Knize Ten (1924)
by Knize

Crack the whip, feel the bite of sharp bitter leather. This is a policeman’s shiny, black, leather shoes. Decidedly manly. I could see this as rugged and sexy on a man, but on a woman, it’s going to come across as kinky. High marks for being unique in this day and age, but a neutral rating because I’m not sure how it would wear in reality. I have no volunteers to demonstrate, and it’s a bit harsh on me.

Knize Ten: I usually spray my Sotd (especially decants) when I am settled in my car. 4 sprays of Knize 10...one each on wrist and two under neck...now, those who have this scent would already have a big smile on their face coz they know how intensely beautiful 4 sprays could be

Knize Ten took me back to my childhood. What it reminded me strongly of is,(dare i say) my Mom's dressing table, it's drawers and its contents, especially talcum Powders (there is one by name Cuticura which is remarkably similar), and leather "finished" makeup kits and purses. This scent literally sucked me into that era and time. The overall aroma is unmistakably captured so damn well for me in K-10. A fascinating scent. I would say this scent is quite easily unisex because of its powdery nature...it may smell tad old fashioned on a women (only some maybe able to carry it off) but on a guy, this is a sure shot winner. This scent has a pretty linear approach and is unmistakably (powdery fresh) Green in it's feel with the powder never loosing its sight. I do not detect any citrus elements in the top notes. When reviews says a “blast of Citrus” - its nothing like an Etro Lemon Sorbet or an Issey or a Live Jazz or anything of that genre... The opening notes is anything but powdery herbal which is green (almost intense fern like sweet note) with a smell of sandalwood talcum powder aged in a metal container...this accord is surprisingly transparent. soon the powdery elements soon take over and this scent lingers on and on in this phase...The leather note in it is not like Heeley Fine leather. It’s more of (dare I say), a women’s leather bag found in an attic kind of smell. this purse must have definitely stored some form of Talc in a metal container and nail polish remover, this accord seems to have stuck on to the leather and the leather itself exudes a very powdery aroma. It’s only in the base notes that this beautiful phase tones down *sigh* and it reveals a different kind of leather note (civet?), very unusual (two forms of leather?). it along with some dirty vanilla and amber create a very cloud like, rich, suave accord which is truly what completes this fragrance...a masterpiece till it's last breath. a scent worth all it's accolades....think of it as the Kouros of it's time in a leather Jacket of Chanel Pour Monsiuer..how could it be, right?

This is a fantastic scent. I love Knize Ten. It's a classic leather scent that has stood the test of time. It starts with a citrus blast but the leather is there from the start too; the heart and base notes add a sweetness and tobacco element to the leather and it dries down with a bit of powder. It seems to be a like it or hate it scent. I can only walk through a mist of this one, or it gets overpowering. It lasts well, and makes me feel very good!

After a few days waering Knize 10, i must say i still hate the openingsnote. My girlfriend's remark is : "terrible, it smells like you've showered in used motoroil and dried yourself with an old oily, turpentine and sweaty rag".

After 1 1/2 hours it's get soften and even a tiny little bit sweet . The leather is there and is there to stay. It has a remarkable longetivity ( the next day in the shower it still fills up the bathroom). The opening: thermonuclear indeed, but the fall down is great. IMHO there are better scents, and it certainly won't become my everyday scent, but it is in my wardrobe and is there to stay.

ZZtop's advise on knize ten is correct:


The trick to enjoying Knize Ten is to:

1) Wear it in (very) cool weather !
2) Only Mist instead of spraying, and one is enough !

This way you prevent that fellow workers and the house dog or cat run away from you as if your carrying a fatal desease.

The opening: 2/10
The driedown: 7,5 / 10

The last "fragg" comment was hideous. Some have no nose.

Found in the Bahamas in a sampler. Lovely, refined, "earthy-dry leather." I have had more comments on this fragrance than any worn. Women love this scent, which "morphs" as time passes. Long lasting, but subtle and different as the day wears on. Podery-leather best describes it, but it is much more complex. It lasts.

Ah..Knize Ten. Back in the sixties and my youth, I discovered the Caswell-Massey catalog.

Full of old black and white etchings ..humorous and compelling they led me to Knize Ten.

I was intrigued and so I tried it.

I didn't know what to think,my olfactory palette was unsophisticated but I remember well the blend of leathery spice.

Many years passed and today I still have a bottle of Knize in my collection.

Nothing smells like Ten..it is what it is and one may have a Love -Hate relationship with it.

Foetidus is quite correct,applied gently it mantains a sophistication that defies age.

I too,have layered different colognes....Caswell-masseys patchouli makes a nice base for experimentation, but Knize alone and layered is a true king.