidly.On top of that, I beat the hell out of them. I don't buy a TOOL to not USE it. It's there to make my life easier, not for me to have to baby it and try not to get it dinged up. The first one, before I lost it, stood up to being USED for over a year and showed no signs of wear at all. This one, same thing so far, I'm treating it like a tool and it's acting like one.I highly recommend these knives. I've tried a couple of the "basic," more utilitarian models now, and based on that if I did want to spend a lot more to get an even prettier tool, that I could treat the same way and expect it to stay pretty, would I spend $150-250 or more on a Kizer?Absolutely!

Fine N690 blade steel. Interesting and comfortable Micarta lined handle, beautifully blended with a brass bolster and a wicked blade geometry. You might have noticed by now that the 'flipper' market is dominated by Knives with D2 steel (hard for the novice to sharpen) and G10 handle scales (very durable yet very, yawn... boring). Personally, I have wood, stainless steel, and yes G10 on my other flippers. All fine I suppose but read up on the story of Micarta. IMO it is in a class of its own with the exception of fine exotic wood. I read the reviews before I pulled the trigger on this one, and of course, slight and not-so-slight variations might come down that assembly line. We do have the safety net return policy though. My example came, as far as I can see, perfect. Someone said that theirs came not so sharp; I don't have to even try to shave hair with mine to know that it will. Scarry sharp! One said that with no thumb studs you can't open it slowly. Yes, you can, just pull out the blade with your thumb & index finger. Geesh. One questioned the lock-up of the liner lock. That is always a question, just where should the front of that liner rest on the back of the blade? A 1/32 of an inch looks to be a big deal when the safety of your fingers is in question. My copy looks satisfactory to my liking, but I would never try to push a liner lock too far, they all have a limit. If you're going to play MR & MRS Survival out in the woods, bring a fixed blade. For self-defense, or for a lock-up that you don't want to worry about consider a frame lock, or better yet a frame lock with a betta (double lock) on it. For everyday normal tasks, this one is my new favorite. But, because it's so handsome I would be sure to keep a lesser knife around for that ugly job. Fast forward, I have carried this knife for a while now. If you are OK with its liner lock (a frame lock is stronger) then I have to add that I had no idea how handy the choil of this knife would be! It is the ONLY pocketknife I have found with actual index finger space in the choil, Yes, you can 'choke up' on the blade and do fine work. Nobody else has done this that I can see. A fantastic feature. The brass is slowly developing a patina as well. This knife has character.

This Kizer is a great mid range priced knife. Sharp in looks and cutting ability. Brass adds weight but not to the point that it feels like you're carrying rocks in your pocket. The handle feels great in the hand while the jimping has excellent positive traction and tactile feel. The knife came with a complete spare set of screws and was packaged nicely. Overall, this is a terrific piece for EDC while holding a touch of class to be used as a dress knife. Detent and action are buttery smooth making it difficult to fail to deploy. As a whole I am very impressed with this product and am happy to have it in my collection.

This is a well made mechanically knife. Smooth action. Sharp factory blade. Ergonomics are comfortable. The only gripe I have is after a month of use almost daily, the apparent copper platting has worn on the edges of the chamfers showing it is not solid copper. Over time the flats will fade and will not be polishable without removing the plating in entirety. Not really a huge deal but if you are buying on appearance alone take care to limit pocket friction to extend that life.

Everything about this knife feels and looks like something that would cost more than $70. The micarta looks and feels amazing in hand, and cleans easily if it gets dirty. The blade is the perfect size and shape for me and holds an edge much better than other knives I've owned in the same price range. The action when the blade opens is super smooth and satisfying and the blade locking is sturdy but easy to close.