Davison or Dowell?

S

Shortknock27

Gold Member
Joined
Sep 2, 2002
Messages
919
For those of you who have handled/owned knives from both makers, which would you choose, if you had to chose a knife by either Todd Davison or Bret Dowell? Of course, this is highly subjective as you may prefer one maker's pattern that the other doesn't make, etc. This question is intended as just pertaining to overall fit/finish on the knives, sharpness, and aesthetics. And this also is assuming the going prices of both makers' knives is relatively the same. Are there any criteria that cause you to prefer one over the other? In essence, I guess what I'm asking is: If you had to choose one or the other, and carry it exclusively, which would you choose, and why? Thank you for indulging me.

Kindest regards,
Scott
 
Scott,

I don't think too many of our members, many of whom have relationships with both of these fine makers, will come out and give you an answer which may be construed as supportive of one over the other.

Personally, I'd have ho problem recommending the knives of each of these makers as they are both known for a consistent level of aesthetics, fit and finish on their knives.

I'd choose based upon the pattern that appealed to me the most as all other facets are liable to be a wash.

I think some members may feel more comfortable contacting you privately via email or PM if they wish to expand upon individual characteristics and traits of knives in their collections.

I'm sure that you'll be happy with anything from either maker and each wouldn't want you to have a knife you weren't completely satisfied with.
 
I've got one of Bret's knives and another on order.

I don't have one from Todd but do have one on order. The reason I have one on order is because everyone I know who has one is thrilled with it.

If I were you I would order both, if that's not doable you should pick the style you like best.

Bret and Todd are friends, they both have long waiting list and I don't think either would be offended if chose one over the other.
 
About the only good way to choose would be on a knife by knife basis -- which particular knife appeals to you more (assuming you're not ordering one directly). I think Bret makes a few more multiblades than Todd - like trappers and such (though this is just my impression - I may be wrong about this) -- I just mention this because it might be easier to find a multiblade from one than the other on the market.
 
I have handled knives by both makers and I own one from Brett, and was lucky enough to meet Todd at Blade 2 years ago but have not owned one of his.

My single blade Dogleg Trapper from Bret is my favorite knife and I carry it 3-4 days a week. The Dowell knives "speak" to me more than the Davison knives, but I can tell you from handling a few, Todd makes a hell of a knife that I would be happy to carry. If I could afford all the knives i want, a Davison would be pretty high on the "to get" list.

You can't go wrong with either, and in your shoes I would pick one who's patterns/style I liked best. Which shouldn't be too hard since their styles couldn't be much more different.

Here is a pic of my Dowell so you will know what it looks like:

6021048591_e9cb4f6b93_z.jpg
 
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I can't say enough good things about Bret's knives. They are very well built with great attention to detail. I own quite a few of his and will own many more. I have not owned a Davison knife yet but everything I see of his is very nice as well. I think they both have different styles that may appeal to different people. I don't think you can go wrong with either one though.
 
I think they both make great knives, You should just buy
one of each and see what you like! Everybody is different!
But you can't go wrong with either one! Both are excellent knifemakers!
Good luck..

Jason
 
Both gentlemen build a seriously fine knife. I've owned
both, and they clearly have their own style. One difference I can see though, I have never seen a two-blade knife from Mr. Davison.
 
I have never seen a two-bladed knife from Todd Davison, but I will say that he makes an incredible knife. I have one from him and absolutely LOVE it. That is not to say the Brett Dowell does not make a knife equally as nice, but I cannot speak to that personally as I have not owned a knife from him...at least not yet!
 
I have one of each and can only say -- get one of each. Brett has his style to make known patterns and Todd does not use patterns but makes each one one of a kind.
 
I have a couple of knives from each maker. I could not recommend one over the other. They both make fine knives.
 
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