Bob Dozier folders - how good?

I have a few of Bob's folders, you will not be disappointed whichever model you choose. I look at them not only as tools but investments. They'll take most any kind of use you put them through and are still a pleasure to carry. I prefer to carry his folders in a belt pouch. My favorite model of his folders is the Pro Skinner Folder, followed by the Trapper. I can sympathize with the others in that stag and mammoth ivory do tend to add some width to the knife, but consider it as more filling in the hand and more comfortable to use, it also makes it fit in your pouch more securely.

This is the Pro Skinner Folder model with his newer pouch design

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Here is a Medium (Original) Size Folding Hunter in G10 with a Small Folding Hunter that Bob made for me with mammoth ivory for size comparison.

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Here is the DK-3 Utility Hunter model in Natural Micarta, a regular on my belt

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This is the standard size Trapper Folder pictured with a Master Hunter Model, a Gentleman's Knife model and a Master Skinner model, all with maple burl handles

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On top is a tab-lock Trapper II model with Stag handles, and a standard Trapper on the bottom in Desert Ironwood

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Hope these pics help, let us know if you end up getting a Dozier folder, I'm certain you will use and enjoy the heck out of it.
 
Thanks for the pics! After reviewing the options I will probably shoot for a DK-3 with tactical grind, as that is what got this whole ball rolling.

Some time back I saw one for sale in stunning carbon fiber and instantly fell head over heels in love with it. Unfortunately I wasnt flush at the time and couldnt snag it. They are thin on the ground compared to the hunters but I am going to force myself to be patient - never an easy thing!
 
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Here are my 3 folders: a large hunter in brown micarta, a skinner in rose wood with ivory and corral inlay, and a regular hunter with carbon fiber and carbon fiber layers.
All 3 are razor sharp with perfect fit and finish. They are not cheap by any means, but good materials and quality. The ONLY problem I have with them is the clip. they come almost sharp feeling, I sanded them smooth. I am looking at a dk 3 myself, it will probably be my next custom folder order. If you have the money, you will not regret the purchase!
 
Durban, South Africa is a little out of the way for most of us. There are some well respected knifemakers in South Africa. Have you considered any of them?

Whether it is the right knife for you really depends on what you expect it to do and how you will use it.
 
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Thanks for the tip... I agree the clip does look somewhat rudimentary. Is it made of Ti or steel?

Ernie1980 said:
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Here are my 3 folders: a large hunter in brown micarta, a skinner in rose wood with ivory and corral inlay, and a regular hunter with carbon fiber and carbon fiber layers.
All 3 are razor sharp with perfect fit and finish. They are not cheap by any means, but good materials and quality. The ONLY problem I have with them is the clip. they come almost sharp feeling, I sanded them smooth. I am looking at a dk 3 myself, it will probably be my next custom folder order. If you have the money, you will not regret the purchase!
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Its not as far as you think. US mail takes around a week and a half to get here. In fact, mail times have improved considerably in the last few years. Most of my knife collection came from the USA, I would say 98% of them. My knife passion was originally ignited by US brands such as Spyderco, SOG, Benchmade and Cold Steel. Then it was the custom tactical folder phenomenon that was started by chaps like Bob Terzuola, Pat Crawford and Ernie Emerson in the 90s that seized my imagination. I have branched out a little since then but I am still largely engaged by US-made cutlery. The US makers are masters of the no-nonsense, utilitarian blade, and that is what appeals to me about Bob's work.

Sid Post said:
Durban, South Africa is a little out of the way for most of us. There are some well respected knifemakers in South Africa. Have you considered any of them?

Whether it is the right knife for you really depends on what you expect it to do and how you will use it.
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Yes, I have one too - they are brilliant.

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I have had mine modded, only in as much as the clip - had it made in Ti for discrete deep pocket carry.

If I'd known of course, could've brought mine with when I was in Jhb for the Guild Show
 
Just to follow up, I have pulled the trigger on a large folding hunter in black westinghouse micarta thanks to my man Chui-888 facilitating a hook-up between SA and Belgium. Will report back on my opinions once I have it in a week or so!
 
Congratulations on the grab! I'm sure you'll love it. As you mentioned earlier your affinity for the no-nonsense, functional tendencies of U.S. knifemakers, that sums up Bob's work to a T. Glad to hear you were abloe to get one, can't wait to hear how it is, pics pics pics!

Lycosa - You never know, but you may get your wish. I am still pleasantly surprised at the rate that Bob cranks out his folders, especially with which he is still making and releasing new designs from his shop. With his new shop he's moved into lately, Bob's work seems to get better and better.
 
I DO own a Dozier folder, and it is fantastic!! It sharp, incredibly well made, The tolerances ARE very tight. It is fantastic to carry. I LOVE it. IT has a solid titanium backspaced. It is a sweet knife. I got mine on the recomendation of a friend. I am glad I bought it. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Dozier folder, as mine is so perfect. I HAD it up for sale, but withdrew it, as I LOVE it too much.
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I have had two tab locks from mr Dozier, and love them. Still have the Buck hunter and it is one of my all time favorite knives.

But .. I also have two liner lock hunters and have to say that I haven´t been happy with them. I have had to send them both back because of vertical blade play. I have them back and soon the play is there again. The smaller of them is possible to close without unlocking it. Maybe bad luck, but the experience has stopped me from getting more of mr Doziers liner locks.
 
From what I can find from various sites -
A standard Original (Medium) Folding Hunter DK-FH w/3 in. blade weighs about 2.3-2.5 oz. w/jigged bone handle right around 4 oz.

A Large Folding Hunter DK-FHL w/mammoth handles weighs about 6 oz. - w/micarta handles just under 5.5 oz. - w/wood handles just over 5 oz.

An Extra Large Folding Hunter DK-FHXL w/wood handles weighs in at about 7.2 oz.

A Pro Skinner Folder DK-SK w/wood handles weighs about 4.5 oz. - in stag just over 5 oz. - G10 handles just under 5 oz. - micarta handles just under 4.5 oz

A DK-3 Utility Hunter w/micarta handles weighs around 5 oz.

A Trapper Folder DK-TR w/wood handles weighs about 4.5 oz. - in micarta just over 4.5 oz.
 
That's a nice one Suzanne! Really cute...

T.K.C. said:
I DO own a Dozier folder, and it is fantastic!! It sharp, incredibly well made, The tolerances ARE very tight. It is fantastic to carry. I LOVE it. IT has a solid titanium backspaced. It is a sweet knife. I got mine on the recomendation of a friend. I am glad I bought it. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Dozier folder, as mine is so perfect. I HAD it up for sale, but withdrew it, as I LOVE it too much.
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Feuer- Thanks again! I will ask Bob today if he will make me a tanto folder with the Natural Micarta.
Great thread Gang!
Rolf
 
I promised to give my thoughts on the Large Folding Hunter when it arrived and it pitched up yesterday, so here goes...

My first impressions are: Great ergos, light weight, easy opening and closing, extremely sharp - all favourable. The model I received is from 2005 and has black westinghouse micarta scales. The micarta is very dark and shiny and rich in detail. Its not immediately apparent that its superior to regular micarta, until you do a side by side comparison. Regular micarta is very dull by comparison, so I am pleased to have the westinghouse scales, it gives the knife that extra little something. The only downside is they are very smooth and therefore slippery, not so good. That's about the only negative I can find - so far.

The other bonus is that this knife has been fitted with a custom low profile clip, which also adds to its appeal, as the standard clips are not the best around. They are OK, but could be more low profile and a little less sharp on the edges.

All in all, there is a lot to like about these folders. They may seem 'old school' by comparison to some being produced today, but they work right out of the box. They are designed to cut, pure and simple, and they are damn sharp! If you want prettiness, there are many scale options to choose from, although some hunting around is necessary.

Let's see some pictures!

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Good size, not too big, not too small. Nice practical blade profile...

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Not a standard clip, this one was made by British knifemaker, Shing.

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Another angle of the back end...

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Backspacer is white G-10. The contrasting backspacers are another nice feature of the Dozier hunters. Note the substantial liners and blade thickness, yet the edge is good and thin... shazzam!!

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Very solid and positive lock-up, yet easy to disengage - essential!

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Here is it is easier to see the quality of the westinghouse micarta compared with the regular stuff.
 
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