Ka-Bar dozier mini... Or alternatives?

T

Tom1983

Joined
Jul 1, 2016
Messages
61
I am looking to buy the mini version of the Dozier design for someone with very small hands. The blade in that model is made from AUS-8, but unless it's made from 440A or tinfoil :D all types will be considered. This is the only criteria: Folder, locks (lock type does not matter), comparible in size to the Ka-Bar. And it must be a budget blade.

I cannot stress the latter enough, we are really not looking to spend a lot of money on this. I am not even aware of another locking folder at this size and the price point of course makes the Ka-Bar all the more attractive. So if you have an alternative in mind or would like to say something about the aforementioned model, then please share!
 
My suggestions: CRKT Drifter, Byrd Robin or Byrd Meadowlark. I have a Drifter, and it's a great small blade. Ontario RAT-2 is a little more money, but is another good budget blade. Got one in pink for the wife. Kershaw makes a bunch of nice cheap smaller knives too, but I have no experience with those, just what I see on the shelves at Cabelas.
 
I just gave away a Kabar Dozier Folding Hunter a weekend ago. I try to keep spares to give away at the proper time and I highly recommended it for a budget knife. It is a good starter knife for the young who might not be impressed with a SAK and want something "modern". The smaller one is okay, but I have no experience with it. I feel sure it is probably a good value. The mini is 3 3/8" closed and the folding hunter is 4 1/4" closed. Both are thin and use AUS8 steel.
 
Last edited:
The mini Dozier Folding hunter is pretty small... 2.25" blade, 6" OAL... about the size of a SAK Alox Cadet. If the lock requirement is flexible, the Cadet would be my top recommendation for something that size. If the lock is a requirement, I'd lean towards the Scallion, Amplitude 2.5, or Flash 1.

Here are some various others around that size. I included a RAT-2 and Drifter, since both were also mentioned, but they are also both quite a bit larger than the Mini Dozier.

From left to right: RAT-2, Drifter, CQC-3K, CQC-2K, Twitch 2, Half-Ton, Small Vantage, Amplitude 2.5, Flash 1, Scallion, Mini Dozier Folding Hunter, Alox Cadet, Dragonfly

1413250_comparison1_open_800x443.jpg
 
Thanks to everybody! The Ontario RAT-2 or the ESEE Zancudo were the first choices, but the RAT-2 in her hands look like the RAT-1 does in mine. Overall good grip and feel, very nice knives, but too big to EDC in this case. She already owns a Victorinox, so this time she wanted something more "modern" that locks. The CRKT drifter was closest to the mini Dozier's size, yet, but today I saw that the Dozier can be found at a store in town. So that's a plus. The Flash 1 is a knife in very smiliar size I was not aware of, so thank you for that and the cool picture, flarp. I will be checking out the Sanrenmu series. I personally love Ganzo knives, but unfortunately they are all rather big so that was something I had to rule out already.
 
I am not a huge Gerber fan, but the US1 seems to fit your criteria and is made in the US. It is inexpensive and available in the "big box" store.
Bruce
 
That's good to know, but I'm over in Europe and I've never seen a Gerber in a store here. Looks classy, though.
 
Tom1983 said:
That's good to know, but I'm over in Europe and I've never seen a Gerber in a store here. Looks classy, though.
Click to expand...

Yeah... I guess that won't work! I didn't see a location in your post and sometimes I forget just how global this forum is. I have no idea what's available over there.
Bruce
 
Sanrenmu 710 / 7010. I got one off for $8.99 shipped. Lock is solid, centered dead on, razor sharp out of the box, small, classy, and easy to sharpen. It's hard to beat at such a low price, unless you find a really cheap used knife or something. We had somebody score a $3 Spyderco knife at a garage sale so it is possible!
 
Haha, sounds awesome! The Sanrenmu tip was very good, I have found quite a few smaller designs now. The 6040 and the GB9 for example look very simple, not tactical. Which is what we're going for. Is someone here familiar with the exact type of steel they use, though? I know Ganzo uses 440c (and, may I say, a rather good one!) but Sanrenmu only lists their products as "stainless steel" and when asked, they refer you to that. Bummer.
 
Last edited:
Sanrenmu uses 8cr13mov. The same steel as Kershaw knives and even the Spyderco Tenacious and Byrd lines. It's equivalent to 440B. It takes a wicked edge easily. Where did you look that it wasn't listed? Pretty sure all SRM knives use the same steel. I also like the 604 & 605 models for really small but functional. Check YouTube for reviews before you decide. Learning is half the fun. I watched about 40 reviews of the 710, and most were after I already bought it :)
 
Oh check the SRM 7129. Looks like a smaller profile Rat 2 with the FFG blade. I forgot, some newer models are also using a 12c27 Scandi steel which shouldn't be that different than 8cr steel. I like them both.
 
Couldn't have said it better, Mr.

20150904_112654_zpsgjnwhuhi.jpg


Classy, smooth, sharp, and really low price. A win-win combo

20150904_112724_Burst01_zpsvledhz1n.jpg


we Europeans have to consider taxes and overinflated prices here...

20150904_112751_Burst01_zpsnmlajrf4.jpg


If you like Ganzos, SRM is another one to try, together with ENLAN and HARNDS (Pic below)

20150727_171819_zpsavt4vatb.jpg


HARNDS Nyx, cute and capable, as well as inexpensive

20160211_164922_zps4uwj09lf.jpg
 
I was checking some GearBest offers and they unfortunately kept referring customers to the steel being stainless. Kind of made me chuckle. But that's a beautiful Bedlam inspired Ganzo there, Peacent! And that Recon probably makes a handy apple slicer ;) My only quarrel with Ganzo ever has been that some of the knives came with stripped screws and I found no way of removing them successfully yet (old rubber band or tape trick didn't work).
 
Check out Buck's Spitfire, Mini Spitfire or the Walmart version Slimline. I have a slimline and I believe it would fit a small hand. It also has a mid lock back on it which I believe the Dozier also has. It's a very underrated knife and from my experience very rugged.
 
Your recommendation also showed me the Buck Nano Bantam, a super budget blade. Interesting for locations where thumb studs or holes and flippers are not allowed to be carried, since that model has a nail nick and is clearly identified as a two handed open knife.
 
Ooh, a MiniBuck! 2 handed open, weighs nothing, looks pretty enough, and a 1.25" blade. Should be legal eveywhere. My wife has a similar size little Frost Cutlery serrated keychain knife. It's garbage by the spec sheet, but she loves it because she's a really light user. The Buck would at least have a real edge tho!
 
Get a small bucklite Max for about 20$ or less. They're a great ( I own the medium version which was 20$ exactly )Lightweight American made knife with a blade that's easy to sharpen and holds a decent edge. They have great ergonomics, great blade geometry, and great fit and finish.
I have no experience with the dozier or the particular aus8 Steel they're having used , but I trust bucks quality and what is considered the world's best 420hc.
If buck can make their bucklite Max and bantam series of knives here in America ( they brought the bantams back to us production without raising the price ) why can't ka-bar do it?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top