Handle & Ergonomics

The Task's handle consists of stainless steel skeletonized liners with micarta scales overlaid, keeping the knife lightweight at 3.32 oz (94g). The micarta is of decent quality—there are a few stray fibers here and there, but overall, it’s well-finished and has that comfortable, textured feel micarta is known for.

In terms of design, the handle is straightforward, with minimal curves apart from a finger groove for indexing. After that, the shape gently slopes toward the heel of the handle. The reversible deep-carry pocket clip is another nice touch, making the knife ambidextrous. It's also well-centered, which means it sits comfortably in the palm without creating any hotspots. The clip itself has great spring retention, making it secure in the pocket while still allowing for smooth deployment.

Locking Mechanism

The Clutch Lock is Kizer’s take on the well-known Axis Lock, offering ambidextrous operation via a bar that engages with the back of the blade tang. This style of lock is simple, reliable, and well-suited for hard use. What’s interesting here is that the spring tension on the lock is adjustable, allowing users to fine-tune it for either stronger or softer resistance. That said, the factory setting feels just right—secure but not overly stiff.

Blade & Performance

The blade is a modified sheepsfoot with a pronounced tip, which enhances its piercing capability. The design features a stylized swedge and additional grind lines, giving it a more dynamic, refined look compared to plain, unadorned blades.

Blade Steel: 154CM – A well-balanced stainless steel known for its solid edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness. It’s easy to maintain while still offering excellent performance in everyday tasks.

Grind: Flat grind, which excels at slicing and makes the blade highly efficient for cutting through materials like rope, fabrics, tubing, and small-gauge wire. While it’s not ideal for food prep due to the lack of belly, it handles most utility tasks with ease.

One standout feature is the adjustable thumb stud. The blade has a channel machined along the spine, allowing the thumb stud to be moved forward or backward for optimal placement. This is a small but thoughtful detail, especially for users with different hand sizes. Out of the box, the stud is set in a rearward position, which I found perfect for my average-sized hands.

Final Thoughts

The Kizer Task is a fantastic everyday carry knife that leans heavily into utility and functionality. I always appreciate a well-rounded knife that can tackle various tasks without compromise, and the Task fits that bill. Its straightforward design, high performance, and ease of use make it a knife I’ll reach for time and time again.

While the lack of belly limits it in some areas—particularly food prep—it excels in general utility tasks. For those looking for a reliable, practical, and well-designed workhorse, the Kizer Task is an excellent choice.