Kizer Original 2 Family Guide: S45VN Titanium vs 14C28N, Every Blade Shape Compared (2026)
The Kizer Original 2 is the modern rework of one of Kizer's most recognizable everyday-carry designs. The original was a clean, simple folder that built a cult following for its proportions; the Original 2 keeps that DNA and upgrades the package with a Clutch Lock, a thumb-stud opener, and a hollow-ground blade. Today the family spans eight variants across two clear tiers, from a $39.99 holiday special to a $159.99 S45VN titanium flagship.
The short version for shoppers: pick a blade shape first (modified drop point, sheepsfoot, or tanto), then pick a tier (budget 14C28N or premium S45VN titanium). This guide walks through every current variant so you know exactly what each price point buys.
What Is the Kizer Original 2?
The Original 2 takes the proportions of the classic Original and rebuilds them around Kizer's modern hardware. Every current variant shares the same platform:
- Overall length: 7.29–7.31 inches
- Handle length: 4.11 inches
- Blade length: 3.17–3.20 inches (by blade shape)
- Blade stock: 0.11 inch / 2.8 mm
- Opener: thumb stud
- Lock: Clutch Lock
- Grind: hollow (standard variants), flat (Christmas editions)
That 3.1–3.2-inch blade and 4.1-inch handle put the Original 2 firmly in "one-hand daily folder" territory. It is not a small knife and not a big one; it is the middle band most EDC users actually carry.
The naming tells you which tier you are looking at. KI-prefixed models (KizerB™) are the premium builds: S45VN steel and titanium handles. V-prefixed models (KizerV) are the value builds: 14C28N steel with aluminum, micarta, or G10 handles. Same geometry, different materials and price.
Clutch Lock and the Thumb Stud
The Original 2 uses Kizer's Clutch Lock, the brand's crossbar-style locking mechanism. Two spring-loaded bars ride in the blade tang and are pulled back by the lock bars on either side of the handle, so the knife opens and closes with a straight, one-handed motion and no wrist flick. If you have handled the Kizer Drop Bear family, you already know the feel — Kizer tuned the same mechanism for the Original 2.
Because the lock bars sit on both sides of the handle, the Original 2 is fully ambidextrous. Combined with the thumb stud, deployment is a simple push-and-pull with either hand. For more on how crossbar-style locks compare to frame, liner, and button locks, see our which folding knife lock is strongest breakdown and the Kizer Madrac Clutch Lock guide.
The Three Blade Shapes
Kizer offers the Original 2 in three blade shapes, and the suffix on the model number tells you which one you are getting:
- Modified drop point (3605.2MA1) — the all-rounder. The belly gives you a long cutting edge for general slicing, and the tip is strong enough for piercing tasks. This is the version to buy if you are not sure which shape you want.
- Sheepsfoot (3605.2SA1) — a straight edge that runs almost the full blade length with a low, controlled tip. Excellent for box opening, package cutting, and any task where you want the tip to stay out of the way. The classic "utility" shape.
- Tanto (3605.2TA1) — a reinforced tip with a distinct angle change in the edge. The tanto geometry puts more material behind the point, which suits harder tip work; the trade-off is less sweeping belly for long draw cuts.
All three shapes use a hollow grind on the standard variants, which Kizer says reduces blade weight and drag for cleaner slicing — and all three measure in at roughly 3.17–3.20 inches with 0.11-inch stock, so edge geometry is consistent across the family.
Tier 1: S45VN Titanium (KizerB™) — $149.99 to $159.99
The premium Original 2s pair a powder-metallurgy S45VN blade (60–61 HRC) with a titanium handle and a titanium reversible clip. These are the collector-grade versions of the design.
| Model | Blade | Finish | Handle | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ki3605.2MA1 | 3.17" modified drop point | satin | gray titanium | 3.28 oz | $149.99 |
| Ki3605.2SA1 | 3.19" sheepsfoot | matte DLC-Ultra | silver titanium | 3.38 oz | $159.99 |
| Ki3605.2TA1 | 3.20" tanto | matte DLC-Ultra | black titanium | 3.33 oz | $159.99 |
The S45VN tier is where the Original 2 feels most premium. Titanium handles shed about as much weight as you can get from a metal frame, the titanium clip is reversible for left or right carry, and the matte DLC-Ultra finishes on the SA1 and TA1 give those models a subdued, dark look.
S45VN is the direct descendant of S35VN — a Crucible powder stainless with a touch of niobium for toughness and easy sharpening. It holds an edge noticeably longer than the value tier's steel while staying realistically sharpenable at home. For the full picture, our S35VN vs S90V comparison covers where S45VN sits among premium steels.
Tier 2: 14C28N Value Line (KizerV) — $39.99 to $79.99
The value Original 2s use Sandvik 14C28N (58–59 HRC) — a Swedish stainless that is tough, corrosion-resistant, and famously easy to sharpen — with aluminum, micarta, or G10 handles and a reversible pocket clip.
| Model | Blade | Finish | Handle | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V3605.2MA1 | 3.17" modified drop point | satin | gray aluminum | 2.85 oz | $79.99 |
| V3605.2SA1 | 3.19" sheepsfoot | satin | black micarta | 2.51 oz | $69.99 |
| V3605.2TA1 | 3.20" tanto | black stonewashed | sand aluminum | 2.88 oz | $79.99 |
Weight is the surprise here: the value tier is actually lighter than the titanium tier because aluminum and micarta are less dense. The micarta SA1 is the lightest Original 2 of all at 2.51 oz — genuinely easy to forget in a pocket.
14C28N is a proven budget EDC steel. It will not hold an edge as long as S45VN, but it is tougher and sharpens back quickly, which is the trade most budget buyers are happy to make. Our 14C28N vs Nitro-V comparison and the EDC steel triangle explainer go deeper on where it fits.
The Christmas Editions
Two holiday-themed Originals exist alongside the main lineup, and both are interesting because they change more than the color:
- V3605.2MC1 — red and white G10, 14C28N, $39.99. The cheapest Original 2 ever offered, and the only one with a flat grind and blast finish. 2.55 oz, deep-carry reversible clip.
- Ki3605.2MC1 — acrylic handle, S45VN, $99.99. A flashy take on the premium tier with the same flat grind as its G10 sibling, at 2.44 oz.
If you want the Original 2 platform at the lowest possible entry price, the G10 Christmas edition is the value pick; if you want a S45VN blade without paying for a titanium handle, the acrylic version splits the difference.
S45VN vs 14C28N: What the Tiers Actually Change
Both tiers share the same Clutch Lock, the same thumb stud, the same hollow-ground geometry, and the same dimensions. The differences are materials and finish:
- S45VN titanium ($149.99–$159.99): ~3x the price, powder stainless at 60–61 HRC, longer edge life, titanium hardware, premium finishes (satin or DLC-Ultra). Heavier on the titanium models (3.28–3.38 oz).
- 14C28N value ($39.99–$79.99): 58–59 HRC, tougher and easier to sharpen, lighter overall (2.51–2.88 oz), aluminum/micarta/G10 handles.
For most daily cutting — boxes, packages, cordage, food prep — the 14C28N versions handle everything the S45VN versions do; you are mostly paying for edge retention, finish, and titanium. If the Original 2 is destined for a collection, the titanium tier is the one that will hold its appeal.
How to Choose Your Original 2
- Pick the blade shape by your tasks. Boxes and packages → sheepsfoot. General mixed use → modified drop point. Tip-heavy work → tanto.
- Pick the tier by budget and weight. Under $80 and want the lightest carry → micarta SA1 ($69.99). Want the premium feel and longest edge life → titanium MA1 ($149.99).
- Consider the Christmas editions only if you like the look. The G10 edition at $39.99 is the cheapest way into the platform, but it swaps the hollow grind for a flat one.
Still deciding between Kizer lines? Our Kizer knives buying guide 2026 and the Kizer Begleiter family guide map the full catalog, and the best Kizer knives under $80 rounds up the value picks.
Final Verdict
The Kizer Original 2 is a rare case of a redesign that improved the original instead of just reskinning it. The Clutch Lock, thumb stud, and hollow grind make it a genuinely modern one-hand folder, and the two-tier structure means the same design is available at budget and premium prices.
Our pick: the V3605.2SA1 micarta at $69.99 is the sweet spot — lightest in the family, sheepsfoot utility, 14C28N that sharpens easily. For the full premium experience, the Ki3605.2MA1 at $149.99 gets you S45VN and titanium in the most versatile blade shape.
FAQ
Is the Kizer Original 2 ambidextrous? Yes. The Clutch Lock's spring-loaded bars sit on both sides of the handle, and the pocket clip is reversible, so the Original 2 works for left- and right-handed carry.
What lock does the Kizer Original 2 use? It uses Kizer's Clutch Lock, a crossbar-style mechanism. The same lock family powers the Drop Bear and several other modern Kizer models.
What is the difference between KI and V model numbers? KI (KizerB™) models are S45VN with titanium handles, priced $149.99–$159.99. V (KizerV) models are 14C28N with aluminum, micarta, or G10 handles, priced $39.99–$79.99.
Which Original 2 is the lightest? The V3605.2SA1 micarta at 2.51 oz. The Christmas acrylic edition is close behind at 2.44 oz.
Are the Christmas Original 2 editions different from the standard versions? Yes — beyond the red/white or acrylic look, both Christmas editions use a flat grind and blast finish instead of the hollow grind found on the standard variants.
Learn about pocket knife history on Wikipedia → Knife Steel Nerds: steel metallurgy data → Browse official Kizer Cutlery products →