Kizer Area Eight Fixed Blade Knife, 4.23" Satin Finished AEB-L Blade

Kizer makes great knives for the most part. I watched a lot of reviews on this blade before purchase but ultimatly sent it back. The best way I can think to describe this knife is to refer to it as Kizer's version of a Mora companion. The fit and finish are great. Materials for construction are excelent. All of the reviews I watched or read about say it functions great. I sent mine back unused, so I didn't test it personally. I can only make one physical complaint about this knife, and that is that the tang is short. Only reaching the first two screw holes. The reason I sent it back is because I just couldn't find a place for this knife in my carry/use rotation. I have a lot of knives, and this just didn't fit into a spot that wasn't already filled by something else or could be filled by a mora companion at a cheaper cost (better value). 5 stars for materials and construction, 4 stars for design, 2.5 to 3 stars for value.

I didn't have high expectations for this knife based on the $60 price and the unknown brand, but I am pleasantly surprised. The length of the cutting edge is right at 4" long. The spine at the thickest point measures 3.5mm. Out of the box, it was extremely sharp and would slice through paper just by being pushed through it without any slicing motion. The scales are very tightly fitted and have decent grip through the cuts/texture in them. The tang is not specified in the product description, so I suspect that it is not full tang, though I sought to try batoning with it anyway. I batoned several sections of ~3.75" diameter maple wood, and kind of expected the thin tip to bend or shear off, though to my surprise, it was able to handle the task, including being struck several times on the handle and on the tail end to reorient the knife in the wood. After splitting the maple logs down to kindling size, it was still sharp enough to make feather sticks and still sliced through an index card very easily. The edge and black finish have incurred no damage or rolling either I was also pleasantly surprised that the handles had not loosened at all or cracked after being smacked while batoning. The overall size is about the same as a Cold Steel Voyager (large, not the XL). The kydex sheath that it comes with is pretty nice, and impressive at this price point. I really appreciate that it comes with an adjustable retention screw to increase or decrease retention, rather than just being grommeted in at a set level. The sheath also comes with a Tek-Lok style belt clip, which is awesome. Overall, this seems like it's actually a pretty solid value for this price and size of knife.

Not bad I wanted to be able to scout carry. And it is the perfect distance away from the small of the back. It's right there i couldn't miss it . The issue is it kept popping open. It came fairly sharp dulled easily doing mundane tasks. I don't think it the steel. I think it was the factory edge to shallow. I am returning it tomorrow. I think I can do better for the money if I had spent 20 less or twenty more. Know what I mean???

This knife is well built. The handle feels exceptionally sturdy and solid. No wiggle anywhere, and there are no gaps between the two different colors of g10. The handle is fairly smooth, but the jimping and notches provide enough grip for a secure hold. It isn't the best for wet hands though. The shape is simple and effective, you can get a secure 4 finger grip with room to spare. The handle is a bit on the narrow side and pretty blocky, so long term cutting may produce some hot spots. The blade is a useful shape, with a lot of flat and good thickness down to the tip. The high flat grind is a good compromise between slicing and strength. AEB-L steel is known for toughness, so I have no doubt this knife can stand up to significant abuse. The sheath is well made. It comes with a Tek Lok style belt attachment that is nice and sturdy, or you can use the included screws to mount up your own hardware. It holds the knife firmly in place, no concerns of it coming out unintentionally. This is a great, utilitarian knife perfectly suited for hiking or camping chores. It's not cheap, but the quality lives up to the price.

This fixed blade knife might be my new favorite knife. It is extremely balanced in weight and the ergonomics are perfect. It just feels solid in the hand. The size is good for a bigger EDC. The color is very clean with the dark and green colors. My favorite part is the audible click into the holster which is perfectly matched to the knife. The clip can be moved and comes with extra hardware screws. Great value for the price.

I’m relatively new to high-end fixed blades, but the Kizer Area Eight has set a very high bar. The first thing you notice is the "heft"—at 119g, it feels incredibly sturdy and professional without being a brick on your belt. ​The Unboxing & "Case Candy": The presentation is impressive. While the internal plastic mold feels a little thin, the box itself is high-quality and comes packed with extras. You get a dedicated cleaning cloth, spare parts (hardware), and even a few other fun additions. It’s a nice touch that makes the purchase feel more premium. ​The Blade & Finish: The black PVD finish is beautiful and arrived razor-sharp—it passed the "paper-slice" test with zero effort. The handle (G10) looks like a dark, high-density wood but feels much more durable and grippy. ​The Sheath (The "Case"): This is where the engineering really shines. The knife "clicks" into the sheath with a very positive, audible snap. ​Zero Rattle: Once it’s in, it doesn't move or shake at all. It feels like the sheath was custom-molded to the exact atom of the blade. ​Security: It takes a firm, intentional pull to get it out, so there’s zero worry about it falling out while hiking or climbing. ​Belt Lock: The belt attachment has a push-button lever that locks it onto your waist. It feels incredibly secure. ​Final Thoughts: Kizer clearly put a lot of thought into the "carry" experience. You get a beautiful, sharp blade, a sheath that is perfectly engineered for safety, and a great set of maintenance extras.

The Kizer Area Eight is an absolute gem of a knife that has quickly become my go-to EDC companion. Designed for larger hands, the ergonomic G10 handle provides a secure and comfortable grip, even with thick gloves on. The extended guard also adds a safety element that I appreciate while handling the knife. Crafted from high-quality German AEB-L stainless steel, the blade's satin finish is stunning and the material's renowned for its ability to hold a razor-sharp edge. The modified drop point design makes it suitable for a wide range of tasks, from precision cutting to heavier duty work. The two-tone G10 handle is not only visually striking but also incredibly durable. The textured surface ensures a solid grip, while the lanyard hole adds practicality. The included Kydex sheath is adjustable and fits the knife snugly, allowing for safe and secure carry. Overall, the Kizer Area Eight offers exceptional quality, performance, and value for money. It's a must-have for anyone seeking a reliable and versatile fixed blade knife for their outdoor adventures or everyday carry. I couldn't be happier with my purchase and can't recommend it enough!

Well made knife. The grip is really comfortable and non slip and the whole knife snaps right into the included sheath with a positive lock and no wiggle. This will make a really good utility knife or field knife. It arrived with a useable edge, but a few passes on the stone and it's sharp enough to shave arm hair with, so far the edge has been holding up really well. The sheath has a push release clip that makes it easy to attach to most anything, belt, backpack strap, whatever you need to attach it to. I do wish that it could be rotated without taking it off the sheath and reattaching it to change the angle, but it's not like it's super hard to do. My only complaint is it's a little on the slim side, almost feels like I'm holding a steak knife or paring knife but it will do the job.