Jerking the Trigger

Review: Kizer Militaw

By Matt on August 21, 2024 in EDC, Knives, Reviews

The Jonathan Styles designed Militaw has been a smash hit for Kizer. The original Militaw, with its unique design and premium construction, has spawned seemingly endless variations that sell out quickly. I’ve had the chance, thanks to Kizer for providing the review sample, to check out the original version that started it all.

Specs

Model Number: Ki3634A1
Overall Length: 7.99″/203mm
Designer: Jonathan Style
Opener: Front Flipper, Thumb Hole
Blade Style: Drop Point
Blade Length: 3.35″/85mm
Blade Thickness: 0.12″/3.0mm
Blade Material: S35VN
Handle Length: 4.65″/118mm
Handle Material: Titanium+Micarta
Pocket Clip: Machined Ti Clip
Weight: 3.92oz./111g
Lock Type: Frame Lock

Observations from Use

I have always liked the look of the Militaw. It reminds me of a classic Green River Traditional knife in its shape when it is opened. But, it wasn’t until I had one in hand that I fully understood why this knife is so popular.

It is lighter than you expect but also has the kind of heft that only comes with titanium construction. The Ti handle is countoured and radiused so that not a single uncomfortable corner remains. It’s blade has a very finely executed stonewash finish that feels oily smooth under your fingertips and it swings through its ark with ease thanks to ceramic bearings in the pivot. In short, it feels like something special in hand.

The front flipper on this knife is very well executed. It features very effective jimping that wraps up and over the top of the flipper. That setup makes it very easy to get the leverage needed to operate the flipper, even on this larger blade. The triangular shaped opening hole also works well. The user can slide along the relief cut in the handle to catch the corner of the opening hole with their thumb and the the blade flies open with haste. The reverse flick is absolutely effortless thanks to the crispy, well-tuned detent.

Kizer calls the Militaw’s blade shape a drop point but it almost looks like a straight clip point with a long straight clip. This shape brings the point basically in line with the pivot and makes it very easy to access without having to cant the knife too much. That point is also fairly fine but plenty strong thanks to the long swedge grind. The almost full-height flat grind tapers down to a decently thin edge that cuts well and seems to hold up well in cutting thanks to the relatively tough S35VN steel.

The handle design is one of the most distinctive and unique parts of the Militaw design. It is mostly straight with a relief cut that serves to allow access to the opening hole and lock bar and as a finger groove of sorts. This long, straight handle is very neutral in it’s shape, so it accommodates just about any grip type you could want.

The handle also showcases the micarta inlays which have a complex shape that really shows off Kizer’s ability to achieve impressive fit and finish at a production knife price. These inlays are fit with precision and perfectly blend into the contours of the machined titanium handles. The micarta inlay on the lock side of the knife also functions as an integrated overtravel stop for the lock bar.

Wrap Up

The Militaw isn’t not an inexpensive knife but it is an incredible value. I am not sure there is another knife with these premium features that can compete with it on price. This is a showcase of what Kizer can do – precision manufacturing, premium materials, and high-end design, all at a very competitive price.

Kizer Militaw at KizerKnives.com

Kizer Militaw at Amazon.com

The above links may be affiliate links.

Review: Vosteed Hedgehog (Aluminum Scales)

By Matt on August 12, 2024 in EDC, Knives, Reviews

I’ve said before that the Hedgehog is, in my opinion, one of Vosteed’s best knives. So, do the new aluminum-handled versions keep up that high standard? Thanks to Vosteed for the review sample, I found out.

Specs

You can see the full specs at Vosteed.com. The most relevant specs are listed below.

Blade Length: 2.99″ | 76.00 mm

Overall Length: 7.11″ | 180.60 mm

Blade Thickness: 0.138″ | 3.50 mm

Blade Material: S35VN

Weight: 4.42 oz | 113.90 g

Opener: Back Flipper | Thumb Stud | Fuller

Lock Type: Top Liner Lock

Handle Material: Aluminum

Observations from Use

Sometimes small changes can make a knife feel completely different. In the case of these new aluminum scales versions of the Hedgehog, I think the rugged new scales make the knife feel even more like it should – a premium knife that is tough enough for hard work and refined enough for the EDC knife crowd.

The aluminum scales add a sturdy feeling to this knife and slightly more heft that feels reassuring. This version makes more solid, metallic sounds when you open it and it seems more rigid or solid in a way that is hard to describe (because the previous version doesn’t feel flimsy in the slightest).

The finish on these aluminum scales feels slightly finer in texture than other Vosteed aluminum scales I have tried. It is slightly grippy and almost doesn’t feel like metal in the hand. This finish, coupled with the frag pattern milling, makes this one of the grippiest aluminum handled knives I have ever owned.

I don’t want to spend a lot of time rehashing what makes the Hedgehog great so I’ll just direct you to the previous review and summarize my thoughts here. It has an incredibly well-executed top liner lock (basically a Compression Lock with a button) that makes this knife both bull-strong and just as fidgety as any button lock. The handle provides MANY options for how to grip the knife and the blade shape perfectly fits the tough, hard-working design of this knife. It’s modern, stylish, and it just works.

Wrap Up

If pocket time is the measure of which version of the Hedgehog I like best, I have been carrying the new aluminum scale version since I received it. This feels, to me, like the best version of one of Vosteed’s best knives. It is just as stylish as previous versions while somehow feeling more refined and even more hefty in a good way.

Vosteed.com

Vosteed Hedgehog on Amazon.com

The EDC Tool Roll: 711L Hex Bit and Socket 2 in 1 Extension

By Matt on August 7, 2024 in EDC, The EDC Tool Roll

The EDC Tool Roll is a feature on Jerking the Trigger in which we profile various everyday-carry-worthy tools. The tools shown aren’t multi-tools but rather real tools, that by virtue of their compact size, light weight, usefulness, or unique functionality, can find a place in any range kit, emergency kit, or everyday carry bag.

Feel free to comment on the tools that you carry so we can all learn! The discussion on these posts has been very valuable so far.

We have written about a number of compact ratcheting drivers in The EDC Tool Roll series and it’s safe to say I like them a lot. These tools are very handy but need two accessories to really get the most out of them. Those two accessories are a 1/4″ socket adapter and a bit extension.

Unfortunately, those two parts aren’t always included… but even if they were, the shear convenience of the 711L Hex Bit and Socket 2 in 1 Extension might convince you to carry it instead.

711L is a new-to-me tool brand that designs a number of cool things for EDC tool nerds. Their bit extension kills two birds with one stone. It has a clever bit holder designed that can be retracted to reveal an integrated 1/4″ socket adapter that is part of the shank.

Not only does it hold both regular 1/4″ shank bits AND 1/4″ drive sockets, it does both well. The bit holder uses a spring-tensioned, ball-bearing detent to retain standard bits with just the right amount of tension. The bit-holding sleeve is knurled to make it very easy to extend or retract. The quality is just very, very nice overall.

This 711L Hex Bit and Socket 2 in 1 Extension may not have the sex appeal of the other tools I have profiled in this series. It is just an extension, after all. But, it is a well-made extension with a clever, useful design for EDC, and I enjoy using it. It is one of my favorite recent additions to my EDC Tool Roll.

Note: This is NOT a ratcheting extension.

Where to Buy:

It appears that 711L Tools are only available online. If you have a brick and mortar source for these, please share it in the comments! I purchased mine from Amazon (and I already regret not buying the two-pack): 711L Hex Bit and Socket 2 in 1 Extension on Amazon.com

The above links may be affiliate links.

The EDC Tool Roll: Wiha GoBox Bit Set and Mini Ratchet

By Matt on August 2, 2024 in EDC, Reviews, The EDC Tool Roll

Feel free to comment on the tools that you carry so we can all learn! The discussion on these posts has been very valuable so far.

I have owned this Wiha GoBox for a couple of years now. I initially held off on reviewing it because prices and availability were all over the place. At times, this kit was selling for more than $50 when it was even available. Now, they are readily available for less than I paid back then and that is great news because the GoBox kits are excellent.

If you know tools, you likely know Wiha. They make excellent quality tools and their driver bits are especially well-liked. The quality of this kit is top-notch – almost unbeatable when they cost about $30. The bits are great. The ratchet feels great in use and the included extension is shockingly nice.

The ratchet has a large, easy-to-operate direction switch and a relatively large, comfortable handle. Both of these features really stand out among other small ratchets I have used. The bit extension shows a level of design and finish that is impressive, almost out-of-place on an extension. The lock collar holds bits securely and also free spins to give the user a convenient hold point when really trying to lean into a fastener.

The real star of the show with these GoBox kits is the form-factor. The box is compact and made of steel with a secure, friction latch. There is a plastic insert that organizes all the contents with the extension nested under the ratchet. This isn’t some cheap plastic insert either. It is thick, rugged, and holds the bits very well with no signs of wearing out. This is easily the most compact kit of its kind that I have used and also the best organized.

This GoBox kit is relatively complete for my needs but yours may vary. As usual, it is easy to swap in the standard 1/4″ shank bits for the ones you need for your specific applications. I appreciate that it includes a 1/4″ drive socket adapter as these are shockingly commonly overlooked in similar kits.

Where to Buy:

I don’t have a local source for Wiha tools. Amazon now has regular stock for a number of the GoBox kits now and that is where I purchased mine: Wiha GoBox kits on Amazon.com

If it was available at the time, I would have picked the GoBox Standard kit versus the impact rated set that I have. I don’t need the impact rated bits and I prefer that bit selection on the standard kit. It’s cheaper too.

Previously Reviewed Alternatives:

The above links may be affiliate links.

Review: Kizer Banish with Nitro-V Steel

By Matt on July 24, 2024 in EDC, Knives, Reviews

The Jacob Lundquist designed Kizer Banish has been available for a while now. Kizer recently introduced multiple new versions of this excellent fifth pocket knife with new Nitro-V steel, new handle scale options, and an even more affordable price. If you like small, useful EDC folders… tune in. This is a great one.

Specs

Overall Length: 5.4″/137.1mm
Designer: Jacob Lundquist
Opener: Thumb Hole, Front Flipper
Blade Style: Sheepsfoot
Blade Length: 2.30″/58.5mm
Blade Thickness: 0.098″/2.5mm
Blade Material: Nitro V
Handle Length: 3.09″/78.6mm
Handle Material: Various
Pocket Clip: Deep Carry, Reversible
Weight: 2.01oz/57.1g
Lock Type: Button Lock
Hardness: 61.5-62

Observations from Use

Anyone can design a small knife but not everyone can make one that is easy to live with. Small knives can be very hard to open, close, or even hold effectively when you have adult-sized hands. This is where the Banish shines – it makes everything easy.

It’s easy to open and close. The button lock makes both opening and closing easy. It’s the perfect lock choice for a small knife like this. The proportionally large blade opening hole, and relief cut/finger groove to provide access, means this knife can easily be flicked open with a thumb or middle finger. Additionally, the front flipper works shockingly well on this knife.

It’s easy to grip. The most stylish visual element of the Banish (and other well known other Lundquist designs) is the swayback design. This isn’t all for looks though. The shape, coupled with the pronounced finger groove, serves to lock this little knife into your grip in a surprising way. It’s perfect for the sort of quick, little cuts you might make with an EDC-oriented knife like this.

It’s easy to, you know, cut stuff with. The Banish has a super-slicey, thin sheepsfoot-shaped blade. This means you have plenty of cutting leverage and an easy-to-access, needle-sharp point. It’s exactly what you want in an EDC knife that is well-suited to use as a secondary knife.

It’s easy on your wallet. These are $42. That’s amazing when many of the other small knives that work as well as this one are $50 or more.

It’s easy to decide on a handle scales options. Maybe… but maybe not. The Banish is available with a variety of options but Kizer’s red linen micarta is so, so good. It offers plenty of grip without being aggressive. It also looks great, starting out looking brown/tan and gradually darkening into a rich red-brown with use.

Wrap Up

As you likely know by now (because it seems like I mention it in every one of these compact knife reviews), I frequently carry a fixed-blade knife. So, I am always on the lookout for a great small folder to carry as a “Public Knife”. The Kizer Banish is PERFECT in this role. It’s a top-tier compact folder that oozes style and it’s an incredible value. I think it goes on the Rushmore of fifth-pocket knives.

I also want to mention that my daughters love this knife. It is small enough to fit the pockets in lady’s pants, easy for them to operate (even the front flipper), and I like that the lock is “finger safe” since they are still learning to be confident with knife safety. This would make a great gift.

Kizer Banish on Kizer.com

Kizer Banish on Amazon.com

The above links may be affiliate links. Thank you for Kizer for providing this review sample.

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