New Dozier Tab Lock Trapper from AG Russell

[Tsujigiri]

I built a few "Double Civilians" a long time ago.
It was an exercise in reducing the blade cavity presence of the tension springs.
I love lock backs, but hate the loss of blade space in the handle consumed by the spring!

Nice work!

 

[star_trooper]

Just bought one, so I will let you know. Definitely a bit overpriced, especially when shipping is added, but they are the only source for this one. Still cheaper than a custom Dozier.

 

[Tsujigiri]

Thanks for posting your experiences with it. The design is really nice, but I figured that it might not justify its cost.

 

[davidsondirk]

Got one last week. Initial thorughts: the blade steel is great. The grind is not. it's all over the place from the crown of the blade through the clip point. It is VERY sharp. The lock up is as tight as you will find in a production run knife. The liners (frame) are thin and look cheap. They feel fine, but they look cheap. Overall, I'm not sure I'll keep it. for 150 bucks, I could get a TOPS knife that is more refined, but then I wouldn't have the Dozier lock, which is one reason I bought it to start with. The problem is, if you put it side by side with a custom Dozier, it's like comparing a a caddy to a pinto. I know it's only 25% of the price of a custom, but for the quality, it might be better to save up. On the other hand, if I lost this thing I wouldn't be as mad as if I would be with a custom. End game: Nice knife but only worth $99.00 if you ask me.

 

[star_trooper]

I completely agree with Davidsondirk - it is a nice knife, with no blade wiggle, but the steel in the liner is about 1/3 the width of a real Dozier folder. I also found it hard to open with one hand. A nice knife, but not worth the price AG Russell is asking.

 

[Gargs]

I've been carrying one since December. The clip (in response to an earlier query) is not reversible. I like it because the knife doesn't stick out of the pocket at all (though truthfully I carry it in a belt sheath because the knife's a bit too heavy for my pants pocket). I found the fit and finish excellent. The grinds on mine are just fine and the liners didn't make an unfavorable impression - actually didn't pay much notice. Cuts great, sharpens well. The opening was a bit stiff but loosened some after a while, though it's not what I'd call "smooth." The G-10 handles are very similar to what you'd find on a handmade Dozier and probably what I like best about the knife. I've owned a few Dozier made folders and this is as close as you're going to come to that for $150. I think it's a fair price and you get a lot of knife and an interesting (and solid) locking mechanism.

 

[Ryomaru]

I'm thinking if buying the AG Russell Dozier tab lock. Quite a bit late in checking it. To those who already own one, how are they holding up especially the lock?

 

[WRGreen]

I bought one shortly after they came out and EDC'd it for a couple months before I could arrange a custom Dozier folder. Its a big knife, fills the hand, and the G10 is grippy. Mine locked fully rather late, but extremely solidly with an authoritative 'Thwack', and never changed thereafter. The blade is big, sharp, and easily managed by the big handle. The D2 keeps an edge well and I found it easy to put a 'stupid sharp' edge on it, similar to the Dozier products from Arkansas. On a whim, I cut a worn out 'slim jim' Rubbermaid trashcan in half with the knife before we threw the can away. No ill effects on the knife. As with all things, each persons likes and dislikes will vary. I think it is a good knife and worth the price. A.G.Russell has a satisfaction guarantee so there are no worries there.

 

[Ryomaru]

Thanks WRGreen! Guess I'm going to go for it then!