Kizer Knives

I haven't read the comments pertaining to politics, nor do I care to... but in regard to the OP about Kizer; they make excellent knives. I have reviewed 4 different models at this point and have been more and more impressed with each new model.

If you look back through all of the previous Kizer threads, you will find the vast majority of those who actually purchased one were also pleased.

Kizer's best is yet to come, they will be collaborating with some awesome American makers in the months ahead.
 
Comeuppance said:
I will say that Kizer's more recent offerings no longer represent the amazing value their initial offerings did. The 4450ti, to reference it once again, is $200 on BHQ, and is a Ti framelock S35vn flipper. The Zero Tolerance 0808 is $200 on BHQ, and is a Ti framelock (with a lock insert) s35vn bearing flipper. I also have experience with Kai's customer service, which has been stellar every single time. Hell, they even machined a new pocket clip for my TiLT...

I thought Kizer's ~60 S35VN linerlocks were a sweet deal until I remembered the Spyderco Native 5 Lightweight, which runs about the same with the same steel... I like Kizer all the same, but I certainly don't see them as some sort of secret awesome value knife company like I used to.
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While I agree, we have to remember that the dealers are the one setting the market price. Most of Kizer's MSRP are quite high, you can see that in their alibaba page, and dealers were selling for roughly half that amount. Sometimes even less. It's natural for them to be sold at higher prices now that they're a bit more popular, but you know, at the end of the day it's still a chinese knife. The expectations in price/quality ratio are different, as you outlined ZT vs Kizer.

I love the cheaper Kizers I got, and some of their older models still sell for competitive prices, but some of the new stuff are a huge turn off at the current prices. I will probably get the Caligine Ki401DT1 at some point in the future though, which actually uses ball bearings. AFAIK, only one Kizer model used a lock insert (Ki412A1, and its variants A2 and A3), they never tried doing it again.
 
Kizers in G10 linerlock style were a great bargain at $70-90. Kizers in Ti framelock style were a great bargain at $110-140.

They rarely hit those price points anymore unless on sale or clearance. I was an early adopter of Kizer Cutlery, but the value of Kizer has diminished in my opinion due to the rising price/demand.

That doesn't mean I'm not in the market for more Kizers (I have 13), I'm just going to make my purchases with a bit more discretion. I think some of the new designer collabs will be great to grab as many of those will be near mid-tech quality at high level production price...but, with run-of-the Kizer's bumping up against the $200 price barrier, I really have to consider an alternative ZT, Benchmade or Spyderco offering.

Honestly though, for 2 bills, you won't find a higher quality knife ANYWHERE than a Reate. They beat all the above knives.

Oops, I just mentioned another evil Chinese manufacturer...please ignore Sinophobes.
 
Hackenslash said:
Kizers in G10 linerlock style were a great bargain at $70-90. Kizers in Ti framelock style were a great bargain at $110-140.

They rarely hit those price points anymore unless on sale or clearance. I was an early adopter of Kizer Cutlery, but the value of Kizer has diminished in my opinion due to the rising price/demand.

That doesn't mean I'm not in the market for more Kizers (I have 13), I'm just going to make my purchases with a bit more discretion. I think some of the new designer collabs will be great to grab as many of those will be near mid-tech quality at high level production price...but, with run-of-the Kizer's bumping up against the $200 price barrier, I really have to consider an alternative ZT, Benchmade or Spyderco offering.

Honestly though, for 2 bills, you won't find a higher quality knife ANYWHERE than a Reate. They beat all the above knives.

Oops, I just mentioned another evil Chinese manufacturer...please ignore Sinophobes.
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Love my District 9 too
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Kizer does make quality knives and I'm glad they listened to customers and are now using torx pivot screw instead of proprietary, tip up or down in some models and bearings instead of washers for smoother flippers. Hopefully, lock bar inserts for the titanium frame locks soon.

The prices for the fill-titanium frame locks are not as sweet as they were but they're not unreasonable.

I have two of the small 3404 3" washer flippers and wish they'd introduce more 3" flippers with bearings.

Personally, they have a few nice-looking models but most of them are fugly.
 
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recently stumbled over them and i have to say they look tempting. for me simply because they offer a s35vn sheepsfoot.
 
UPDATE: I have two Kizer knives and really like them both. Razor sharp and great FF... For good or bad I am a supporter of Kizer.
 
There are four new models that looks enticing: Kizer Cutlery Caligine 401 series. You can get it with drop point or tanto blade and stonewashed or BlackWashed. Tip up or down carry, nice torx pivot, full titanium FrameLock, 3.58" blade of S35VN and bearings flipper. $192.95.

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My new Kizer Ki4411F1 showed up a couple of days ago (disclaimer: seller's pic) and I honestly couldn't be much happier with it. I haven't had it apart and don't intend to unless necessary at some point, but there is nothing about its construction or fit and finish that stands out as being inferior to my ZT and Benchmade knives costing roughly 50% more. It's not a traditionally beautiful knife, at least not in the way that I appreciate a ZT 0801 or 0450, but that's not what I bought it for. No, this one is going to play in the dirt.

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My only complaint so far is that the pocket clip seems undersized for a knife of this size, but that didn't prevent it from staying put in my pocket until I needed it a few times over the course of the day. I know some Ki4411F1 (and Ki4411F2) owners have experienced off-center blades, but mine is spot on. I hope that it gets to come out and play this weekend in the woods and around the campsite, but there are a lot of other knives I want to try out as well. All that being said, even if it proves to perform well and become my go-to outdoor folder, I doubt I'd rush right out to buy another Kizer, if only because there are so many other brands that I'm just now learning about, making knives that - at least "on paper" - look very much to my liking.
 
I just joined this awesome forum. I purchased the Kizer Cutlery 5414A1 Folder S35VN - Green G-10 Handle, Blade Material:CPM-S35VN, Blade Length:112mm 4.40'' and I should receive it in the mail May 8th. I can't wait to check it out. Will let you all know. Oh and I purchased it from Warriors and Wonders up here in Canada out of Vancouver, B.C.
 
Just got my hands on the Dorado. This is my first experience with Kizer. I can tell you, right out of the box this is a quality knife no matter who built it or where. Fit and finish is just outstanding. Normally I'm a pretty hard core made in the USA fan and will always be. However I also believe credit should be given were earned. Good job on this one Kizer. Few quick photos to show size comparison.

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