Koster Bushmaster 3V or Dozier KS-3 Pro Guide Knife for big game?

[tedtf]

Looking for new knife to carry elk hunting this fall. I have narrowed it down to these two. Any opinions or advice? Thanks

 

[Stephen Tolar]

Dozier's D2 does remarkably well on deer. If you like a 5" blade the KS-3 would serve you well.

 

[shinyedges]

I do believe 3v will offer better edge retention AND toughness. Actually 3v probably wins in every possible way with the exception of corrosion resistance which is a toss up really because 3v is VERY corrosion resistant. 3v is my favorite steel so I've been using it for some time now, and highly recommend it.

 

[The Mastiff]

Out of the box without any mods there is a fair chance the Dozier will have a bit thinner ground edge. That alone will cause a different level of performance skinning or cutting through hair, skin and muscle. The D2 has a larger grain structure and has often been used in skinning and hunting type knives because of this. 3V can, however, do anything D2 will and more. I have a different Dozier and the Koster Bushmaster. I consider the Koster tougher and better for all around stuff, including pretty heavy use. The Dozier is likely better suited to the pure skinning/flesh cutting role though it is no weakling.

I like and have both. I don't consider them the same category knife though they are both certainly premium, well built knives.

If I was going to specialize on skinning/hunting I'd thin out the Bushmaster some but feel certain it would handle anything I need it for. I wouldn't feel the same about the Dozier and using it for wood cutting, mild batoning type jobs that the Koster won't notice.

Joe

 

[tedtf]

Thanks very much for the info and feedback.