Kizer Knives - Cucchiara Dorado video review & discussion

Rival1314 · May 14, 2015

I was lucky enough to get in on the passaround of this knife hosted by Kizer here on BF.... I just posted my review video of the Kizer/Cucchiara Dorado this morning, and here this afternoon the Kizer forum finally goes live!!! For those that are not familiar, the Dorado is a production version of Matt's custom design. This is great build quality, premium materials, and amazing pricepoint. ...but since its a video review...less reading and more watching right

[video=youtube;M913rMhQX-0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M913rMhQX-0[/video]

For those of you with one already, what are your thoughts on this model for those thinking about buying one??

Dvin211 · May 15, 2015

Good review, that's a really nice looking knife.

PURPLEDC · May 17, 2015

I bought one. I sent it back. I am hoping mine was just a first production hiccup. The one I received did not have a detent and was very gritty. I also felt the satin finish of the handle (skully) needed some work. The blade grind was perfect as was the stonewash finish. But the action just left a lot to be desired. I havent ruled kizer out. But I will have to handle them in person before committing.

arrowhd · May 17, 2015

Here are a few quick photos of mine for size comparison. My example is near perfect really. The dent is a little weaker than I would prefer but not to the point of accidentally opening. Just would make the blade fly open with a little more authority. Mine is very smooth. Rock solid lockup. Just a beautiful knife.

LX_Emergency · May 26, 2015

That's a much bigger knife than I thought!

xICEMANx · Jun 2, 2015

I reviewed a buddies flashbang and I recently got a skully dorado for a steal so I had to grab it. Both examples I've handled were near perfect. Super smooth flipping action, great construction, etc. My Skully Dorado is one of my favorites in my current rotation.

rynoman112 · Sep 23, 2015

Anyone know if the lockbar is carborized? Just got mine and was wondering if it was, thanks. Beautiful knofe btw. I'm more then happy with mine. If anyone is considering this knife, consider no more, just buy one. You will not be disappointed.

brancron · Sep 24, 2015

I'll throw my review from the passaround into this thread too:

I received the knife today. It's in excellent condition. There are a few very light snail trails on the titanium but that's to be expected. I will check back in with you guys in about a week.

Edit to add my review:

Two more pictures: http://imgur.com/a/UtJHd

The fit and finish is pretty much perfect, something I've come to expect from higher end Kizers. The detent isn't the strongest in the world, but the knife runs so smoothly on its bearings that it's almost difficult to not deploy it fully, and I actually prefer it to a super strong detent. I think a lot of companies have been over-doing their detents lately (ZT, Reate, etc.), but Kizer does them just right.

Although it looks similar to the Kizer Flashbang, another Cucchiara-designed Kizer that I own (unfortunately it's away for modding so I can't do comparison pics), it feels quite different in the hand. It's bigger in all dimensions, is heavier, and is more sculpted for the hand. Although I think I might still prefer the Flashbang because it's lighter and slimmer (and I'm more of a small-knife kinda person), the Dorado is really, really well done.

I heard a rumor at a knife show recently that a Tom Mayo/Kizer collaboration could possibly be in the works. That would be incredible. Kizer has proven that they can execute a maker's design at a high enough level of fit and finish to reach near mid-tech level quality. They've made the possibility of bringing $1000 knives into the sub-$200 price range a reality, and that's awesome.

By the way, here is what my modded Flashbang looks like (it's on its way back to me in the mail):

Picture: https://instagram.com/p/3FMJ3BBoVW/

Video: https://instagram.com/p/3FL9YihoU6/

Edit: one thing I'd change about the knife is to remove the word "Dorado" on the spine. Or at the very least change the typeface. Here's a photo: http://i.imgur.com/mIoRp3A.jpg