Description
KUV2742A4: V2742A4 Vanguard Maksim Epifantsev Microbe Thumb Hole Folding Knife - Jade G10
Kizer Cutlery
The Microbe is a compact, personality-packed EDC designed by Maksim Epifantsev with the kind of thoughtful restraint that separates a novelty-sized knife from a serious daily tool. Everything about it feels intentional, from the clean drop point blade that’s ready for real cutting work to the smooth, controlled action delivered through the thumb hole and button liner lock.
What really sets the Microbe apart is its balance. It’s small enough to disappear in the pocket yet substantial enough in hand to inspire confidence. The jade G10 handle adds visual punch without sacrificing comfort, offering a lightweight, rigid platform that feels refined rather than flashy. The flat-ground blade excels at everyday utility tasks, slicing cleanly and predictably with no wasted motion. This is a knife for users who appreciate smart design over excess - a modern EDC that proves compact doesn’t have to mean compromised. Clean, capable, and quietly distinctive, the Microbe punches well above its size class.
Vanguard Series
The Vanguard Series brings excellent value to high-quality designs. Since the start of Kizer Cutlery, they have focused on the high end of the knife market with their impeccable quality and premium materials. This has earned them a place in the hearts of their fans. To increase the accessibility of Kizer brand products, they took the designs of the Bladesmith and Prime Series, and while keeping the quality at the same high level, re-forged them using materials that bring extra value for the money spent. Kizer uses only materials that have stellar performance, such as VG10 for the blades and G10 or stainless steel for the handles. This way, Kizer products are available at all budget levels but still maintain that incredible quality of construction.
Tools share a common goal and purpose. That purpose is performance, reliable to the end. Kizer brings you the Vanguard Series created with the purpose of distilling the essence of the Bladesmith and Prime Series into tools that excel in being used. This may not be your only knife, but this will be the knife you carry and use every day!
Specifications
- Blade Length: 2.19" (55.57 mm)
- Closed Length: 3.14" (79.77 mm)
- Overall Length: 5.33" (135.34 mm)
- Blade Material: Sandvik 14C28N Stainless Steel
- Blade Thickness: 0.118" (3.0 mm)
- Blade Hardness: 58-59HRC
- Blade Style: Drop Point with Thumb Hole
- Blade Grind: Flat
- Blade Finish: Satin
- Handle Material: Jade (Natural) G10
- Locking Mechanism: Button Liner Lock
- Pocket Clip: Deep Carry (Tip-Up, Right/Left Carry)
- Weight: 2.47 oz. (70.0 g)
- Designer: Maksim Epifantsev
- Made in China
UPC Code: 6979237570546
Pocket Clip
Includes a pocket clip for easy accessibility and a more secure carry.
G10 Handles
Formed in a sheet under high pressure by combining fiberglass and an epoxy resin binder. These handles are lightweight and shaped to ensure a solid grip.
14C28N Stainless Steel
Made in Sweden by steel company Sandvik, 14C28N is a clean, high-quality alloy with exceptionally high toughness for a stainless steel.
Kizer Cutlery Vanguard Microbe Button Liner Lock Folding Knife 2.19" 14C28N Satin Drop Point Blade with Thumb Hole, Jade (Natural) G10 Handles, Reversible Deep Carry Clip
(1 review) 5.0 out of 5 stars
Kizer Cutlery Vanguard Microbe Button Liner Lock Folding Knife 2.19" 14C28N Satin Drop Point Blade with Thumb Hole, Jade (Natural) G10 Handles, Reversible Deep Carry Clip Russell
rural area
Jan 22, 2026
Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Ease of Opening, Handle Feel, Handle Material, Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type, Overall Quality, Pocket Clip, Weight
Cons: None
Now THAT
I like the various Tiffany blues that release so it's still awesome despite I'd wanted one of those smoothed micarta with cool raindrop/topo theme, the Microbe is still a design achievement triumph. My hands count as medium but usually wear large men's glove size (average size man unaffiliated with sports), excellent getting it as small as possible and still have a 4-finger chokeup grip with this choil that's as warmly welcoming as a hobbit house. I love top liner locks even when they have enough stick to make a double-click noise on unlock, cool D-shaped button with "safety vest" reflect silver effect; look at that spineline, look at that diminutive yet efficient blade. Apparently they also released flick hole version but this is with thumb studs, preferable in this case. I might remember hearing the name Maxime Epifantsev but as a mini-EDC enthusiast the Microbe is a jump-slam of a win so he's now the guy that designed the Kizer Microbe. Thanks to them for keeping it affordable
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Close-up of hand holding knife, opening or unsheathing knife, and then closing or sheathing knife.
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