Dozier KS-1

nozh2002

nozh2002

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After I found out that Dozier D2 is best in edge retention (at least among 21 steels I tested including ZDP189 and CPM 10V...).

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=589139

... I start looking for some working knife - similar to Busse Game Warden, but from Dozier. KS-7 I have bit big for day-to-day use, small projects etc. KS-1 seems to be an ideal solution.

Dozier-KS1-001.jpg


Length - 3 1/2"
Width - 1 1/8"
Thickness - 5/32"
Weight - 7 oz
Initial sharpness - 3 oz

Dozier-KS1-002.jpg


Blade - hollow grind, good belly, drop point.

Dozier-KS1-003.jpg


Handle - red micarta. Balance - in the middle of the handle.

Dozier-KS1-004.jpg


It is bit bigger then Game Warde but this is what I actually need.

Dozier-KS1-006.jpg


Excellent sheath:

Dozier-KS1-007.jpg


I am very happy with this knife. I only need for full Dozier coverage folder, but his folders are too expensive... I need to test Kabar made Dozier Folder - what if he set up heat treatment for them and so I may expect similar performance...

Thanks, Vassili.
 
Noz - as usual wonderful pictures.

I have several Dozier knives (I love them all but the Pro Skinner is my favorite) and I am pleased to hear of your results with Bob's D2 steel.

The gentleman that works with Bob (Daniel Crotts) has started making his own line of knives also (but no folders yet). I am sure that Daniel does his Heat Treatment of D2 as Bob has taught him so we can expect his knives to be excellent as well.

The Ka-Bar line of Dozier productions I have seen have AUS8 which is an OK steel (not even near D2) and I do not think Bob would advise on the Heat Treating of that steel.
 
Hillbillenigma said:
The Ka-Bar line of Dozier productions I have seen have AUS8 which is an OK steel (not even near D2) and I do not think Bob would advise on the Heat Treating of that steel.
Click to expand...

This one is made with D2 blade. Out of production I think already:

kabar-Dozier-01.jpg


Thanks, Vassili.
 
if you had a choice in grinds would you stick with the hollow grind or go with a full flat grind like on the busse?
 
crossada said:
if you had a choice in grinds would you stick with the hollow grind or go with a full flat grind like on the busse?
Click to expand...

Hollow gring provides less force to cut, less friction on cuts not deeper then width of the hollow area. It may be useful for certain type of cuts, but flat grind gives you bit more stable cut long in terms on direction - more strait cut, which is also important sometimes. But this differences are not really too big, not really too noticable.

Edge thickness is more important and Busse has thickest edges I saw on knives - almost like axe edge, also Busse known for not being too sharp NIB. Edge retention is also more important. So grind is not major factor to me to prefer KS1 Dozier as a small project work horse over that Game Warden Busse.

But I like Game Warden design (I choose KS1, because it same or bit better) - I asked several times on Busse forum to make one with different steel - respond was terrible... I ask on Swamp Rat forum to make Game Warden with SR101 steel (other winner in my edge retention contest), but never see any reply.

Thanks, Vassili.
 
Thanks for the review and great pictures!!!

I just received my Dozier YPS.It's very sharp and feels great but with the thin grind and higher hardness I've been taking it easy on this blade.It seems I'm nearly afarid to use it.I've never been hard on my knives by using them as screwdrivers or pry bars and I know this Dozier can handle much more than I've asked of it.

Do you know of any hard use reviews of Doziers, or any info on the toughness of Dozier D2?
 
R.H.Clark said:
Thanks for the review and great pictures!!!

I just received my Dozier YPS.It's very sharp and feels great but with the thin grind and higher hardness I've been taking it easy on this blade.It seems I'm nearly afarid to use it.I've never been hard on my knives by using them as screwdrivers or pry bars and I know this Dozier can handle much more than I've asked of it.

Do you know of any hard use reviews of Doziers, or any info on the toughness of Dozier D2?
Click to expand...

No I don't know, but wait a bit and I will have my own experience with it. So far I just cut manila rope with KS7 200 times and it stands this load way better then others. Is it hard use or not? Not for Dozier for sure, some other knives however did not stand it so well.

I bought it to use because of superior edge holding and I will use it! Honestly, I do not afraid to break it, but I will not use is as pry bar - I have plenty of Busses and as I understand they suppose to handle this kind of thing.

I will let you know.

Thanks, Vassili.
 
In regard to some data about Dozier`s knife put to hard use I can trully share something with you. A friend of mine who is a member of this forum too used to sharpen the tips of many nails with my Dozier K - 2 General purpose while fixing the floor in his place some time ago. The edge was almost unaffected to our great surprise. I know this is an abuse for a knife and especially a knife with such a blade geometry and edge angle like K -2 so I took it back very soon.
 
nozh2002 said:
This one is made with D2 blade. Out of production I think already:

kabar-Dozier-01.jpg


Thanks, Vassili.
Click to expand...

Out of pdn but still avaliable and on sale at a few places online.

I have 2 Thorns(one spare), 1 is my EDC for 7 years and i love it.
excellent performance, best folder yet.
I'm tempted to buy another, but haven't found one yet.
 
Vassili

Why not ask Bob to make exactly what you want?

Maybe It's too long of a wait, maybe the answer is no...
There is no harm in asking

If the answer is no, you could always start with that KS-1 and grind down the profile, maybe even flatten out the hollow grind...D2 is tempered very hot and can be ground post heat treat...

You may get what you wanted after all.
 
Steven Penner said:
Vassili

Why not ask Bob to make exactly what you want?

Maybe It's too long of a wait, maybe the answer is no...
There is no harm in asking

If the answer is no, you could always start with that KS-1 and grind down the profile, maybe even flatten out the hollow grind...D2 is tempered very hot and can be ground post heat treat...

You may get what you wanted after all.
Click to expand...

I got what I want! I have no problems with hollow grind. I love my KS1 and KS7. Another thought - he is making knives from 1960th he made a lot of knives for hunters etc, he learn I guess not only how to make best edge holding blade, but I guess he learn what else his customers need. So in this case it may be interesting to see what he think is best, simple because he may know better.

Thanks, Vassili.
 
nozh2002 said:
This one is made with D2 blade. Out of production I think already:

kabar-Dozier-01.jpg


Thanks, Vassili.
Click to expand...

It actually shows pretty good results! It did not outperform SR101 but left all other behind! I guess Bob Dozeir gave Japanese KaBar partners some hints how to Heat Treat D2. This one listed as 60-61HRC.

Thanks, Vassili.
 
robo7de said:
Great Info....When are you going to test CPM3V.......you know it must be done..Robo
Click to expand...

It is done already - it is Fehrman F3V which is actually CPM 3V which they treat special way. Check my testing thread.

Thanks, Vassili.
 
I recall reading the D2 done to Mr. Dozier's heat treat come out right around RC 60.5 . I know they put a + and - 1 on that officially but he is known for his consistancy in the heat treat.

I've always heard about his knives wear resistance but for this simple, inexpensive steel to outperform all these much higher carbide, higher RC, modern steel alloys does take me by surprise. If it was D3, or D7 I wouldn't be so surprised.

I guess it's the same thing as the guy with only one gun. The guy gets to know it so well he is able to consistantly get the maximum performance out of the steel. In this case grinds and heat treat. Joe
 
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