Kizer Horn Pocket Knife, Micarta Handle with N690 Steel Blade, Thumb Hole, Removable Flipper, Deep Carry Pocket Clip, Wharncliffe EDC Knives -V3557N1

There's a lot to like about this knife. I did notice the video posted by Jake Winters on the Amazon site listing before ordering, but I went ahead and ordered one hoping that the knife in the video was an isolated QC problem. It's not. The one I received has the same problem. It's dangerous because the failure of the blade locking mechanism could cause the blade to collapse back on one's fingers. Even more worrisome is that the one I received appears to lock if opened with the flipper, but not opening with the blade cutout. However, close inspection reveals that the liner lock is just barely engaged even when flipper opening (see the photo I've attached with the Horn on the right and my Kizer sheepdog V3488 on the left). One can see the Kizer sheepdog has a correctly seated liner lock. The Horn on the right is barely locked. The inertia of the flipper opening permits a just barely engagement of the liner lock on the Horn, but a passive slow motion manual opening does not, and only the small ball detent on the liner lock retains the blade. If I open with the blade cutout I get the situation with the wiggle in the video. With wear I believe this liner lock with minimal engagement might fail. A brief scan of the internet finds three different reviewers experiencing the same problem with this model. I emailed Kizer about this issue and was told that only a few of these knives have this QC failure. I returned mine for a replacement. If that knife has the same problem, I'm giving up on it and returning for a refund. If you order this knife be sure to examine the blade lock mechanism to be sure it fully engages both with rapid flipper and slow manual blade cut out openings.Revised review, based on replacement knife:I received a replacement, and while the liner lock engagement problem was still present, it was not so consistent as with the first knife. With a slow manual opening using the blade cutout, the replacement knife liner lock engaged about 2/3rd of the time. One online reviewer described disassembling the knife and lightly filing the the liner lock and corresponding blade heel surface to provide for a better engagement. That's beyond me. What I did do was put a tiny drop of high quality machine oil on the locking surfaces and then repeatedly open and closed the knife with the blade cutout. When the liner lock didn't engage, I would press firmly on the liner side of lock forcing the lock to engage. I spent the better part of an afternoon doing this. The consequent wear permitted the lock to slide to a more fully engaged position. Now a slow manually opening locks over 90% of the time. Presumably if I continue to open the knife the liner lock engagement should increase to near 100%. There are enough features that I like about this knife that I decided to keep the replacement and added a star to my rating. I wish Kizer quality control were better. My first purchase of a Kizer product (the sheepdog) was entirely satisfactory. Getting the horn knife to a satisfactory place took a fair amount of trouble. If the company wants to earn a reputation as a quality knife maker they need to thoroughly test every knife before sending them to market. I do like the blade shape, the Micarta handle (the light color shows dirt but cleans up nicely) with nice hand feel, and the N690 steel all at an affordable price. With better quality control this would be a four or even five star knife at this price.

This was my 17th Kizer knife. Not one of them has disappointed me. Quite possibly the best deal on knives that you can get from any maker. Give one a try,I bet you’ll like it.

This is a great knife. Let's put that out there right now. The shape seems funny. It had to grow on me. The reality is the blade shape is PERFECT. The jimping allows for a great over the top thumb support while bearing down, or a secure spot for your index finger while doing fine detail cuts. The hole allows for spider flick or thumb open, that all said I am more of a flicker guy, but like all of them really. The blade stays sharp after significant work. I've yet to have to sharpen it (there are plenty of Youtube reviews showing its abilities in these areas).I only have one tiny issue... I have medium to small hands (8 inch long from middle finger tip to wrist and 3-3/4" across just infront of the thumb) and it feels just a little small to me. Perhaps introduce a "BIG" Horn maybe??? Increase the width just a little, very little, but perhaps increase the handle length 1/2 an inch and add a bit of a flare (wrong term ... but the right one escapes me) at the butt/pomm similar to the Begleiter? It would help the knife feel more secure in the hand, even when holding it reverse.

This knife has a lot to like. Two methods deployment is something I always look for in a knife. The cutout allows for reverse flicking it open or slow rolling it with your thumb. The bearings make this knife snap and makes opening and closing the knife fun.The blade profile is really nice. This kizer is severely under rated and would not hesitate to recommend a purchase to any knife enthusiast

I use the Kizer Horn for EDC and love all the features. Especially the micarta scales and the N690 blade material and shape. However, the pocket clip is too weak for my needs. The flipper tab has sharp burrs on the back side edge, and the T6 screw that holds this tab is hitting on the liner lock when closing the blade. This screw is not flush with the blade surface. Good looking knife however!

The centering was noticeably off and the lockup was extremely early.

Great design, size and feel in hand. Action is perfect, a top 3 carry knife.

Gave as gift and the recipient loves it.