Kizer Cabox II: Jonathan Styles' Heavy-Duty AEB-L Fixie Returns With PVD Attitude

Second-generation knives are usually safe bets: the maker keeps what worked and fixes what did not. The Kizer Cabox II, designed by Jonathan Styles, follows that script with a heavy-duty fixed blade that trades the original's bright-and-friendly look for a full black PVD coating and a meaner attitude. At $69.95 it stays firmly in the value-fixed-blade bracket, and the upgrades make it one of the more interesting hard-use options in that price range.

The foundation is an AEB-L drop-point blade — a profile that has earned its place as the default answer for general outdoor cutting. Drop points are forgiving, easy to control, and strong at the tip, and AEB-L brings the fine-grained toughness that makes the steel a favorite among custom makers who want predictable, long-lasting edges. The black PVD coating adds corrosion resistance and a stealthy finish that will not glare in the sun or reflect off a campfire.

The handle is where the Cabox II shows its personality. Black Micarta scales sit over the full tang, providing a warm, grippy surface even when wet, and the retention ring at the rear is a thoughtful touch for hard-use buyers who like a secure grip during heavy work. A Kydex sheath completes the package, keeping the knife ready for belt carry or pack storage without the bulk of a leather rig.

Compared with its predecessor, the Cabox II reads as the same skeleton with a new wardrobe — but the PVD treatment changes more than looks. A coated blade shrugs off the fingerprint-and-rust routine that plagues uncoated carbon-ish steels in humid environments, which makes the Cabox II a better pick for people who actually use their knives outdoors rather than displaying them.

At under $70 with a proven steel, a designer name, and a full kit, the Cabox II is exactly the kind of fixed blade that belongs on a shortlist for anyone looking for a first serious outdoor knife or a durable loaner that will not break the bank.

Ready to add one to your rotation? Shop Kizer → and see the current lineup before stock moves.