I'm thinking about buying a fixed blade for daily carry and utility use, with the ever-present "I might need it for self-defense" qualification. I'm interested particularly in Bob Dozier's knives, which fit in my price range, and with blades between 3 and 5 inches, are about the right size for daily carry and use in a fairly inconspicous fashion. They are also well-priced for a custom. I'd like to hear people's opinions on these knives, or any other suggestions for a daily carry small to midsized fixed blade, between one and two hundred dollars. Thanks.
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Dozier Knives
- Thread starter Burke
- Start date
Bob Dozier's knives are, IMHO, awesome working knives. They are incredibly sharp... they stay sharp far longer than any other knife in camp (or the house)... they are easily resharpened to their original hair popping state... and they are built to be used and used hard. The sheaths are excellent. I love my Yukon Pro Skinner, and wouldn't trade it for anything. They are a tremendous bargain!
- Joined
- Oct 12, 1998
- Messages
- 1,647
I've got a K-1 General Utility, it's a great knife. It came sharp as all get-out, very nice workmanship, a solid and sturdy knife. Bob's steel of choice is D-2, and while some may claim it might be on the brittle side, I've had no problem with mine, and it holds a great edge. His kydex work is some of the best I've seen. All for a incredibly affordable price.
Another maker making high quality knives at amazing prices is Trace Rinaldi. I have one of his TKK's, and it's an amazing knife, sharp, tough, excellent craftsmanship, with equal kydex work. Trace uses ATS-34, BG-42, and can be talked into grinding on Talonite. I have a review of my TKK both in the Bladeforums review area and at http://my.voyager.net/dlehue/tkkrev1.html .
Both Doziers and Rinaldis are excellent choices in this category, they're in the same price bracket/size range. I would recommend checking out some of Rinaldi's offerings before making a final choice.
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The surest sign of poor craftsmanship is wrinkles in the duct tape.
Another maker making high quality knives at amazing prices is Trace Rinaldi. I have one of his TKK's, and it's an amazing knife, sharp, tough, excellent craftsmanship, with equal kydex work. Trace uses ATS-34, BG-42, and can be talked into grinding on Talonite. I have a review of my TKK both in the Bladeforums review area and at http://my.voyager.net/dlehue/tkkrev1.html .
Both Doziers and Rinaldis are excellent choices in this category, they're in the same price bracket/size range. I would recommend checking out some of Rinaldi's offerings before making a final choice.
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The surest sign of poor craftsmanship is wrinkles in the duct tape.
- Joined
- Oct 23, 1998
- Messages
- 160
I have seen a lot and own a few of Dozier knives and I have not seen a bad grind line from him. The man can grind, and grind, and grind.
His work is great stuff.
There are so many excellent choices in this category/price range, that can I can't make a decision.
This is the price/performance sweet spot.
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Regards,
Ron Knight
Yeah I'm crazy, but what do you want me to do about it
There are so many excellent choices in this category/price range, that can I can't make a decision.
This is the price/performance sweet spot.
------------------
Regards,
Ron Knight
Yeah I'm crazy, but what do you want me to do about it
- Joined
- Dec 18, 1998
- Messages
- 417
A good design for defense/utility is the Agent. I have the Agent, Arkansas Toothpick, and the general utility knife. They are all great knives - his work is unparalleled...some of the best working blades available. You wouldn't think it because his knives are so cheap but they are ground with expertise and the D2 blades really hold an edge.
The only problematic element I find in his work is in the design of the clip for his IWB sheath. It does not maintain a solid purchase on the belt which often results in cary failure - the sheath and knife fall off the belt and on to the floor! In public places, this is a highly undesirable fault. So, if you want an IWB sheath, order one from sheathtech or someone else.
Otherwise, his knives are first rate.
The only problematic element I find in his work is in the design of the clip for his IWB sheath. It does not maintain a solid purchase on the belt which often results in cary failure - the sheath and knife fall off the belt and on to the floor! In public places, this is a highly undesirable fault. So, if you want an IWB sheath, order one from sheathtech or someone else.
Otherwise, his knives are first rate.
I too think his knives are great,i have a arkansas toothpick w/ cross draw sheath.Another one to consider is Bud Nealy,i have a damascus clad aukuchi 2 in presentation grade and his mini-max which is an excellent neck knife.I have no problem recommending either of these 2 makers.
Ronald Reagan: about Bob' s IWB sheaths. I' ve experienced the same problem as you' ve described and called Bob to chat on this matter. He explained to me that his IWB sheath was designed as a "slip sheath", if you will. It was made to be convenient and be capable of "getting lost" should the need arise. His unpatented thumb "break" would help disengage the knife from the sheath and the clip was never made to have retentive qualities. Perhaps Bob might state this in the future when answering inquiries.
I use his horizontal sheaths exclusively as they are secure, comfortable,can be worn crossdraw or strongside and takes up little space. All in all I am a big Dozier fan and find that his blades are the best using ones around and are reasonably priced. Hope this helps.
L8r,
Nakano
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"To earn a million is easy, a real friend is not."
I use his horizontal sheaths exclusively as they are secure, comfortable,can be worn crossdraw or strongside and takes up little space. All in all I am a big Dozier fan and find that his blades are the best using ones around and are reasonably priced. Hope this helps.
L8r,
Nakano
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"To earn a million is easy, a real friend is not."
Kevin Wilkins
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Oct 7, 1998
- Messages
- 1,486
I have one of Mr. Dozier's small knives which came in a cross draw Kydex sheath which holds the blade sort of horizontal. I really like the knife - I just finished using it in the kitchen. But I've never carried the knife because IMHO the sheath is a design failure. It's really well made as far as forming and eyelets are concerned. Also the push down feature releases the knife cleanly from the sheath and it's one of the very few Kydex sheaths I've seen which so far hasn't scrathched the blade. BUT the Kydex belt loop is too narror to fit any belt I have and it lack clearance between the sheath and the loop through which the belt must pass. The cross draw arrangement is also very awkward and would not be concealable. If I weren't so far away here in Germany I'd have sent the knife back for another sheath. I have't tried the IWB sheaths from Mr. Dozier.
A splendid knife though...
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www.wilkins-knives.com
A splendid knife though...
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www.wilkins-knives.com
Another thing about his kydex sheaths is they make a distinct sound when you part it with your thumb. And it's possible to fumble the opening if you don't hit just the right place with your thumb.
Great knives though. The guy *knows*.
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Regards,
Ron Knight
Yeah I'm crazy, but what do you want me to do about it
Great knives though. The guy *knows*.
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Regards,
Ron Knight
Yeah I'm crazy, but what do you want me to do about it
- Joined
- Oct 14, 1998
- Messages
- 1,367
I also have a K-1 General Utility. It's my first 'handmade' knife, and I can't say enough good things about it. It came way sharp, it's really carefully made, and it looks good - a classy working knife. I got it to replace an AFCK that was eating trousers: the crossdraw sheath works well and hides under loose shirts / sweaters. I'll probably buy another, larger hunting knife from him this spring. Finally, his wife is wonderful to deal with over the phone.
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