Kizer knives may be made in China, but the company is also very well respected and has produced some of the most popular knife models on the modern market.

For the most part, Kizer specializes in the production of locking folders which EDC fanatics love.

If you’re looking for the best Kizer knife, make sure your list includes these.

Kizer Sheepdog

Kizer jumped on the pocket cleaver bandwagon with this one, but it is anything but a gimmick.

With a large, beefy blade and an incredibly stout point, the Kizer Sheepdog can take whatever you can dish out. Seriously.

Designed by Chris Conoway and available in several different sizes (such as the Sheepdog XL and Mini Sheepdog) this knife is also made with premium components including but not limited to CPM-S35VN blade steel and a ball-bearing pivot mechanism.

Kizer Begleiter (Obviously)

Every single best Kizer knife list includes the Begleiter and there is a good reason. Actually, there are lots of great reasons.

The Kizer Begleiter (pictured at the top of this article) is a great knife and it is among the most popular of all Kizer knives.

It’s hard to lay down specs on this one because the Begleiter has been made in a wide range of different configurations, but the basic Begleiter has a silky smooth pivot mechanism, a liner lock, thumb studs, a pocket clip, and straight-backed, 3.5” blade. It’s available with other features and specifications, though.

You can find it here, too (and we carry some exclusives). If you’re looking for a great Kizer knife, it’s a great bet.

Kizer Drop Bear

The Kizer Drop Bear is just awesome. It’s relatively new, too, which brings a lot of cool factor.

There are a few things that make the Drop Bear unique. One is the unique blade profile - a 2.97” spear point, which seems to be enjoying a resurgence.

Another great thing about the Drop Bear is the lock - it uses what Kizer calls a Clutch lock, which is really just an AXIS lock called by a different name. Don’t let them fool you. All the same, it is an excellent lock type.

Look for it here with extremely durable blade scales and S35VN super steel. We’re also offering an exclusive coming soon (the model pictured above).

Kizer Gemini

The Kizer Gemini, designed by knife elite Ray Laconico, is another great Kizer knife that should be on your list if you need a new one.

Like all the other Kizers here, there’s a lot to love about this one, including but not limited to the Bohler N690 steel which is extremely corrosion-resistant and which offers excellent edge retention.

It also gets high marks for its ball-bearing pivot, lock (either frame or liner lock), and use of top-quality G-10, carbon fiber, or titanium scales.

This knife’s aesthetics are simple, with a gracefully forward-swept design and a simple drop point - but it gets the job done.

Kizer Microlith

The Kizer Microlith is another unassuming knife that offers a lot of functionality and features in an appealing package.

Designed by Nick Swan, this Kizer knife is made with a 2.375” S35VN drop point blade with thumb hole openers (making it great for both right and left-handed users), carbon fiber or titanium scales, and a liner lock.

One of the nice things about it is the surprisingly low weight. It has no liner on the side of the knife opposite the lock, which helps on that front.

Kizer Megatherium

Designed by Elijah Isham and named after the legendary, extinct giant sloths of prehistory, the Kizer Megatherium is a bruiser entirely deserving of that appellation.

Like so many other of Kizer’s quality knives, the Megatherium is available in a wide range of configurations and steels, but here are some things you can expect.

It has a 3.65” blade that can be best described as a sheepsfoot style blade, made of S35VN steel with thumb hole openers, and handle scales (multiple styles available) with a deep choil for excellent control and protection.

Kizer Splinter

The Splinter offers a slender, slighter package with a finer blade.

Go with this one if you want a lighter EDC blade with a finer point - it’s like either a needlepoint or a modified Wharncliffe-style blade.

It’s also available in a variety of configurations but what you can look for are N690 steel (detailed above), G10 scales, and an ergonomic flipper mechanism for easy one-handed use.

Kizer Extra Mini Paragon

The Paragon is somewhat like the Megatherium in terms of bulk and capabilities.

With a 3.09” tanto point blade made of exceptionally thick and durable blade stock, the Megatherium is a pocket knife that can perform almost like a fixed blade.

It also features thumb holes and a flipper mechanism along with a liner lock. If you need a stout folder, pick either this or one of the Kizer Sheepdog models.

Kizer Vanguard Mad Tanto

Kizer has not neglected the surge in popularity of button lock mechanisms, and if you’re looking for a Kizer with this feature, you can’t go wrong with the Mad Tanto.

The Kizer Mad Tanto features, among other things, a 3.31” 154CM blade with a tanto profile, a flipper mechanism, Micarta scales, and a pocket clip.

Plenty of quality and practicality in a basic yet functional package.

Kizer Rocker

Last but not least, we have an uncustomary pick for the best Kizer knife - with a fixed blade.

Kizer’s bread and butter are locking folders, but the Kizer Rocker is not something to write off, especially if you’re looking for a small knife that can land blows way out of its weight class.

The Rocker is a small blade - only 3.35” overall with a 1.38” fixed D2, gracefully swept, skinner-style blade. It’s only 1.62oz overall and has Micarta handles, and it comes with a MOLLE-compatible sheath that offers excellent retention.

This knife is great as a skinner, a neck knife, or a backup and great for those who prefer a fixed blade for EDC.

If You Don’t See the Best Kizer Knife for You Here, Keep on Looking

When it comes to knife reviews, Kizer Cutlery’s high-quality pocket knives always score exceptionally well, and if you’re looking for a new EDC knife, any of those covered here would be a great bet.

But you have to choose what’s best for you, and if you like this knife maker but are unsure that any of these is really the best Kizer knife, keep looking through our collection via the previous link or get in touch with us at WhiteMountainKnives@gmail.com. We’d be happy to answer your questions and make recommendations.