One of Kizer’s Most Popular EDC Knives Gets an Ultra-Affordable Utilitarian Multi-Tool Treatment

Back in 2016, Kizer collaborated with Chris Conaway on what would become one of the brand’s most beloved and recognizable EDC knives, the Sheepdog.

Since then, numerous iterations have emerged, yet the knife has largely retained its overall look and, perhaps more significantly, its signature cleaver-style blade.

However, the latest iteration marks a pretty significant departure. The Kizer Sheepdog C01C Uti knives see the defining blade swapped out entirely, granting the Sheepdog a surprising new life as a workhorse EDC utility knife.

Kizer

Working breeds

It behooves me to go over the most obvious change in this version of the Sheepdog: the blade. Whereas previous iterations had a more traditional integrated cleaver blade, this model instead has a razor blade mounting system.

Technically, it has two structure options. There are two versions of this Sheepdog: the Uti 1 and Uti 2. They differ only in the way the razor blade mounts in its housing.

Kizer

The first has a button release, which is similar to the majority of modern utility knives. The razor slips into the housing and clicks into place. Then, to release it, the user must depress the large orange button on the housing, and the blade comes free. This version favors speed and convenience.

The second has a “Dual-Anchor” system, as the brand calls it. Instead of a button, it has a pair of screws. The blade slips in under the screws and then the screws are turned to secure the blade in place. This is a much more secure mount, but it requires more work to swap the blades.

Otherwise, the knives are functionally identical.

Kizer

Feeling sheepish

While the blade is the biggest difference with these Sheepdog utility knives, they’re not the only change. For instance, both versions also feature some added multifunctionality in the form of removable tweezers and a toothpick in the handle.

They also have a button lock. While this isn’t the first time a Sheepdog has had a button lock, they are the only ones in the brand’s current catalog. Others have either a crossbar lock or a liner lock.

Kizer

However, the CO1C Utis still maintain many of the knife’s signature elements, like its ergonomic handle, which sports either Micarta or G10 handle scales. They also get thumb stud deployments and reversible pocket clips.

And here’s a sneaky benefit of all of this: without the blade, they’re TSA-compliant. That means you can travel with them and, when you arrive at your destination, buy and insert a razor blade and — whammy — you’re back in business.

Kizer

Available now

The Kizer Sheepdog Utility C01C Uti 1 and Kizer Sheepdog Utility C01C Uti 2 are now available on the brand’s site for $43 or $44 apiece, depending on the configuration you choose.

Kizer

Kizer Sheepdog C01C Uti

• Starts at $43

Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.

Related Topics