How do you feel about Kizer Knives?

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Zaydok Allen

Zaydok Allen

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I am wanting to give a decent knife to an old friend with an upcoming birthday, but I really can't afford a ZT, WE, or anything terribly expensive right now. That being said, There is a sale on with Blade HQ and it includes several Kizers. Based on the materials they seem reasonably priced, especially on sale.

But you get what you pay for. Any thoughts on this brand?
 
I've handled a few, bought this.

https://www.amazon.com/KIZER-Handles-Material-Folding-Begleiter/dp/B07PM1SRJN/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-p13n1_0?crid=ZEMVS8WC88IW&cv_ct_cx=kizer+knives&dchild=1&keywords=kizer+knives&pd_rd_i=B07PM1SRJN&pd_rd_r=baa4579c-2eb1-431a-bf11-30adb892bc69&pd_rd_w=01YNu&pd_rd_wg=qDluh&pf_rd_p=13bf9bc7-d68d-44c3-9d2e-647020f56802&pf_rd_r=NY55Y8Q8EV0TSMPX5EP4&psc=1&qid=1597947489&sprefix=kizer,aps,169&sr=1-1-791c2399-d602-4248-afbb-8a79de2d236f

There are some quality materials and construction for the money. I have no serious complaints other than preferring to not buy Chinese. But you won't find a USA made knife with the same materials for much under $100, most closer to $150.

If wanting to stay USA made this is the most knife for the money that I'm aware of. The S30V steel is a step up from Kizer's VG-10. Both have G10 handles. Blade length is about the same.

https://www.bladehq.com/item--Buck-Knives-Vantage-Pro-Large-Liner--26115

A little cheaper on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Buck-Knives-...9Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

If plastic handles and 420 HC steel is OK with you they make the sell the same knife for about $30.

https://www.bladehq.com/item--Buck-Vantage-Select-Large--5581
 
jmr40 said:
I've handled a few, bought this.

https://www.amazon.com/KIZER-Handles-Material-Folding-Begleiter/dp/B07PM1SRJN/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-p13n1_0?crid=ZEMVS8WC88IW&cv_ct_cx=kizer+knives&dchild=1&keywords=kizer+knives&pd_rd_i=B07PM1SRJN&pd_rd_r=baa4579c-2eb1-431a-bf11-30adb892bc69&pd_rd_w=01YNu&pd_rd_wg=qDluh&pf_rd_p=13bf9bc7-d68d-44c3-9d2e-647020f56802&pf_rd_r=NY55Y8Q8EV0TSMPX5EP4&psc=1&qid=1597947489&sprefix=kizer,aps,169&sr=1-1-791c2399-d602-4248-afbb-8a79de2d236f

There are some quality materials and construction for the money. I have no serious complaints other than preferring to not buy Chinese. But you won't find a USA made knife with the same materials for much under $100, most closer to $150.

If wanting to stay USA made this is the most knife for the money that I'm aware of. The S30V steel is a step up from Kizer's VG-10. Both have G10 handles. Blade length is about the same.

https://www.bladehq.com/item--Buck-Knives-Vantage-Pro-Large-Liner--26115

A little cheaper on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Buck-Knives-0342BKS-VANTAGE-Folding/dp/B00I0MAH30/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2BAZC42WUTVT4&dchild=1&keywords=buck+vantage+pro&qid=1597948330&sprefix=buck+vantage,aps,169&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=A19NVE4G6SOT2C&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExOUxCVjZJR0RaOUNJJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODU5NzY1MUZJUjJXS0M3TEVWOSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMTAzOTM4MzRRWEw3NUtOSzZaViZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

If plastic handles and 420 HC steel is OK with you they make the sell the same knife for about $30.

https://www.bladehq.com/item--Buck-Vantage-Select-Large--5581
Click to expand...
Thanks for the feedback. My buddy has never had a real quality knife, and this is for his 40th birthday, so I sort of want to stick with higher end steel than 420 or 440. But I also know he will never invest time or money to sharpen one properly. But, as much as he'd actually use it, S30VN would likely last the rest of his life. I can always do it for him too when I have the capability.

I prefer USA made, but yes, the prices are higher. That's why I was thinking Kizer on sale. Money is tighter than I care to admit right now.
 
I own a few Kizer knives, nothing wrong with them. The fit and finish is excellent.

Your friend will more than appreciate the knife.
 
I bought a few last year when someone had them on clearance. I was very pleased with them, especially for the price. I didn’t need them, so all but one got gifted to nephews.
 
I've got a 1/4" scar on my thumb for not paying attention!:confused:

When you have a sharp knife in your hand, don't try to do two things at once.
 
460Shooter said:
I am wanting to give a decent knife to an old friend with an upcoming birthday, but I really can't afford a ZT, WE, or anything terribly expensive right now. That being said, There is a sale on with Blade HQ and it includes several Kizers. Based on the materials they seem reasonably priced, especially on sale.

But you get what you pay for. Any thoughts on this brand?
Click to expand...

Liner lock DQ to me. What's your budget? You can get a BM mini griptilian with S30V for under $100. A lockback Spyderco Delica or Endura can be had for under $90. SOG Terminus is D2 with the knockoff Axis and it's only $55. A lockback Buck Ranger in S30V is $80.

I would spend that money and get a well recognized brand with a proper lock. But maybe that's just me. Of the ones above, the SOG just says heck of a deal. I do have to admit to being very fond of all my BM knives, including the full size griptilian.

Best of luck finding something you like and he will appreciate.
 
Boattale said:
Liner lock DQ to me. What's your budget? You can get a BM mini griptilian with S30V for under $100. A lockback Spyderco Delica or Endura can be had for under $90. SOG Terminus is D2 with the knockoff Axis and it's only $55. A lockback Buck Ranger in S30V is $80.

I would spend that money and get a well recognized brand with a proper lock. But maybe that's just me. Of the ones above, the SOG just says heck of a deal. I do have to admit to being very fond of all my BM knives, including the full size griptilian.

Best of luck finding something you like and he will appreciate.
Click to expand...
The ones I’m looking at are frame locks. Kizer makes a lot of frame locks actually.

I do not buy liner locks.
 
460Shooter said:
The ones I’m looking at are frame locks. Kizer makes a lot of frame locks actually.

I do not buy liner locks.
Click to expand...
Smart man. Frame locks are better than liner locks agreed. I don't care for their ergonomics but now we're down to personal preference not so much performance. Again, good luck with finding the one.
 
Boattale said:
Smart man. Frame locks are better than liner locks agreed. I don't care for their ergonomics but now we're down to personal preference not so much performance. Again, good luck with finding the one.
Click to expand...
My real preference is for lock backs but I be come to appreciate frame locks also.

The BM Giptilian is also on the list as a possibility.
 
After considerable deliberation and handling, and a real shipping problem with my preferred online source, I decided to go American and to go practical. I got my buddy a full size Griptillian of the Mel Pardue variety. I think he’ll appreciate it and since he has no inclination to buy a sharpening system or learn to do it on his own, I could just see him using a crappy pull through sharpener and buggering up the edge of the S30V blade. Better for him to have access to good warranty and sharpening service.

C4B0908A-1535-46E5-A45F-B798DCE02DAF.jpeg

Consequently I bought two. One of my long term employees who has been excellent got a promotion. This will be a personal fair well and thank you gift. I’m going to be up a creek for awhile without him. Well deserved promotion and gift. He’s partial to Benchmade, so I know he’ll appreciate it.
 
Love Kizer. Great workmanship at a reasonable price. Approaches many semi-custom knives. It is in my EDC rotation. This is my KIZER Ki5466A1 frame lock CPM-S35VN with titanium Handle (no longer available).

index.php
 
460Shooter said:
After considerable deliberation and handling, and a real shipping problem with my preferred online source, I decided to go American and to go practical. I got my buddy a full size Griptillian of the Mel Pardue variety. I think he’ll appreciate it and since he has no inclination to buy a sharpening system or learn to do it on his own, I could just see him using a crappy pull through sharpener and buggering up the edge of the S30V blade. Better for him to have access to good warranty and sharpening service.

View attachment 941996

Consequently I bought two. One of my long term employees who has been excellent got a promotion. This will be a personal fair well and thank you gift. I’m going to be up a creek for awhile without him. Well deserved promotion and gift. He’s partial to Benchmade, so I know he’ll appreciate it.
Click to expand...
Good Choice! The Grip is a great knife.
 
Did you look at Kershaw knives?

The Blur is one of my favorites and I use one in my EDC rotation. Light and compact, you can change the pocket clip for tip up or down. Some models have a glass breaker built-in.

Newer versions have carbon fiber scales, Damascus blades, deep cover pocket clips...

20200314_161543.jpg

20200314_161522.jpg
 
Mk-211 said:
Did you look at Kershaw knives?

The Blur is one of my favorites and I use one in my EDC rotation. Light and compact, you can change the pocket clip for tip up or down. Some models have a glass breaker built-in.

Newer versions have carbon fiber scales, Damascus blades, deep cover pocket clips...

View attachment 942019

View attachment 942020
Click to expand...
I did. Ended up buying a Benchmade.
 
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