Paul Munko Shows Off First Pictures of Kizer Mini Mystic

Knife designer Paul Munko has a sequel to his Kizer Mystic collab in the works. The Mini Mystic carries more differences than blade size, including a different lock and revamped materials.

The full-size Mystic, named after the famous town in Connecticut, went big indeed with a 3.74-inch cutting edge. At the time, Munko told us that the choice of size came from a dual desire to emulate the look of a harpoon (in a nod to Mystic, CT’s maritime history), and create a universal, highly capable working knife design. It was a premium Kizer release, rendered in REX45, a pretty unusual steel choice for Kizer and, really, the production knife scene in general.

There will be other material combos for the Mini Mystic when it does release

The Mini Mystic brings the blade length down to 3.25 inches – a sweet spot size for most everyday carry-oriented users, and still big enough to carry forward the original’s harpoon look intact. In short (pun intended), the Mini Mystic should be able to handle a wide gamut of chores while being more pocketable and lighter than its big brother. Steel remains TBD, but Munko says that it will be something a bit more wallet-friendly, as part of the Mini Mystic’s remit is to cut down on costs compared to the full-size model. Worth noting is that the Mini Mystic, due to several mechanical considerations, does not have a front flipper tab like the standard Mystic; this one opens with thumb stud only.

Speaking of mechanics, keen-eyed observers will have noted that the lock has also changed. Instead of a frame lock, the Mini Mystic is sporting the Clutch Lock, Kizer’s Axis-like mechanism. In conjunction with a swappable clip, this makes the Mini a totally ambidextrous knife. The Mystic handle design, both in terms of profile and in terms of the “2/3rds scale and bolster” look, has been carried forward on the Mini, but the materials are a bit different. Once again in pursuit of being more cost-conscious, the Mini Mystic prototype forgoes any titanium, with a burlap Micarta scale and Ultem bolster instead.

These are prototypes, so details may change, of course. As for a release, that is still TBD as well; Munko says he hopes to see it drop before the end of 2024.

Knife in Featured Image: Kizer Mini Mystic Prototype


The information provided by KnifeNews.com (the “Site”) is for general recreational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed on the Site are those of the author or those quoted and do not necessarily reflect the views of any entities they represent. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of the information on the Site. Under no circumstance shall we have any liability to you for any loss or damage as the result of the use of the Site or reliance on any information provided. Your use of the Site and your reliance on any information on the Site is solely at your own risk.