Kizlyar - specialty knives from Russia

There is no question that Australia has been deluged with knives of all shapes and sizes during the years and the majority of these appear to have come from the USA. Anyone requiring a good blade is wellcatered for at an affordable price. However, as with many things in life, consumers often want something out of the ordinary and are prepared to pay a little more to get it. It is no different with quality blades. I must confess that most of my knives are fairly basic and as long as I keep them sharp, and they do the job, then I am satisfied. That does not mean that I do not appreciate quality and when I opened the box of Russianmade Kizlyar knives for review, I was held in quiet contemplation and admiration for some time.

The area of Dagestan in Russia lies between the Caspian Sea and the main Caucasian chain. Its history stretches back some 5000 years. The Great Silk Way passed through this area and like so many other parts of the world, there were constant battles for land and supremacy. Dagestan was famous for its arts and crafts and these ranged from wood and bone carvings to weapons manufacture. One of the mountain villages, Amuzgi, specialised in the production of the highest quality steel blades, which were used for everything from daggers to sabres. The steel makers brought their products down to the village of Kubachi, where other craftsmen took over and decorated the various items by damascening with gold and other custom adornments.

In modern times, the story goes that three enthusiasts wanted to commence production at Kizlyar and try to emulate the skills and crafts of the Dagestan armourers. This factory is now the largest producer of highquality blades in the Russian Federation and distributes to more than 1000 trade organisations within that area. Of course, word got out about these. ne products and Kizlyar now has agents in the USA, Germany, Czech Republic and Australia. The factory produces knives in the traditional Caucasian style, but with up-to-date technology. The blades have a HRC, usually around the 58 mark, and as such they are harder to sharpen, but when done properly will hold a good edge for a long time. Steels used are corrosion resistant type 65’13, or damascene steel produced in Dagestan.

All blades are decorated with various patterns, from hunting scenes to wild animals and birds. The handles on many of these knives feature Caucasian walnut. Every knife, dagger and sword is provided with its own sheath, which also carries embossing and patterns.

Browsing through the Kizlyar 2004 catalogue shows some magni.cent blades for all purposes. There are hunting knives, outdoor knives, daggers and shashka swards, and knives of Damascus steel, which are both beautiful and exotic beyond imagination. The hunting and outdoor knives were designed to be used, but who would submit such lovely items to serious work?

Prices would appear to be very realistic (and affordable) for work of this quality. The Australian agent may be contacted by phone/fax at 02 9906 2743 or by email at australia@kizlyar.ru

by Technical Advisor Brendan Atkinson

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