Maxace or Kizer? First affordable flipper

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Jan 16, 2016
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I like the mid 150$ range offerings from both companies. The maxace wind, which seems to be a new release? I could be wrong, looks amazing! I really like the shape and look of it. It reminds me of $300+ knives so it sounds like a good gateway into flippers. I also, however, know that Kizer makes a good affordable flippers too!!

So which should I get?!

I thought I would come here and ask, as I know many of you are hardcore collecters and you all definitely know more than me! So any input on either companies, any opinions, thoughts, suggestions, discussion, ect is all encouraged. Thanks in advance!

Also, for context. I own a couple Kershaws, both speed assisted. I own a couple spydercos, the tenacious, a PM2, and I have a yojimbo in the mail. And then I just got a zt 0350 which I really like. I know the the new 0450cf fits in this category that I am asking about but I don't want another zt currently. But I am looking for my first semi nice flipper!

Okay, thanks!!!
 
Can't go wrong with either I think. Both premium lines from China, maxace being a division of Stedemon I believe, which is another one you may want to consider is the steadmon DSG.
Kizer has a lot more stylistic designs to choose from, and I do like their attention to the aesthetics in their intricate machined designs...

Of the maxace wind vs a kizer, I'd take a kizer: 4443Ti or 405

I also like the Fox Anso fx302 w/ the brown handle. Some folks don't like recurves, I think those curves are sexy though. And I'm a sucker for well done natural wood handles.

The Böker (Burnley) Kwaiken is in that price range too, and gets great reviews and a lot of love as well, another one might be worth consideration.

But again, maxace vs kizer, straight up, there really isn't a "wrong" answer there...flip a coin or just trust your eyes and instincts.
 
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I just bought the Kizer Intrepid and it's a decent knife. It's not quite as smooth as its more expensive Chinese cousin the Reate Horizon (in the $250 range), or many of the ZT's but for an $85 knife, it's not bad at all.

I'll give a thumbs down for the Boker Kwaiken, which some people have been recommending. Too heavy for it's size and the ergos are meh to me.
 
The Maxace wind caught my eye too but I held off. I have a Maxace Balance that I picked up on the exchange and the lockup is dangerously early. I'm hesitant to try another Maxace liner lock.

I have about 20 Kizers and like most of them. I only have a couple of weakish detents among them. The Vanguard series are great values!
 
Best flipping action on a knife I have used in that general price range is the ZT 450. Light weight, all Ti handle, good steel, great warranty and perfect EDC size. Excellent blade hand handle length ration $160 most everywhere. Its also USA made if thats something you care about. I got a deep carry clip from Kershaw/zt for free for it also.
 
I have a Kizer Vanguard Gemini as my new EDC and love it. I don't think a better knife can be had for $80. I will buy more Kizer for sure
 
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I've handled only a couple Maxace knives, but I've handled a ton of Kizers, and I highly recommend them. Here are some of my top choices for you:

Kizer Gemini: http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/KU...pper-s35vn-stonewashed-blade-titanium-handles. This is an incredible knife. Check out Everyday Commentary's review in it here: http://www.everydaycommentary.com/2015/12/kizer-gemini-review.html

Kizer Dorado: http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/KU...rado-s35vn-stonewashed-blade-titanium-handles. A lot bigger than the Gemini but similar quality.

Kizer Flashbang: http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/KU...bang-s35vn-stonewashed-blade-titanium-handles. A slimmed down cousin of the Dorado. I've got a slightly modded version of this knife: http://i.imgur.com/3Q21jtS.jpg

For an older model of theirs that's an incredible deal, check out the Ki423: http://www.bladehq.com/item--Kizer-Folding-Knife-Green-Titanium--26139. Here is an album of that knife by evilgreg: http://imgur.com/a/UEVK0
 
Woah blown away by the responses guys.
What a great community.

Thanks so much! Got some more research to do it looks like. I'm excited!

I think I may be leaning Kizer now due to some responses! I didn't realize the intrepid was so inexpensive. I am very intrigued by the Gemini too.
The maxace wind is so nice looking but sounds like there quality control may be a little lackluster.
 
Woah blown away by the responses guys.
What a great community.

Thanks so much! Got some more research to do it looks like. I'm excited!

I think I may be leaning Kizer now due to some responses! I didn't realize the intrepid was so inexpensive. I am very intrigued by the Gemini too.
The maxace wind is so nice looking but sounds like there quality control may be a little lackluster.

Get the Gemini, you will not be disappointed.
 
Woah blown away by the responses guys.
What a great community.

Thanks so much! Got some more research to do it looks like. I'm excited!

I think I may be leaning Kizer now due to some responses! I didn't realize the intrepid was so inexpensive. I am very intrigued by the Gemini too.
The maxace wind is so nice looking but sounds like there quality control may be a little lackluster.

Kizer has two versions of the Intrepid and Gemini; the Blade master series and the Vanguard series. I have both versions of the Gemini and almost like the $80 Vanguard better than the $170 Blademaster. Almost. Like Brancron said, you can't go wrong with either one. The Dorado is great too and the Vanguard Kane and Roach are on my to-buy list...along with one of the new Pinkerton's.

I'll be watching for a Maxace Wind on the exchange to check out at less than full price...or wait for some reviews.

Too. Many. Knives!
 
I have a Maxace Wind Flipper Translucent on the way. I'll try to post my thoughts after I get it in hand.
 
Guys.. I just ordered the maxace wind.. I couldnt help it. It was pure spure of the moment. Basically, I was looking over everything and I just love the shape and look of it. And I love the stonewash black blade option it has. I figured I can just get a Gemini too ;) This has been a great discussion guys
 
Guys.. I just ordered the maxace wind.. I couldnt help it. It was pure spure of the moment. Basically, I was looking over everything and I just love the shape and look of it. And I love the stonewash black blade option it has. I figured I can just get a Gemini too ;) This has been a great discussion guys

Mine was really spur of the moment as well. I was waiting on my daughter to get her teeth cleaned, looking online for a HAP40 Stretch. I ran across the Maxace...had never heard of it. I did about 5 minutes of "research" and pulled the trigger. It should be here tomorrow.
 
I would pick a Kizer over a Maxace, but both are good.
[video=youtube;3oG73wfzBjU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oG73wfzBjU&list=PLGZ-496uXQpJvN5k4Hyzuw7-I-rfYpulb[/video]
[video=youtube;zIdtVCLZzI8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIdtVCLZzI8[/video]

I like the mid 150$ range offerings from both companies. The maxace wind, which seems to be a new release? I could be wrong, looks amazing! I really like the shape and look of it. It reminds me of $300+ knives so it sounds like a good gateway into flippers. I also, however, know that Kizer makes a good affordable flippers too!!

So which should I get?!

I thought I would come here and ask, as I know many of you are hardcore collecters and you all definitely know more than me! So any input on either companies, any opinions, thoughts, suggestions, discussion, ect is all encouraged. Thanks in advance!

Also, for context. I own a couple Kershaws, both speed assisted. I own a couple spydercos, the tenacious, a PM2, and I have a yojimbo in the mail. And then I just got a zt 0350 which I really like. I know the the new 0450cf fits in this category that I am asking about but I don't want another zt currently. But I am looking for my first semi nice flipper!

Okay, thanks!!!
 
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