ZT or Kizer knives?

My 2 cents are that ZT is far better than Kizer. More expensive in some cases, but it's worth it. If you do go Kizer, I think the Gemini is their best option so far. For ZT the 0562CF can't be beat.
 
Thank you all for your thoughts & contributions. I'm glad to hear both brands live up to what I have so far reas about them.
I have some consideration to do before i make my final call.

Cheers
 
jill jackson said:
Stedemon flips very well, better than my Kizers but not better than ZT IMO. About the same , because once they flip out fast that's about as good as it gets.

fkpeva.jpg
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Nice picture, Jill!

That post has seen a lot of great knives... ;^)

best

mqqn
 
I wonder how kizers heat treat is with these steels. Has anyone tested them?
 
Sosa said:
I wonder how kizers heat treat is with these steels. Has anyone tested them?
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I've beaten one of my kizers to hell, its a hollow ground s35vn blade. Its held up amazingly. Gets very sharp and holds an edge for a while.

Cut a ton of cardboard, fabric, plastics, I've cut a little leather and wood with it
as well. I did some light prying on a wooden shipping crate with it also. No edge deformation through any of it.

This is my only kizer that's been used extensively but the others have held up fine through light chores also.
 
Reignman said:
I hate to get all "Merica" on you but considering KAI's warranty and customer service practices plus being made in the USA this is a no brainer.
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Heck yeah! Go get all Merica on us:D

In all honesty I have taken apart a ton of ZT knives for anodizing and I am always blown away by the fit and precise finish that goes in to a ZT knife. It is rare I have any issues taking one apart or putting it back together. The scene behind a folder tells me a lot about the folder. While I have not taken apart many Kizer Knives I can see slightly where the finishes are not as well done. Just on the way they come apart and go back together. They are not terrible by any means, just not to the same level as ZT.
 
I own a ZT 350 currently (had a 200 also but sold it) and I love it. I've read good things about Kizer but the beefy-ness of the ZT makes me smile. I'd vote ZT but I'm also a biased American consumer who supports Made in America products. I have enough stuff in my house made in China. YMMV. Good luck! Either way you are getting a good knife.
 
Kizer Gemini titanium frame lock is a great little high-quality flipper for $170 including titanium clip and backspace. So is ZT 0450 for $160 with steel hardware. ZT Warranty & Service is top-notch and in the U.S.

Overall, I like both companies but buy mostly ZT.

Kizer has a sleeper Vanguard line with VG-10 and G-10 liner lock flippers for under $100.
 
ourgon said:
Kizer has great knives but do they send spare screws etc.?
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They've sent me screws without hassle. They have a representative in the USA so I had what I needed that week. Not sure if their warranty department is in USA though
 
I would go with the ZT. Let me elaborate, I did go with the ZT. Never owned a kizer but have handled one, my experience is obviously with the ZT (mine is 0566BW); and I can say this:

The ZT is a tank, that carries like a prius, and cuts like a SOB. I have been carrying it daily for a few months now, and is the absolute perfect EDC imo...

PS... LOVE the ELMAX and it came stupid sharp. And America :love-struck:
 
I've never had a Kizer, but have owned at least 15-20 ZT's. Most of them were a bit too heavy for my casual use, but I really love my 0801. It is a great knife. I had a 0450, but it was a little too small for my hand.
 
That is the problem with ZT. Too heavy or too small for hand. They need to make more Sebenza's size and weight knives.
 
The ursa minor is a good option as well. Same handle as the gemini but has a milled titanium clip which is quite good.

halden.doerge said:
My 2 cents are that ZT is far better than Kizer. More expensive in some cases, but it's worth it. If you do go Kizer, I think the Gemini is their best option so far. For ZT the 0562CF can't be beat.
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ZT all the way. Never had a Kizer but have owned several ZTs and none of them have ever let me down.
 
The latest ZT I owned was the 0562 and the handle/pocket clip made it almost unusable for me. Instant and severe hot spot on the pinky. Ergos are personal, and this obviously isn't an issue for everyone, but it made the knife into something I immediately got rid of.
 
got to say ZT. free sharpening, excellent warranty in the USA. usa materials (m390 is from Germany, but zt has quality heat treat) and usa made.

kizer are nice but not anywhere near as consistent in quality than a ZT is.

other mentions Reate, WEKnives, Rike, they are better than Kizer and ZT, but usually cost more too.
 
Kizers are hit or miss. If you read up on them you'll hear of quality complaints like off-centered blades and weak detents. I love my ti Gemini and my Rogue is pretty nice as well. Just received an SLT and the lockbar is too softly sprung and the knife has lock rock. This is a $200 made-in-China knife! Shouldn't have issues like that.
ZT isn't perfect either but I think they're of more consistent quality.
For Chinese companies Reate is my favorite. RealSteel has some value folders of good quality.
 
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