Bryan ordered this knife for one specific video and it wound up in his permanent collection. Not new or exciting, so not a full review. Just a bit of gushing about a fantastic blade.
I just love the design of the Ray Laconico Jasmine / Kizer Gemini and I just roll my eyes at people who thinks that the design is boring. I just wish that it was available in CPM S110V as a flipper frame lock with those contoured titanium side scales.
I just got the left-hander version. It's even plainer -- only the back spacer is blue and satin finish -- but that's OK. I like minimalism, especially when it comes to a smallish EDC knife like this, and I try to support every manufacturer that doesn't neglect us under serviced southpaws. It's nice to be looking at the presentation side while using it. The closest comparable in my collection is my small lefty Sebenza, which still feels slightly superior in quality overall, but the titanium version of the clip on the Gemini is superior.
Thanks Bryan. Most of these Bladesmith Series of Kizer knives, are just spectacular! And right up my alley. I did skip this one, due to its short blade length. But for those wanting something of this size. I'm sure it's fantastic. Very easy to fall in love with.
It’s funny how when it’s a Chinese brand the design is “boring”. But is it’s a Sebenza then it’s “clean” or “sleek”. Biased against origin of manufacturing is really powerful in the knife world. Madness.
Yeah, I went crazy nuts during the viponothon and grabbed this one along with a bunch to give away. Anything with a full flat grind gets an extra star. I'd really like to see an M390 version as I think this one is worthy of the "classic" designation. I do think it's got the typical boring bead-blasted Kizer finish. Some subtle milling lines (and jimping) would make it perfect.
I'd love to run a thought by you two, that has been creeping into my mind recently. And to hear your thoughts on it. Kizer is pretty much all s35vn, across the board. With their Bladesmith Series of knives. Kizer has been clearing out a lot of knives in the past couple of months. With deep discounts seen everywhere. Amazon (Vipon) Blade HQ, etc. After the Knife community has witnessed these discounts. It would be hard for us to pay near MSRP ever again, for knives like these. Now, we've seen some M390 sneaking in on some Kizer knives in late 2017. What do think are the chances, that Kizer goes nearly all M390 in 2018? This would move many of use back to paying near MSRP (street) prices on their knives again.
Most everything seems to be back up to retail again. BladeHQ called it their "annual sale" so I don't think its unusual for Kizer to do this. But if they make the jump to M390... SIGN ME UP! Their street prices are well worth it. The sales are great, but I think they've built up enough cred now.
Good points Bryan. So no prediction from you then? : - ) Will they, or won't they. Stick with primarily s35vn for most of 2018? Especially with their new line of knives, that will be introduced.
I’m sure that M390 will spread more and more and more. Just like S35VN before it. Hell... 154CM was considered a holy grail ten years ago! Progress as all that crap.
I have one and really like it. Can't fault the workmanship - it could have been slightly sharper out of the box (but it will still shave hairs), but the fit and centering is perfect. Aesthetically, the only (tiny) nit I have is that I would have liked the blue pivot screw without the little spiral grooves machined - seems like someone couldn't resist. Otherwise, I love simple clean designs like this. The blade shape really works with the handle - the whole thing looks like it just makes sense.
I thought about grabbing the Gemini with the Damasteel blade, but they took away the blue hardware on it, and to me, that is part of the appeal of the knifes looks. They jacked the price up by a bit over 100 bucks for it, and took away the best looking part of the damned thing. I probably WILL still buy the regular Gemini though. Havn't got it yet, but I do really like the looks of it, and it has become a classic in the knife community, and for good reason.
Stumbled across this knife, not sure where, and started watching reviews. Yours seems to be the newest I've found. Seriously considering this one. I love the throwback look with the modern materials. One concern though. Does the smooth scales make it difficult to extract from your pocket?
Brian are you still doing your comparison video with the vanguard version? The high end version is too steep in price for me and I also detest metal handled knives. I'm primarily concerned that the vanguard version does not open as smoothly as the more expensive version-- you indicated that the vanguard version was not great for a BB pivot... Thanks Brian!
I’m not 100% sure, but I pretty sure it’s not a free spinning pivot. It has a D shaped cutout on the show side of the pivot. I’ve taken mine down several times and haven’t had any issues. Great knife. I really like it.
Turns out mine has the D shaped pivot. Mine is just a Chicago screw and torx on the other side. It appears yours has a torx driver on both sides. Odd that they would change something like that in a later production run. Anyways awesome video and have a good day. C ya.
Slicey Dicey they have them on Knifecenter now but I can't justify 170 not that it's not worth it but that's a lot of money. I thought you might sell yours for a little cheaper. I have a original spyderco stretch in zdp-189 nib if you interested
Slicey Dicey if you ever want to sell it I definitely will buy it, I really like your channel and the content you put on it. You do good reviews for not being on here no longer than you have
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I just love the design of the Ray Laconico Jasmine / Kizer Gemini and I just roll my eyes at people who thinks that the design is boring.
I just wish that it was available in CPM S110V as a flipper frame lock with those contoured titanium side scales.
I just got the left-hander version. It's even plainer -- only the back spacer is blue and satin finish -- but that's OK. I like minimalism, especially when it comes to a smallish EDC knife like this, and I try to support every manufacturer that doesn't neglect us under serviced southpaws. It's nice to be looking at the presentation side while using it. The closest comparable in my collection is my small lefty Sebenza, which still feels slightly superior in quality overall, but the titanium version of the clip on the Gemini is superior.
Thanks Bryan.
Most of these Bladesmith Series of Kizer knives, are just spectacular! And right up my alley. I did skip this one, due to its short blade length. But for those wanting something of this size. I'm sure it's fantastic. Very easy to fall in love with.
It’s funny how when it’s a Chinese brand the design is “boring”. But is it’s a Sebenza then it’s “clean” or “sleek”. Biased against origin of manufacturing is really powerful in the knife world. Madness.
Yeah, I went crazy nuts during the viponothon and grabbed this one along with a bunch to give away. Anything with a full flat grind gets an extra star. I'd really like to see an M390 version as I think this one is worthy of the "classic" designation. I do think it's got the typical boring bead-blasted Kizer finish. Some subtle milling lines (and jimping) would make it perfect.
Agreed but that would also make it less "gentlemanly." But yeah... I'm 50/50 on if it needs anything else or not.
I'd love to run a thought by you two, that has been creeping into my mind recently. And to hear your thoughts on it.
Kizer is pretty much all s35vn, across the board. With their Bladesmith Series of knives. Kizer has been clearing out a lot of knives in the past couple of months. With deep discounts seen everywhere. Amazon (Vipon) Blade HQ, etc. After the Knife community has witnessed these discounts. It would be hard for us to pay near MSRP ever again, for knives like these.
Now, we've seen some M390 sneaking in on some Kizer knives in late 2017. What do think are the chances, that Kizer goes nearly all M390 in 2018? This would move many of use back to paying near MSRP (street) prices on their knives again.
Most everything seems to be back up to retail again. BladeHQ called it their "annual sale" so I don't think its unusual for Kizer to do this. But if they make the jump to M390... SIGN ME UP! Their street prices are well worth it. The sales are great, but I think they've built up enough cred now.
Good points Bryan.
So no prediction from you then? : - )
Will they, or won't they. Stick with primarily s35vn for most of 2018? Especially with their new line of knives, that will be introduced.
I’m sure that M390 will spread more and more and more. Just like S35VN before it. Hell... 154CM was considered a holy grail ten years ago! Progress as all that crap.
The old version of the pocket clip wasn't milled. It was a stamped spring clip and caused a pretty good hot spot.
Considering this one from Kizer now. Has a very useful looking blade shape.
Shawn Lavergne I’ll be doing a comparison between this and the Vanguard version in the next few days.
I have one and really like it. Can't fault the workmanship - it could have been slightly sharper out of the box (but it will still shave hairs), but the fit and centering is perfect. Aesthetically, the only (tiny) nit I have is that I would have liked the blue pivot screw without the little spiral grooves machined - seems like someone couldn't resist. Otherwise, I love simple clean designs like this.
The blade shape really works with the handle - the whole thing looks like it just makes sense.
I thought about grabbing the Gemini with the Damasteel blade, but they took away the blue hardware on it, and to me, that is part of the appeal of the knifes looks. They jacked the price up by a bit over 100 bucks for it, and took away the best looking part of the damned thing. I probably WILL still buy the regular Gemini though. Havn't got it yet, but I do really like the looks of it, and it has become a classic in the knife community, and for good reason.
Stonewash is my favorite blade finish too. The Gemini is sold out everywhere, hope they didn't stop making it, it's on my wish list.
Agreed. Discontinuing this would be a travesty.
I really like my Ursa Minor. I'm sure I'd really like a Gemini as well!
Stumbled across this knife, not sure where, and started watching reviews. Yours seems to be the newest I've found. Seriously considering this one. I love the throwback look with the modern materials. One concern though. Does the smooth scales make it difficult to extract from your pocket?
Built like a tank.
Considering this knife or the kizer uprising now..I know they are completely different but if you had to choose one? I cant decide..haha.
Brian are you still doing your comparison video with the vanguard version? The high end version is too steep in price for me and I also detest metal handled knives. I'm primarily concerned that the vanguard version does not open as smoothly as the more expensive version-- you indicated that the vanguard version was not great for a BB pivot... Thanks Brian!
Sadly, I don't have either of them anymore. I may get the new damascus version, though. So pretty... And I like the very small decrease in size.
No sharpening choil?
I’m not 100% sure, but I pretty sure it’s not a free spinning pivot. It has a D shaped cutout on the show side of the pivot. I’ve taken mine down several times and haven’t had any issues. Great knife. I really like it.
Glen Williams well it definitely spun free on both sides.
Slicey Dicey. Interesting. I think I will take mine apart tonight to check. Mine is an older version. I’ll let you know what I find.
Turns out mine has the D shaped pivot. Mine is just a Chicago screw and torx on the other side. It appears yours has a torx driver on both sides. Odd that they would change something like that in a later production run. Anyways awesome video and have a good day. C ya.
Glen Williams Yeah. I bet it changed the same time they changed the clip to regular titanium.
Would you be interested in selling that Kizer gemini or maybe trading? Please let me know
Michael Harbour Not until I find something better, but I’ll let you know. And new ones are pretty rare which I assume is why you’re asking.
Slicey Dicey they have them on Knifecenter now but I can't justify 170 not that it's not worth it but that's a lot of money. I thought you might sell yours for a little cheaper. I have a original spyderco stretch in zdp-189 nib if you interested
The Stretch is just too hideous for me lol. And I love my Gemini.
Slicey Dicey if you ever want to sell it I definitely will buy it, I really like your channel and the content you put on it. You do good reviews for not being on here no longer than you have
Thanks! If I do sell it, you'll be the first to know for sure!