Kizer’s Fan-Favorite EDC Knife Remains Affordable, Even with a Sneaky Utility Upgrade

The original Kizer Drop Bear came out in 2022. Almost immediately, it became a hit for fans of the brand (and even drew in some new ones).

Since then, it has gone through several iterations, each with its own unique twist, such as the utility knife reinterpretation, the minimalist Drop Bear Zero and even a fixed-blade model.

The latest, the Kizer Drop Bear GID, remains largely true to the original, but it has one handy hidden feature that reveals its usefulness only under certain conditions.

Kizer

A serious glow-up

At $70, this version of the Drop Bear is practically a steal. And it’s not sacrificing in hidden ways to remain this budget-friendly.

The drop-point blade is built from Nitro-V steel, which is a go-to hardworking material for Kizer knives, and it maintains its versatile drop-point shape. It’s also available with either a black or satin finish (although that changes the handle a touch).

Kizer

Both versions also have G-10 handle scales, which are lightweight, stable, tough, durable and grippy. But they also have a hidden secret. In broad daylight, they look like natural G-10, a light jade color.

However, when the lights go off, they glow in the dark. The one with the satin blade glows green, while the black handle is blue, both of which match the thumb studs.

While that’s a fun ’90s-era throwback, it also offers some utility in that it makes the knife easier to find and use in low-light situations.

Kizer

Big bear, little bird

As mentioned, both versions of the knife feature classic thumb-stud deployment. And opposite those thumb studs, you’ll find the brand’s crossbar lock, which is strong, convenient and ambidextrous.

In fact, with the deployment, lock and reversible pocket clip all taken into consideration, these Drop Bears are entirely ambidextrous, meaning they’re friendly to right- or left-handed carry.

Kizer

Overall, the knife measures 7.15 inches (right inside what I refer to as the EDC sweet spot), including a 2.97-inch blade. It also weighs 3.2 ounces, which is on the lighter side of the spectrum.

However, if you want something a bit more compact, this treatment has also been applied to two Parakeet knives, which are smaller at 5.87 inches (with 2.46-inch sheepsfoot blades) and weigh 2.35 ounces. They’re also a bit cheaper to purchase.

Kizer

Availability and pricing

The Kizer Drop Bear GID is now available in satin and green or black and blue for $70. The Kizer Parakeet GID is also available in the same color combinations for just $60.

Kizer

Kizer Drop Bear GID

• $70 at Kizer

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