Kizer knives, what's your opinion of them?

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k_ozdragon

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Feb 14, 2015
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Been seeing various Kizer knives popping up recently on various forums, so it got me curious. Was wondering what the community thinks about them. I've read that they are exceptionally smooth and are a nice knife, but then the complete opposite soon thereafter. Was curious on the build quality, fit and finish, and most of all: how does the steel hold up? Does it stay true to what its labeled and how's the temper? Let me know what you guys think!
 
I don't know enough about them to have an opinion. I hope to learn more.
 
Yeah was hoping to stimulate a discussion on them. They look awesome, but I'm super allergic to the word "China". I've always said that if China decided to make knives instead of copy them they could do amazing things; but it seems there's always a catch. I keep seeing pics of this lovely green titanium flipper with Greek swirl accents and a s35vn blade and it really has my attention, but I dont want to waste $140 when it would be better put towards something else - but if its worth it... Kinda curious if it performs like the $250 knives it looks like, or if its just "good for a $135 knife"
 
I have 4, quality is very high, fit and finish are great also.


I would not hesitate to buy another Kizer.
 
I got a Ki5404A2 about a month or so ago and I've been very impressed. Design is good, flips well, lockbar hasn't moved a millimeter, smoothed out really nicely, edge holding is on par with anything else I have in S35VN, Elmax, S30V or CTS-XHP (I group them because they all seem to perform similarly). I'm not a big fan of ti framelocks, but that's the only thing keeping me from being completely in love with the knife. I'm guessing with these materials and F&F a similar knife made in The States, Italy or Japan would go for $250-300. I took advantage of a fairly major sale, so I snagged it for $105.
 
Just what I was hoping to hear - not what my wallet wanted to hear lol. I might just have to pick that up soon :)
 
k_ozdragon said:
Been seeing various Kizer knives popping up recently on various forums, so it got me curious. Was wondering what the community thinks about them. I've read that they are exceptionally smooth and are a nice knife, but then the complete opposite soon thereafter. Was curious on the build quality, fit and finish, and most of all: how does the steel hold up? Does it stay true to what its labeled and how's the temper? Let me know what you guys think!
Click to expand...

I didn't get into too many specifics - but I did a recent video on the Kizer Ki3404A3 Knife you might want to check out :D

[video=youtube_share;NDoUirMmANQ]http://youtu.be/NDoUirMmANQ[/video]
 
I've handled about a half dozen Kizers, and all but one have been flawless. The issue with the one that wasn't flawless? It was ever so slightly off center. Otherwise, they have all been smooth and great.

They're setting up a booth at the moment at a show, and a representative posted this to his facebook wall. The bottom left knife is something that is apparently currently unavailable but will be available soon through BladeHQ, the Ki4450Ti:

11038737_1589726394605671_9041247217088337957_n.jpg


I want that knife. A lot. It looks a lot like one of the knives I loved the design of but hated the quality and materials - the CRKT Mah Eraser.

Photo credit: ME BECAUSE I'M AWESOME



One of the things I like about Kizer is that they produce knives that look and function like $300+ knives, but generally cost half or less than half of that. That puts interesting and cool designs in the hands of people who will actually friggin' use them.
 
Wavester said:
I didn't get into too many specifics - but I did a recent video on the Kizer Ki3404A3 Knife you might want to check out :D

[video=youtube_share;NDoUirMmANQ]http://youtu.be/NDoUirMmANQ[/video]
Click to expand...
Oh was this the one they sent on accident?
 
k_ozdragon said:
Yeah was hoping to stimulate a discussion on them. They look awesome, but I'm super allergic to the word "China". I've always said that if China decided to make knives instead of copy them they could do amazing things; but it seems there's always a catch. I keep seeing pics of this lovely green titanium flipper with Greek swirl accents and a s35vn blade and it really has my attention, but I dont want to waste $140 when it would be better put towards something else - but if its worth it... Kinda curious if it performs like the $250 knives it looks like, or if its just "good for a $135 knife"
Click to expand...
That would be my ki423 you've been seeing. It is the third Kizer I've owned. The first one I owned came off center so I sent it back, and got the 3404. Was absolutely perfect. Sold it because it was tip down only and the handles too smooth. My 423 is my favorite knife currently. Has a super smooth bearing pivot, which only got better with time. All 3 kizer I've owned have come extreme sharp. The 423 has kicked everything out of my pocket, including knives twice it's price.

Kizer is a force to be reckoned with, and with the current Ti frame lock craze, I see them taking sales away from a lot of companies. Get one and you will see. $139 at bladehq is an excellent price, everyone else has them for $170+
 
I only have 3 total complaints about Kizer. Next to no lefty clip support, their S35VN could be harder, and their factory edges are usually rather obtuse. None of these are deal breakers. Considering that they are a new brand still getting footing in the market and they have shown willingness to evolve their products, I would call them THE company to watch. Killer quality at a killer price and they tweak designs based on customer input? Sounds like a company after my heart (ok wallet).
 
I purchased the one in the product description below. It is very well made and the flipper action is very good. Aside from the entire Kizer/Britton argument, they do seem to be stepping up their game and trying to get a foothold in the higher end market. They are currently offering sime pretty good materials at good prices.

I do have one small complaint about the placement of the thumbstud. It needs to be a little further back. I'm not a flipper guy and trying to use the thumbstud only to open it I find difficult as the leverage isn't right. I've considered asking a modder to add another stud.

While I do like to support the US blade makers, it's pretty tough to find a maker without at least some sort of ties offshore. If I hadn't found this one in another forums FS area, I likely would not have bought it just cause it's another Ti slabbed framelock in a crowded field. But the value is there if you don't mind going offshore. As an aside, I looked on the knife, and I could not find the China stamp. Must be inside or under the bolster maybe. Or I missed it. Oh, and the pocket clip leaves something to be desired. Really oddly crafted.

Despite it being well made, it isn't going to move my CRK/Spydie/BM out of rotation. I just wanted to see what the fuss was about. It'll likely end up on the exchange just due to non-use.


Description
KUKI3404A3: Ki3404A3 Folding Knife
Kizer Cutlery

Kizer Cutlery Titanium Framelock. 4-1/8" closed. 3" CPM-S35VN stainless blade with dual thumb studs and flipper. 6AL4V titanium handles with matte finish. Lanyard hole. 6AL4V titanium pocket clip. Weight: 3.1 oz. Made in China.

Kizer uses high-tech wire EDM machines to cut the parts. This method is slower than laser or water jet but feel quality is worth the wait. Each component in Kizer knives are precision machined and engineered to the finest tolerances. The final fit, finish, action, and sharpness of each knife is achieved entirely by hand, employing the irreplaceable craftsmanship developed by generations of cutler masters. Dedicated craftsman honoring the long term goal of making the best knives possible is what Kizer brings to you.
 
Well it really seems that the consensus is good. Really the only negative we all have is our affliction towards Chinese products and what we generally know them to be. I have to say though, I read some other forums on their knives and was rather shocked to see an actual company rep reading all the posts and *responding* to them. Another shock was they seemed to be taking feedback and making actual changes to their products based on it. I know that if I had a company, that's how I'd do it. This forum has a wealth of free knowledge, and for them to tap that and actually put it to good use in a quick manner is awesome. Never thought I'd buy a Chinese knife outside of the ones I take when I go somewhere I might lose one or have to bury it in a planter out front cuz they dont allow them lol, but this definitely seems like something that's going to go into my collection. Oh and yes KOD, that was your knife I kept seeing lol. That thing is an eye catcher. I really wish more companies would embellish their knives more. Keep them practical, but make them interesting. Hell even knives from antiquity would have scrimshaw and etc on them. Love the attention to detail on the designs and overall look.
 
Ok sooo I was at the knife show today and got to see a bunch of Kizers and inspect them very closely. Damn, they are nice! Also met a few owners there who said they absolutely love theirs. So I ended up leaving with a Ki423 :). So far I'm super happy with it. What an amazing knife for the price. Only real problem I could see was a bit of a nitpick, but the area the stop pin seats in protrudes ever so slightly when closed. Not a huge deal, but something I keep noticing. Hasn't affected anything on the knife so far though. I'd definitely say that if you are on the fence about buying one, just do it. You won't be let down; plus according to what I read the warranty and customer service is excellent too.
 
K.O.D. said:
That would be my ki423 you've been seeing. It is the third Kizer I've owned. The first one I owned came off center so I sent it back, and got the 3404. Was absolutely perfect. Sold it because it was tip down only and the handles too smooth. My 423 is my favorite knife currently. Has a super smooth bearing pivot, which only got better with time. All 3 kizer I've owned have come extreme sharp. The 423 has kicked everything out of my pocket, including knives twice it's price.

Kizer is a force to be reckoned with, and with the current Ti frame lock craze, I see them taking sales away from a lot of companies. Get one and you will see. $139 at bladehq is an excellent price, everyone else has them for $170+
Click to expand...
Went to the knife show today and ended up buying it :)
Super happy with it!
 
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