Rank budgets

W

Whipped500

Joined
May 19, 2023
Messages
3
Hi everyone!
Longtime lurker and finally decided to sign up.

After getting the itch for a pocket knife and researching a bunch, I landed on Civivi. Very happy with them, but lately some have been telling me to check out Kizer, that they are better than Civivi. I did pick up a couple and think they have slightly better action but not many of their styles jump out at me. I like 3¼"-3½" with a flipper. I keep trying to warm up to thumb studs but can't.

Anyways, now that I have broken myself from strictly buying Civivi, I have been drooling over the Vosteed Thunderbird since I first saw it and thinking about dipping my toes.

So after that drawn-out background...how does everyone compare Civivi, Kizer, Vosteed?

Thanks
 
Civivi makes some excellent knives. Kizer makes some excellent knives. Don't know about Vosteed.

If you want somebody to rank entire brands that are not hugely different, you should ask someone who has used many different models of each brand.

You are more likely to get useful responses about particular models.
 
I can't speak to Vosteed, but I've owned multiple CIVIVI and Kizer knives. Kizer's Vanguard series have generally disappointed me, and they're the closest in materials and price point to CIVIVIs. No question CIVIVI is the better option in that price bracket.

Kizer's non-Vanguard line is a different proposition. I'd rate the fit and finish equally there, and for not much more money you can get Ti and sometimes S35VN from Kizer. Their bench of somewhat plain/minimalist Ti/Ti folders is deep, and offers excellent value.

Once you start pushing the upper end of Kizer's price bracket, WE (which manufactures CIVIVI) comes into play. I'd take a WE over most Kizer knives any day of the week.

TL;DR Kizer will generally be a step up in materials from CIVIVI, and equal in F&F. Kizer's Vanguard line has nothing to offer compared to CIVIVI. If you want a big jump up from CIVIVI, try WE.
 
The Vosteed Thunderbird seems to get good reviews, although the shallow blade grind means it won't be as slicey as your average Civivi. The Kizer Cormorant is similar in function, and has steel upgrade options.
 
Last edited:
My personal experience is that when CIVIVI gets it right, they're better than Kizer, but Kizer has more consistent quality. Vosteed I've heard good things, but never handled one so I can't say.
 
Dadpool said:
I can't speak to Vosteed, but I've owned multiple CIVIVI and Kizer knives. Kizer's Vanguard series have generally disappointed me, and they're the closest in materials and price point to CIVIVIs. No question CIVIVI is the better option in that price bracket.

Kizer's non-Vanguard line is a different proposition. I'd rate the fit and finish equally there, and for not much more money you can get Ti and sometimes S35VN from Kizer. Their bench of somewhat plain/minimalist Ti/Ti folders is deep, and offers excellent value.

Once you start pushing the upper end of Kizer's price bracket, WE (which manufactures CIVIVI) comes into play. I'd take a WE over most Kizer knives any day of the week.

TL;DR Kizer will generally be a step up in materials from CIVIVI, and equal in F&F. Kizer's Vanguard line has nothing to offer compared to CIVIVI. If you want a big jump up from CIVIVI, try WE.
Click to expand...
The Vanguard is what I've been looking at. I know about WE and have a Banter, other than that, I would probably do just as you say and lean towards We over Kizer...IF I were to spend over $100 on a knife.
 
fishface5 said:
The Vosteed Thunderbird seems to get good reviews, although the shallow blade grind means it won't be as slicey as your average Civivi. The Kizer Cormorant is similar in function, and has steel upgrade options.
Click to expand...
I have a Cormorant XL on the way to try and I think I'm going to order a Thunderbird. From there, we will see if I go back to strictly CIVIVI or start venturing out with Kizer and Vosteed a little.
 
I don't have experience with the other 2 brands but Civivi has never disappointed me, they've been reliable tools for me in the budget category and they're my go to EDC knife brand for when I'm at work.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top