I initially wanted to try the Kizer Exist because I was looking for a wharncliffe style blade to add to my rotation. I expected it to be good – it is a Kizer with their Clutch lock after all. The clever design touches that designer Nick Serrano baked into it took me off guard. Now, I hope this knife takes off for Kizer because I would like to see them introduce a ton of variants as they have with the Drop Bear, Militaw, and others. I think it’s that good.
Specs
- Model: Exist
- Overall Length: 6.79″ / 172.4mm
- Designer: Nick Serrano
- Opener: Thumb Stud
- Blade Style: Drop Point
- Blade Length: 2.78 “/ 70.70mm
- Blade Thickness: 0.11″/2.8mm
- Blade Material: 154CM
- Handle Length: 4.00″/ 101.7mm
- Pocket Clip: Reversible
- Weight:3.36 oz/95.3g
- Lock Type: Clutch Lock
Observations from Use
I mentioned some clever design touches that took me off guard earlier related to two things. First, is the blade shape. When I checked the listing initially, I assumed it was a wharncliffe blade. I didn’t notice that Kizer calls this a drop point and now I see why they do. It actually has edge belly, not much but it does, which makes this kind of a hybrid blade shape.
Is it a wharncliffe with some belly or a drop point with a very, very low point? Well… I don’t exactly know but I like it and it works. There is a little bit of belly which improves slicing performance and the kind of acute, splinter-picking tip you expect from a wharncliffe. It’s a blade shape that does a lot of EDC tasks very well.
The second thing that took me by surprise was how the overall shape of the knife would play into the function of the knife. You may be familiar with offset/bent blade designs like traditional Shilin Cutters or a more modern example like the Ka-Bar TDI. The idea is they change the way we interact with the point by lowering it to make it easier to access with a neutral wrist position. The Kizer Exist gives you a similar feeling to those with its curved back that carries from the tip of the blade all the way to the butt of the knife. This makes the tip present in a very natural way that is easy to access without the additional bulk in the folded position that true offset designs suffer from. It’s very clever and I like it a lot.
Apart from the unique aspects of the design, the knife is everything you expect from a Clutch lock Kizer and that is a good thing. I think Kizer does crossbar locks better than just about anyone. The action is great. The lock-up is great. The ability to easily adjust the tension on the lock is still tops.
If I could change one thing, I would make the handle scales just a bit more rounded. As it is, the scales have very square edges. The Drop Bear, for instance, has similar construction – aluminum scales over steel liners – but it feels more compliant in the hand thanks to more rounded contours. I don’t think the Exist is uncomfortable to hold by any stretch but it is a little squarish in hand. It’s a comfortable handle that seems like it could be even more comfortable.
Wrap Up
This is a unique knife that I hope gets the attention it deserves. I don’t hear a lot of talk about this knife and I hate it when something this good gets lost in the shuffle. This hard-working EDC is easy to love once you put it to work.
You can learn more at Kizer.com or buy at the official Kizer store on Amazon.com.
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