My new EDC: Ka-Bar 4059 Dozier in D2!

flatgrinder

flatgrinder

Joined
Dec 20, 2005
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Here it is, my new Kabar 4059:



Compared to my "old" EDC:



I've been using it for a few days now and am happy to report that the edge retention is still there!! It actually holds it edge longer than my Native in S30V!! I also recently purchased a Spyderco Delica 4 -but was disappointed by the edge retention -basically cutting paper and cardboard. (I personally feel that they heat treated their VG 10 too soft -around HRC 58?).

Anyway, the reason I bought this was that it's a production knife at a reasonable price (paid around $56 for it on ebay), with a blade of D2 -hardened to HRC 60-61. :)

I was also really surprised how good the lock up is. It's probably my most accurate liner lock -and I own pretty much every popular brand, model knife there is.

I also have a Ka-Bar Dozier in AUS-8A -excellent knife for the money, but I just wish they had it in D2 for edge retention. Well, I finally found it and am honestly very impressed.

If you haven't taken a look at Ka-Bar in a while, check this knife out. It really is highly recommended.

By the way, it also weighs less than the Spyderco Native. Just wish it had a belt clip, but it doesn't bother me that much. It opens extremely smoothly and out of the box is extremely sharp (comparable to Spyderco's Delica in ZDP-189) and holds a razor edge for a long time. This is how D2 is supposed to be in a production knife. So before you waste money on a Benchmade Griptilian in D2 (I have many, Benchmade's 154CM is better than their D2 IMHO) give this a try first. You won't be disappointed.

:thumbup:
 
Kabar has been doing a good sharpening job as of late-quoting angles at approx 12/24. Is that particular dozier hollow ground?

Are the dimensions of the handle the same as that of the AUS-8A K-Dozier?

Thanks
Desmond
 
Congratulations !......very nice knife with clean lines and good steel at what I consider to be a real bargin price. I have often considered the Kabar Dozier and think it would make about the perfect EDC except it lacks a clip. I too can overlook that however. If I needed a new folder for EDC this would be high up on my list. Sorry, I can't agree with your assessment of Benchmade D2. I have found it to be outstanding.

-regards
 
Dont let the lack of a pocket clip deter you from buying one of these awesome knives str can add one fairly easily for you. The lock on these is called a side lock because they linerless.
 
Very nice. What is the handle material? I like my ka-bar dozier in AUS-8, but the FRN handles feel kind of flimsy to me. These look more substantial. Very nice price for that. I don't mind the lack of a pocket clip.
 
Yep, the handle is aluminum, it's very finely beadblasted -feels like rubber in that it's grippy. I like it. I used it again today and have to report that the edge holding is phenomenal.

I also have a Dozier White River Skinner:


Bob's designs are excellent. I guess you can say I'm a Dozier fan now.
 
flatgrinder: I have that same model and it's a great knife for the money. Regarding a pocket clip, check out this thread...

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=414909

STR here on the forums put one of his own Ti clips on my knife and it came out great. The work was done very quickly and at a good price. If you're interested in getting the same setup you could send him a message to inquire.
 
Personally, I'd snap up that knife in a second if it were a good frame-lock or lockback... just never liked liner locks.... call it superstition (or Super-knife induced paranoia).
 
I just use mine for shredding paper, cutting cardboard or cutting magazines in half, so it works fine for me. I just needed a knife that had excellent edge retention.

(If I needed a stronger lock, I'd use my sebenza -but man, does the edge retention suck! That too is an excellent knife, overpriced, but it is good. Shame the S30V is heat treated to only 58 HRC. Wish it were 60-61 HRC.)

But, thanks for the link. Interesting stuff.
 
I love mine too. It is a very slim knife that you will not feel in your pocket. They used to sell for a lot more, it is now a great knife at a great price.
 
Based on Flatginder's review, I just bought one. Feels nice in the hand, very sharp, and grippy surface on the handle (almost feels like a rubber coating). Slim in the pocket, but looks big in the blade. The liner lock appears kinda thin, but unless you abuse it I don't think it's an issue. Got mine for about $60.00. Great buy. Thanks, Flatgrinder!
 
Bought one, then went straight out and bought another!
Excellent bit of kit.
Can't fault it! Spot on....Tho mine r not D2
 
I have the Thorn model. Great knife. I wish they would make more models at that level. My only complaint is the pocket clip is too stiff.

It's nice to still have a decent option when so many manufacturers are falling into the s30v wagon. I think Kershaw had a big expensive s30v blade at 57rc. What morons.
 
I just purchased a Thorn -to add to my collection! :)

This is also a great knife. Not too expensive either, however it wasn't as smooth out of the box as the 4059. The pivot screw was too tight and there wasn't any oil on the pivot area. I disassembled it, washed it with methylated spirits, light coat of WD-40 with a Q-Tip and the mechanism is real smooth now. Perfect knife as well. Different (as it has the Dozier tab lock, despite another post on this forum, it is strong), but extremely slim and light -plus, the blade's hardened to HRC 60-61. The 4059 is still my favorite EDC, but this one's pretty unique in its own right:

IMG_1576.jpg


Why would anyone harden a S30V blade to HRC 57? What a waste! -They should have gone to HRC 60. I guess it's cheaper to heat treat to a lower hardness. Damn shame.
 
I recently bought 2 of the 4059's. If I can get a pocket clip installed, this will be my favorite model of knife.
 
I have the Kabar dozier thorn in D2 and have to agree it holds a great edge and is sharp as hell out of the box.
A great light duty gentleman's folder.
Here it is next to the real-deal Dozier Dagger.
The original is a bit bigger in both size and price:D

dave
 

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Flatgrinder, where did you buy your thorn... I'm lookin for one. Also, what tools did you need to take it apart?b Did your blade have a black finish, how did you remove it?
 
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