The Kizer Smolt is a solid EDC pocket fixed blade that represents an amazing value.
Compact fixed blades in ultra-tough CPM-3V steel aren’t particularly common, and those that exist are typically expensive and can be hard to find. Examples from Bark River, Dawson Knives, and Reiff Knives start a little below $200 (and go up substantially from there), but the Kizer Smolt has a street price of just $69.00! The only real alternative for a similarly sized fixed blade in CPM-3V under $100 is the Cold Steel Pendleton Mini Hunter.
With an overall length of 6.5″, a blade length of just under 3″, and a weight of 2.8 oz. (according to my scale), the Kizer Smolt is perfectly sized for pocket carry, which is an increasingly popular way to carry small fixed blades. The included clip only works for belt carry, but adding an inexpensive UltiClip or a Discreet Carry Concepts clip quickly remedies that issue. (Including the sheath and UltiClip, the total weight is 4.3 oz.)
The included pancake-style kydex sheath has very good retention with no rattle. Thoughtful touches include a small drainage hole and double eyelets for neck carry.
Designed by Jonathan Styles, this small drop point fixed blade includes unique gray G10 handles with grooved black micarta inlays. They are quite striking without being garish and serve to enhance the premium feel of the knife.
The knife arrived quite sharp with a nice uniform grind. The blade is 1/8″ thick, which is more than sufficient for its size and the inherent toughness of the steel (CPM-3V at 58-60 HRC). It’s not clear if the black coating on the blade is DLC or something less durable. Time will tell on this point.
Even with the UltiClip I added, an EDC pocket fixed blade in CPM-3V steel for less than $80 is an incredible value. I look forward to using this blade more in the coming weeks and months, and I will update this review with any additional observations if necessary.
* NOTE: The UltiClip and lanyard in the photo were not included with the knife.
