Wow!!! I didn’t think I would see anybody beat out Miguron with the quality/price. Kizer’s clutch lock is my favorite crossbar lock out of all the different companies. Great video!!
Kizer sales are epic. They destroy the competition when they go 50% off. Got the Drop Bear LC200N for $110. Sheepdog Brass 3V for $90. Beglieter m390, titanium frag scales $65. Just can’t beat the $/quality ratio. Always great action too.
All the Vosteed 154CM, NitroV and 14c28n knives appear to be rated 60-62 HRC as well. One of the most important upgrades Kizer made in the group you profiled is their button liner lock in the Mini Grouper. We will see this lock on more and more of their models. Compression locks are stronger than button and liner locks, and more durable than crossbar locks. Vosteed has already expanded their top liner lock to several models and surely more will follow. The Raccoon 14c28n top liner lock rated at 60-62 HRC is currently the best sub $70 EDC knife on the market IMO.
My favorite company is Spyderco but the last few months I can't seem to stop Kizers to save my life. With the flash sales on their site nearly every week & all the crazy good & well priced collaborations they are killin it. Just bought 2 this morning, feist in 4v for $40 and aggressor in 3v for $44 on the zon, Crazy deal.
long time kizer fan, but never tried any of their budget knives until I recently picked up a slip joint Pinch for my daughter. It's ok, but perfect for her use because locking mechs tend to make her apprehensive. Excited to try a few of these.
The kizer z-82 is a awesome knife. I bought it last Christmas for like 35 bucks off Amazon. And it was my edc up until a week ago. I also has a kizer orginal and it's amazing. But I never see any love for the z-82
Higher range is not 100% perpetuate to performance... each steal has unique parameters. But great videos... my favorite $100 knife is mt allti October... got it on a great sale and love it
I find Vosteed's offerings more compelling to be honest. Not crazy about Kizer's models, but am interested in trying out the nitro-v in harder rockwell. The only one of the group that i find really cool is the mini-grouper (not only for its looks but also to try out that top-lock liner lock mechanism). Kizer's micarta and G10 is better (in my samples) than Civivi's (I've had micarta that looks/feels plasticky from them). When Kizer models go on half off sale, then I bite (if there's anything I find compelling). Thanks for the heads up about the heat treat though...will be interesting to compare.
Instead of selling the one that you have what you should do is put the nitro V blade on the old handle so you can keep the old handle and pocket clip. That would be super dope.
@@maxlvledc People tested their Kizer knives with a claimed hardness of 58-60 HRC, but during the tests they showed a hardness of 61-63 HRC. However, CPM 3V and CPM 4V steel showed such a result. But even their simple steel with a thickness of 154 cm is very well tempered.
It wasn't just last month you were saying that a CJRB with AR-RPM9 was "Knife of the Year", my the times have changed! Obligatory Red Hot Chili Peppers lyrics coming in... I realize I don't wanna be a miser Confide with sly you'll be the wiser Young blood is the lovin' upriser How come everybody wanna keep it like the Kaiser? Give it away, give it away, GIVE IT AWAY NOW!
I'm confused by these tiny knives with thick, stocky blades. In a 7 inch survival knife, sure. For a 2 to 4 inch blade EDC folder we're talking precision tasks. I want a thin, slicy blade and thin handle (less than .45") like a Bugout so it lays really flat against my pocket. I don't know of a budget knife like a Spyderco Chaparral or Bugout. They are all overbuilt and chunky.
look up CJRB prado, imo cheap, just under 4inch blade, bladestock thin like delica4, crossbar lock, and ar-rpm9 steel that CJRB came up with, judging by composition it resembles 9cr kind of steel, but is something between ingot and PM steel.
Well, this makes me feel better about splurging on the 10'ish Kizer knives I bought during their last sale.... fyi I bought 2 of the Amicus, an orange and a white. The orange handle is great but the white FRN handled Amicus is just so-so. The white one's deployment is just meh-everything else works just fine though. I also bought the Nice Guy w/ the richlite scales and the Banish with micarta scales, they were bargains and they're definitely keepers. The Nice Guy w/ richlite scales, really any of the Kizer kinves w/ richlite scales, is incredibly light.
I see more and more knives with button lock these days, also several have flipper tab, button lock and thumb studs... how many ways to open it do you need? 🤦 I don't like button lock, I believe it ruins the knife profile
I get that folk like Nitro-V, but I don't understand why. Per KnifeSteelNerds, the edge holding is bargain basement. The same as 8CR13MoV, and easily worse than 14C28N or 440C. In fact, Nitro V is worse than 14C28N on every metric - toughness, edge retention, *and* corrosion resistance. The only advantage of Nitro-V over 14C28N is the price. And in the case of both of those steels, that much toughness isn't needed on a folder, unless you cut wire with your knife all day. Ancient unfashionable VG-10 or 440C are both choices that are more balanced while bringing significantly more edge holding to the table. Unless you have a reason to truly value toughness, Nitro-V blades belong in the same category as 8CR13MoV ones.
Oh, and note that Nitro-V also loses half it's toughness going from 60.5 to 63 HRC. Again, all this is documented on the KnifeSteelNerds "Rankings" page.
Kizer Amicus Nitro V Blade reviews are not good, I think the blade steel maybe all that knife has going for it. People hate the build quality. As a knife enthousiaste im not just concerned about the steel its the whole package . I can live with d2 if the fit and finish are awesome
As nice as the features are on the Amicus, it looks (and I suspect feels) like a 1994 station wagon compared to the modern sedan feel of a Civivi Elementum 2. At least for a knife scrub like me, since I stopped buying knives after being fully satisfied by the Elementum.
I just picked up my 1st Kizer, the Original, with Aloominium scales thanks to @marineX, what a pleasure to carry and use! It certainly won't be my last!
Yeah, buy more knives, sheepishly follow steel hype and influencers/streamers, grow a huge collection, never use one of them for what they are intended, spend spend spend. My god... people, use your money on more important things. Have a single fixed and a single folding blade, and replace as needed. When they break! Prices are ALWAYS going down.
I fell victim to this. Had over 350 knives. Opened the cabinet one day and thought "I'd be way more excited if I opened this door to find all the money I spent on these" sold all but about 10 of them. Actually nearly broke even since I saved every box and most were only lightly used. I kept 4 fixed blades and 6 folders. But the money got back was enough to buy a used kawasaki klr650 from my neighbor and 35 boer goats.
I always look for knives that are able to close without the user putting their fingers in the path of the closing
Big Kizer fan here. I own the Banish, Drop Bear, Amicus, and Mini Grouper, among others. Great knives overall!
Wow!!! I didn’t think I would see anybody beat out Miguron with the quality/price. Kizer’s clutch lock is my favorite crossbar lock out of all the different companies.
Great video!!
Thanks for the look bro. I have that new drop bear and I think it's kizers best variant yet it's a great EDC knife.
Agree 💯...bought a hyper and a original xl cf during the sale very impressive kizer knifes are hard to beat for sure
Kizer sales are epic. They destroy the competition when they go 50% off. Got the Drop Bear LC200N for $110. Sheepdog Brass 3V for $90. Beglieter m390, titanium frag scales $65. Just can’t beat the $/quality ratio. Always great action too.
That begleiter is an unbelievable deal 😵
Good information. I don’t know much about Nitro-V and would’ve overlooked the details on Kizer’s website. Much appreciated.
All the Vosteed 154CM, NitroV and 14c28n knives appear to be rated 60-62 HRC as well.
One of the most important upgrades Kizer made in the group you profiled is their button liner lock in the Mini Grouper. We will see this lock on more and more of their models. Compression locks are stronger than button and liner locks, and more durable than crossbar locks.
Vosteed has already expanded their top liner lock to several models and surely more will follow. The Raccoon 14c28n top liner lock rated at 60-62 HRC is currently the best sub $70 EDC knife on the market IMO.
I 100% agree
The only Kizer I have is the Hic-Cup which I picked up for $40 at Blade show. It is quickly becoming a favorite in my collection.
Have you tried the CJRB Ekko? Those two remind me a lot of each other, and the Ekko is my absolute favorite knife out right now. You might dig it!
I bought myself the Towser S and the October for a future gift on their sale and they both feel good. Great company and prices. 👍🍻
I’ve a few UK Legal Kizer knives and they are great. Great ergos, great finishing. Looking forward to getting more!
I am Kizer fan, but I would love to see some of these hardness tested. It’s hard to believe!
Luv them knives has tested MANY Kizer knives. Solid on 154cm and 20cv that I've seen on his vids
@@DeerUNIT42 seen those. I’m super curious to know about this Nitro V tho!
I do wish all companies would state the hardness of the blades. I consider it important info.
@@nealjohnson8309 it is man, 💯
My favorite company is Spyderco but the last few months I can't seem to stop Kizers to save my life. With the flash sales on their site nearly every week & all the crazy good & well priced collaborations they are killin it. Just bought 2 this morning, feist in 4v for $40 and aggressor in 3v for $44 on the zon, Crazy deal.
“Kizer is going to dominate the second half of 2024..”
Aaaaaand out from the back it’s Ozark Trail to overtake the lead!😂
The original amicus in g10 has been my daily since i got into knives the other year. Got it on sale for $35.
long time kizer fan, but never tried any of their budget knives until I recently picked up a slip joint Pinch for my daughter. It's ok, but perfect for her use because locking mechs tend to make her apprehensive. Excited to try a few of these.
I think too that knife is an older one before Kizer changed their quality control
That's cool
I got a Benchmade Bugout clone recently. Red with mystery metal black blade 👍
The kizer z-82 is a awesome knife. I bought it last Christmas for like 35 bucks off Amazon. And it was my edc up until a week ago. I also has a kizer orginal and it's amazing. But I never see any love for the z-82
I love Kizer knives. I think they are a good value for money. Beautiful knives, great ergos, amazing action, perfect for edc!
I like Kizer and can't understand present fever with Cjrb Pyrite Light for 30usd while there is Kizer Genie for 37usd for example.
Cjrb is overrated
The difference is that those kizers are discontinued and marked at 50% while the pyrite is actually $30
@@maxlvledc still overrated even at 30 dollars in my opinion
Awesome video 👍🏽. Unfortunately, the Nice Guy is sold out already. Really liked the way it looked and blade length.
I think I’m going to buy exclusively Kizer. I love my Coniferous V with Half Titanium handle and 154cm for only $48
I'm inbetween the dropbear and the Racoon with the top liner lock.
same pocketclip on my aluminium with 154cm drop bear
Have had a Kizer Begleiter for years now. Think d2 still going strong.
Higher range is not 100% perpetuate to performance... each steal has unique parameters.
But great videos... my favorite $100 knife is mt allti October... got it on a great sale and love it
It is in this case because they are NON-Vanadiam steel with high toughness. But in concept you are correct
The orange amicus is still available and shipping is only $5 if you don't need to spend $100 for free shipping.
I find Vosteed's offerings more compelling to be honest. Not crazy about Kizer's models, but am interested in trying out the nitro-v in harder rockwell. The only one of the group that i find really cool is the mini-grouper (not only for its looks but also to try out that top-lock liner lock mechanism). Kizer's micarta and G10 is better (in my samples) than Civivi's (I've had micarta that looks/feels plasticky from them). When Kizer models go on half off sale, then I bite (if there's anything I find compelling). Thanks for the heads up about the heat treat though...will be interesting to compare.
Last 6-7 years im buying only kizer knives, never disappointed.
Instead of selling the one that you have what you should do is put the nitro V blade on the old handle so you can keep the old handle and pocket clip. That would be super dope.
Will the lock fit? Not all blades are interchangeable due to how the lock fits
Hardness is overrated. I prefer a knife I can strop up. Blade geometry is more important.
Mind you, I'm a big Kizer fan.
You will still have zero issue stropping nitroV at 62
👍 nice. In my opinion there is no excuse for not making ambidextrous knives.
I’ll tell you a secret, Kizer heat treatment has long been better than stated on the website.
?!?!?!
@@maxlvledc People tested their Kizer knives with a claimed hardness of 58-60 HRC, but during the tests they showed a hardness of 61-63 HRC. However, CPM 3V and CPM 4V steel showed such a result. But even their simple steel with a thickness of 154 cm is very well tempered.
It wasn't just last month you were saying that a CJRB with AR-RPM9 was "Knife of the Year", my the times have changed! Obligatory Red Hot Chili Peppers lyrics coming in...
I realize I don't wanna be a miser
Confide with sly you'll be the wiser
Young blood is the lovin' upriser
How come everybody wanna keep it like the Kaiser?
Give it away, give it away, GIVE IT AWAY NOW!
Still likely is, $30 is nearly unbeatable. But the amicus is damn close
I'm confused by these tiny knives with thick, stocky blades. In a 7 inch survival knife, sure. For a 2 to 4 inch blade EDC folder we're talking precision tasks. I want a thin, slicy blade and thin handle (less than .45") like a Bugout so it lays really flat against my pocket. I don't know of a budget knife like a Spyderco Chaparral or Bugout. They are all overbuilt and chunky.
look up CJRB prado, imo cheap, just under 4inch blade, bladestock thin like delica4, crossbar lock, and ar-rpm9 steel that CJRB came up with, judging by composition it resembles 9cr kind of steel, but is something between ingot and PM steel.
I've never got a bad Kizer. They are killing it
Most of them are sold out on the Kizer site
The kizer Lan is a fantastic knife but, N690 tends to turn people away.
I spat out my soda laughing when I saw it was named the "Drop Bear" and I love it! I'll probably pick one of those up just for the memes.
What am i missing?
Its a Australian thing @@Shmyrk
It’s a carnivorous koala
I’ll buy the original Dog Fish off of you.
Game changing haha.
Well, this makes me feel better about splurging on the 10'ish Kizer knives I bought during their last sale.... fyi I bought 2 of the Amicus, an orange and a white. The orange handle is great but the white FRN handled Amicus is just so-so. The white one's deployment is just meh-everything else works just fine though. I also bought the Nice Guy w/ the richlite scales and the Banish with micarta scales, they were bargains and they're definitely keepers. The Nice Guy w/ richlite scales, really any of the Kizer kinves w/ richlite scales, is incredibly light.
I see more and more knives with button lock these days, also several have flipper tab, button lock and thumb studs... how many ways to open it do you need? 🤦
I don't like button lock, I believe it ruins the knife profile
Yes. I don't care for button locks either. Don't like the look and the idea of the knife operating with a button
Aha, the follow up vid to my last comment 😅
Are all of those made in the same civivi factory?
Nope. We knife Co and Kizer have their own places
I get that folk like Nitro-V, but I don't understand why. Per KnifeSteelNerds, the edge holding is bargain basement. The same as 8CR13MoV, and easily worse than 14C28N or 440C. In fact, Nitro V is worse than 14C28N on every metric - toughness, edge retention, *and* corrosion resistance. The only advantage of Nitro-V over 14C28N is the price. And in the case of both of those steels, that much toughness isn't needed on a folder, unless you cut wire with your knife all day. Ancient unfashionable VG-10 or 440C are both choices that are more balanced while bringing significantly more edge holding to the table. Unless you have a reason to truly value toughness, Nitro-V blades belong in the same category as 8CR13MoV ones.
Oh, and note that Nitro-V also loses half it's toughness going from 60.5 to 63 HRC. Again, all this is documented on the KnifeSteelNerds "Rankings" page.
Half?? That's not accurate
@@maxlvledc You are correct. It's from 22 ft-lbs to 7 ft-lbs. So it's 2/3rds.
@@Bethany415 what bizarre chart are you reading it from?
Civivi does it all the time tho…
Kizer Amicus Nitro V Blade reviews are not good, I think the blade steel maybe all that knife has going for it. People hate the build quality. As a knife enthousiaste im not just concerned about the steel its the whole package . I can live with d2 if the fit and finish are awesome
As nice as the features are on the Amicus, it looks (and I suspect feels) like a 1994 station wagon compared to the modern sedan feel of a Civivi Elementum 2. At least for a knife scrub like me, since I stopped buying knives after being fully satisfied by the Elementum.
With a blade steel hardness of 62 you will need a diamond stone to sharpen it.
I just picked up my 1st Kizer, the Original, with Aloominium scales thanks to @marineX, what a pleasure to carry and use! It certainly won't be my last!
Very ugly knives and the button lock is the worst lock ever created.
I would never buy it.
Yeah I'm tired of these button locks
great designs, but super soft HT on ALL of their knives. i stopped buying their products because of this reason
?? I mean I literally just pointed out how their HT is much better.
Lets be honest, Americans love chinese products.
Aesthetically, though, the Elementum beats all those by a lot. IMHO!
Fair fai
I think the Elementum is too plain, but still lots better looking than that first Kaiser!
Kubey
"... very little flex." Just as he squeezes the handle sides, and they nearly touch. GTFOOH.
PUH-lease! Enough with the infomercial....all ugly ass knives....every one especially the Amicus.
Always liked the looks of the Dog Fish. To each their own, I suppose.
budget? im waiting for militaw dlc-- 200$ ain't budget-- i spend a lot on kizers lol.
The drop bear is just ugly, they missed the mark on the blade design
@@KINGACE9 no, beauty is objective
Bad take. It might not be for you, but it’s certainly not “ugly”.
@@Aacue_Kenku 7 likes...🤷♂️ But If I was a dictator I'd ban it from being bought & sold
said nobody
I also hate the blade shape, but I’m cool with other people liking it
Yeah, buy more knives, sheepishly follow steel hype and influencers/streamers, grow a huge collection, never use one of them for what they are intended, spend spend spend. My god... people, use your money on more important things. Have a single fixed and a single folding blade, and replace as needed. When they break! Prices are ALWAYS going down.
Always going down? Last time I checked I'm being shafted for every penny so I can have a glowy bead with my mortgage knife
For me, my goal is to give people good value options. I agree one folder and fixed blade is more than enough (for me Multitool + fixed blade).
My first knife was Kizer, so it has a place in my heart. But, I like Vosteed so much more this year.
I fell victim to this. Had over 350 knives. Opened the cabinet one day and thought "I'd be way more excited if I opened this door to find all the money I spent on these" sold all but about 10 of them. Actually nearly broke even since I saved every box and most were only lightly used. I kept 4 fixed blades and 6 folders. But the money got back was enough to buy a used kawasaki klr650 from my neighbor and 35 boer goats.