Knize Sec Knize for women and men

The opening of Knize Sec shows a strong Knize Ten/Sec family resemblance. But where Ten goes heavy leather, Sec strikes a milder but full-bodied leather/tobacco pose. There’s also a citrus note right up front.

Sec. The name might be unimaginative, but it’s right on. Sec has a gorgeous, arid character that reminds me that dry is not the antithesis of rich. Dryness here is a focused robustness that develops over time. As the green citrus recedes, Sec actually becomes a bit of a white floral (jasmine? violet?) What seems like a few simple parts play off each other beautifully. The white flower bit somehow ties the leather/tobacco to a rising incense and amber base. The frankincense connects to the citrus, the tobacco to the dry amber. So tidy. And a text-book example of an engaging evolution over time. I’d recommend this to a man who likes a simple (as in non-fussy) fragrance but enjoys depth as well.

Launched in 1985 Sec has a drastically dry citrus/frankincense/sage opening enriched in the drydown by amber, shy flowery accords, a remarkable coriander note and hints of leather. Sort of a dried to the bone Knize Ten. Not very much to add as this composition is quite simple and linear yet incredibly satisfying. Maybe not one of the most distinctive perfumes around but If you're into straight-forward, austere frankincense fragrances you'll probably dig this. I do.

Rating 7.5/10

Nice dry, herbaly/woody aromatic. Good blending of middle notes even though lavender and petitgrain are vying for attention. That jasmine/leather groove is saying something in the drydown. Keeps things interesting. Can almost smell cedar but incense is a nice touch throughout. Can imagine old leather bound book library with cedar shelf lining next to a snifter of cognac. Dry rustling of pages being turned as an incensy-ink smell wafts throughout the room.
All of these notes know how to play 'knize'.