Dozier Folders

I have a 3" long blade folder with micarta handles. I could not be more satisfied with it. If I could only have one folder it would be this one. Ergonomics, fit and finish are excellent. The thin ground D2 cuts better than any folder I have owned.

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Roger Blake
 
I carry a Tab lock #1. I am a commercial trim carpenter and put this knife to rigorous use on a daily basis. I cut an assortment of hardwood trim, cardboard, hardboard(masonite), gypsum board(only when I don't have my rock knife handy)different sheeting materials, shims and occasional hard copper wire. I maintain a 30 degree edge on the knife. I think Mr. Dozier's heat treatment of D2 steel is capable of maintaining that angle. Consequently, I only have to moderately touch up the blade every night. You can't go wrong with a Dozier folder, imho. The only thing I don't like about the knife is the tip geometry. The Tab #1 tip is a drop point and would be an excellent choice for a pocket field knife. I would have prefered a spear point. Matter of fact, I wish I had a second Tab #1 with a tanto tip. That way I could get rid of my chisels I keep in my tool bags!
Good luck!
Barry Haugen
 
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by CarlRexHubbard:
Has anyone owned or had any experience with the Dozier line of Micarta and bone handled folders? Thanks.</font>
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I have several of Bob's folders and they are all excellent in fit,finish and design. I really like the Folding Hunter series in both large and small models. My favorite may be the Trapper design he has come out with...I have two of the large Trappers in micarta and they are simply awsome cutting tools. My next will be a small Trapper for everyday pocket carry. I had Kenny Rowe in Hope,AR make a sheath for one of my large Trappers and I have used it as a constant companion now for several months. For a pure using knife I,m not sure they can be bested! They are all I'll ever need.

 
In fact, the little 3" DK-FH folders from Dozier are the only ones from Bob that I really like.

http://www.dozierknives.com/

The other Dozier folders are great working knives, very stout, tab-lock is a REAL sure-enough lock, but I find the handles are a bit too unrefined, too blocky, too cold and rectangular for me. Just an opinion.

The DK-FH however, is a nifty 3" blade that sports a super well heat treated D2 blade, very thinly ground, a real slicer. Bob heat treats D2 as well if not about the very best in the industry.

I love drop points, this is one of the few on the market in folder-form. [post script: the DK-FH is really a spear point... clarified in subsequent posts below]. I only wish the whole profile was ground such that the tip was a bit pointier. The handle is very round and comfortable in hand, and is round and smooth enough, and light enough, that it carries very nicely in dress pants pocket without a leather pouch.

I also like spear points (e.g. Bob Terzuola type) very well and would love a knife in this profile. [Post script: The Terzuola TTF style grind is actually a drop point w/ a sabre grind, again, clarified below.]

I like the thumb stud better than nail nick, but action is smooth enough to just use the nail nick with your thumb.

Lockup of my DK-FH is pretty good.

Looks are innocuous... an easy carry through the airport if you choose.

Utility: excellent for a little 3" blade.

A real winner in my book.
 
Originally posted by rdangerer

The DK-FH however, is a nifty 3" blade that sports a super well heat treated D2 blade, very thinly ground, a real slicer. Bob heat treats D2 as well if not about the very best in the industry.

I love drop points, this is one of the few on the market in folder-form. I only wish the whole profile was ground such that the tip was a bit pointier. The handle is very round and comfortable in hand, and is round and smooth enough, and light enough, that it carries very nicely in dress pants pocket without a leather pouch. I also like spear points (e.g. Bob Terzuola type) very well and would love a knife in this profile.
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R: could you show us the profiles of both the Dozier and the one from Terzuola that you like? My DK-FH has an absolute spearpoint blade. I am sure that Dozier would make a knife with the tip just like you want. all the best, A. G.
 
Originally posted by beam
I have a 3" long blade folder with micarta handles. I could not be more satisfied with it. If I could only have one folder it would be this one. Ergonomics, fit and finish are excellent. The thin ground D2 cuts better than any folder I have owned.

------------------
Roger Blake
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I love the looks of the DK-FH in ivory Micarta.

Any idea why the micarta-handled versions are so much more expensive? $295 for the DK-FHA -vs- $415 for the micarta. Seems a bit much.

If I could get a the micarta version for $295, I'd have one by now!

Mike
 
I have one of the FH in brown micarta and it goes with me everywhere, as it's light and fits nicely in my pocket w/o feeling bulky or anything. I've had mine for a couple of months and really only had to touch it up once, that D2 is real good at holding a edge. Very well constructed knife.
 
How is the lockup on the DK-FH folders? Rdangerer says that it is good but not great. Can anyone give me your experiences with this "side lock"?
 
I'm looking around for my first custom and would like to hear more about Bob Dozier's knives from owners. What is his Tab lock and Side lock? :)
 
Originally posted by CarlRexHubbard
How is the lockup on the DK-FH folders? Rdangerer says that it is good but not great. Can anyone give me your experiences with this "side lock"?
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Perfect lock-up on mine. Not a problem. I think mine is an older style not shown on Dozier's site. Solid color light brown micarta handles with blade size slightyly under 3".
 
Originally posted by Michael_Aos


I love the looks of the DK-FH in ivory Micarta.

Any idea why the micarta-handled versions are so much more expensive? $295 for the DK-FHA -vs- $415 for the micarta. Seems a bit much.

If I could get a the micarta version for $295, I'd have one by now!

Mike
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Mike, The price for the Folding Hunter with Micarta handle (any color) is now $315. For the FH with oval inlays, I charge $415. A bone handle is $345. DK-FHA is the one with anodized aluminum handle. Price for it is $275.
Thanks to all of you for your interest in my folders.
Bob
 
I have one of Bob's FH's in the white micarta handle scales with a perfect fitted black oval inlay. Simply put, it is a beautiful working knife ,well suited for sunday church, executive board rooms, or even cleaning-out a trout by the stream . The black oval inlay's fit and finish to the handle has to be felt to be believed. In fact, you cannot feel it as the inlay is as smooth as the handle. In my opinion, this work of art deserves a fine schrimshaw, if you wanted to "dress-up" or add to the artistic appleal already present.

For several years I have used my FH with with titanium liners and black G-10 handle scales. These scales are "flatter" than the oval shaped micarta scales and they tend to grip better in the winter ,with or without gloves, and offer yet another way to use this great , strong and of course sharp tool. Lock-up? NEVER a problem, rust...not if you wipe dry the blade after use. In my case, I have used this tool hard for over four years without any problem at all. It is one of my every day carry knives.

You know, I agree with Rdangerer, I would like to own and use this profile in a spear point blade.

OOPS, think I got it right by this edit.
 
Originally posted by Bob Dozier


Mike, The price for the Folding Hunter with Micarta handle (any color) is now $315.
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Sure. Just when I'd made up my mind to spend $415 on a Kit Carson small model 4, this has to jump out.

Hmm. Now what to do?!?!

Mike
 
Originally posted by A. G. Russell

R: could you show us the profiles of both the Dozier and the one from Terzuola that you like? My DK-FH has an absolute spearpoint blade. I am sure that Dozier would make a knife with the tip just like you want. all the best, A. G.
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I know this wasn't AG's intent, but none-the-less, I'm afraid AG has caught me misusing terms, and I should have learned to describe these blades properly by now. So allow me to rectify the misinformation I have provided :o

On Dozier's site, all of his DK-FH folders have what is a nearly symmetrical point, and it is dropped (not clipped) smoothly from the spine.

http://www.dozierknives.com/

Since the point is centerline of the blade, that may indeed be a spear point technically, and not a drop point, as I guess a dropped point technically may not be at blade centerline, they are more like 25% dropped from spine towards centerline. If that makes sense.

Here are a couple of good shots at classic dropped points from Geno Denning:

http://www.bladeart.com/artists/geno_denning/geno_denning.htm

What I've sort of gotten used to calling (erroneously) a spear point is something that looks like this, and this is the Terzuola grind that I happen to personally like very much, along with a Benchmade 710 whose grind I like very much also:

* Terzuola TTF (a sabre ground point w/ swedge?):
http://www.knifeart.com/stagatcf.html

* BM 710 (sabre ground w/ swedge?):
http://onestopknifeshop.com/images/benchmade/axis-710.jpg

AG, how would one properly describe the above grinds? (the Terzuola TTF and 710?)

Looking through the various blade styles on this page...
http://www.arizonacustomknives.com/blade.htm

... I see that that sort of Terzuola TTF swedge is given a "sabre" grind designation. And that "spear" appears to be a point symmetrical with centerline of blade.

Continuing, from AG Russell's "Knife Encyclopedia" on his web site...
http://www.agrussell.com/faq/index.html

...I see these two definitions that indicate I have indeed been misusing terms:

"Sabre Ground: Blades ground half to two thirds from the edge to the back and the top front third of the blade with a strong false edge or swedge."

"Spear Point Blade: The edge and the back of the blade curve to each other and meet in the middle."
 
Here is a small Dozier DK-FH
View
 
Ok, I became confused there for a moment thro no fault but my own. I corrected my post with an edit. Most important. Chip illustrated what Rdangere so adequately simplified and made clear, it is an absolute spear point, if I understand correctly. Thanks, guys!

Speaking of spear points and artistry in knives, do any of you own or have you seen Bob's Folding Dagger? It represents to me one of the finest folding knives I'll ever own, use or appreciate even more each time it is used. Lord, what a knife !!

Sorry about the miss post, FF
 
Thank you Chip for the picture. I feel your pain Michael, I am looking to purchase my first custom also and I felt same the same way you did about the inlay model. Now Bob has to go and tell us that a non-inlay model is only $315! Now I need to reevaluate my earlier choices! Thanks Bob! :) I would still like to hear more about what a side lock and Tab lock are? :)
I don't mean to start any flame wars, but I have to ask; why would you buy a Sebenza when you can get a custom from Bob Dozier for damn near the same money?
 
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