We are a week into 2026 and some companies like to get out ahead of the SHOT Show media glut and publicize their new releases early. Kizer is one of those companies, and as one would expect the pair of knives I am about to discuss are just two of many new models they are adding this year.
The first model, the Pokiman, is positioned as a moderate use EDC, classy enough to carry in more gentlemanly situations. There are 6 scale options with the two aluminum being on the dressier side, while the micarta will patina with use. The clear acrylic and PEI options round out the series. The blade is German-made AEB-L, 3.16″ in length, and comes in clip-point, drop-point, and sheepsfoot profiles. It is thumb-stud open with Kizer’s crossbar Clutch Lock.
You can find the Product page here: https://www.kizerknives.com/collections/pokiman/
Some Specs on the Kizer Pokiman CD (CS Models feature the hlaf-moon compression lock):
Designer: Kizer
Overall Length: 7.36″ / 187.07mm
Opener: Thumb Stud
Blade Length: 3.16″ / 80.16mm
Blade Thickness: 0.11″ / 2.8mm
Blade Material: AEB-L
Lock Type: Clutch Lock
Hardness: 58-60
MSRP: $59-$69 depending on handle/lock
Initial Thoughts:
A good user knife with nice aesthetics. From a user point of view, the micarta is comfortable and the action is fun. The Clutch Lock sticks slightly. It doesn’t interfere with the action, and I suspect that with use it will smooth out. It is really minor, I just notice it isn’t as buttery smooth as the lock on the next knife.
Aesthetically, I appreciate the deep blue on the thumb stud and crossbar. It contrasts with the charcoal grey of the micarta in a way that suits my eye.
I like the Pokiman, though not as much as I expected to. I don’t think it is because of the knife itself, rather because this next knife is such a home run and I like it so much, that the latter seems less exciting.
I am talking about the Kizer Sheep Dog Clutch Lock Drop Point. Visually, I find it to be incredibly appealing, with the deep blue anodized aluminum handles. The Elmax blade too, with its bronze coating, stands in stunning contrast to the scales.
Beyond aesthetics, the handle is as comfortable as one would expect a Conaway-designed knife. The Sheepdog style handle has been scaled up or down depending on the knife, but retains the comfortable belly and solid ergonomics of the original Conaway custom version. The Clutch Lock on this example is as smooth as I have experienced. Fantastic action, to my wife’s chagrin as she tells me to quit playing with it.
Here are a few select stats:
Model: C01C 2.9 CD
Overall Length: 7.05″ / 179.1mm
Designer: Sheepdog Knives (Chris Conaway)
Opener: Thumb Stud
Blade Style: Drop Point
Blade Length: 2.95″ / 74.9mm
Blade Thickness: 0.12″ / 3.0mm
Blade Material: ELMAX
Blade Finishing: Sunset Metal PVD
Handle Length: 4.10″ / 104.2mm
Handle Material: Aluminum
Weight: 3.1oz / 85.9g
Lock Type: Clutch Lock
Hardness: 60-62
MSRP: $139.99
You can find the product page here: https://www.kizerknives.com/collections/sheepdog/products/c01c-2-9-cd-elmax-aluminum-ki3488-29cda1
Initial Thoughts: I own a couple of other Kizer/Conaway Sheepdogs. It is one of the most popular models in Kizer’s lineup, spawning a plethora of variations. I vastly prefer this drop point as I find it to be significantly more functional than a cleaver. It is also much lighter. Carrying the full sized sheepdog requires stiff pockets and a mental commitment. I find the size and weight of this drop point Sheepdog to hit my personal EDC benchmarks perfectly.
It is my intention to do a full, longer term use review in the not distance future, if not on both of these knives, certainly the Sheepdog. But both of them are viable carry options from a functional, aesthetic, and price point POV. A good start for Kizer in 2026.
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