Opinions on Kizer knives (quality,etc)?

iCandiBallPythons

iCandiBallPythons

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May 20, 2013
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Hey guys interested in opinions on kizer knives from experience and not hearsay, more specifically quality,fit and finish etc.
 
Fit and finish can be excellent. Quality is very good in my opinion.
Their* S35VN is not HT'ed optimally like other makers can do (regardless of what Kizer says they're S35VN is below even the worst performing S35VN steel available in the USA). I would rate it's performance about 154CM's which is better than 8CR13 but not as good as S30V or S35VN.

Quality control however is definitely not up to par with USA makers. My last kizer (and literally last one I buy) came with 4 washers instead of 2 and was impossible to center and smoothen. I've decided it was a $110 wasted and won't repeat the mistake again by buying Kizer.
So it's a luck of the draw as to getting a perfect sample. If you are going to get one, get one that is perfect out of the box by visiting Brick and Mortar, or by buying from a dealer with a return policy because theirr Warranty is NON existent at this moment (there were promises made to have a USA warranty department but so far, it's just that words). Costs of shipping would be too high to warranty repair or sending to factory.
Their edges are obtuse as hell and I would recommend reprofiling.
In any case I'd say for $100, stay clear unless again you can get a perfect example.
*Edit: Lock bar travel was apparently on one of my Kizers. The first one I had did not travel. However neither had lockbar failures as blue stated. I even spine wacked mine with no issues.
 
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Almost everything Luis G said is true.

I've had 2 kizers and both had problems with blade centering and pivot. On both knives I literally adjusted the pivot once and they were never the same again. The blade will not center for more than a couple of flips, I literally flip the knife open a couple times and the pivot screw moves 90 degrees:mad: Also their factory edges are about as obtuse as an axe, so expect a few hours of reprofiling. I have a hard time believing that they are truly using S35VN also, the edges on mine roll way too easily to be S35VN. They use genuine titanium, but that lock bar travels over so fast you can literally see it moving; and lockbar failure can be induced by just pushing on the spine.

If you want a quality knife with a good warranty, look into a company that has been around for more than a few months like spyderco, benchmade, kershaw/zt, etc... Their warranty service is closer to home too.

After all the bad I heard/experienced, plus accusations of stoles designs, I avoid kizer like the plague...
 
There are about 4 other threads out there on the subject, most seem happy with their knives. I had one for a week in a pass-around, quality was excellent on that model.
 
My three have been excellent. Fit and finish is great for the price, and I haven't had any centering issues or other problems. In fact, the garishly colored little blue rainbow-splotched 3404 has become one of my favorite small flippers.
 
Thank you guys for your input. I am familiar with the many companies mentioned above as I have been collecting blades for over 30 years. Kizers were kind of catching my attention lately and had no clue about them as Ive never handled any. The replies are much appreciated!
 
I ran one of their S35VN blade for one day at work. And went home and evaluated it. The following day a ran a very similar shape American made S35VN blade thru roughly the same work and evaluated it. They both seemed about the same to me at the end of the day. I swiped both blades an equal number of times on Lansky rods, and they both seemed to sharpen up about the same. I know it isn't very scientific, but.............
 
The one I had was perfect. Centered, smooth, solid, and sharp. Only sold it to fund a Sebenza.
 
Wheeler80 said:
The one I had was perfect. Centered, smooth, solid, and sharp. Only sold it to fund a Sebenza.
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I've never owned nor held a Kizer, so I don't know. There have been tons of praise for various Kizer models.
But this fellow's post is pretty clear. Read other Kizer threads that started in the last three months...many, many posts.
I respect RamZar's ideas and posts, and he seems to be very happy with several new Kizers.
 
I participated in a Passaround. It was a well made knife, no doubt. Though not my style
 
I know you already picked my brain, but I like the three that I own, quite a bit. Seems like some folks have had bad luck with their QC, mine have been excellent. A high priced feel for a lot less.
 
Both mine and my brothers are about as perfect as a basic production knife can be. Mine gets better the more I work it. Getting smoother, etc. All the others I handled at my local store were of similar quality. The one I handled in the pass around was the same, I should be receiving another pass around knife from them any day now. I haven't had any of the issues others have had with QC. I will say one thing about Kizer as a young company. They have made quite the effort to find out what their customers are looking for and are adjusting their line up to meet it. From adjusting pocket clip orientation, designs, responding to inquiries, etc. They're already bringing great things to the table like Hinderer licensed lbs and collaborations with makers like Jeremy Hossom. I can honestly say I have not bought my last Kizer.

*ETA: I mentioned Mr Hossom by mistake. The knife I was refering to is a collaboration with Justin Gingrich.
 
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Blues Bender said:
On both knives I literally adjusted the pivot once and they were never the same again. The blade will not center for more than a couple of flips, I literally flip the knife open a couple times and the pivot screw moves 90 degrees:mad:.
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Have you considered using Loctite?
 
jac_solar said:
Have you considered using Loctite?
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No, I just like knives with flaws:rolleyes:

I have a tube of loctite right next to me, but the point is, on a $100+ knife, I shouldn't have to use loctite. The amount of loctite that was already on this knife was unreal, that should say something by itself. Add in the questionable S35VN, and I have a knife I'd rather not have.

I have plenty of knives that outperform any of my kizers for cheaper. Sorry, but I don't get too caught up with the fact that they use titanium and "S35VN"; it's lipstick on a pig TBH...
 
Blues Bender said:
No, I just like knives with flaws:rolleyes:

I have a tube of loctite right next to me, but the point is, on a $100+ knife, I shouldn't have to use loctite. The amount of loctite that was already on this knife was unreal, that should say something by itself. Add in the questionable S35VN, and I have a knife I'd rather not have.

I have plenty of knives that outperform any of my kizers for cheaper. Sorry, but I don't get too caught up with the fact that they use titanium and "S35VN"; it's lipstick on a pig TBH...
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I won't argue about the knife in question, but expecting to never need something like Loctite just because the knife is $100 or more you will be let down quite a bit. I've had several knives that cost much, much more than a bill that needed a little Loctite to hold the pivot. I don't consider that a flaw. In fact, I'm surprised when a knife doesn't need something on the pivot screw.
 
Who is Jeremy Hossom? Not a member of my family. Sound like that made up a name to sound like mine and used it. Be interesting to see what comes out as a Jeremy Hossom knife? :)
 
Jerry Hossom said:
Who is Jeremy Hossom? Not a member of my family. Sound like that made up a name to sound like mine and used it. Be interesting to see what comes out as a Jeremy Hossom knife? :)
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This is the most awesome thing I've seen today. :thumbup:
 
First one I bought was terrible--uneven grind, severely off center, lots of blade play. Returned it. Bought another, came in pretty much perfect. I think they are hit or miss. New company, probably just working the bugs out.
 
kizer vs Britton.... china vs america... real vs real? not sure still.. won't buy Chinese though.. and hope that I won't be buying a chinese/american knockoff..

Unfortunately it seems both Kizer and Britton knives have lots of negative comments... I can't believe either anymore and won't buy from either, sad..
 
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