The Kizer Towser K has made waves in the time since it was released just a short while back. Pocket cleavers have become something of a sensation recently, with the Voxnaes CRKT Pilar leading the pack and knives like the CJRB Maileah (and More Maileah) and Kizer Sheepdog riding on its coattails.

The Towser K from Kizer knives, originally a liner lock pocket cleaver with thumb studs, has earned enough of a positive reception.

But we made it better in our Towser K exclusive, with Richlite scales and a button lock. Here’s what it offers.

Specs

The Kizer Towser K exclusive in question offers the following specs:

• Overall length: 8”
• Closed length: 4.57”
• Blade length: 3.42”
• Blade thickness: .12”
• Weight: 4.2oz
• Carry: Pocket clip; tip-up, reversible
• Deployment: Thumb holes
• Lock type: Button lock
• Blade steel: CPM-3V
• Blade profile: Sheepsfoot
• Blade finish: Satin
• Grind: Flat
• Edge: Straight edge
• Scale material: “Chocolate Glacier” Richlite

Blade Steel and Profile

One of the most attractive things about this variant on the ever-popular Kizer Towser K is the blade steel, which is CPM-3V. This is not to suggest that other versions have not been equally commendable, as Kizer has previously produced this knife in 154CM steel.

But the CPM-3V from Crucible Particle Metallurgies offers stellar performance all the same, with one user commenting it sharpens and handles similarly to D2.

However, this steel, which contains .8% carbon, 7.5% chromium, 2.75% vanadium, and 1.3% molybdenum, most certainly has some advantages over D2 tool steel.

One, it has slightly less carbon, so it’s a little softer. That might mean it offers slightly inferior edge retention, but it’s easier to sharpen. Two, it has much more vanadium, making it tougher. Finally, its respectable chromium content makes it highly resistant to corrosion.

The blade profile is also a winner here. With a gracefully swept straight edge, thick blade stock, and a stocky, sturdy sheepsfoot profile, this is everything you could want a pocket cleaver to be. It’s big, tough, and almost begs to be used as a chopper - even though it’s a bit small for that.

All the same, this blade can be comfortably used for everything from food prep to breaking down boxes and everything in between.

Scale Material

The scale material is a brown Richlite material in a color Kizer calls “Chocolate Glacier.” It looks cool, but that’s not why we love it.

Believe it or not, Richlite is a composite made predominantly from paper fiber. It’s extremely durable, versatile, and since it recycles old materials, surprisingly sustainable.

But even though it’s often made from shredded paper fibers, don’t let that fool you. It’s bound and stabilized with synthetics, so it’s basically like a version of Micarta. Think of it that way.

Consequently, it is very strong and stable, and exceptionally resistant to the elements, just like Micarta or G10.

Deployment, Lock, Carry

The original Kizer Towser K deployed via thumb studs. This exclusive makes use of thumb holes. They’re easy to access, ambidextrous, and lighten the overall weight of the knife while slimming the profile.

The original Kizer Towser K also differed from this version in the fact that it had a liner lock. While this Towser K retains the steel liners, the lock on this one is a button lock.

The button lock has surged in popularity recently and can be seen in enormously popular knives like the CIVIVI Elementum and CJRB Pyrite. But again, popularity is not why we love the button lock here.

Actually, it has to do with ease of use. Like a liner lock or frame lock, a button lock can be easily engaged and disengaged with one hand. It’s less likely to unintentionally disengage than either of the former alternatives, and even more importantly, keeps the user’s fingers away from the blade’s path of travel when closing the knife.

As for carry, these Kizer knives come with a pocket clip that allows for tip-up carry and is reversible to either side of the knife.

Ergonomics

This knife also gets high marks for ergonomics. It’s a bit heavy and fairly large, but easy to deploy, the lock is a dream to work, and the knife feels comfortable in both large and small hands.

The scale contours provide a sure grip without digging in anywhere or producing any hot spots, and the knife spine has a gentle thumb scoop that provides a sure grip in a wide range of scenarios.

All in all, it’s a surprisingly comfortable knife to carry, hold and use, especially considering the large size. It’s easy to forget that this knife weighs more than a quarter of a pound.

To Wrap It Up…

Let’s revisit all of the things that make this a real top selection among Kizer knives:

• CPM-3V blade steel offers a great balance across edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness
• Practical (and cool) pocket cleaver design
• Button lock is easy to work and keeps your fingers away from the blade when closing
• Thumb holes allow for simple, ambidextrous deployment
• Pocket clip is reversible
• Richlite scales are great in the face of the elements

These and Other Kizer Knives Here at White Mountain Knives

While this is one of our favorites (and one of our top sellers) it is far from the only WMK exclusive we offer here from Kizer Cutlery.

If you’re looking for a knife EDC knife from this high-end Chinese knife maker, this Towser K pocket knife won’t let you down.

If you want to know more about it before you get one, feel free to get in touch with us at WhiteMountainKnives@gmail.com. You can also check out our full collection of Kizer knives via the previous link.