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Kizer Vanguard V4479 Kala Liner Lock
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Kizer Vanguard V4479 Kala Liner Lock
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Product Description
Designed by Hawaii native Scot Matsuoka, the Kizer Vanguard Ki4479 Kala is a production version of the utilitarian blade that made him famous. Slim yet stout enough to take on hard tactical and field use, the Kala measures nearly 9 inches long Read More
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keyboard_arrow_downGunsOfBrixton
911
Sep 1, 2017
Got mine yesterday. This is intended to be my "truck knife." It stays in the truck so I always have a good knife handy when I'm on the road or near the truck. My prime concerns for this knife are that it has to be sturdy and reliable, as it would likely come out in a heavy-duty situation. I also want good corrosion resistance so I can basically put it in it's spot and forget it until I need it. I chose the brown so it stands out against the dark interior of my truck. My first impressions:
- This is a big sturdy knife. Seems like it would be very tough. I wouldn't imagine carrying this around in my pocket on a daily basis unless I was 6-6 and 250 lbs.
- The build quality is good, not great. Everything is lined up perfectly, it locks well, no play in the blade, and the materials are quality. The opening mechanism is a bit on the stiff side, needs a good flick to lock into place. Design details are pretty sparse, pretty much just the G10, the blade, and the screws. The clip doesn't really feel the right size for the knife. Can't say that I've used it, or that it's a problem, but it seems it belongs on a much smaller knife. Not much contrast or visual interest. Overall, feels like the Chinese manufactured knife it is, but not like junk at all.
- This is a very utilitarian knife, which I like. Showed it to a few people, none commented on its looks - first words out of everyone's mouths were "wow, that's a big knife"
- Overall, this is a highly functional tool that seems well worth the $50. A whole lot of tool, with good materials for the price. It fits my desired use case very well. Good value, just be aware this is not a compact knife.
Here's some pictures of it next to the Kershaw Blur it's replacing. This might give a sense of scale. The blur is the biggest knife I ever actually carry on me. The Kala kind of dwarfs it.
Here's some pictures of it next to the Kershaw Blur it's replacing. This might give a sense of scale. The blur is the biggest knife I ever actually carry on me. The Kala kind of dwarfs it.
AJAugust
353
Oct 1, 2017
GunsOfBrixtonGEEZ...The Kala is a BIG FRICKIN' KNIFE!! It certainly does make..., huh..., statement :) I can easily imagine that it is a great knife to handle well in most conditions. Thanks for the review and write up on the knife!
PNWNative
448
Feb 3, 2018
GunsOfBrixtonThanks for the comparison photos, I am going to stick with the Blur. This Kizer model blade length is not legal where I live.
JeremyHeld
47
Feb 2, 2018
JE87048Forrest Green--but it doesn't at all stand out from the brown. It's pretty muted compared to the blue on black.
TheTaoOfJosh
16
Mar 8, 2018
Just a quick review on the Kizer Kala A2...
First impression, completely underwhelmed. I ordered the Coyote Brown, since I already own so many black-handled knives. Really...should be labeled "Shit Brown," because that's honestly the color. About as drab and featureless as I could have imagined. Next, opening action is unassisted, and with the blade as large and weighty as it is, the balance is all off. Takes WAY more effort than it should to open this blade...even with the finger tab deployment. Now to the handle...and this is where this blade is truly awful...normally G10 has an amazingly solid, grippy feel. With the Kizer Kala, it literally feels like I'm holding slime...the G10 is soft (somehow) and slippery. And that's completely dry. I have no confidence in handling this knife. It feels like with the slightest amount of sweat or water, it's going to slide right out of my hand.
I'm actually shocked...I own probably close to 30 folders and I've never encountered a knife that I found every aspect of the knife disappointing...until now.
In all fairness, I have not tried cutting anything with the knife. Honestly, I took it out, tried it on for size, and put it right back in the box. I'm sure it's plenty sharp...and perhaps the blade quality is even outstanding. But for the money we paid for this knife, I would expect a premium blade...ideally build for confident use and designed for good looks. This knife has none of that. Save your money. I wish I had.
First impression, completely underwhelmed. I ordered the Coyote Brown, since I already own so many black-handled knives. Really...should be labeled "Shit Brown," because that's honestly the color. About as drab and featureless as I could have imagined. Next, opening action is unassisted, and with the blade as large and weighty as it is, the balance is all off. Takes WAY more effort than it should to open this blade...even with the finger tab deployment. Now to the handle...and this is where this blade is truly awful...normally G10 has an amazingly solid, grippy feel. With the Kizer Kala, it literally feels like I'm holding slime...the G10 is soft (somehow) and slippery. And that's completely dry. I have no confidence in handling this knife. It feels like with the slightest amount of sweat or water, it's going to slide right out of my hand.
I'm actually shocked...I own probably close to 30 folders and I've never encountered a knife that I found every aspect of the knife disappointing...until now.
In all fairness, I have not tried cutting anything with the knife. Honestly, I took it out, tried it on for size, and put it right back in the box. I'm sure it's plenty sharp...and perhaps the blade quality is even outstanding. But for the money we paid for this knife, I would expect a premium blade...ideally build for confident use and designed for good looks. This knife has none of that. Save your money. I wish I had.
cornerstonetom
263
Mar 10, 2018
TheTaoOfJoshYou might want to look into either getting a refund or selling it to someone who's requested this drop happen again.
Like you, I own a bunch of knives that cover a wide price range. I bought this knife for EDC and use as opposed to an investment/collector item. This knife is part of their "value series" afterall. That designation alone tells me that it's not really special to begin with.
I can understand your disappointment. The scales do seem a bit slippery, but that could change when wet. It depends on the G10 that was used.
For me, it fits my hand quite well and the steel used is a good steel. I'm not concerned with the aesthetics - but that's what I was looking for in this knife. Nothing special and not expensive. This knife covers that for me. But I was looking for a good blade design, good steel and comfortable in my hand. And I got that with this knife. I was not concerned about its looks. I'd rather have this knife endure EDC use/abuse than my vintage, highly collectible blades.
There's only one in black left on Amazon for $97 or so. On ebay, the range is around $73 to $117 for eight knives. I must admit, I forget what we paid for this thing. You could end up making money on this with Amazon running out. Then again, if you're able to return it, you don't have to invest another minute.
Best of luck!
Like you, I own a bunch of knives that cover a wide price range. I bought this knife for EDC and use as opposed to an investment/collector item. This knife is part of their "value series" afterall. That designation alone tells me that it's not really special to begin with.
I can understand your disappointment. The scales do seem a bit slippery, but that could change when wet. It depends on the G10 that was used.
For me, it fits my hand quite well and the steel used is a good steel. I'm not concerned with the aesthetics - but that's what I was looking for in this knife. Nothing special and not expensive. This knife covers that for me. But I was looking for a good blade design, good steel and comfortable in my hand. And I got that with this knife. I was not concerned about its looks. I'd rather have this knife endure EDC use/abuse than my vintage, highly collectible blades.
There's only one in black left on Amazon for $97 or so. On ebay, the range is around $73 to $117 for eight knives. I must admit, I forget what we paid for this thing. You could end up making money on this with Amazon running out. Then again, if you're able to return it, you don't have to invest another minute.
Best of luck!
ponagathos
512
Jun 17, 2019
TheTaoOfJoshAgreed. This is the only Kizer(so far) that I truly do not like. It just looks and feels wrong.
SCtallguy
34
Sep 30, 2018
Hey guys does anyone who purchased this have any photos of this knife in their hand
1Colonel
4
Oct 3, 2017
Just check smokey mountain knf works SMKW. Com Kizer vanguard Kala 95.00 + 4.99sh+ 2.00 ins 101.99 same knife.
WeroBeja
0
Aug 9, 2017
I joined the drop and notice it says the estimated ship day is September 6th. Does that mean they are going to star shipping the jnives on the 6 or expected to arrive on 6th?
English999
10
Aug 9, 2017
WeroBejaThat means it ships from the warehouse September 6th. Believe me, not my first drop, you will have long forgotten about yiur purchase by the time it arrives. You'll be pleasently surprised one day.
hatman
364
Aug 4, 2017
The Kala is larger than I like in a folder (2.99 inches is street legal most places) and is a flipper-only while I prefer flippers that also open manually with thumb hole or studs.
That said, I'm still tempted: I've watched Scot Matsuoka's terrific designs for years and never could afford his customs. Also, they sell out quickly.
Thanks, MD, for offering a Kizer-Matsuoka collab.
Kizer's Vanguard line is unmatched in value. I have Vanguards designed by Ray Laconico, among others. Every one is terrific. Well-centered blades. No blade play in any direction. Tight action. Excellent QC. I actually prefer several of my Vanguards to Kizer's higher-priced Titanium versions.
At this price, the Kala a no-brainer.
That said, I'm still tempted: I've watched Scot Matsuoka's terrific designs for years and never could afford his customs. Also, they sell out quickly.
Thanks, MD, for offering a Kizer-Matsuoka collab.
Kizer's Vanguard line is unmatched in value. I have Vanguards designed by Ray Laconico, among others. Every one is terrific. Well-centered blades. No blade play in any direction. Tight action. Excellent QC. I actually prefer several of my Vanguards to Kizer's higher-priced Titanium versions.
At this price, the Kala a no-brainer.
locura247
70
Oct 1, 2017
I hope this gets enough people.
Update: glad to see more people joined drop. Joined so I don't make the same mistake as last time.
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