Kizer Knives?

mdub1990

mdub1990

Gold Member
Joined
Jan 14, 2015
Messages
360
I'm really digging the look of this knife here! I've just not heard much about Kizer except that they are a chinese manufacturing company, which for some automatically gives a "low quality" vibe.

I'm interested to know if anyone has any experience with this knife company?

Thanks!!
KIZER_zpsjr5babou.jpg
 
Have three of these beauties each one gets better on F@F, still have a few minor flaws, like the placement of clip, sharp edges, but all in all a lot of bang for the buck.
 
I like mine a bunch. You may want to check out this thread over on the exchange.
 
Kizer is doing lots of great knives.

There are plenty of previous threads discussing them too.

Plus, they have their own forum section here.
 
Ah man I overlooked it then, I did try to find it!
Thanks for the info and quick responses!
 
mdub1990 said:
I'm really digging the look of this knife here! I've just not heard much about Kizer except that they are a chinese manufacturing company, which for some automatically gives a "low quality" vibe.

I'm interested to know if anyone has any experience with this knife company?

Thanks!!
KIZER_zpsjr5babou.jpg
Click to expand...

When I first saw a Kizer, I was as skeptical as you are. I finally took a chance and bought a Ki5401A1 with the anodized titanium handle and S35VN blade steel. It is a big knife but since I have large hands it was perfect for me.

Bottom line is give one a try. If it turns out not to be your cup of tea you can probably resell it here on Blade Forums for about what you paid for it.

FYI - I believe the great Chris Reeve knives use the same S35VN steel in their $400 + knives. The Kizer knives are about half the price but with excellent quality.

Here is a YouTube video about the Kizer knife I bought. Not only does it look great, but functions perfectly for my cutting tasks, shop, yard, hunting & fishing, etc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqSUEtllH6c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eANMT-FFq4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzhvi5s185U
 
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In the interests of full disclosure, Kizer is still experiencing some growing pains. They've been slow to respond to warranty requests and repairs have largely consisted of fixing your own knife with parts they provide. Kizer knows that's not acceptable and they're actively in the process of setting up service and support in the USA. The last communication we received is that it could be here before the end of the year.

The good news is that most Kizer knives including the three I've received (a 3404A3, a Splinter and a Gemini) have all been just fine . . . no functional issues whatsoever. So I, for one, don't have a problem recommending them.
 
bld522 said:
The good news is that most Kizer knives including the three I've received (a 3404A3, a Splinter and a Gemini) have all been just fine . . . no functional issues whatsoever. So I, for one, don't have a problem recommending them.
Click to expand...

For what it's worth, I have a half dozen of them and knock on wood, they've all been just fine. I know lemons are out there (and it does sound like maybe there was a SNAFU with the Gemini engineering) but I've been buying and using them since they first popped up and I've had good luck.
 
Here are my 5 Kizer folders. The older 3404 series (the two at the top) use proprietary pivot screw, no steel lock bar insert and washers. Kizer has been stepping up features and quality. The middle one is the Splinter which has torx pivot and ceramic ball bearings. The last two are Ray Laconico designs and in a class by themselves: Gemini and Intrepid. They have steel lock bar insert and even higher quality. Gemini is about as good as you can get in a small EDC flipper for $170! I've had no real issues with my Kizer folders.

  1. 3404A1
  2. 3404A3
  3. Splinter
  4. Gemini
  5. Intrepid

ce8e8650-843c-440c-be1a-e6d1ebc3603c_zps3h3upssm.jpg

af545fb7-1011-481c-952f-2704b18b1c48_zpsev0teqns.jpg
 
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