Need Help Picking a Bob Dozier

R

rhrose

Joined
Feb 3, 2003
Messages
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I don't have a lot of money ($200 max), and I want a fixed blade hunting knife (primarily for skinning/boning game and light around camp use). I am determined to get a Bob Dozier made knife, but since I can only afford one, and it must last me a lifetime I don't want to screw up in selecting the right one. I have been leaning towards the "Dozier Master Skinner"(can be seen on the A.G. Russell web site) which has a 3 1/2" by 1 1/8" blade and Micarta handle, but I would appreciate recommendations from those of you who are more knowledgable of Bob's knives as to which you would purchase and why?

Also, would it make sense to look around for a used Dozier that has seen little use, or would I just be better off getting a new one?

TIA
 
For the tasks you have in mind, I think you have made a great selection. Now give Bob and Linda a call (I promise you will enjoy the conversation.) to make sure. If you still feel good after talking with them (my bet is that you will feel better), go ahead and order from A.G. or if you want to have it tweaked a little and do not mind waiting get in line with Bob.

As far as new or used, I am thinking that you might find a new but previously owned one easier than one that has been used. I know I would not want to give up my used one ;). That might not be saying too much since I would not want to give up a custom anyway. :D
 
My current favorite is his Straight Hunter model. I like it even more than my Pro Guide model. Somehow, the balance between blade length and handle is just right. The knife just wants to come alive in my hand.
 
If you have a chance try to handle a few of the different models. I got to meet Bob at the Spirit of Steel show and "try on for size" several styles. I was surprised to discover that the smaller models fit my hand the best. I wouldn't have thought that without seeing them in person and it would definitely influence my selection.

Jack
 
I love my Dozier small utility - this thing has been on my belt since I've gotten it from Linda at a show late last year.
 
My pref is Bob's Yukon Pro Skinner. It has THE best blade shape I have ever seen or used for skinning, field dressing, etc. It has enough point for really delicate caping on trophies, and enough belly to help skin anything that walks, crawls, or flies. One awesome knife!

AJ
 
I own four of Bob's knives, and wouldn't trade or sell any. I have the slim outdoorsman, pro guide, used to be the pro hunter (I think he changed the name to the general purpose hunter), and an Agent. I use them all very hard. Great knives. I find very sharp, and also easy to resharpen.

Jeff
 
My first 2 Bob Dozier models were used closet queens. I saved a little money and got a knife that looked brand new. If it was used, I sure couldn't tell but, since I had no plans to keep it under glass as a display piece, buying used didn't bother me.

Bob's knives don't come up for sale often on the forums and, when they do, they don't last long.

As for which model to get, do one of two things, go to a knife show they are attending or, give them a call!

Short of that, if you are lucky, you will find a knife knutt within reasonable driving distance to meet with and test drive a model or two.
 
I'd say that there are a few things to consider here. The first is the size of your hand. Knives like the Straight Hunter feel great in a medium sized hand. Smaller Doziers, like the General Utility and Slim Outdoorsman, might be better suited for smaller hands. The question is what hand size is yours?

Also, what type of game are you talking? If you're just rabbit hunting, you might want something smaller than what you'd use for elk. For whitetail deer hunting, most people fall into the 3 1/2" to 4" range of knives as their preference.

The toughest part is defining what you consider "light around camp use" to be. If that’s most likely to be food prep, I’d shoot for a high performance thin edge like the Straight Hunter (my personal favorite). If it’s more likely to be splitting wood for the campfire, you’ll definitely want something with a thicker grind like the Wilderness Knife. It’s all a matter of choosing the knife that does what you do.

Call up Linda Dozier. Tell her EXACTLY what you’re looking for, and what hand size you have, and she’ll give you some excellent advice. Everybody is a little different. That’s why there are so many models to choose from. And if you like something in particular, which isn’t quite right, don’t be afraid to have the knife customized a bit. That’s half of the fun of ordering a custom.

Finding a used Dozier hunting knife is next to impossible. They are that good!!!
 
Thanks all. I believe I have pretty much narrowed my choice down to the Master Skinner or the Straight Hunter, but before deciding I will give them all the old up close and personal test at the Spirit of Steel show in September.
Buzzbait - is that a K4 Straight Hunter with convex ground blade that you have a pic of on the Dozier Forum?? Beeeauutiful.
 
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