How tough is Dozier D2?

R

R.H.Clark

Joined
Aug 23, 2007
Messages
771
I've got a YPS on order.The problem is that I've been reading a lot lately about D2 chipping.I don't plan to abuse the knife.I'll only use it for skinning and dressing deer and hog size game.Is it possible I could break or put a large chip in this Dozier if I'm not careful how I use it?

I've only heard good of Dozier.Maby I'm being way too cautious.I'm not worried about micro chipping that can be sharpened out,just any large damage.As I said before I'll not be useing it as a screw driver or chopping wood with it.
 
ive never had any problems with my BM Nitrous Stryker with a D2 blade chipping or anything, i dont beat it up or use it incorrectly, just to cut.
 
I've never had a Dozier chip.

The tests Cliff did a few years back were not appropriate to the use of the knife. I believe he pried and hammered the knife through concrete, etc.
 
for its intended use, cutting, D2 is a very serviceable blade steel. My daily carry folder, although not a Dozier, is D2.
 
I think Dozier does D2 as well as, if not better than, anyone out there. One of his knives should serve you very well.

Yeah, it's possible you could damage it if you're not careful, but that's true of any steel. So just make sure you're careful. ;)
 
D2 from Kershaw also rocks. Ive seen some tests where people try to open an M-1 Abrams with a knife and were utterly stunned when the blade failed.

A2 and D2 rock, they hold insane edges...don't hesitate to buy anything made out of D2, be it Kershaw, RAT, or Dozier...
 
If it helps, Bob Dozier knows what he is doing. He is a very experienced knife maker and has been plying his craft with D2 for a very long time. I wouldn't spend another minute worrying about it.
 
My Dozier D2 Straight Personal is one of my favourite knives, takes a great edge and cuts beautifully.
Enjoy your Dozier, and be confident you are buying quality.
Greg
 
No worries.
Bob's in-house heat treat is the best.
Congrats on the YPS-IMHO I believe it is the best Dozier design and I'm a rabid fan:thumbup:
 
D2 is very well suited for the size knives Bob makes and he knows that steel probably as well as anyone. I'd say you are getting a good knife very capable for its designed purpose. I've repointed some D2 blades for my brother and others but not as many D2 as S30V and its supposed to be a tougher steel. I believe you'll be fine. In my experience when a tip breaks its most often the users fault and not the steel at fault. Regarding the edge, well, you can chip blades on occasion if you are skinning and cut into bone so again I'm not so sure its unique to that steel so much. I've seen more micro fracturing along the edge on steels like S60V and S30V personally.

The only real issue that ever came up with Bob's D2 or Charlie May's D2 is that neither of them cryo treat their blades unlike some other guys and brands like Swamp Rat for example, like in their Safari Skinner. Cliff said quite adamantly that if you think cryo doesn't make a difference to use a Safari Skinner in D2 and then use one of Bob's knives and you'd see a noticable difference. I have not done that but in many circles the jury is still out on the benefits of cryo with D2. Other than this fact there are not other real issues surrounding it. Bob, and Charlie and I think Gene Ingram (don't hold me to Gene as I did not get that from him but but third hand)and a few others don't see cryo as needed in that steel. I've had knives from all three of them and have zero complaints on any front so I think they are probably basing their take on their own testings. Bob has some pretty detailed info on this on his forum and you can read his view on it to your hearts content there if you like. http://dozierknives.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=1

STR
 
Well, I've been using my K1 General Purpose Dozier for cutting all kinds of stuff, such as food, wood, fiber tape, cardboard, vines, and no problems with chipping. It holds a terrific edge. On the other hand, I haven't pounded it through knotty hardwood, metal or concrete blocks...
 
Thanks everyone for the assurance.I do tend to worry too much about such things.I just don't own many expensive blades so I want the best I can get for my hard earned cash.That is why after my research I picked a Dozier.
 
i agree with everyone else here

my dozier has been with me for about a year ,,,still razor sharp ..extrememly tough blade


bought it from Mr. Dozier himself at the NYC knife show last year ,,,wont be my last ,,
 
I have several Doziers. I think you need to look at the geometry and plan your tasks accordingly. If you are only using it on animals, you should be fine as long as you aren't ham-fisted.

I have a Delta Traveller that I used a couple of years ago butchering a hog. It worked great, I even (carefully) used the tip to "pop" open the breastbone to split the sternum, no problem. I did hit bone a few times on the hog, if there was a problem with D2 or the heat treat, I would have found out!

I went camping the next weekend, and used the same knife to try and split some small pitch pine, and snapped the tip right off. I lost about 1/4 of an inch. I was being careful, using the palm of my hand to gently tap the butt, but I must have hit some cross grain that gave it too much of a side load. I finished the job with my Busse AD, no problem.

That's the only problem that I've had, and never had a problem with edge chipping or anything like that.

I re-ground the tip, it's now a little shorter, but still quite serviceable. I save my Doziers for critters now, but some of the flat ground ones should be plenty strong for wood work. The high hollow grinds he uses are phenomenal cutters, and aren't delicate, but some common sensical care should be taken.

I forgot to mention, the edge retention is pretty much the standard that I judge other knives by, and his fit and finish are as close to perfect as any of my other knives, some costing much more.
 
I used one for ten years as my main hunting knife in Southern Ohio. Must have dressed about 50+ deer, numerous turkey and a plethora of small game. never had an issue with it even when I split a pelvis or two. The only time I had to reprofile was when I dropped it on a concrete parking pad and chipped the edge. I would advise that you get DMT diamond stones to sharpen it with.


Mr Dozier makes a great knife and stands behind them 100% in my limited experience.
 
I have never come across any better knives for cutting and slicing than those made by Bob Dozier and Dan Crotts.

I think you'll be very happy with your choice.
 
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