We're all aware of the incredible value of the Kabar Doziers (under $20 for such a great knife) and I've been awaiting the smaller version. This model (the 4072) is available with the standard black FRN handle and satin finish blade, orange handle and black blade, or pink handle and satin finish blade (etched with a breast cancer awareness ribbon). All three versions of the 4072 sell for $15-$18 in stores, and like the other Kabar Doziers, they're made in Taiwan. This is, again, the smallest version of the Kabar Dozier (at 75% of the 3" blade version) and it's a really handy knife to have for those small chores or when you don't want to carry a larger knife.
I should point out that the 550 cord in the lanyard hole isn't included and is my own addition, but the 4072 does come with the shown split ring for keychain attachment.
The Handle: The 4072 shares the same handle material as the rest of the Kabar Dozier line; it's FRN, colored black. It has a nice checker pattern, almost like a rifle stock. The knife is 3-3/8" long when closed, and is 1/4" thick (not counting the pocket clip). The KA-BAR logo is placed in the center of both sides of the handle. The handle feels nice and grippy without ripping your hands (or pants) apart. There's a lanyard hole, and it will accomodate a length of non-gutted 550 cord easily. I've found that a lanyard is nice on a knife this small, and have added my own to assist in retrieving the tool from my pocket. The included split ring will go into this hole readily as well.
The pocket clip is adjustable for left or right-handed carry, but it's tip-up only. It's black and is held in place with one black Torx (T-8) screw, which goes in the bolt on the opposing side of the handle.
Bolt side...
Retention is good, and removal from the pocket is pretty easy to do. When fully inserted in a pocket, a little over 1/2" protrudes.
The portion of string centered below the knife is lined up with the bottom of the knife (in pocket).
The knife locks open via lockback, which is positioned in the middle of the handle. Lock-up is solid, with no play in any direction. I found that the lockbar was a bit sharp around the corners - not enough to cut you, just enough to make unlocking it a bit uncomfortable - so I sanded it lightly and there was no problem. A few have commented that their Dozier had a lockbar that stuck out past the handles, but mine is perfectly flush.
The back of the knife...
Linerless handle...
If the blade tension is too tight or too loose, you can adjust it with a Torx (T-8) screw. Mine came perfect, but it's nice to know that you have the option.
The Blade: The 4072 has an AUS-8 blade, heat treated to 57-58 on the Rockwell scale. It's 2-1/2" long with a 2-1/4" cutting edge, and is just a hair under 1/8" thick. The blade is hollow ground, and came razor sharp. Speaking from experience with Kabar's other Dozier knives (they all have the same blade steel) this will hold an edge for a decent amount of time, and touch-ups are easy. The blade is a clip point, and the tip lends itself easily to piercing tasks. Blade markings are shown below.
Left side...
Right side...
CONTINUED...
I should point out that the 550 cord in the lanyard hole isn't included and is my own addition, but the 4072 does come with the shown split ring for keychain attachment.
The Handle: The 4072 shares the same handle material as the rest of the Kabar Dozier line; it's FRN, colored black. It has a nice checker pattern, almost like a rifle stock. The knife is 3-3/8" long when closed, and is 1/4" thick (not counting the pocket clip). The KA-BAR logo is placed in the center of both sides of the handle. The handle feels nice and grippy without ripping your hands (or pants) apart. There's a lanyard hole, and it will accomodate a length of non-gutted 550 cord easily. I've found that a lanyard is nice on a knife this small, and have added my own to assist in retrieving the tool from my pocket. The included split ring will go into this hole readily as well.
The pocket clip is adjustable for left or right-handed carry, but it's tip-up only. It's black and is held in place with one black Torx (T-8) screw, which goes in the bolt on the opposing side of the handle.
Bolt side...
Retention is good, and removal from the pocket is pretty easy to do. When fully inserted in a pocket, a little over 1/2" protrudes.
The portion of string centered below the knife is lined up with the bottom of the knife (in pocket).
The knife locks open via lockback, which is positioned in the middle of the handle. Lock-up is solid, with no play in any direction. I found that the lockbar was a bit sharp around the corners - not enough to cut you, just enough to make unlocking it a bit uncomfortable - so I sanded it lightly and there was no problem. A few have commented that their Dozier had a lockbar that stuck out past the handles, but mine is perfectly flush.
The back of the knife...
Linerless handle...
If the blade tension is too tight or too loose, you can adjust it with a Torx (T-8) screw. Mine came perfect, but it's nice to know that you have the option.
The Blade: The 4072 has an AUS-8 blade, heat treated to 57-58 on the Rockwell scale. It's 2-1/2" long with a 2-1/4" cutting edge, and is just a hair under 1/8" thick. The blade is hollow ground, and came razor sharp. Speaking from experience with Kabar's other Dozier knives (they all have the same blade steel) this will hold an edge for a decent amount of time, and touch-ups are easy. The blade is a clip point, and the tip lends itself easily to piercing tasks. Blade markings are shown below.
Left side...
Right side...
CONTINUED...
