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
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