Heard of Kizlyar or Svord knives?

gajinoz

gajinoz

Joined
Sep 2, 2003
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I'm thinking about going to the Sydney SHOT show at the end of the month. I just got a flyer for it in the latest Shooter Magazine and two knife makers, at least, have stalls there.

Kizlyar Knives, handmade somewhere in the Northern Caucasus and sold in Russia. You can read a bit about them and see some pics HERE

If any of you have ever seen any of these in the flesh I'd like to hear about it. Are they good quality or flashy POS?

Svord Knives, handmade in NZ by B. Baker. Anyone ever come across one of these? You can see some HERE

I'd be interested to hear any comments. I'll certainly be having a look at them in any case.

If anyone from Oz is planning to be at SHOT let me know, maybe we can meet up somewhere.
 
I've got a Kizlyar Phoenix: a 7" drop point that is built like a truck. It's one of Kizlyar's military/survival knives, and is definitely made to get the job done. It holds a good edge, and is easy to sharpen. The rubber handle is clearly made for cold climates (to provide good grip with gloves), but is equally servicable/grippy in a warm climate. The black coating on the blade is tough, but no where near as tough as the coating on a one piece Chris Reeve or a Swamp Rat. All in all, IMO, Kizlyar knives are good value for the money.

David
 
There's a SHOT show in Sydney - gee I have been out of the loop for a while!

As for Svord knives, they are fairly affordable for a handmade knife. Note that Brian Baker the bladesmith has a small team of apprentices doing the work and I understand he takes care of the heat treat.

I have handled quite a few, but don't own any. They are more "rustic" and "working" fit and finish. The natural wood handle ones are slightly better, but overall Svord is aimed at the user not the collector. They do tend to be heavy in my opinion for the size due a realatively thick convex grind.

I have only heard anectdotal comments on the L6 steel he uses - basically that they do rust if not oilded (of course) and that the HT is somewhat inconsistent.

If you like them, go for it - they have started to appear in many sport and gun shops in NZ for the same or less price than many imported brands.
 
Thanks for the comments guys. Hopefully I'll get to SHOT and see them. Maybe, if they're cheap enough, I might a buy a sample of each.
 
Hi Guys
What Daniel said. The knives are not highly finished but they do work well and stay very sharp. The more expensive items are better finished. have a look at www.svord.com for the whole story, the Peasant knife is a classic. For a large rustic bowie the Von Tempsky is also a good buy. It really depends on the prices at the show.
Phil (also in NZ)
 
hi gajinoz,

i have a 6 1/2inch pig sticker svord knife. nicely balanced, well made blade. i am looking at selling it actually.....trying to raise funds for my busse blade. contact me if you wish, adgreen@dodo.com.au :)
 
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