KA-BAR Dozier Hunter alternatives (I just gifted mine, looking for a replacement)

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Mikel_24

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Sep 19, 2007
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Hello all,

As the title states, a couple weeks ago I gifted the KA-BAR Dozier Folding Hunter (regular AUS8 with green handles) that I was carrying to a friend of mine. Because his El-Cheapo crappy knife failed while he was carving a point on a stick for his and my daugther to play while camping. The pivot screw stripped the threads.

Besides the obvious answer: (getting the same knife again (37€+shipping), or with a slight upgrade in the steel with the D2 version (54€+shipping)... which other knives compare in size and value (functionality VS price) with the Dozier Hunter??

I can always stretch the budget a bit more, but we all know how it goes: start talking about budget knives and in less than 10 posts we start considering a Benchmade Freek (282€ here in my side of the pond). Less than 100€ would be fine.

Mikel
 
I love the Ka-Bar Doziers. A few other lower-price/higher-quality knives I might consider are:
- Ontario Rat II
- Spyderco Tenacious
- Civivi Elementum
- Buck 112
- Buck Spitfire
- Probably a Kershaw or two

Of course these knives have different sizes, locks, etc. And of course this is an incomplete list!
 
Lot.of solid blades coming out of Italy.....MKM, Fox and LionSteel make some great knives
 
I'm not sure if the value is there but it seems like Lionsteel should be cheaper in Europe. The opera seems like a worthy contender, as long as it's not similar to US prices (2x the Kabar Dozier price).

Maserin usually has high value knives, but I'm not familiar with current folder options.

Al Mar's current offerings are budget friendly and pretty decent. Not as good as they used to be when 4x the price, particularly in the fit and finish, but they are still good designs and made well enough to work. I would compare them with Chinese-made kershaws.
 
I would recommend the Buck Slim Selects or the Ontario Rats. I don't know what the exchange rate is though. They are usually about $50 USD. Good luck finding what you want. There are a lot of options.
 
ChrisB507 said:
I love the Ka-Bar Doziers. A few other lower-price/higher-quality knives I might consider are:
- Ontario Rat II --> I have one, great knife!
- Spyderco Tenacious --> I have one, don't like it much (maybe due to the combo-edge, I bought of the exchange here)
- Civivi Elementum --> I have the Praxis, will look into the Elementum.
- Buck 112 --> Looking for a wider more leaf-shaped blade and full flat grind (slicy-ness)
- Buck Spitfire --> same as above.
- Probably a Kershaw or two --> Will have a look at the lineup!

Of course these knives have different sizes, locks, etc. And of course this is an incomplete list!
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Thanks for the suggestions!
Retired UPS Driver said:
Be sure to check out Joker Knives. They are right in your same country and it would also save you some import fees too.
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I checked them out and most of them are too traditional looking for my taste. The synthetic handle models seem non-locking and looks like they don't have a pocket clip. The fixed blades are more appealing.

Alberta Ed said:
Have a look at Manly Knives. Love my Manly Wasp in 12C27 (60 HRC), other steels available.
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I have the Manly Peak in S90V in my pocket right now (black/toxi-green handle) and I see they have this color schema in the handles of other models. I am having a close look to the Manly City in S90V as well. Light, thin blade and utilitarian shape.
jfk1110 said:
Lot.of solid blades coming out of Italy.....MKM, Fox and LionSteel make some great knives
Click to expand...
Anything LionSteel, even the Opera, and MKM are way over budget. Fox is a bit tacticool for my taste. Thanks!
bikerector said:
I'm not sure if the value is there but it seems like Lionsteel should be cheaper in Europe. The opera seems like a worthy contender, as long as it's not similar to US prices (2x the Kabar Dozier price).

Maserin usually has high value knives, but I'm not familiar with current folder options.

Al Mar's current offerings are budget friendly and pretty decent. Not as good as they used to be when 4x the price, particularly in the fit and finish, but they are still good designs and made well enough to work. I would compare them with Chinese-made kershaws.
Click to expand...
I always wanted an Al Mar Sere, and I thought they were much more expensive. I will look into them as some versions seem to be within budget. Thanks!!!!
1911bphil said:
I would recommend the Buck Slim Selects or the Ontario Rats. I don't know what the exchange rate is though. They are usually about $50 USD. Good luck finding what you want. There are a lot of options.
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I am familiar with the RATS and will check the Buck Slim, although saber grind is not my favourite!

Thanks all for the suggestions. Keep them coming!


Mikel
 
Mikel_24 said:
Thanks all for the suggestions. Keep them coming!
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Have you considered the Florinox Kiana? Dirt cheap starting at 17 Euros and pretty much indestructible. Maybe not the greatest blade steel, but a nice thin grind. You could get a couple, or get another Dozier and a Kiana or two to give away or abuse if needed.
 
Just Tom. said:
Have you considered the Florinox Kiana? Dirt cheap starting at 17 Euros and pretty much indestructible. Maybe not the greatest blade steel, but a nice thin grind. You could get a couple, or get another Dozier and a Kiana or two to give away or abuse if needed.
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Never heard about and I just checked them out. Don't look bad for that amount of money!

I am having a look at the offerings from CIVIVI with a button lock right now. Even the Cold Steel mini Recon1 is appealing... although it fits the category of pocket tank more than lightweight unobstrusive knife.

Mikel
 
I would consider Cold Steel Engage 3” (i have multiple of this one and it is slim and rock solid), We Banter (little more expensive, but well worth it), Knafs Lander (cheap and awesome), Civivi Elementum 2 button lock, Kansept Main Street, Spyderco Delica, Hogue Deka.
 
The CIVIVI Elementum series is hard to beat.

Both the non-damascus button locks and the regular Elementum are a little more expensive than the Dozier, but not drastically.

The regular Elementum can be found discounted.

dozier_civivi.jpg
 
JPD1998 said:
The CIVIVI Elementum series is hard to beat.

Both the non-damascus button locks and the regular Elementum are a little more expensive than the Dozier, but not drastically.

The regular Elementum can be found discounted.

View attachment 2310894
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I am checking the Elementum line as well. I need to see if the current offerings also have a recessed area for the button (to avoid depressing it unintentionally I guess). Thanks!
jfk1110 said:
How about the Becker/KaBar folder..... Available in Aus 8 & D2....Around $50.....
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I found out about this knfe while watching on of those "Best budget knives of 2023" in Youtube... chunky! I had a look at the dealer I usually buy all my knife stuff from (french site, no import fees to Spain)... sadly... they only Becker/KaBar folder they have in their catalog is not the one in the video. Doesn't have contoured handles and wire pocket clip).

Mikel
 
Lawilli2 said:
I would consider Cold Steel Engage 3” (i have multiple of this one and it is slim and rock solid), We Banter (little more expensive, but well worth it), Knafs Lander (cheap and awesome), Civivi Elementum 2 button lock, Kansept Main Street, Spyderco Delica, Hogue Deka.
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I already own a Delica and I have a crapload of Spydercos, so I am staying away from them in this ocassion.

The Cold Steel Engage 3" and Hogue Deka are way over budget.

I googled We Banter and I came across offerings from Civivi (baby) Banter... which looks pretty much the same. What's the deal between these two brands (WE and CIVIVI)? Are they associated in any way or form?

Kansept Main Street looks phenomenal but I am looking for a leaf shaped blade now.

Thanks!!!
 
I had my eye on the Kershaw Cargo, it's pretty similar and in D2 for about the same price, and it has a deep carry clip. They also make the Debris, which is a little smaller.
 
Mikel_24 said:
I googled We Banter and I came across offerings from Civivi (baby) Banter... which looks pretty much the same. What's the deal between these two brands (WE and CIVIVI)? Are they associated in any way or form?
Click to expand...

CIVIVI is a budget brand under WE knives.
 
MarkN86 said:
I had my eye on the Kershaw Cargo, it's pretty similar and in D2 for about the same price, and it has a deep carry clip. They also make the Debris, which is a little smaller.
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Yes, it does have some similarities! Money wise, the Dozier Hunter in D2 comes a tad cheaper (for me) and I like the blade shape better. Thanks!!!
 
A few ideas:

1) Cold Steel Mini Recon 1. This is a very sturdy knife with a back lock and its AUS-10A would be a significant upgrade to the AUS-8 you were used to. They make it in clip, drop and tanto blades; all have very sturdy tips.

2) Ontario RAT2 in D2. (R2D2) or RAT1, if you want something a little bigger. D2 is about on the same spectrum as AUS-10A, but not stainless. This one has a liner lock and is more fun to flip and faster to close one-handed

3) Since you're in Europe, is a Victorinox Hunter Pro in budget there? (I suspect not)

4) Victorinox Trekker, plain edge. It has other tools, so you won't find yourself trying to put the blade to uses for which it was not intended. I find the locking screwdriver and toothpick especially handy.

Also, check out KnifeCenter.com's YouTube page. They do affordable knife features from time to time. I saw one at the $25 and $50 price points recently, I think.
 
I'd seriously suggest finding one of the Lone Wolf Loveless patterns. They are long out of production, but can still be found in unused condition.
 
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