Bob Dozier Review

MAURICE

MAURICE

Joined
Jul 14, 2000
Messages
3,278
ok ok ok ok.
i know its been talked about,ive searched.
but i havent seen an actual review,just "yeah,i agree its a great knife"-it takes a little more than that to convince me.
soooo,i was wondering if anyone has a review on it,christmas is coming up soon and i know of a few makers that might just get an order from me (growing wary of production)-ogg,if he quits calling me a putz,and maybe a dozier.
so-whaddya think?
TIA
maurice
 
Mr. Dozier makes fine knives at a good price. Fit is very good, finish is usually a little rough -- not quite satin polished, maybe about a 220 grit. Grind lines may be a hair uneven, but not to the point of impairing functionality a bit, and indeed, you'd only notice this if you were looking for flaws. Handles are very comfortable, made for working, and fairly secure. The sheaths are extremely well made, and ride nicely on a belt. My Dozier, however, has a fairly narrow belt loop, so if you want to wear it on a pistol belt, you're SOL. It fits fine on a regular 1 1/4" web belt, though. The blades are excellent shapes for general utility and hunting, and have a good edge, that I find easy to restore when moderately blunted. The edges also last forever and a day, and combined with the high hollow grind make for a knife that cuts quite well.

If you're looking for a reasonably-priced knife, that will comfortably cut all day, and carry nicely when it's not cutting, you can't do much better than a Dozier. If you want to, you can spend more and get more, in the way of doodads and gewgaws, and a little bit in terms of finish, but when it comes to price/performance, Dozier's work is right in the "sweet spot."
 
Ok Maurice hold on! I have 2 of Bob's folders and a Agent ( fixed blade ) on order from TAD. I have not really been able to test the knives extensively, but here are a few of my thoughts;
The folders are as heavy duty as I have seen. They are still fairly light and not real bulky. Of course I am a XXL kinda guy, so keep that in mind when we talk size. I have a Buckhunter which has a 3.75x.155 inch blade. The blade is D-2 and comes razor sharp with PERFECT grinds. This is a clip point blade sorta like the Buck 110. Lock up is by Bob's tab lock system which places the titanium liner against the entire back edge of the blade. The ti liner is nested in the titanium handle. The handles are the thickest titanium handles I have seen used on a folding knife. These knives are held together by TWO bolts only. Don't need more since they fit so well! The other folder is a Folding Dagger which I think is one of the best looking, best feeling, best put together knives I have ever owned! This is a large knife but doesn't feel big. The blade is 4.5x .170 inches,double edged and sharpened on both edges. D-2 steel is razor sharp with PERFECT grinds once again. This one has some extra anodizing on it that really sets it off. Sorry but cannot post pics.
One thing that really grabs your attention is the precision with which everything is ground. It is done with the end user in mind so that the knife really fits comfortably in your hand. Handles are finished with a dark gray smooth finish. not bead blasted. The pivot is a large one, don't know the dimensions.
Can't tell you anything about the fixed blades yet.
My only complaint is a lack of a pocket clip. In talking with Bob's wife Linda, I found out that Bob is having clips made to his specs. and I can have both folders retrofitted with clips. Which I will!
I hope this helps you in deciding. If you like large heavy duty, built to last forever folders, then Bob Dozier is making some!

------------------
Art Sigmon
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
Php. 4:13

"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword"
Heb. 4:12
 
Maurice,
Forget about Christmas.
frown.gif
I doubt that Bob will have one for ya by then. He's got orders up the ying yang, including one of mine. Good luck!

------------------
Hoodoo

I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM
 
Yeah, I got lucky and hit him up right before the NY show and got my folding dagger. Took 4 days from order to receipt!
 
oh i know he probably wont have it before christmas,im just thinking abou tbuying one for myself sometime in the near future.
 
I have purchased, owned, used, traded, sold and even lost one of quite a few of Bobs fix blades over the years. He makes the most useful no nonsense, no frills blades available. His D2 steel can really hold an edge at an average of 60RC. But finding the correct edge angle can be a bit tricky at times since they are all finished freehand.

The reason for a rather unspectacular finish on his blades is that finished D2 steel simply will not take a high polish. Even if it could then his prices would not stay in the very reasonable/ average range of $150!

His kydex sheaths are finely executed. Burke: All of the horizontal sheaths that come standard with my Doziers fit on a custom double thick gun belt of 1.5". They are quite suitable for the Wilderness 1.5" synthetics as well. Not sure where your situation stems from.

It is notable that most all of Bobs fix standard cataloged blade uses micarta exclusively. But they really need to be either rough blasted or have an aftermarket checkering done on them. Remember that these are using knives.

Lastly but certainly not least, Bob and Linda are some of the finest and friendliest folks you' ll ever get to meet in the knife business. And fittingly, they have an equally matched customer service.

L8r,
Nakano


[This message has been edited by Nakano 2 (edited 11-19-2000).]
 
Nakano, FYI, the only Dozier I own, though I've handled a few others, is a Pro Guide I purchased through A.G. Russell. This has a vertical sheath, and I know that many of Dozier's knives come with a horizontal/canted style sheath. Perhaps this is the cause of the difference in sheaths you've pointed out. I certainly agree with you that the sheaths are well crafted. They hold the knife securely and comfortably, but easily accessible, and are extremely well-finished. No rough edges or crooked rivets anywhere.
 
FYI, I currently have several of Bob's knives and I've had a few more that I no longer own. All of the horizontal belt sheaths that I have experienced are sized to fit an 1 1/2" belt perfectly. The same is true of Bob's shoulder rig sheath. You can remove it from the shoulder strap & wear it horizontally on an 1 1/2" wide belt. In fact, I just measured the loop on my Pro Guide's vertical sheath & it will fit a belt up to 2" wide.

While there is generally a waiting period, keep in mind that the NY Show was only a week ago. It could be worth a call to see if they have any pieces left over.

Nakano mentioned that "most all of Bobs fix standard cataloged blade uses micarta exclusively" and this is true. However, Bob likes to also produce pieces with some non-standard colors & handle materials as well. Using my new-found thumbnail capability, here (hopefully
wink.gif
) are some pics of mine:

<CENTER>Pro Guide w/Ivory Micarta
<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=185132&a=1406520&p=33414731&Sequence=0&res=high"> <IMG SRC="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/Thumbnail?u=185132&a=1406520&p=33414731&Width=100&Height=100&Sequence=0border="3"> </A></CENTER>
<CENTER>Pro Skinner w/Butterscotch Micarta
<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=185132&a=1406520&p=33414732&Sequence=0&res=high"> <IMG SRC="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/Thumbnail?u=185132&a=1406520&p=33414732&Width=100&Height=100&Sequence=0border="3"> </A></CENTER>
<CENTER>Arkansas Toothpick w/Red Micarta Insert
<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=185132&a=1406520&p=14911233&Sequence=0&res=high"> <IMG SRC="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/Thumbnail?u=185132&a=1406520&p=14911233&Width=100&Height=100&Sequence=0border="3"> </A></CENTER>
<CENTER>Canoe w/Maple Burl
<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=185132&a=1406520&p=26688641&Sequence=0&res=high"> <IMG SRC="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/Thumbnail?u=185132&a=1406520&p=26688641&Width=100&Height=100&Sequence=0border="3"> </A></CENTER>

I hope you're convinced, Maurice. Go ahead & order one. You won't be sorry that you did.




------------------
Cheers,
Brian

He who finishes with the most toys wins.
 
Well I bit the bullet. I have a Dozier Agent coming in tomorrow. Thanks Patrick. I am looking forward to getting this knife. I am mostly a folder man, so This is one of a very few fixed blade tactical I will have. If its anything like the folders........

oh yea, great idea about checking since the NY show was just a week ago. I hit Bob 3 days before the show and got just what I was after, and then some! You can usually find a lot of "standard" models a maker has if you check right before a show are right after. You might be hard pressed to find what you want if you are seeking something extra though. But, great idea!

[This message has been edited by artsig1 (edited 11-20-2000).]
 
Maurice, if you want your knife by Xmas, you'll likely be able to get it from A.G. Russell or http://www.knifeart.com/

I got a nice little Giraffe bone canoe knife from KnifeArt, and several "standard" micarta handled knives from A.G. Russell.. and you can have them within a week.
 
Kirk
Do you know if Russells has the NY Special in stock? Thats a great looking knife and almost identical to the Toothpick.
How do you like the Canoe? Looks like it would be a great all around knife. Giraffe bone? Texture and look much different from other bone?

------------------
Art Sigmon
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
Php. 4:13

"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword"
Heb. 4:12
 
Art, I find the Canoe to be a great little utility knife. Unlike many other "neck knives", its handle accomodates a full four finger grip which helps it to perform like a larger knife.

------------------
Cheers,
Brian

He who finishes with the most toys wins.
 
Ralf,
It was your reveiw and pics. that got me looking at Bob's folders in the first place!
Now after two of his folders, Buckhunter and Folding Dagger, I am a convert. These are some of the heavy-dutiest, if such a thing, folders I've held! Thanks Ralf for the reveiw.

------------------
Art Sigmon
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
Php. 4:13

"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword"
Heb. 4:12
 
Yo Maurice,

Okay, what's wrong with the picture here? You're from Springdale and you're not sure about Dozier's work? I lived in Fayetteville until last March (jeez... never thought I would miss that town) and used to visit AG Russell's store. During one of my visits, I met Bob and he was a nice guy (AG was also a gentleman). The first time I bought a Dozier wasn't because I heard good things about him, but because I met the guy!

Anyways..., I got like 5 Doziers and I love every one of them. Worth every penny I spent. My favorite is a Straight Personal, I never leave home without it. Doubt not his knives.
 
artsig1,

>>Do you know if Russells has the NY Special in stock?<<

I don't know..., but AG Russell has always been very responsive to my inquiries.

>>How do you like the Canoe? Looks like it would be a great all around knife. Giraffe bone? Texture and look much different from other bone?<<

I like the Canoe a lot... small and handy, with a nice, straight, utilitarian blade.., I like it slightly better than my Slim Outdoorsman, which is a similar size.

The giraffe bone is polished smooth and shiny. Doesn't feel much different from polished hardwood.

My Slim Outdoorsman has the "jigged bone" handles that A.G. Russell offers. They're actually quite pretty. Highly polished, with strong red to "bone" gradations in color..., but the handle has indentions where the bone was "jigged", instead of the perfectly smooth surface of the giraffe bone.

Both handles are very nice, though.
 
My 2 Dozier knives and some photos of Bob Dozier I took from ECCKS and NYCKS knife shows.

Yukon Pro Skinner w/ Giraffe bone was acquired from Bob at East Coast Custom Knife Show (ECCKS) last March and Bodyguard w/ black Micarta was from recent New York Custom Knife Show (NYCKS).

I like Bob's knives for the same reasons other forumites have said, very good fit and finish, well made sheath, and the most satisfying to me is acquiring those knives personally from Bob. Talking knives with Bob is a very satisfying learning experience. He showed some show visitors a few tricks and techniques on sharpening of knives using a flat honing stone.

Bob attends 2 knife shows a year here in NY, that will give me the opportunity to get 2 Dozier knives a year directly from him. My 3rd Dozier knife probably will be the New York Special w/ stag handle or Personal Utility w/ natural bone handle.

<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=443720&a=10017739&p=33430361&Sequence=0" ALT="BODYGUARD w/ Black Micarta Handle by Bob Dozier - New York Custom Knife Show - November 2000 (pic1b)" WIDTH="500" HEIGHT="378" TARGET="_blank"><IMG BORDER="0" WIDTH="100" HEIGHT="100" ALIGN="MIDDLE" ALT="BODYGUARD w/ Black Micarta Handle by Bob Dozier - New York Custom Knife Show - November 2000 (pic1b)" SRC="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/Thumbnail?u=443720&a=10017739&p=33430361&Width=100&Height=100&Sequence=0"></A>&nbsp;<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=443720&a=10017739&p=33621789&Sequence=0" ALT="YUKON PRO SKINNER w/ Giraffe Bone Handle by Bob Dozier - East Coast Custom Knife Show - March 2000 (pic1b)" WIDTH="500" HEIGHT="363" TARGET="_blank"><IMG BORDER="0" WIDTH="100" HEIGHT="100" ALIGN="MIDDLE" ALT="YUKON PRO SKINNER w/ Giraffe Bone Handle by Bob Dozier - East Coast Custom Knife Show - March 2000 (pic1b)" SRC="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/Thumbnail?u=443720&a=10017739&p=33621789&Width=100&Height=100&Sequence=0"></A>
<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=443720&a=10017739&p=33538828&Sequence=0" ALT="Bob Dozier at New York custom Knife Show - November 2000 (pic1a)" WIDTH="640" HEIGHT="480" TARGET="_blank"><IMG BORDER="0" WIDTH="100" HEIGHT="100" ALIGN="MIDDLE" ALT="Bob Dozier at New York custom Knife Show - November 2000 (pic1a)" SRC="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/Thumbnail?u=443720&a=10017739&p=33538828&Width=100&Height=100&Sequence=0"></A>&nbsp;<A HREF="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=443720&a=10017739&p=33598948&Sequence=0" ALT="Bob Dozier with his wife Linda at East Coast Custom Knife Show - March 2000 (pic2)" WIDTH="550" HEIGHT="343" TARGET="_blank"><IMG BORDER="0" WIDTH="100" HEIGHT="100" ALIGN="MIDDLE" ALT="Bob Dozier with his wife Linda at East Coast Custom Knife Show - March 2000 (pic2)" SRC="http://albums.photopoint.com/j/Thumbnail?u=443720&a=10017739&p=33598948&Width=100&Height=100&Sequence=0"></A>



------------------
2d_edge

My Knives Photos

"There is absolutely no substitute for a genuine lack of preparation."
 
You're a lucky dog, 2d_edge.
smile.gif


------------------
Hoodoo

I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM
 
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