Fixed blade hunter suggestions

Cricket said:
Charlie,
I'm a Dozier (see above) and a Ruana (see their site) fan. But if it were me I'd buy him the Spyderco Moran, which is a great knife, and a case of his favorite Single Malt Scotch...which you would then be compelled to help him celebrate with!
Good luck,
Steve
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Yeah, some Glennfiddich Solera Reserve sounds pretty nice right about now...
 
If it's something he might actually USE, I'd concentrate on function -vs- being "pretty". Generally, I tend to think once you're over $300, you're paying for "pretty".

Personally, I have a hard time really using knives that cost (or are now worth) more than $300, and knives over $500 even more so.

The knives I really use tend to fall into the $150-$200 range.

Another plug for Dozier.

Mike
 
Michael_Aos said:
If it's something he might actually USE, I'd concentrate on function -vs- being "pretty". Generally, I tend to think once you're over $300, you're paying for "pretty".

Personally, I have a hard time really using knives that cost (or are now worth) more than $300, and knives over $500 even more so.

The knives I really use tend to fall into the $150-$200 range.

Another plug for Dozier.

Mike
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All of the Dozier knives I have looked at have flat grinds, does he make any with convex grinds? I'm thinking of going for the Marbles or the Bark River for the convex grind, but everyone seems to agree that Dozier is the way to go, I just would rather get a convex, or hollow over a flat grind. The Dozier White River skinner or Pro-Guide both seem like the one to get but I'm pretty sure they have lfat grinds, I'd definetly be sold if I knew of a Dozier with a convex grind (or hollow). Also, how does D2 compare to 52100?
Look at what i just found, let me know what you think...

http://www.warrenknives.com/sk104.htm
 
52100 is easier to touch up in the field, and you don't have to worry as much about coming into contact with bone/lateral strength. D2 holds an edge very well, but is not as easy to sharpen, and is more likely to chip than 52100.

David
 
djolney said:
52100 is easier to touch up in the field, and you don't have to worry as much about coming into contact with bone/lateral strength. D2 holds an edge very well, but is not as easy to sharpen, and is more likely to chip than 52100.

David
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All other things being equal - if they are.
 
Dozier mades are traditionally of the high hollow grind. This allows for a thin edge that, when coupled with his outstanding heat treat, will outcut most handmades out there. Bob will also either flat or convex grind a blade for you at your request. They require more labor and thus a cost increase. Call them for prices. Go to and click on the Knife Discussion forum at www.dozierknives.com There are past threads there that extensively discussed flat vs. convex vs. hollow.

AG Russell is long well known for carrying and selling Dozier made knives. Additionally, he carries certain models that are exclusive to his company. One example is the NY Special. Recently AG has taken on a few more exclusive models from the Dozier shop. However, these have some outsourced work where they are profiled, rough cut and double disk ground. But the heat treat, final grinding, handle attachment, final edge and finsh is done at the Dozier shop. These are the models that are FLAT GROUND. This is a way to get a Dozier knife out to the public without having to wait their current 12 months! These knives are clearly marked Arkansas Made Knives. The knives that are completely made in the Dozier shop are traditionally marked with Arkansas Dozier Made. Hope this helps a bit.

PS- look at the recent thread "Inventory" in the Dozier Knife Discussions forum. There are quite a few strait knives (all hollow grounds!) on hand ready for delivery. :eek:

N2
 
For that price, you should be able to pick one up that is extra special as in custom maker with damascus and mammoth ivory, stag, or something that will become a family heirloom of sorts. I’d lean that direction if money wasn’t that big an issue and the brother would appreciate it.

I bought a Bill Sowell Damascus hunter with blue mammoth ivory handle slabs on this site a while back (ad copied below). It is a really nice knife.

"I have a Bill Sowell Damascus hunter with a stabilized blue mammoth handle for sale. I paid $430 for it and will sell for $275, it is in mint condition and comes with an ostrich pouch type sheath. Also, has a damascus guard. Sorry I don't have a camera. Only reason I'm selling is that I really need the cash. Thanks!"

I also bought a really neat little damascus hunter a while back off the forums. It was made by Mark Nevling of Burr Oak Knives.

You didn’t mention talonite as a possible material, but I have three hunters in talonite (two Camillus talons) and a Rob Simonich custom that I like too.

You could probably have a custom maker do one for you or find one for sale.

Also, there is a lot of info and suggestions on here about damascus and etc. if you do a search. Hope this helps.
 
OK. The Moran won't work, but last time I looked, there was a Convex Dozier Retro-Hunter that Billy was selling at Vintageknives.com I think it went for about $425. That would leave you $ for a bottle of Bruichladdich Single Malt (The Ten) with five bucks to spare...
Steve
 
Dozier, or Geno Denning. You can't beat either of these two makers. I've used both on plenty of whitetail's and they both laugh at the task. On occasion, I'll buy another makers knife, but after I get a itch and start selling, the only ones left in the drawer are my Doziers and Dennings. Check out www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com for some Denning models....
Scott
 
Personally I like Russel Easler and Dalton Holder's (D'Holder) knives. I've bought a few from each over the years. Don't think I've ever gone over $350.
Though I get them for their artistic value and workmanship and not for using, well not yet anyway.
 
I think it's going to be a Dozier, White River, or, Professional Guide model ;)
Keep the suggestions coming though, please...
 
If D2 is the way you would like to go have a look at the Swamp Rat Safari Skinner before you make a decision. I know I've already suggested this, but it's the best value D2 I've ever encountered.
 
Can't go wrong with Dozier.

The Swamp Rat D2 and 52100 (SR101) blades are in a class by themselves due to Busse's heat treat and cyro protocol. Also convex edges.

The only bad I've heard about Bark River is that lately some of the edges have been 'cooked' by being ground to fast in order to keep up with the demand.

Rob
 
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