Khanjar

Conclusion

Khanjar offers a decent alternative to Gyan for those unwilling to pay the premium. While it doesn't perfectly replicate the original's complexity, it captures the essence . The synthetic opening and amplified patchouli are drawbacks, but acceptable given the value. If Gyan is 10/10, Khanjar is a solid 7/10. A good choice for casual wear, especially in warmer weather. It's worth buying if you like Gyan's DNA but are on a budget.

How it Smells

Khanjar opens with a bright, albeit slightly synthetic, citrus accord. The bergamot is present but lacks the natural zest of Sicilian orange found in Gyan. It’s about 90% close in the opening but has a noticeable "clone-like" harshness for the first 5 minutes. The heart reveals a jasmine sambac that is reasonably accurate, though simplified. The Sichuan pepper adds a pleasant tingling spice, mimicking the effect in the original. The base is where Khanjar deviates most. The patchouli is amped up, becoming more prominent and earthy. The cedar is drier, less creamy, and the incense is toned down considerably. In sum, it’s a well-constructed approximation but lacks the refined nuances of Gyan.

Wear time & Sillage

Projection is moderate for the first two hours, creating a noticeable scent bubble. Longevity is average, hovering around 6-7 hours on skin. It weakens considerably after the fourth hour, becoming a skin scent. Clothing yields better longevity, pushing it closer to 8 hours.