Fixed blade hunter suggestions

ChuckBuck · Nov 23, 2004

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

Yeah, some Glennfiddich Solera Reserve sounds pretty nice right about now...

Michael_Aos · Nov 23, 2004

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

ChuckBuck · Nov 23, 2004

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

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

Larrin · Nov 23, 2004

ChuckBuck said:
Also, how does D2 compare to 52100?
http://www.warrenknives.com/sk104.htm

Both are good steels. 52100 is tougher and easier to sharpen, D2 is known as being "nearly stainless". Edge retention is around the same.

djolney · Nov 23, 2004

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

Thomas Linton · Nov 23, 2004

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

All other things being equal - if they are.

Nakano 2 · Nov 23, 2004

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.

N2

Jagged · Nov 24, 2004

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. Id lean that direction if money wasnt 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 didnt 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.

Cricket · Nov 24, 2004

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

scottybuck · Nov 25, 2004

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

twisted bits · Nov 25, 2004

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.

ChuckBuck · Nov 26, 2004

Anyone know where (websites) to look at a Dalton Holder...?

Jason Magruder · Nov 26, 2004

www.mountainhollow.net

J. Neilson is one of the best "bang for the buck" makers around imho.

twisted bits · Nov 30, 2004

I don't think he has a website, OH.....this could be it, no, but he's featured on this site:
www.arizonacustomknives.com

Try here to see some more of his knives:
www.classicgunsandknives.com/knives.asp?Category=Fixed&Type=Knives
www.knifedigest.org/makers/dholder.html

ChuckBuck · Dec 1, 2004

I think it's going to be a Dozier, White River, or, Professional Guide model

Keep the suggestions coming though, please...

djolney · Dec 1, 2004

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.

knifehound · Dec 5, 2004

There is a nice chat room at Dozier knives web page, click on discussion room.

I found that this web site has a large fixed blade selection in all price ranges.
They are even giving some away free at the other knife site.
www.BlackSquirrelOnline.com click on the Merchandise button.

wetdog1911 · Dec 5, 2004

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