Kizer Cutlery - experiences?

Ki3404A3

just checking if this has been updated with a tipup carry? been holding out till it does. really want this one!
 
I wanted to update my previous post. I received a replacement for my 4412, and it has been problem free for a month now. No loose thumb studs/blade stops. I am impressed with the high quality and fit/finish of the 2 Kizer knives that I own. I will be watching for new models in the future.

I was so impressed in fact, that I ordered another Kizer: model 401b1. I ordered what I thought was the older model with a stonewash blade, but received the new version. Here are the differences as well as my initial impressions.

The good: The new version comes with tip up/tip down carry options. I am happy Kizer is listening to its customers as offering tip-up Cary on their flippers. Fit and finish is excellent. The scales are beautiful! Really stunning in person. The blade is centered and locks up without play in any direction. There is no lock stick which is very impressive, as there is no steel lock bar insert. There is a hinderer style lock bar stabilizer/over travel protection. It has a ceramic ball detent. It rides on phosphor bronze washers and while it does not guillotine closed like a bearing pivot, the action is very smooth. The flipping action is excellent on my model. It came hair-shaving sharp. The pocket clip is nice and the knife rides nicely in the pocket. What you can't tell from the photos is the handle is nicely contoured and very comfortable in the hand.

Personal preference gripes: There is a second cutout for the alternate pocket clip position. A second screw is included and fills the extra hole. It is not as elegant a solution as a matching Ti insert, but it doesn't not stand out too much in the overall design, and at this price I'm ok with it. I'm a little disappointed to see Kizer has ditched the beautiful stonewashed blade and replaced it with a high-polish satin finish. It looks good, but remnants of grid lines are visible and I believe it will show wear much faster than a stonewash.

Neither of these things are functional negatives, just personal cosmetic preferences. I am very happy with this 401b1, and can easily overlook those 2 things and enjoy this beautiful knife!

What good is a post without photos? Here you go:









 
zephyr11 said:
Ki3404A3

just checking if this has been updated with a tipup carry? been holding out till it does. really want this one!
Click to expand...

I flipped mine myself ages ago and it's worked out great:

AX43IjR.jpg
 
In other news, the ki4423 (actually marked ki423 on the box and blade) is totally awesome. I've had it for a few days, and I think I like it better than my ZT 0801. Here are a couple of quick snapshots:

OmAumKM.jpg


LaklGNa.jpg
 
Here are two videos reviews of the Kizer pass-around models.

[video=youtube_share;flBqW8e4KLs]http://youtu.be/flBqW8e4KLs[/video]

[video=youtube_share;ljUvFVAcUVE]http://youtu.be/ljUvFVAcUVE[/video]
 
Revolverrodger said:
Made in China knives at made in USA prices...
No thanks
Click to expand...

I own lots of both, and all I can say is "your loss". IMO, the ki4423 is superior to my ZT 0801 regardless of price, for example.

That said, lets not clutter up this thread with opinions about foreign trade, though. Preferably we can keep it about the actual knives, which presumably you don't have any interest in.
 
Ok guys, where's the best place to buy?
I want the 5404a2. I think that one has the rainbow finish on the to
I saw one for $134 at Redhawk tactical, but said there wasn't a carrier that
delivers to Asheville, NC????
Thanks for the help fellas
 
Hey guys! Anyone have any experience with the Ki302F? I've been checking that one out lately and it seems like it'd be pretty good and just over 100$. Any feedback would be great!
 
zephyr11 said:
Ki3404A3

just checking if this has been updated with a tipup carry? been holding out till it does. really want this one!
Click to expand...

The one I bought a couple weeks ago is riding tip up in my pocket right now. As long as you don't get an old version you should be good. Mine is perfect except for being slightly gritty out of the box(I suspect it's the finish on the washers). Some time and a few drops of good lube, and now it's MUCH smoother.
 
I've bought 2 Kizer GTI's, the green/satin and the new all black version, and the only negative for me, is the pocket clip not being reversible for southpaws, other than that, they are extremely well built.
 
Hi, All:

Thanks for the feedback. Regarding the clips, we are adding 4 way clips to our new products. Give them a try and let us know how they work out for you.

Thanks.

Kizer.
 
In a few of YouTube reviews folks were impressed by Kizer's quality and value but critical of the lack of a spacer on the frame lock (i.e. titanium on steel rather than steel on steel). Any thoughts about how much of a concern this should be?
 
boze said:
In a few of YouTube reviews folks were impressed by Kizer's quality and value but critical of the lack of a spacer on the frame lock (i.e. titanium on steel rather than steel on steel). Any thoughts about how much of a concern this should be?
Click to expand...

Steel lockbar inserts are a rather new developement. Before that, all Ti framelocks had Ti/steel contact. I wouldn't worry about it being an issue. The majority of frame locks still don't use inserts, although they are becoming more popular and I'm sure we will see them on some of Kizer's future models.
 
Thanks for the quick reply, Fatts, that's good to know!

Now if only Kizer would come out with a few models that weren't so big! I really like the aesthetics and design characteristics of the brand but they sure are long or chunky or both. If I get one it'll likely just be to fondle because my jeans aren't baggy enough for these ZT-sized knives.
 
Kizer Cutlery said:
Hi, All:

Thanks for the feedback. Regarding the clips, we are adding 4 way clips to our new products. Give them a try and let us know how they work out for you.

Thanks.

Kizer.
Click to expand...

Will do, based on the 2 I have, I would not hesitate to buy another Kizer knife.
 
boze said:
Thanks for the quick reply, Fatts, that's good to know!

Now if only Kizer would come out with a few models that weren't so big! I really like the aesthetics and design characteristics of the brand but they sure are long or chunky or both. If I get one it'll likely just be to fondle because my jeans aren't baggy enough for these ZT-sized knives.
Click to expand...

The 3404A3 I have is a modest size. Not much bigger than a Cryo 2.
 
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