Pocket knife similar to but better than Gerber Bear Grylls Scout knife?

Thanks flarp for the pictures! Gave me a good idea of the knife.

I'm currently trying to decide between the KA-BAR 4062 Dozier and Cold Steel Mini Recon 1, although that's not to say I won't be open to other suggestions still. The Dozier is super attractive for the price, but when I look at the CS, it just screams quality. Anybody have both could offer input?
 
How is the Buck Bantam BLW? I saw that one earlier but it fell behind as no one had recommended it.
 
JGAN said:
How is the Buck Bantam BLW? I saw that one earlier but it fell behind as no one had recommended it.
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I am not an authority on buck knives but I bought one a few years ago and had a very poor experience. It was a "redpoint" I believe. Within a year of normal use, the lock had broken and the scales became loose. Essentially, it fell apart. I'm sure they have many different levels of knives made to different tolerances. All I know is I would not recommend a redpoint. :).

I would get the salt I recommended. If you can't dig serrations or it doesn't look cool enough go with a spyderco tenacious or ontario rat. Both quality knives. You will see a ton of stuff in that price range that looks cool, but there is a reason that the tenacious and rat are recommended here over and over.

Good luck
 
I have the Kabar Dozier and it is a good little knife for the money. Have the larger Kabar Dozier too. Some here buy a number of the Dozier folding hunters and spread them around or use where the use will essentially beat up a good knife. I am not a fan of tanto blades in general, BUT I have read that the edge near the tip would be very useful for scraping and I agree. I think I would go with the Cold Steel or get both (CS and Kabar Dozier) and try them out.

Get yourself cheap Norton India stone (the larger one) and use WD-40 as a lubricant for sharpening at home. It is big enough to learn the fundamentals of sharpening without cutting yourself. Then get a small diamond "stone" (DMT or similar) in fine to keep in your work bag. The experience with the Norton will give you the confidence to touch up your knife at work if you need to.
 
JGAN said:
How is the Buck Bantam BLW? I saw that one earlier but it fell behind as no one had recommended it.
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I have a buck bantam. The USA made version. It hangs up too easily in cardboard for me. I've even tried putting a microbevel on it. It seems just too thick on the spine.

Aside from that, it's OK. The thumb stud is nice.
 
Thanks for the tips on sharpening,
The Spyderco knives are a little out of my budget unfortunately. I'm still considering the Ontario RAT 1 but I just have a preference for lockback knives right now.

I think I'm going to pass on the Bantam right now. The 110 is nice but I need a pocket clip on my knife.
 
To each their own, but I'm wondering if you have used other kinds of locks? The RAT has a sturdy lock that is easy to disengage with only one hand which comes in handy if your working.
 
I believe you won't go wrong with a cold steel median voyager, either in tanto or clip point shape. They cost less than a mini recon and they still have the same steel (AUS8-A) and the very strong Triad lock.
 
Just keep in mind that all of the knives recommended here will need to be sharpened regularly if you are using them as hard as it sounds.
 
I have tried liner locks before (most of my friends have them) and never really liked them. They just seemed like an inherently weaker design and it was always awkward for me.

The Voyager could definitely work. I'm wondering though, does CS do jimping on the Voyager or Recon 1? If not, how is it without?
 
JGAN said:
I have tried liner locks before (most of my friends have them) and never really liked them. They just seemed like an inherently weaker design and it was always awkward for me.
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I think they are weaker by principle but reputable companies have great liner and frame locks that won't ever fail under normal to slightly excessive abuse. My kershaw leek has never had lock problems.
 
Almost anything will hold an edge better than your Gerber (sadly). Having done that kind of work, I think you should look at the Cold Steel Tuff Lite.
 
Alright guys, I have decided that when my next paycheck comes in I will purchase the Ka-Bar Dozier 3" folder! I'm super excited. The main reason I chose it over the Cold Steel knives is because of the jimping and that it's so budget-friendly that if I end up not liking it, I can go out and try a CS. Thanks everyone at BF for the help, I really appreciate it!!
 
The Tuff Lite is one of my favorites. Hope you like the Kabar Dozier. It's hard not to like them at their price point.
 
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