Kizer Vanguard Dukes: Hall of Fame EDC

Published on August 3, 2016
Duration: 14:36

This review focuses on the Kizer Vanguard Dukes, a mid-size EDC folding knife. The reviewer praises its excellent ergonomics, ideal weight (2.5-2.6 oz), and flipper deployment. While highly likable, minor deductions are made for the VG10 steel and the polished spoon-bill clip. The knife is compared favorably to other popular models like the Benchmade 2550 Mini Reflex and Kershaw Leek, highlighting its strong value proposition at around $70.

Quick Summary

The Kizer Vanguard Dukes is a highly recommended mid-size EDC folding knife, weighing 2.5-2.6 ounces with excellent ergonomics and fast flipper deployment. Its blade shape is praised, drawing comparisons to the Kershaw Leek, and its build quality often rivals US manufacturers, making it a strong value at around $70.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Knife Fan Context
  2. 00:47The Point of Change & Unreserved Recommendations
  3. 01:23Introducing the Kizer Vanguard Dukes
  4. 01:43Ideal Weight and Size for Utility
  5. 02:08Comparison to Benchmade Mini Reflex
  6. 02:19Understanding Kizer: Chinese Manufacturer Quality
  7. 03:00Philosophy of Use: Not Tactical, But Fun
  8. 04:04Speed and Flipper Design Analysis
  9. 04:42Comparison to Kershaw Leek (Lee Williams Flipper)
  10. 05:35Blade Shape and Steel (14C28N vs VG10)
  11. 06:24Comparison to Kershaw Skyline
  12. 07:31Lockup, Centering, and Handle Design
  13. 08:11Liner Skeletonization and Weight Reduction
  14. 09:11Deductions: Steel and Clip Preference
  15. 09:54Competitive Options: Almar Nomad, Rat II, Cold Steel Voyager
  16. 11:15Comparison to Spyderco Delica (ZDP-189)
  17. 12:53Final Verdict and Likability Scale
  18. 13:36Box and Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Kizer Vanguard Dukes a good EDC knife?

The Kizer Vanguard Dukes is highly regarded for its ideal weight (2.5-2.6 oz), excellent ergonomics with no hot spots, and fast flipper deployment. Its mid-size profile makes it suitable for a wide range of utility tasks, and it offers a great balance of quality and price.

How does the Kizer Vanguard Dukes compare to other popular knives?

The Dukes' blade shape is similar to the discontinued Kershaw Leek, and its utility is comparable to the Benchmade 2550 Mini Reflex. It's also noted for its quality, often matching or exceeding US makers, despite being a Chinese-manufactured product.

What are the main strengths of the Kizer Vanguard Dukes?

Key strengths include its comfortable handle, efficient flipper mechanism, lightweight design due to liner skeletonization, and overall excellent build quality for its price point. The blade shape is also considered perfect for utility tasks.

What are the minor drawbacks of the Kizer Vanguard Dukes?

The reviewer deducts points for the VG10 steel, finding it somewhat labor-intensive to sharpen, and for the polished, spoon-bill style clip, preferring a more discreet and functional deep-carry option.

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