BigDaddy5970They share some design similarities, which is reasonable given they're both flippers, but I wouldn't say that either is a clone of the other. Do these really look like the same knife to you?
DataThe handle pattern, definitely. The blade and flipper, not so much. Look at how much flat area the Kizer leaves between its upper and lower bevels (I'm sure these parts of the blade have a name, but I don't know them). To me, it makes the blade look stubby. I like the aesthetic of the Olamic's cutouts in the flipper and in place of thumb studs - I'm not a fan of thumb studs on flippers.
BigDaddy5970Based on the BladeHQ listings, Olamic is well out of bounds of what I'm willing to pay for a knife that will see regular use (since my life doesn't currently depend on it and I don't like to buy knives just to store away). Regardless, thank you for bringing them to my attention - they make some very attractive knives.
neil.rSure, I see the differences. The Kizer blade also has a lot more belly to it, and the handle not nearly as much curve. Neither of them are identical, but if you put the 3 of them side-by-side the Ki401B1 is much closer to the Olamic than the Shoal is. The thumb stud on the Kizer is almost superfluous -- it's way easier to deploy with the flipper (I own it; great knife)