Kizer Begleiter

[Ian Brandstetter]

Does anybody own the Kizer cutlery begleiter? If so, is it a good knife? I am looking for my first good EDC knife. For the last two days I have been posting questions about other knives like the Kershaw leek, Crkt flat out and the Gerber fastball. A lot of people like the Kershaw and Kizer but nobody who responded actually owns the Kizer. I just don't want to regret a purchase later on.

 

[Cosmodragoon]

I don't have experience with the Begleiter but I've had or handled other knives by Kizer. I've been impressed by the overall quality. Comparing that to various knives I've had from Gerber or CRKT over the years, I'd recommend Kizer every time.

I have some experience with the Kizer Domin. It looks like a more minimalist version of the Begleiter. The action and lockup are good. I rather like VG-10 for an EDC knife steel. The Mini Domin is nice too but a little small for my hands.

https://www.bladehq.com/?search=domin#/filter:brand:Kizer

 

[Odds]

I have several Kizer models and they are good quality. I don’t have experience with the Begleiter but I do have a Domin which is similar. It’s a good knife that has smooth fast thumb flick deployment. Fit and finish are very good. I’m getting more into higher end knives lately and will probably be selling my Domin. Keep doing your research and if you’re interested in the Domin email me. It’s in like new condition. n.enhaynes@gmail.com

 

[Hackenslash]

I have a prototype Begleiter from back in the days when I was all over anything Kizer did. I’m a little less into Kizer these days due to them selling through a Chinese website that supports clones.

The Begleiter is a fine knife but also very long and thin. If you’re ok with a 3.5” blade, it should serve you well. I personally found the Begleiter handle to be a little too thin for extended cutting tasks. The Domin or Mini Begleiter would be more up my alley.

You might also consider some of the offerings from CIVIVI and Bestech. The budget Bestech are comparable quality to Kizer Vanguard and the CIVIVI are probably a bit better.

Good luck!

 

[Cosmodragoon]

... I’m a little less into Kizer these days due to them selling through a Chinese website that supports clones... You might also consider some of the offerings from CIVIVI and Bestech. The budget Bestech are comparable quality to Kizer Vanguard and the CIVIVI are probably a bit better...

Civivi and Bestech are definitely worth checking out. Both companies make excellent knives in the neighborhood of fifty bucks. I think you're right about Civivi. Their quality is exceptional and consistent. (The Naja is my casual EDC.) The Bestechs I've handled tend to vary more by design but a few have had phenomenal actions. I gave someone a D2 Beluga as a gift this Spring and the action was delightful.

On the other thing, I understand the sentiment. I think it's important to realize that some of those websites are major global marketplaces for all sorts of things. Kizer and some of the other knife companies who use them are based in China and have customers all over the world. Not all of those customers have the same market access that we might in places like the United States.

 

[Ourorboros]

I have one, it's a good knife. Nothing wrong from a fit and finish standpoint. I do prefer the uncoated blade.
But of course this depends on the range of tasks that you think this blade would be used for. As a 3.5 inch blade, it fits the hand well, but wouldn't be allowed in every building or jurisdiction. With steel liners it might be stronger and heavier than you need, especially in an office environment. Really depends on your needs and restrictions.

 

[AntDog]

I handled one at a knife shop. I liked the design until I handled one. It was a bit smaller than I expected, but the thing that bugged the hell out of me was that the liners are not completely covered by the scales.

This leaves a little ridge of metal sticking out all the way around the handle. It was very irritating to me so I passed.