Kizer Cutlery - experiences?

Thanks guys. I happened upon these knives online a couple weeks ago and had the chance to finger a couple at my local knife shop. Love the input and reviews. I am a huge KAI/ZT/Shun fan and almost feel ashamed to be looking at these cause I feel like I'm cheating. You can't help but to appreciate the build quality coming out of China.
 
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Comeuppance said:
I haven't seen this anywhere for sale yet, but, damn.

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Also, this is pretty high on my want list, but I do wish that it was a Ti framelock:

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That thing is pretty cool looking. I like that it's so different then most annodizing
 
i have 3 Kizers: 401B, 3404A3, 4404B. the only thing they lack is ball bearings. and this is only a conceptual flaw for me, not functional. they open as smoothly and any ball bearing knife i own from quartermasters to Microtech DOC to CRKT's IKBS knives (e.g., Eros). otherwise these are perfect knives. handling them is pure pleasure. every little detail is perfectly executed. and Kizer, unlike other Chinese knife makers (e.g., Wild Boar, Kevin John, etc.), does not sell knock offs. can their designed be further improved? sure. i'd ditch colorful titanium, add some more blade styles (definitely tango) and classier handle styles, similar to 401B, may be titanium spines/spacers, textured handles (such as Boker's Manaro), a bit more aggressive jimping, more distinctive pocket clips and thumb studs (the flippers are so good that thumb studs can be even removed altogether). and the last but not least: Kizer, please fix your website. More info, correct mistakes
 
I might have missed it somewhere, but did Kizer get the OK to use the Hinderer LBS?
 
Hi, Tokerblue:

Yes, the Hinderer lock bar stabilizer is licensed directly from Rick.

Thanks.

Kizer.
 
I wondered about that myself, and am glad to hear what was said.

Any word on when a sub-forum will be opening here at BF?
 
The application was sent via forum message about 2 weeks ago, I'm told that Spark is the only one that can make it happen and it might take some time.

I'll ask for an update if I don't hear by the mid of this week I think.

Thanks.

Kizer.
 
RamZar said:
The model numbers on the Kizer website are a little confusing. I thought the 3404 are the ones with 3" blades but there's a 3404A3 (see pictures) and it says 3.46" blade! Looks nice in a plain way. Looks like Phantom models have titanium on both sides and Shadow not so. Model numbers starting with 5 are the big guns with 4.7"+ blades, model 4 are about 4" and may be model 3 with 3-3.5" blades...
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Those look real nice. I might consider one of those for my next.
 
Now I am confused. The Ki5401A2 I have on hold was advertised with a 4.7" blade, but EA list it as a 4.1" blade. So Kizer, which is it?
 
cutter17 said:
Now I am confused. The Ki5401A2 I have on hold was advertised with a 4.7" blade, but EA list it as a 4.1" blade. So Kizer, which is it?
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ExtremAddiction actually measures the knives they sell so they have the correct blade length.

According to the American Knife and Tool Institute (AKTI) which is what everybody goes by:

AKTI Protocol for Measuring Knife Blade Length

Where a statute, regulation or ordinance refers to knife blade length, the measurement shall be the straight line extending from the tip of the blade to the forward-most aspect of the hilt or handle.

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I think Kizer incorrectly goes from the pivot hole to blade tip and thus always longer.
 
Thanks RamZar. Actually 4.1" made more sense with an overall length of 9.7". But it doesn't matter as 4.1" is good for me. Still going to be big with a .177" thick blade and a weight of 8.4 ounces. I'm still happy!:thumbup::)
 
I own a 3404A2 and I just received a 404A.

The 3404 needed a slight amount of lube and a few days to flip just right. The 404a flipped well right out of the box (bigger knife w/more wt. - 5oz.).
I can find no major complaints with either knife.

I compared my ZT801 against my 404A (as in operation, feel and quality).....and I feel that the 801 is just lightly better overall. Both knives have very close dimensions (weight, length, etc.). The bearings on the 801 just makes it a slightly better flip motion. One minor point (404A), the gipping on the G-10 side of the handle is a bit too sharp.

With the 3404, there is less mass to flip (the blade is much lighter and shorter). I was very surprised how well it flips since the break in period.
 
RamZar said:
The 3404 series have 3" blades of S35VN and weigh just 3 ounces. Real nice high-quality pieces that go for about $120 at ExtremAddiction.
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I'm in. You, evilgreg and I have similar tastes in folders and I trust your recommendations. So I just put in my order for a 3404A3. Looks like a really nice little knife, especially for the money. It also counts that Kizer and Sergey both have a presence here on BF. :thumbup:

Thanks for the heads-up! :)
 
I want a Ki5414A1. Where can I get one?! These are schweet!
 
"take a look at those two , on my personal recommended list .
good knives."

this is exactly what i have. fully recommend.
 
My 3404A3 just arrived. As I suspected, Ramzar's and evilgreg's recommendations were spot on. Fit and finish are excellent. I put a couple of drops of Nano Oil in the pivot and she's already flipping nicely.

Thanks, Sergey. :)
 
You just have to start believing that it is true....a Chinese knife company CAN produce a top notch knife. I've been carrying my Phantom 5401A2 since Thursday and so far it's a winner in my book.


Btw, what is nano oil? I have seen it mentioned several times in different threads.
 
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