It's already a known fact that the Chinese clone knives hold the best value in the knife world.
I mean, just looking at the Green Thorn F95T and Hati - you can't find better value (or even remotely similar) in the genuine knife world. In that world - a ti handled flipper with ceramic double row bearings, with the same level of fit and finish can't cost less than $300.
But some knife companies have already realized that, and are putting out knives that can compete with the clones in their home field - bang for the buck.
I would like to show you some exaples of these knives:
1. Kizer Cutlery Ki4419A1 - Aluminium handle, S35VN blade, awesome looking design - at only $62.3.
2. Cold Steel Code 4 - Aluminium handles, Triad-lock (one of the strongest locks) and CTS-XHP blade make this a great choice for a budget friendly EDC knife.
3. CRKT Tighe Tac 2 Tanto - Ball bearings in the pivot and a great action button lock give this knife a custom feel.
4. Ontario Carter Prime (now on sale for only $69.99) - Lowest price for Ti handles, bearings and D2 blade in the genuine knife world.
If you have your suggestions - please write them down in the comments and I may add them in the second volume on this topic.
Kizer Cutlery has become a well-known name for a lot of knife lovers.
The company, which evolved from a knife factory in China, into a brand, that sells knives worldwide, has grown rapidly in the course of the recent year, and there are a few reasons for that.
First of all there is the value - Kizer Knives have been one of the first, who managed to deliver the level of quality and materials, that was typical only to high end clones at the time (and that is not a coincidence), while keeping a relatively low price for the end product. Later they also introduced the Vanguard series, which is even cheaper, because it uses lower grade materials, but keeps the level of quality high.
Kizer uses CNC Machining and Wire EDM cutting to make their knives.
Another reason is the design - when they started, they had original in-house design, which was heavily influenced by other knives, but didn't copy one knife, thus couldn't be called a clone. Later, after Kizer gained recognition because of their quality - they started doing something smart and unique - collaborate with USA custom makers and knife designers. Until that time, makers worked only with big time brands like ZT, Kershaw, Boker + , Benchmade, Spyderco and others. If you didn't work with them - you didn't work at all.
But Kizer managed to change that. Today we can see Kizer models designed by Matt Cucchiara, Ray Laconico, John Gray, Dirk Pinkerton, Mikkel Willumsen, Glen Klecker and others.
Also, they managed to be the company that introduced the most models in one year.
From budget blades to high end Bladesmith series, they have done almost all.
Their CEO even said that they will cut on the model line, leaving only the most successful ones.
Anyway - I like what this company is doing and appreciate their attention to details and to the knife lover's choices and wishes. They managed to bring custom designs for an affordable price, and were one of the first to do so. I wish them the best of luck and hope they will continue to cheer us up with their models.
Check out Kizer Cutlery models here: https://goo.gl/zK68BE
