Kizlyar Supreme's Survivalist X! Fixed Blade!
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| High humidity, raging waterfalls, tropical jungles, the Kizlyar Supreme Survivalist X Fixed blade Survival knife is totally at home in this environment. |
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| AUS8 (my model) but available also in D2 tool steel; G10 scales in green (this model), Desert Tan and Natural dark Walnut root. |
190mm long blade of which 180mm of cutting edge. That's 7.4 inches and 7 inches respectively.
G10 -Olive green (my version) scales. Also available in top quality natural walnut scales and Desert tan G-10 as well!
AUS8 blade comes in D2 as well, with a "tactical wash" anti-reflective surface finish (without the need for coating).
5mm blade thickness
Lanyard holes
Life time warranty.
The usual excellent Kizlyar Supreme scabbard with hard plastic insert (fully removable); camouflage pattern ballistic nylon, fully Molle compatible; double press stud closure and grommeted for a generous amount of easily carried accessory cord.
Well to begin with I was really impressed and still am with the Kizlyar Supreme Hollow handle Survivalist knife as the blade really is of practical design and this knife can take a beating where other hollow handled knives give up! The fixed blade version of the Survivalist X, long awaited and asked about from many of my subscribers and viewers in response to an absolute liking of the blade shape but the desire for a fixed blade version after seeing the hollow handle version (which if you don't know is as tough as- see my video reviews). The thing about management at Kizlyar Supreme, they really listen to what their customers want in a knife. Whilst the hollow handle Survivalist series fits a particular market, so does the fixed blade version and in fact gives a perfect range to suit everyone.
The fixed blade fits my definition of what a good "survival knife" should embody and since I love the original blade design there was nothing more for me to like other than the fact that it is now a fixed blade.
The overall blade design, just looks like what a good knife should be if you know what I mean. Drop point with swedge, partial wedged spine for bashing off dead branches/rough hacking coconuts open (this feature I really like as it preserves the main blade for cutting tasks). No upper guard for best control; 2 lashing points for attaching the knife to a pole in order to cut things out of reach. Cutting edge basically extends all the way to the hilt.
The swinging balance is very good along with comfort with accommodation for a range of hand sizes. Smooth but positive gimping on the upper spine. Finally a big long straight edge for easy sharpening. On that note of course it came razor sharp out of the bag. Yes that's right, "bag" not box. Now this latter feature, a ballistic nylon draw string bag is such a great idea. Why? Well these days with such crazy knife paranoia being whipped up from the media, the need to carry such large knives in ones pack to the trail head is most important. Having the knife in a bag which can easily be extracted without any problems (ie no knife parts to catch on other gear makes total sense!). Also the bag is quality stitched with webbing over the seams to help prevent abrasion and the seams ultimately coming undone. This drawstring bag is water resistant too!
We see not one but 2 retention straps on this Survivalist X Fixed blade model, which totally securely holds the knife safely within it's scabbard.
The blade is simply finished via a stone wash as coating is unnecessary and only really wears off anyway if you use your knives like me. (As an aside here a shiny blade of course can be used to signal for help- try doing that with your black coated blade!).
Despite the full tang construction, the Survivalist X fixed blade isn't too heavy either (weight is 13.4 Oz.) as it's not made with a 6mm slab of steel, 5mm is more than good enough. Also 5mm gives one a better angle for carving as it can be made less steep than 6mm sheet used to make knives. I don't think we can really say that AUS8 is crap either. It has long since proven itself and some of my best knives are in fact made with AUS8. I like it as it has better corrosion resistance than equivalent hardened N690 (I still love N690 of course) but AUS8 working in and around salt water (thats for me) is my choice there.
Basically there isn't much more to say about this knife. I've been waiting for ages for it to go into production and now it's here!
Attention! Latest update!Here it is my video field review at BushCampingTools
Well to begin with I was really impressed and still am with the Kizlyar Supreme Hollow handle Survivalist knife as the blade really is of practical design and this knife can take a beating where other hollow handled knives give up! The fixed blade version of the Survivalist X, long awaited and asked about from many of my subscribers and viewers in response to an absolute liking of the blade shape but the desire for a fixed blade version after seeing the hollow handle version (which if you don't know is as tough as- see my video reviews). The thing about management at Kizlyar Supreme, they really listen to what their customers want in a knife. Whilst the hollow handle Survivalist series fits a particular market, so does the fixed blade version and in fact gives a perfect range to suit everyone.
The fixed blade fits my definition of what a good "survival knife" should embody and since I love the original blade design there was nothing more for me to like other than the fact that it is now a fixed blade.
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| Add caption |
The overall blade design, just looks like what a good knife should be if you know what I mean. Drop point with swedge, partial wedged spine for bashing off dead branches/rough hacking coconuts open (this feature I really like as it preserves the main blade for cutting tasks). No upper guard for best control; 2 lashing points for attaching the knife to a pole in order to cut things out of reach. Cutting edge basically extends all the way to the hilt.
The swinging balance is very good along with comfort with accommodation for a range of hand sizes. Smooth but positive gimping on the upper spine. Finally a big long straight edge for easy sharpening. On that note of course it came razor sharp out of the bag. Yes that's right, "bag" not box. Now this latter feature, a ballistic nylon draw string bag is such a great idea. Why? Well these days with such crazy knife paranoia being whipped up from the media, the need to carry such large knives in ones pack to the trail head is most important. Having the knife in a bag which can easily be extracted without any problems (ie no knife parts to catch on other gear makes total sense!). Also the bag is quality stitched with webbing over the seams to help prevent abrasion and the seams ultimately coming undone. This drawstring bag is water resistant too!
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| Digital camouflage nylon carry bag |
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| Quality Stitching on the knife bag and water resistant ballistic nylon used in the cord locked carry bag. |
We see not one but 2 retention straps on this Survivalist X Fixed blade model, which totally securely holds the knife safely within it's scabbard.
 |
| 5mm thick spine with "dead branch" chopping swedge! I have found this very useful and a great idea. |
The blade is simply finished via a stone wash as coating is unnecessary and only really wears off anyway if you use your knives like me. (As an aside here a shiny blade of course can be used to signal for help- try doing that with your black coated blade!).
Despite the full tang construction, the Survivalist X fixed blade isn't too heavy either (weight is 13.4 Oz.) as it's not made with a 6mm slab of steel, 5mm is more than good enough. Also 5mm gives one a better angle for carving as it can be made less steep than 6mm sheet used to make knives. I don't think we can really say that AUS8 is crap either. It has long since proven itself and some of my best knives are in fact made with AUS8. I like it as it has better corrosion resistance than equivalent hardened N690 (I still love N690 of course) but AUS8 working in and around salt water (thats for me) is my choice there.
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| On a deserted beach in Australia, me and the Kizlyar Supreme Survivalist X after hacking open a washed up coconut. (see upcoming video review). Zero corrosion after being exposed to saltwater spray and immersion most of the day. |
Basically there isn't much more to say about this knife. I've been waiting for ages for it to go into production and now it's here!
Attention! Latest update!Here it is my video field review at BushCampingTools
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