Help me out here, im trying to decide on which dozier to get for whitetail hunting. Im stuck between the columbia river skinner, slim outdoorsman, straight hunter, or ? I wanna get just one dozier for hunting (cant afford 2), and I hear they are the best out there for cutting. What ya think?
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Best Dozier for whitetail field dressing/skinning?
- Thread starter loganclj
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Ankerson
Knife and Computer Geek
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He has a 2 year waiting list currently.
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- Nov 20, 2005
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Keep your eye on the blades he has for sale on his website (featured inventory) that are available for immediate delivery. It may not be exactly the blade or the handle you want, but it will be a great knife. You need to be very proactive about this as they sell QUICKLY. For someone who has never purchased a custom knife like this, they seem expensive and I understand that completely. His blades are very much priced for the average guy who wants a quality blade. I have several in D2 and one in CPM 154. Both excellent steel. He made his name with D2.
My approach has always been to buy one at the Blade Show in Atlanta. I generally attend every other year, but that changes. (I know when I go there that I will likely be spending $1000 on knives after everything is said and done between customs and factory knives.) I try to attend early and I immediately head for Bob's tables to see what he has for sale. I am usually pleased. He offers many different choices in handle material, but he tends to make fairly standard ones for the shows.
My approach has always been to buy one at the Blade Show in Atlanta. I generally attend every other year, but that changes. (I know when I go there that I will likely be spending $1000 on knives after everything is said and done between customs and factory knives.) I try to attend early and I immediately head for Bob's tables to see what he has for sale. I am usually pleased. He offers many different choices in handle material, but he tends to make fairly standard ones for the shows.
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MisterZ
Gold Member
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The Columbia has a handle bigger than most of Bob's knives, so that might be a consideration. You might also find the the Slim Outdoorsman lacking for "reach" and belly as a dedicated skinner. The single finger groove handle and excellent blade design of the Straight Hunter would be my choice of the three, but I agree with the posts above that any of your current choices would be good working blades. Bob's blades each have their own distinct personality, so getting your hands on several different models at a show might be good idea if its possible to see how they fit your hand.
I'd also offer the Yukon Pro Skinner as an option, which is in stock at the moment at A.G.'s. site. This is a great design that lends itself to many tasks and is my personal favorite for game work. The K-2 General Purpose is another fantastic multi-purpose blade that I'd offer without reservation. Either of these make great skinners. Been there and done that.
Hope that helps,
Z
Sweet Water, White River Skinner, King's River Skinner, Professional Skinner, Yukon Pro Skinner
I'd also offer the Yukon Pro Skinner as an option, which is in stock at the moment at A.G.'s. site. This is a great design that lends itself to many tasks and is my personal favorite for game work. The K-2 General Purpose is another fantastic multi-purpose blade that I'd offer without reservation. Either of these make great skinners. Been there and done that.
Hope that helps,
Z
Sweet Water, White River Skinner, King's River Skinner, Professional Skinner, Yukon Pro Skinner
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Can't go wrong with any of those, but I like the handle of the Straight hunter the best. IMO, it has the best feeling handle of any hunting knife.
A.G Russell stocks the Columbia River Skinner, and the Slim Outdoorsman at Bobs price.
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Any Mister Z listed above would probably be ideal, though any of Bob's knives will probably do anything you'd want to throw at it. I'll put in another vote for the K-16 Yukon Pro Skinner, I don't own one, but from other Dozier knife owners, it is very popular and widely used. The K-2 General Purpose, K-19 Professional Skinner or the KS-1 Master Skinner would also be excellent choices for skinning. I carry and use all three regularly, the K-2 handle is great and the blade shape in particular would lend itself well to what you're looking for. If you're looking for something smaller, I'd recommend the K-8 Semi Skinner. Medium, the K-16 Yukon Pro Skinner. If larger, the KS-1 Master Skinner or the K-19 Pro Skinner.
The K-2 General Purpose (top) and the K-8 Semi Skinner
From top - K-8 Semi Skinner, K-19 Professional Skinner, KS-1 Master Skinner in black micarta and maple burl
The K-2 General Purpose (top) and the K-8 Semi Skinner
From top - K-8 Semi Skinner, K-19 Professional Skinner, KS-1 Master Skinner in black micarta and maple burl