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SMOLT exceeded my expectations!

First Impressions

At first glance, it was clear that this knife is a high-quality product. The Chinese manufacturer Kizer knives is a true master in producing modern knives with an emphasis on quality at a more than reasonable price. I've experienced this firsthand several times. And I also really like designs by Jonathan Styles—this guy definitely knows what he's doing!

Kizer model Smolt comes in several variations, and each has something unique (the Christmas gingerbread limited edition of Smolt was enchanting, and the knives sold out in no time), but the KNFS Exclusive takes it a step further. See for yourself.

Handle

made of carbon fiber (Marbled Carbon Fiber) with a beautiful marbled pattern, it is lightweight yet sturdy and provides a secure and comfortable grip. The elegant marble pattern is not only visually stunning but also practical, effectively masking signs of wear. Meanwhile, the blade with a Black PVD coating exudes a modern and tactical appearance.

Performance in Everyday Use

I carried the knife for several days and used it for common urban EDC tasks—and it handled them flawlessly. Opening packages, cutting cardboard, preparing snacks… all those routine daily tasks that involve taking a knife out of your pocket were completely effortless thanks to the extremely sharp 3V steel blade. The drop point with a flat grind offers excellent cutting performance, and the PVD coating protects the blade from wear and corrosion. It also hides minor scratches from use, which is always a bonus.

In the Kitchen

I was curious about how the knife would perform in the kitchen, so I used it for basic food preparation, such as slicing fruits, vegetables, and meat. Although this knife is designed more for EDC or outdoor use, it performed excellently in the kitchen as well. The 7.4 cm blade is compact enough for precise tasks yet strong enough for tougher cuts.

Comfort and Usability

The handle's ergonomics are excellent, although it's worth noting that a man with larger hands might find it slightly less comfortable to hold. After all, it's a compact knife with a fixed blade, and the fact that it can be comfortably carried even in the pocket of jeans or pants inevitably affects its size. For me, the size of the knife and handle is perfect, and even after extended use, the grip remained comfortable.

The black Kydex sheath with a Tek-Lok system also deserves a mention. The knife can be carried vertically or horizontally and attached to a belt or another part of your gear. The workmanship is impeccable; the sheath is sturdy, and the knife fits securely, clearly showing the manufacturer’s attention to detail.

My Tip:

If you buy an UltiClip and replace the Tek-Lok with it, you can comfortably carry the knife in the pocket of your jeans or pants. Tested and proven!

Durability and Workmanship

3V steel, used for the blade, maintained its sharpness throughout the testing period without needing resharpening. The knife was razor-sharp out of the box and held its edge with ease. The materials used are truly top-notch, so with reasonable use, this beauty will likely outlast you. Smolt KNFS Exclusive can confidently compete with much more expensive models. Honestly, I don’t understand how they’ve achieved such an unbeatable price-to-quality ratio here. Hats off!

Unboxing the Knife

What to Add After All These Superlatives?

Kizer Smolt KNFS Exclusive is a modern EDC knife that combines the advantages of a fixed blade with the convenience of a folding knife, elegantly and with full functionality. It’s suitable for both urban and light outdoor use. As long as you don’t mistake it for an axe or pry bar, it will serve you faithfully for years, no doubt about that.

With a limited run of 200 pieces, it can also be a nice collectible for some, but for me, it would be sad to leave it on a shelf. It’s a hardworking tool that wants to experience small and big adventures with you, and I’m sure it will win you over just as it won me over.

After a short testing period, I can confidently say this knife is worth every euro. If it appeals to you as much as it does to me, I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Majo (Knajf Lover)