Kizer is one of those companies that consistently releases new designs, many of which become instant hits.
This post is going to cover one that, while it hasn’t made a massive splash (yet) it still deserves your attention – and yes, on its merits, it might even be called the best Kizer knife.
It’s the Kizer Little Rhino, and it’s not even a folder. Here’s what to know about it.
Specs and Design
The Kizer Little Rhino is another pocket cleaver, and this one isn’t even a folder. At 6.9” overall, it sports a 2.72” blade with stock thickness of .157”. It weighs 3.5 ounces and comes with a Kydex sheath.
It has a karambit-style handle that aids in ergonomics and retention and has a generous lanyard hole in the base of the tang. The rest will be examined here.
Choice of Blade Steel
Kizer has chosen D2 steel for the blade of this pocket cleaver, which, if you’re not familiar, is a great tool steel.
Carbon content in this alloy is between 1.5% to 2.35%, with chromium about 12%. It also contains between .7% to 1.2% molybdenum, a smidge of manganese at .6%, and a whole 1.1% of vanadium.
The significant carbon content makes for a steel that with the proper heat treatment can both take and hold an edge. Indeed, users are quick to comment that D2 can fairly easily raise a razor’s edge.
With all that molybdenum and vanadium, and with good carbide distribution, this is an alloy that is generally considered very tough as well, and pretty wear resistant, which means it can also hold an edge, not just take one.
Also, it has a pretty high concentration of chromium, which strives with the carbon content to help reduce surface corrosion. The chromium content is high, but so is carbon, so ultimately this is a relatively corrosion resistant steel. It will rust, though, so be careful with it.
But, the good news is the blade is also finished with a black stonewash finish which helps to provide a modicum of corrosion protection (and which reduces glare and looks pretty cool, too).
As for the design and heft of the blade, the lack of a conspicuous point considerably increases its toughness, and the small cleaver style blade is excellent for food prep and campcraft, and tough enough to stand up to pretty brusque jobs.
Handle, Sheath and Carry Options
The Kizer Little Rhino is made with an ergonomic handle design that sports G10 scales with a large pommel swell and lanyard hole.
This locks the grip in place on the handle, making it very difficult for the hand to slip forward or backward on the handle and which provides a very sure grip. The lanyard hole can also be used as a finger ring, aiding in control and retention.
It also comes with a black Kydex sheath which offers an excellent level of retention and which can easily be carried on a belt due to its integral clip.
As for the scales themselves, they are made of attractive green G10 which is slip resistant and non-absorbent, and which needs effectively no maintenance.
Where Can You Get One?
If you agree with this post that the Little Rhino just might be the best Kizer knife (or at least one of them) then check out what’s in stock over at White Mountain Knives. They carry this and a ton of other Kizer knives, all at competitive prices, and there are some exclusive designs in the mix as well.
