Kizer Cormorant vs Spyderco Smock - Fidget Knife Battle

[@skcamerican]

Okay, I’m rooting for the Cormorant. Both are goofy-looking, but the Cormorant has a cartoon friendliness. Plus it’s cheaper. Just like me. I think the Xs are a nod to cartoony bird feet. The rest of the black has feathery edges, kinda like...feathers. Just squint your eyes and think about Picasso. See it? You could dye the scales if you hate the Xs. OCD4EDC did that, and they are less prominent. THanks for a good vid!

[@neurodon178]

Cormorant all day, for those who don’t like the scales, RIT it, it’s super easy and you can make it unique. I dark acid washed the blade and RIT dyed the scales.

[@blackadder1966]

I was thinking of rit dye too if i can find a cormorant. I have a smock and love it, wish i could find a protech malibu

[@MichalBreslau]

Can you post pictures?

[@Metoxetron]

Nice! Do you have any pictures anywhere? I’d love to see how the acid etch came out

[@blueeyeswhitedragon9839]

Great review!

[@j.dieason7527]

Or for those that don’t like the scales, there’s several other options to choose

[@jeremynedrow7003]

I love the design of the Kizer Cormorant and the fidget factor.

[@skelet0n650]

I agree. A lot of people hate on the handle and blade design but i think it makes it unique and less boring. But hey, different strokes for different folks

[@BeezBlades]

Perfect review Jay! I dyed the Cormorant red and I love it. I told folks to watch this vid because it's a great comparison! I love your video's man. I'm with you on having multiple options for deployment....my favorite is the spydie-flick all day. Keep up the good work!

[@jamesalbin6194]

I have the Spyderco smock with cpm 20cv from knife joy and I would like to try the ki,er but their handles look like crap and are ugly.

[@neurodon178]

And the lock on the cormorant is quite different from the traditional button lock, the lock plunge has a unique sphere thing.

[@taylorhickman84]

yeah I question it's longevity, I much prefer Spyderco's approach.

[@isaactracy448]

Kizer all the way. Price, fidget factor, higher grade of steel, more cutting edge, and better action. It's definitely on my want list. Thanks Jay for another great review!

[@taylorhickman84]

having owned both, they both have their advantages, but fidget factor is the same and I suspect the Smock has better heat treat cause it holds an edge just the same. Also the smock is on another level in terms of fit/finish when compared to my cormorant in G10, perhaps I got a bad sample, as my Ti cormorant fit/finish is top notch.

[@bbaker3510]

For me the Smock fits my hand way better, I do have larger hands and do physical work and have tried smaller knives, but they're actually more dangerous for me. For everyday carry, the Smock is fine, it is a really slim form factor that fits well in the pocket. And the action gets smoother the more you use it I've had it for about 2 months and it's ridiculously fast and smooth. I really do like the look of the Cormorant and it's features. I wish they made a larger one! Great review Thanks!

[@rayzie8599]

There's a cormorant xl right now. Wmk actually has a set of the regular sized one in titanium and m390 and an XL one for a good price

[@mattharvey968]

That Cormorant has to be the most fidgety knife out there with so many deployments!! Great review Jay!!

[@richardvirchow3390]

Great video, Jay! I bought the Spyderco Smock and am quite happy with it.

[@grumpyoldwizard]

I have a Smock. I just ordered the Cormorant (the green micarta edition) so I will have to compare the two when I get it. Thanks for the video.

[@beyproctor7673]

Well, I didn’t even know the Cormorant existed when I got my Smock. I like the Smock way more than I expected to. It is SOOO easy to open AND close wearing gloves or not. The giant choil is a pain in practical use and seems like a waste of blade length. The cutting edge is only 3” which is part of what lead me to find the knife in the first place. I live in a city that restricts pocket knives to 3” is less cutting edge which is kind of begging for a knife like the Smock! As someone who uses a straight razor, I love the look of the Smock’s hollow ground blade. The straight razor look is definitely accentuated by the big choil. The scales are ugly pretty IMHO. I agree with your assessment of the two knives, the Cormorant is a better value and has some better features than the Smock. I especially prefer the way the button lock allows a more useful blade where the two interact and the good access to the opening hole. All that said, I probably wouldn’t have chosen the Cormorant because someone might have seen me carrying it! The look is too silly even for me.

[@Youtube-Censorship-Police]

i love both, i also like the silly look of the cormorant!😅

[@Rossco1869]

My friend...You have moved the Cormorant to the top of my wish list. Keep the videos coming, Sir!

[@fpoynton1604]

Blade design and appearance is what most attracts me to a knife - even if it moderately compromises functionality - the look of the blade is what attracts me to a knife. The Kizer does it for me in this toe to toe. Both are nice. Thx Jay.

[@davidkurle5418]

I like the size of the smock a little better, but overall I think the cormorant takes the win. Nice steel, more cutting edge, and more affordable. I even think the handle looks kind of cool. Thanks for this great comparison, Jay. Have an awesome weekend, buddy!

[@outbackwack368]

My CJRB Talla has that sheepsfoot blade design and I REALLY like it...VERY functional for every day use and my D2 is STILL razor sharp at the point. Thanks!

[@TopDog8762]

Kizer Cormorant Hands Down. But not in stock anywhere.

[@ken1708]

Great video!! The smock is an absolutely beautiful knife!! It might not be as functional as the cormarant, but from a collectors point of view, the smock is far superior.

[@kyleburton7394]

Wish their were after market scales for the cormorant

[@coltoneatherly5897]

Just picked up a frag - titanium cormorant and WOW. The action all three ways Is perfect, the detent is a little loose but the blade falls shut. I can tighten detent, the knife is perfect. the 20cv is sharp as all hell!

[@buckwylde9567]

Great choice for a comparison contrast

[@FL-Kaiman]

I have a cormorant with micarta scales, love it! And recommend it to anyone

[@CamboTriton]

Kizer over Spyderco every time. Great video!

[@Keith2657]

Just ordered my Kizer today.

[@miciobigio]

5 stars review , thank you very much ! Well done!

[@thomassharrow1883]

Before listening to your pick I choose the Cormorant. I don’t like the handle scales but I love that blade and all the different methods of deployment. Now, back to your review to see which one you chose.

[@Federalwaywebbs]

I have the Smock and added a front flipper tab. I love the fidget factor, but don’t carry it often for the blade cut-out. I’ve got the Cormorant on ‘pre-order’ because I can’t find it anywhere. It baffles my mind that more knives aren’t available with button locks.

[@johnobrien9965]

I love my smock 🥰 have had all kinds of benchmades from 940s, bailouts, different styles of griptilians and the new bad to the bone mini adamas. From a lefties standpoint it’s a nice knife without getting too custom. The fidget factor is next level

[@johnwoyurka5373]

Thanks Jay, great video. I am definitely going to pick up the kizer, I want to get a few from them. The Cormorant, the Matanzas, the clutch and the sepha if they are still going to make/come out with it.

[@viflag]

Super vidéo. J'ai acheté le cormorant du coup ...

[@i8kiwis21]

Most of the cons you listed for the smock i fixed on mine with some mods and It's absolutely amazing! Watching this video waiting for the next drop on the cormorant cuz obviously I want both. Even though they're super similar knives i feel like they fit different purposes for people. Great video Jay!

[@tombrown8800]

You picked the same as me. Have to admit I was biased in favor of the Cormorant to start. I am one in the minority that likes the scales Xs and all. Then 4 deployment methods - come on ! Probably die the scales red then it will really shine.

[@HollywoodTacticool]

oh wow, and i just got the smock, had i seen this before, i would've forgone it for the kizer cormorant. looks like i have another knife purchase to make

[@kjgas6945]

Thank you Jay enjoyed it!

[@Haveaknifeday73]

finally someone makes a choice- nice job on the video- had the smock and sold it. With so many aftermarket scales was considering revisiting- not that anyone cares but I like alot of knives everything from Strider and Microtech to Kizer - Going to see if I can get my hands on a Kizer to check it out thanks again

[@rickkerans8485]

Good comparison video. You are probably right the Kizer may be the better buy. I wear an XL glove so I would probably go with the Smock. Would have to get new scales for it because I don't like the G10 with peel ply CF on it. I think the scales on the Kizer are weird looking. Don't understand the design or thought behind it.

[@StephenYoggy]

The Cormorant ticks the right boxes for me, so that'd be my pick. I also don't mind the big X's.

[@jonrost5574]

I am thinking of getting a cormorant and then dying the scales to make those x’s a better color.

[@matthewadler1329]

Nice call. You could do some cool stuff with it.

[@TdSharp]

The detent while the button is pressed is extremely easy to remove on the smock. It makes the close easier too!

[@little2826]

I personally prefer kizer to spyderco when it comes to most knives but man can spyderco make a good big wharncliffe. The 4 inch Ronin is probably my favorite fixed blade under 5 inches right now and the jumbo flipper version is also awesome. I love both companies. I agree with your ruling on this one. Great comparison.

[@OneSickPuppy2000]

Great video Jay! It's not high on my list, but the Cormorant is certainly on my list down the road. Just got in the Civivi Brazen btw. It's my first larger tanto and it's a wonderful knife, multiple deployment options, even spidey flickable and I highly recommend it for purchase! Keep up the good work brother!

[@tdenight9344]

By the way, Spyderco put a double detent on the Smock so that in some states it wouldn’t be considered a flip knife by pressing the button and letting it fly open. Just remove the pivot screw and both body screws on the clip side of knife, don’t take scale off, just separate a little and look in. You’ll see a ball and tiny spring. Tap knife and they will come out. Put screws back in scales and now its way better than any button lock out there. Lockup not affected

[@ronhess7249]

I have both with the smock 2nd detent removed and a Lynch clip added and the Kizer cormorant special White mtn addition in brown micarta. I like both but would favor the smock for its lock strength and handle length. Both great EDC knives.

[@rhino5419]

Hello Jay. How are you? I agree, i was leaning slightly towards the Smock as i have large hands but then i saw the holes on the handle scales. I don't like the scale design on the kizer but that is easier to fix than holes. A deep carry clip is a must have for me. As for the blades. The kizer wins because i am a sucker for thumb ramps and jimping. The blade hole is not needed so imagine it filled with handle coloured résin. No point me looking at the prices so purely on what i have said. Kizer wins. 💪🥳. All the very best.

[@imthegabe]

The cormorant would win, but the handle looks terrible. So that brings the question of which looks better.

[@Gman1024]

Man, I've wanted a smock for the longest time, but the distance from the handle to the blade, and that odd choil has turned me off to pulling the trigger. The Cormorant looks like it doesn't have any of the same issues, and more deployment options, plus a deep carry clip. Too bad it's not currently available on 4m4zon, but good, so I can research and get it on my radar. Thanks for the comparison, very comprehensive as always bubba. Be safe.

[@Gman1024]

Just looked into it and Kizer's presentation of that Cormorant is unreal, and it comes with a padded case to store it. Very cool. If the price was the same for both, would you consider the smock over the cormorant or stick to your decision?

[@Gman1024]

Cormorant is out of stock everywhere. Oh well, get on the mailing lists and keep ogling others. :)

[@williamlenderman387]

I'm sure both are good knives, but neither blows my skirt up. If forced to choose between the two, I'd probably go with the Cormorant due to the front flipper opening option. At the moment, neither one is on my "really would like to have one of those" list.

[@blackadder1966]

I have a smock and love it, currently searching for a malibu

[@thomaslanders6244]

That Kizer handle pattern makes it look cheap. I’m not into fidgeting, multiple deployment methods or flippers. But, I always watch the channel and see something new or good. I carried a ZT 0640 (washers/thumb disc) today and a Spyderco DF2. That’s more my thing. Still my favorite knife channel and always a thumbs up and fully watch all videos. You know your knives.

[@BAtadCrazy]

The scales can be dyed on the Cormorant. That's a plus.

[@mattfinish2196]

This was an amazing video!!

[@TheFeralKid]

Amazing? Was it? Was it, Matt? Was it amazing??

[@aaronwalker1473]

Smock for me I took out the second detent for the drop shut action and added a wave for front flipper and its easier to spydey flick the wave rather than the button that’s partially recessed

[@aaronwalker1473]

Wave also doubles as automatic open out the pocket

[@willhernandez7687]

Cormorant for me. I have always thought the Smock was overrated.

[@TheWatcher60401]

I subbed simply because of your channel name!

[@whoswoo9070]

The cormorant wins for me. For a future video, can you cover knives with top flippers/non pocket pecker flippers that aren’t front flippers?

[@jaypowell0185]

Kizer for the win. I haven’t tried or handled this model but I don’t understand why it doesn’t get buzz like the smock or the Malibu

[@Jaysedc]

Wanted a cormorant but it's nowhere to be found so I went with the smock

[@dr.mindbender6038]

Good stuff Jay, Def forces me to take another look at the Kizer. Like many I’d wager, just wish the scales weren’t so mall ninja-ish.

[@feraltrafficcone4483]

The cormorant now has a V2, with better gimping, a better button texture and larger size, it has a hollow grind instead, and a few other things I’m missing

[@adamjohnson7385]

I would buy the cormorant if I could find one.

[@heatherhefner4408]

Spyderco messed up almost everything on the smock, what a damn shame. Should Kizer changed the goofy scale, the Cormorant would be a hit.

[@matthewadler1329]

Yup. Dont like the scales either

[@blueeyeswhitedragon9839]

I have seen a couple of dyed scales on the Cormorant...the white will accept any color. Red looks great.

[@airadaimagery692]

Is that the only color the Cormorant comes in?

[@MrBarnea]

Hey Jay, I totally agree the Kizer wins this one. But in my eyes the design is so ugly it is beautiful, I actually love everything about the design. Thanks for a great vid brother. Stay safe.

[@edgblades]

Changed my mind, the Kizer wins in design, fidgetness and price. Spydie on performance . The Spyderco would win if it was less $ & there was more blade and better button placement. Wish they’d have this button on the ParaMilitary and Yojimbo. I’ll probably get the Kizer and dye the scales green, would’ve been hands down win if it was all white

[@taylorhickman84]

In my experience from a use perspective, the smock's button lock is in a superior location/construction.

[@heyyitsthejohnsons5470]

There can be only one!!!

[@knaftasticedc956]

Have a Smock and love it not many Kizers un my collection but this one is looking better after watching this now if were not so ugly with those scales only a mother could love..definitely cartoonish looking.

[@rustyknifelover4463]

The Kizer is drawing me in.

[@robertkamer1820]

I understand the value proposition of the Cormoran, but I really don't like how it looks. So it would be the Smock for me. If only it were available here.

[@vicpnut1]

Interesting comparison … So imo what you call more difficult to deploy would be a plus in regard to safety ..same with the blade dropping if you hit the button with no closing pressure seems slightly less safe in regard to accidentally hitting the easier access release button you mention. Then the 3 screw clip on the spyderco seems sturdier (possibly) …dont like the button position on the kizer in regard to longevity of the handle plastic , meaning a high use area with less material between the button and main construction bolt /dowel…though looks easier to access and use on kizer I don’t know if it being easier is a good thing .then your cutting test , the most important factor in a edc makes the spyderco obviously better choice for overall use …unless you need super fast opening then i guess the kizer is a must …for me , imo ,safer and sharper easier cutting spyderco ……all that being said ,and i might be missing something here , why compare such dissimilar blades ? Are there no direct comparison blade shape in the kizer line ? Or visa versa ?

[@vicpnut1]

Just used your amazon links to check each blades page . Seems higher star (only like .2 or .3 ) count for spyderco . But notice again totally different range of knife as far as price also . Which maybe why spyderco has the edge in the review stars (people sometimes over rate when spending more lol) ….am new to this whole niche of edc market . Ive almost always carried a old school folding type blade since early 80’s ,ie: buck 110 or similar .so not new to knives overall . Seems a ton of choices for quality knives for edc compared to years past .and now it also seems chinese knives are being built with good raw materials compared to the buck 110 knockoffs sold for $1 at flea markets that would not get or keep a decent edge way back in the 80’s lol ..point being it seems you cant go wrong if you do a small amount of research, youll find a good blade in any price range 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@rockhopperify]

I'd love to have the Cormorant...but you can't buy it anywhere...ever. Nobody has it in stock and I've been trying to find it for weeks now.

[@Pourage_art]

The cormorant is def on my list to pick up. The XX design on the handle speaks to me since I'm an artist & those x's are synonymous with a popular street artist by the name of Kaws. Love the videos

[@4144758]

Wow thanks now I can explain it to ppl haha

[@nickhathaway4617]

You should have did the full titanium Version kizer Obviously way better than those scales and 20CV And still cheaper than the spyderco

[@mickkeim4142]

Hey Jay...was the Kizer left standing? I think that’s what you said...lol.

[@Brye29]

Cormorant all day . Just Rit dye the scales if you don’t like the colour combo

[@buckwylde9567]

Big Spydie fan but the smock does nothing for me. Ordered my Cormorant today

[@Frizzlefry7]

I want to handle both before I make a decision, regardless though, I’m not buying that Kizer until he adds more handle choices. Those are awful. He said there will be more choices in future models. So that’s good news.

[@CNYKnifeNerd]

Did you just personify Chinese Government Metal Processing Factory number 84?

[@skcamerican]

Hey Jay, check out the cormorant dye job at Buckeye Guy Knives channel. It’s way cool!

[@Thefallen2]

I own the cormorant and it’s cool but if you tap the back of the blade it unlocks every time there for it sucks i own the smock and it smokes the cormorant

[@matthewadler1329]

Chicago Knife Works has the Cormorant all day.

[@slywolfe]

This can't be a serious point of contention... Spydercos beat Kizers every time. And don't get me wrong, I love Kizer - but it's just not a fair fight.

[@chrisb5986]

Save time. 10:00.

[@tdenight9344]

You compared a single detent button lock knife the Cormorant to a double detent button lock in the Smock. Its like apples and oranges

[@joebreeding449]

Ok here's my thought I'm not a Spyderco knives fan but i have seen 2 that catch my eye smock might be the best looking one they have made ...then i saw the chef and was like stop it now .. I'm not a serrated type of guy on blades..but man i want both .. but my only problem is for $175 why is it not titanium handles...😔🙄👀😔

[@CNYKnifeNerd]

Because it's made in a country with minimum wage and labor laws??

[@charlier8233]

I’d have to go with the Cormorant too. Cheaper, true button lock and (not that most people would ever notice) slightly better steel. Even though the scales aren’t the greatest, I kinda like the Cormorant’s blade shape. I’ve always been kind of “eh” on Spyderco, a lot of there knives don’t have good blade to handle ratios. Thanks for the comparison.

[@Zero_8347]

The kizer is definitely more attractive in my opinion

[@damyr]

Cormorant FTW. It just looks and feels more practical as an EDC. Just btw, you asked for likes/subscribe 3 times in this video. You do whatever you think it's ok, just remember there's a thin line between being polite and just annoying.

[@elde667]

I have them both. I want to like the Cormorant but it just feels flimsy and cheap. Too bad.

[@projectnext5020]

I just think the Kiser is fugly compared to the Spyderco.

[@czenkusm]

I have both, Smock is better. End.

[@philliplabuschagne5508]

Spyderco

[@stelephan]

fyi, the price in euros are not the real one, they are far more expensive

[@joebreeding449]

That kizer is better...

[@theresafolderinmypocket]

Is someone gonna address the elephant in the room!! Tha Smock is MUCH better looking. Actually the Cormorant is hideous

[@ruru2500]

Chinese vs not Chinese, seems simple

[@llemmon]

Not even close...Smock all day. I actually think it's ridiculous to even compare the knives. Kizer blade design is a joke.