Kizer Vanguard Bolt Discussions | Drop

Apr 7, 2018

For a minority report: Kizer knives can be defective and only feature a 30 day warranty (I was lazy in contacting, hence out of warranty) .... Replacement parts can be obtained (maybe? They wanted me to send money to Hong Kong through PayPal), but at nearly the price of a new knife. I point this out on Kizer drops so people know as people usually only sing their praises. However, I usually get met by Kizer crusaders who can't stand dissent, so let me remind you that this is only what might happen. 😀

Apr 8, 2018

SwayneIt's also worth noting that disassembly voids the warranty and that they tend to use soft screws and a lot of loctite.

Apr 8, 2018

Morrowind542What gets me is that the website actually says there's a lifetime warranty, but, no, it's actually 30 days and a lifetime of being able to buy replacement parts I guess (which, if what you're saying is right, will void the warranty when you replace them).

Apr 8, 2018

SwayneWhat was the issue you had?

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Apr 8, 2018

namhodThe tip of the blade broke after some fairly light use. This is usually where the crusaders come in and tell me, "Well of course, you idiot, you were using it to pry open a door or something, of course it broke off." I can only say that no, that's not what happened, and that I was genuinely shocked when it broke. It would be hard to imagine even a cheap steak knife having broken in the same fashion.

Apr 8, 2018

SwayneYou seem unnecessarily defensive, sometimes tools break when ya use em.
Only people I know that have never broken a knife are people who don't use em. Glamor shot artists!
Thanks for sharing.

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Apr 8, 2018

namhodSorry, I am a bit gun shy. I've done this for a couple of drops, and one guy wrote like 6 or 7 paragraphs basically telling me it was my fault and it happens all the time. I've used knives my whole life (well, since I got my first pocket knife at 5) and in a variety of circumstances; I've never had a tip just crumble off like this before. I genuinely believe it was a problem with the product. I guess I'm a bit jaded because I bought the Kizer thinking it was going to be a step up from my Kershaw (which I loved until it was stolen out of my car!) but it was actually a big step down. I think you either get a Kershaw or you go for one of the $100 plus ones - these middle range ones are neither here nor there.

Apr 8, 2018

SwayneI don't have anything in the Vanguard series, I don't like VG10 steel, I would rather pay a little more for something better myself. Better being subjective and completely my invalid opinion ;)
I have handled and used quite a few of Kizers more expensive knives and they are fantastic.

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Apr 9, 2018

SwaynePersonally, I think the Ontario RAT knives in D2 put most of the knives in the $100 category to shame. Unless you're looking for either a flipper or looking in the $200+ category, that's what I'd go with.
I actually do like Kershaw, and they have a lot of great options in the sub-$30 range. I just can't stand 8cr13mov anymore, and I can't justify their price for the versions in better steels given that they're still built like sub-$30 knives

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Apr 9, 2018

Morrowind542Try the Link, Dividend, Knockout, Skyline, Leek. All their US made models with sandvik steel or better are fantastic for the price.

Apr 9, 2018

namhodI'm definitely interested in trying the Link or Dividend, and I'll probably pick one up if I see one on sale for ~$25 and my budget allows it. I don't really want to spend more than that because a) I'm really skeptical that they do a better job with 420hc than Buck does, and b) I'm not a fan of assisted knives.
The Skyline and Leek don't really appeal to me, honestly.

Apr 9, 2018

Morrowind542I never wanted a Skyline, I was gifted one and that's when I fell in love. The ergonomics on it are amazing for my hands.
They don't have to do a better job with the 420hc, as good or close would be good enough for me! My link is in S35VN.

Apr 9, 2018

namhodThe reason I mentioned Buck is because ~$25 is the amount I'd pay for one their knives.
How would you compare the build quality of your S35 Link to the Crux? That's the main reason I wouldn't consider higher end versions of their knives. Things like plastic washers are acceptable at $30, but not at $90. If they upgraded the rest of the knife in addition to the steel, that Damascus version of the Dividend starts looking real good.

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Apr 9, 2018

namhodAlso, what's your opinion on the Chive thats dropping now?

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