Rat 2 or kabar dozier

BITEME said:
I have both,if weight and pocket feel are important get the kabar you'll forget your carrying it ,the rat I have never warmed up to it feels a little clunky.... both have decent heat treats so that's a plus for both.
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AntDog said:
They’re both great knives. There’s no way you can go wrong. They both have excellent ergonomics. Both are better than they should be for their cost. Just pick the one that looks better to you and put it to work.
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You can't go wrong with either and both is the best choice. The Rat-2 for slicey and the Dozier for tougher jobs. I believe that the KaBar is lighter and, if comparing AUS8 to AUS8, it's just a question of ergos and locking mechanism.

IOW: get both!
 
Another vote for Rat II.

But, I´m always thinking about a Dozier 4062 with D2 steel + g10. Maybe could cost the double (like $35) but I will definitely get another.
 
bruno_go said:
Another vote for Rat II.

But, I´m always thinking about a Dozier 4062 with D2 steel + g10. Maybe could cost the double (like $35) but I will definitely get another.
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G10 and upgraded steel? I like than idea. The only thing that I feel would make it better is starting with the 4065 model instead.
 
On paper the rat series is better. In terms of edc and wanting to throw it in the pocket and edc everyday. The Dozier punches way above it's weight and is the better design.
 
I've never used the Rat 2, so I can't help with that part of the question. However, I've been using the Kabar Dozier as one of my main EDC's for a couple of years, and I really like it. Overall, it's just a very well-designed tool. It's lightweight, feels good in the hand, and has an extremely versatile blade shape. I guess the only real downside is that the edge retention isn't as great as on blades in higher-end steels, but that's balanced out by being quick and easy to sharpen. So, whatever else you do, I'd highly recommend getting the Kabar. If you get the Rat-2 as well, the Kabar would still make a great back-up knife, and it's really inexpensive.
 
I think the major advantage to the Dozier is the fact it weighs practically nothing and offers about full length cutting edge. It was the only knife I forgot I had on me. I know that saying is used as a bit of exaggeration but I did have it happen once ;)
 
Earl1 said:
What opinions are there between these 2 knives ? Ive owned the rat 2 its a great knife. I know the dozier has a good reputation. Needing a small edc for work,and a budget folder will do great.i carry a knockout and a vantage avid but they are a little large at times. What are everyones opinions
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Rat 2 is a great knife for the money. Smooth action and holds a decent edge. Scale material could be grippier, but hasn't slipped from my hands yet, so I'd say grippy enough. Get one and you won't regret it.
 
JupiterPaladin said:
I think the major advantage to the Dozier is the fact it weighs practically nothing and offers about full length cutting edge. It was the only knife I forgot I had on me. I know that saying is used as a bit of exaggeration but I did have it happen once ;)
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It happened to me with the Ka-Bar.

The Dozier is very comfortable in hand but the Rat 2 has an FFG blade. That is something I really enjoy. Had a Rat 2 in my pocket most of the day actually.
 
The Dozier doesn't have an amazing action. It's not fun to play with. Like others have said, it is a remarkably light and simple knife that is fairly sturdy for what it is. Its style of action keeps it closed when loose in a pocket, purse, glove compartment, etc. It is cheap enough that you can afford to leave one wherever and someday, you might be glad that you did.

Like some of you, I'd be glad to see the Dozier offered in better steel but would that undercut some of its utility? Another thing that bugs me a little about the Dozier is the pocket clip. Would this be better with a deep-carry loop-over or perhaps loose in my pocket with no clip at all?

Some of those issues apply to another knife I rather like: the Kershaw Fraxion. The Fraxion has a flipper tab but the detent is stiff enough for loose pocket carry. It is wonderfully thin and light. It disappears into the pocket of a flannel shirt. It even manages to be ergonomic for what it is. Whereas the Dozier benefits from being cheap as a "stow and forget" knife, the Fraxion is a minimalist carry knife that would benefit from better steel.
 
(Just have the Rats)

There’s nothing special about the Rat II but the price. It gets the job done, but nothing stands out. The handle texture is pretty good and the lockup is unusually late (fine by me), but it’s a thoroughly average affair. I took off the clip and use this knife as a floater- something I throw in the bottom of a backpack or fishing bag or briefcase as a backup to whatever is in my pocket. It’s also a good knife to let other people borrow, because it’s cheap, safe and straightforward.
 
To me the the guard and the wasted real estate on the Rat 2 make it a good but not great knife. I prefer the Dozier handle where you can get your forward finger in-line with the pivot. More comfortable and more versatile grip by far. The Dozier is the type of knife that makes me second guess almost every knife purchase I've made since I got it. It's a really good, really inexpensive knife. A D2 version of it would kick ass and be even more Bob Doziery!
 
Just picked up the Ka Bar Dozier 4065 with the thumb notch, so far I am impressed. Light weight, looks good, carries well, and very affordable. I wish it opened a bit more quickly and smoothly though...guess my Civivi Praxis has spoiled me in that way, lol.
 
I really like both. Great little budget folders...
After gifting them both, I currently have a Dozier set aside for my son, so obviously I like and trust it enough, and I recently just bought myself a Rat II for a new budget knife for myself, to scratch that "itch" of buying a new knife.

1 thing to consider, both having good heat treats; in the standard versions, the Rat II uses aus-8 in a flat grind with a liner lock, the Dozier uses aus-8a in a hollow grind with a back lock, the latter being a tad bit tougher due to the annealing process, the first being a bit harder to improve edge retention, so it may help you considering what will it be primarily used for?
The Rat II will make a better pure slicer.
The Dozier will hold up better to tougher tasks.

But apples to apples you can't really go wrong with either. Shoot, for the price buy both, and since neither will hold an edge to write home about, rotate whenever one gets dull, grab the other until you get around to sharpening it. Then come back and tell us which one you prefer after a few mos.
 
Dozier by a long shot. More pocketable, grinds are better, lighter and slicier.

If you have very large hards the Ontario is going to be ab for you though.
 
Runt1122 said:
Just picked up the Ka Bar Dozier 4065 with the thumb notch, so far I am impressed. Light weight, looks good, carries well, and very affordable. I wish it opened a bit more quickly and smoothly though...guess my Civivi Praxis has spoiled me in that way, lol.
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Well, I ordered a Rat 2 to compare it to the Dozier 4065. Got the Rat 2 in today, and I have to say...the Dozier beats it in my opinion. The Dozier feels more solid and the lockup way stronger. It also makes me appreciate the thumb hole opening vs the thumb stud opening. I know others disagree, but thumb studs have resulted in band aids for me when my thumb did not have a good purchase while opening. I do love the blade shape of the Rats though.
 
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