Dozier Ranger Light

AF

AF

Joined
Jan 14, 2000
Messages
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Was wondering what folks think of the Dozier Ranger Light. I know Doziers are popular here on the forums. I own a Companion and like it a lot.
I've never seen a Ranger Light in person. Is the tip very thin? I would want a fairly robust tip on a knife of this design. I know Dozier favors cutting and piercing ability over strength. So do I, generally. Just wouldn't want a fragile tip on this knife. I could have him make the blade a spearpoint which would have a stronger tip. There's a good picture of this knife on knifeart.com- http://www.knifeart.com/ranfielknif.html
I noticed that the ricasso on the Ranger Light is longer than on the Ranger- see Dozier's online catalog. Why is that?
 
Nice looking knife! Normally I don't even look much at B. Dozier's larger field knives because of their price. The photo caption does not say how thick it is, but Bob's site says 13/64", just over 3/16, an unusual thickness! Because of the way Bob grinds, not to mention the stock thickness, the point isn't going to come close to the prying ability of a Busse SH II or the Terzula Entry Tool, but I'm just as sure at that thickness, that it won't be quite delicate either. My Livesay Mod 131 is 3/16" thick, with a 5" hollow ground blade very much like those of Bob D., and I've done a lot of pounding on that point, and some wood prying. Its still OK, and the R.L. is thicker still by 1/64"

In this class of knife, you really have to choose. I wouldn't want to pry open a window or door lock with my Livesay. If you really are going to need a sharpened prybar, or maybe something you know you're going to have to dig with, you might want to consider 1/4" stock to begin with and rule out something like the Ranger Lite. If you decide to get one though, I'm sure you will have a wicked cutting instrument that will take a lot of abuse all the same.
 
That is a great looking knife although I think I like the Ranger better. I just think that it looks better, it may not be a better knife.

As far as the ricasso thing goes, I really don't know, but I'll bet if you asked Bob he would tell you.
 
Besides the stock thickness, you need to take into account the sharpened swedge which I'm sure greatly reduces the strength of the tip. I think a double edged spear point would be a good compromise. I greatly prefer the looks of the Ranger Light over the Ranger. Too bad or I would buy the Ranger on special at knifeoutlet. I did email Bob about the difference in ricasso size between the Ranger and Light. I received a reply from someone (not Bob or his wife but I don't remember the name) who stated that difference was due to the natural variablilty of a handmade knife. I don't think that's the answer.
 
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