In Review: Kizer Feist

The Venn diagram of folks who are into watches, and those who are into everyday carry (EDC) items has a lot more intersection that you might otherwise suspect. Through Instagram messages, someone who’s opinion I value on watches also pointed me towards a knife to consider. Long story short, I ended up picking up a Kizer Feist, and am telling you about it here.

Now, for me, a pocket knife is an absolute must to have in my pocket every day – even when working from home. Sometimes you just need to open up a package or quickly cut an apple, and it’s just plain handy to have on hand. That said, not everyone agrees with that view, and a knife like the Kizer Feist goes a long way towards not looking offensive to anyone. For one, it’s got a rather lovely deep-carry clip, meaning that you don’t see any of it poking out of your pocket.

Once you retrieve the Kizer Feist from your pocket, it’s relatively slender and not overly large, again reassuring folks that this is a tool, not something you’re going to try to go Crocodile Dundee with. While G10 scales (a resin reinforced with fiberglass) are common, I opted for the version of the knife with Richlite scales. This is a material made with resin-infused paper, and is unlike anything I’ve ever handled on a knife before. It’s got an subtle variegated pattern to it, and manages to feel smooth – but not slipper – in the hand. It’s rather unique in the knives I’ve got, and definitely makes it feel even more like an “about town” sort of a pocket knife, rather than banging around in the outdoors.

That’s not to say the Kizer Feist couldn’t handle a challenge. With it’s CPM 4V steel, you’ve got a good mix of toughness and hardness. This particular drop point blade has a black titanium coating on it that’s held up well in the month or so I’ve had it – time will tell if it wears from usage or stays looking like new.

Aside from the handle material, the Kizer Feist came in an opening configuration I’ve not handled before – a front flipper. To open it one handed is something I’m still working to do smoothly, but it is doable. You’ve got the jimping on the edge near the pivot, and you use your thumb to roll it open. At least for me, it’s not a quick deploy, but it’s also not accidentally opening in my pocket. Once open, you do have a liner lock, so things are kept safe while you’re using the blade.

Aside from the knife, I was surprised by what came with the Kizer Feist. You’ve got a small microfiber cloth to wipe things down, and a small canvas pouch (velcro closure) that works to keep the knife protected when you’re not carrying it. It also included a spare set of hardware, so you’re set if you ever need to take things apart for maintenance and lose a fastener. First knife I’ve had come with that, and it was a welcome addition.

All in all, I was very happy I acted on the recommendation to pick up a Kizer Feist. There are a variety of scale options out there, and I’d highly recommend the Richlite if you’ve not experienced it. If you’re looking for a higher-end carry, there’s also a few version with titanium on the scales. If you want a knife that flies under the radar (and doesn’t scream “hey! I’m carrying a pocket knife!”) then I’d be hard pressed to not recommend the Feist at this point. Want to get one? They’re available at Justin Lundquist, Kizer Knives, or Blade HQ.