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Review: Kizer Militaw

By 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 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

Review: Kizer Banish with Nitro-V Steel

By 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.

Review: Vosteed Mini Nightshade Titanium and S35VN

By on July 22, 2024 in EDC, Knives, Reviews

If you have been following JTT for a while, you’ll know that the Mini Nightshade isn’t just one of my favorite Vosteed designs, it is one of my favorite knives. The Nightshade, with its unique and useful Shilin Cutter shape, is what put Vosteed on my radar and I have been carrying one version or another of this knife for a while now. Now, I have my mitts on one of the most premium versions to date.

Specs

Blade Length: 2.60″ | 66.04 mm

Overall Length: 6.32″ | 160.53 mm

Blade Width: 1.13″ | 28.70 mm

Blade Thickness: 0.098″ | 2.49 mm

Blade Material: S35VN

Blade Grind: Flat

Blade Style: Shilin Cutter

Hardness: HRC 60±2

Handle Length: 3.71″ | 94.33 mm

Handle Width: 0.89″ | 22.60 mm

Handle Thickness: 0.437″ | 11.10 mm

Handle Material: Titanium

Weight: 2.59 oz | 73.40 g

Opener: Thumb Stud

Lock Type: Crossbar Lock

Pivot Assembly: Caged Ceramic Ball Bearing

Pocket Clip: Reversible | Stainless Steel

Carry Position: Tip-up

Observations from Use

To me, the Mini Nightshade is all about performance and the performance is all about that blade! Do you want a knife that gives you easy access to a fine, useable tip? It does. Do you want thin blade stock that tapers to a thin, incredibly sharp and slicey edge via a full flat grind? It does. Do you want a shape that holds the material in the cut and has plenty of belly? It does.

These knives CUT!

They also manage to pack that performance into a very compact package. The Mini Nightshade is small enough to pull fifth pocket duty but large enough for a medium size hand to get all four fingers on the grip. It also happens to be a very slim design. It’s a Goldilocks size.

I also want to point out the weight. These knives are incredibly lightweight due to the partial liners and thin blade stock. This is the heaviest version yet and it is still well under 3 ounces at 2.6 ounces. Saying that “you’ll forget you are carrying it is a cliche”, but I genuinely have.

This is also the most premium version of this knife to date. It features sculpted titanium scales that are radiused for comfort and have a very attractive scalloped texture pattern. Vosteed also went premium with the blade steel. CPM S35VN is a great choice here as it can take a fine edge and has solid toughness to support the thin cutting geometry. It’s a great premium, powdered metallurgy option for this knife. While it isn’t a heavy knife by any stretch, it has a solid heft in the hand for such a compact knife.

Wrap Up

This is my favorite version of one of my favorite knives. The most important thing a knife must do is cut… and Vosteed goes all out with cutting performance on these knives. Secondly, you want a knife that is easy to live with and this is definitely that with it’s slim, lightweight design.

See full specs and all available colors: Vosteed.com

See all of the Nightshade family on the Vosteed Amazon Store with 20% off options: Amazon.com

Previous reviews of the Mini Nightshade including more budget-oriented options: Mini Nightshade Reviews on JTT

Review: Vosteed Mink

By on July 10, 2024 in EDC, Knives, Outdoor Gear, Preparedness, Reviews

The Mink is Vosteed’s first fixed blade but, based on the attention to detail, you would think they have been making them for years. Let’s dive in.

Specs

Blade Length: 3.33″ | 83.90 mm

Overall Length: 7.13″ | 181.00 mm

Blade Width: 1.10″ | 27.92 mm

Blade Thickness: 0.118″ | 3.00 mm

Blade Material: Nitro-V

Blade Grind: Flat

Blade Style: Clip Point

Hardness: HRC 60±2

Handle Length: 3.82″ | 97.10 mm

Handle Width: 0.85″ | 21.63 mm

Handle Thickness: 0.46″ | 11.60 mm

Handle Material: Micarta

Weight: 5.12 oz | 145.10 g (Sheath included)

Carry Position: Adjustable Belt Clip

Knife Type: Fixed Blade

Sheath: Kydex

Designer: Yue

Observations from Use

I have been using the Mink as an EDC fixed blade and it excels in that role. Vosteed designed and sized this knife to be well suited to a number of roles from EDC to outdoors. The shallow clip point renders a splinter-pickingly sharp point. The thin blade stock and tall flat grind terminates at a very thin, slicey edge. The handle provides plenty of grip. It has everything you want from an all-around tool.

The pancake-style kydex sheath comes with a small Tek-lok-like clip that works well for basic belt carry or for attaching to a backpack strap. However, I swapped that clip almost immediately for a Ulti-clip Slim 3.3 which allowed me to clip the sheath into my pocket. This setup worked very well. I also tried the Mink in an older leather pocket sheath that I already own and found that to be a VERY comfortable way to carry this knife.

There are three very subtle design elements on the Mink that I think take it to another level and really showcase the attention to detail that went into this design. First, the handle features a choil that works as a guard but does nothing to hinder a variety of grips or impede the user from getting their grip right behind the edge. Second, there is a very slight swedge grind that makes the tip of this knife even more useful. Finally, the addition of a second section of jimping out near the tip of the knife helps give the user tremendous control of that useful tip. It’s very cool to see how Vosteed uses the ergonomics of this knife to enhance the cutting performance.

The use of Nitro-V steel is a great option here. It is plenty tough enough to support the aggressive cutting geometry on this knife, corrosion-resistant enough to shrug off any conditions this knife might find itself in, and also affordable enough to ensure that the Mink is a great value.

There is one thing I would change. I was a little annoyed with the width of the sheath. Vosteed designed a slim, EDC-friendly fixed blade but then saddled it with a wide sheath. I want to be clear, this sheath is not the throw-away garbage that many makers provide with their fixed-blades. It will work for most people. The sheath’s quality is great… it’s just wide. I would love to see them switch to a slimmer, fold-over style sheath for future runs of this knife.

Wrap Up

The Mink is a lot of things. It is an impressive performer with great cutting geometry and the ergonomics to help you get the most out of that cutting geometry. It is a flexible design that can fill various roles from EDC to outdoors. It is an incredible value for these materials and this level of attention to detail.

The Mink is so good that I am very excited to see what Vosteed’s next fixed blade release will be… a fixed blade in the Nightshade line, perhaps? We can dream.

Vosteed.com

Vosteed Store on Amazon.com

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