Ritter Fixed RSK Mk3 or Dozier KS3

B

brians

Joined
Apr 22, 2006
Messages
1,375
Hi guys,

I'm at the point of wanting a new, lightweight, fixed blade for hiking/camping/hunting, and have narrowed it down to these 2 fine blades. I hike a lot, so weight is a big component of my decision. Also, slicing and handle ergo's.

I wanted to get your experiences, thoughts, opinions, and recommendations and please, share your pictures as well, if you have them. Especially if you have a pic of the Mk3 handle and sheath.

Input on steel, blade geo, handle shape and material, or any other characteristic you deem relevant would be greatly appreciated.

Note that I have a Fixed Grip, and like the all-around utility of the drop point. Your specific thoughts on the Dozier blade shape would also be helpful.

Thanks for your time,

Brian :)
 
I like the Mk3 although it took me a while to get used to the grip; I normally go for quite chunky handles and the Ritter is slim. It fits the hand comfortably now with no hot spots. I have a tendancy to want to hold the knife with my index finger actually on the guard, not very safe. It's a combination of the grip shape and my hand and might not apply to anyone else. The knife is certainly light weight for its size. It's lively and quick in the hand.

The scales appear as if they might be slippery at first, but I've had no problems. The machined finish, along with the shape, gives plenty of grip. No complaints.

The blade takes a scary edge quite easily and the thin-ness, with just the right length, makes it a terrific slicer and push cutter. Makes pretty good feather sticks! It's not a knife to abuse though, as stated by the man himself. It's a cutter. There is enough blade height to easily grip the blade for more control with the point or belly.

The sheath is nylon with a plastic insert. It's functional, but has some flaws in my opinion. The retaining strap on mine is quite 'furry' now on the blade side because it's difficult not to slice it a little when removing or especially inserting the knife. On the back are two attachment points with several ways to use them. The only thing I've done is put it on a belt, which can be done without taking the belt off. The belt loop is a little bulky.

Unfortunately I don't have a dozier to compare it with, but I can give you a few pictures of the Mk3:

IMG_3779.JPG


IMG_3761.JPG


IMG_3763.JPG


IMG_4610.JPG


IMG_4611.JPG


IMG_4612.JPG
 
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I am a big fan of the Ritter Grips, they are great folders. The large Ritter is one I would never get rid of. I had the Ritter fixed blade, a great knife, but I did not like the sheath. However, if you can get the Dozier, I would. I own the Wilderness, and had a Delta Traveler. Great knives.
 
The Dozier KS-3 Pro Guide is a great knife, and probably one of Bob’s most popular models. :thumbup: :cool: :thumbup:


I think of the High Hollow ground D2 blade as optimum for a hunting knife.

In camp it works well for food prep and general cutting chores, but I do not use my hollow ground Dozier’s for chopping or batoning.

If I was having one made to be an all around camping/hunting/survival knife, I would have Bob make me one that was full convex. The change in geometry and added support to the edge would make the blade more suited for hard use tasks, and would give little away in its ability as an edge slicer.



PS – There are also some fine Bark River knives that would meet your needs.




Big Mike

”Scaring the tree huggers.”

Forest & Stream
 
I have one of Dozier's straight personal knives. It's light and takes a great slicing edge. After a few wet days in a row, the D2 does get a few rust spots and I don't feel comfortable battoning with it. If you're going for a survival blade, I'd go for the Ritter. That said, I love my Dozier.
 
The Ritter is a fine little knife. I have tested it and found it to be a rugged slicer. The handle is very comfortable. Usually I carry a folder.
Kershaw001.jpg

A cheap Mora is light and carries well. It's a good cutter, too.
Max001.jpg

The RC-4, Scrap Yard SS4, and Becker Necker carry well, too.
Kershaw008.jpg

I hear good things about the Dozier, but I have never tried one out.
 
Thanks for taking the time to post guys.

Tough choice between 2 great knives.

Foxyrick,

You are certainly not lacking for quality field tools - very nice :)

Is that a Fox River? That may make the shortlist as well.

Brian
 
Big Mike,

You aren't making things any easier. :p But that is a good thing.

Love your handle material/color choices.

Wouldn't it be nice to be able to handle all 3 before buying?
 
A Fox River it is - that's the very knife that (re)started the knife obsession I have! It's a cracking knife, hair splitting sharp and easy to keep that way.

To be frank (or even Rick) I would struggle to choose between the RSK Mk3, Fox River and my NWA forum knife for a light weight carry. The NWA is probably the heavier, but there's not much in it between them and they are all exceptionally good knives.

The RSK is probably the slimmest package of the lot and might be the lightest, plus it's stainless. Close call in size and weight between it and the Barkie.

The Fox River allows me to grip right up to the blade and fits my hand really well. It's a compact little power cutter. It's probably the sharpest of all the knives in that picture but that's just because I like stropping the zero convex edge.

The NWA is simply a terrific knife - razor sharp, tough as anything, great handle and a fantastic user. It's the biggest of the lot though, which can be good or bad of course.
 
Rick,

Any significant differences in the performance or the characteristics of the A2 versus the S30V?

My only experiences with S30V was with a small benchmade folder, and no experience with A2 at all.

Again, thanks for your time.

Brian
 
I really like that look of the Ritter Grip, the handle looks very ergonomic and i love the material. How do you like the BM grip fixed. Ive been wanting to get one but can never seem to scrape up the cash. It looks like it has good ergos but you can never tell until you handle it. Thanks
 
Veubent,

The Fixed grip has worked well for me. I like the 154cm steel, it's very light at 4.6 ounces, and has served me well on the trail. I modded mine to reduce the hotspots. This included removing the ramp, and sanding down the extensive jimping. I will keep it as a backup, but this next purchase will be it for a longtime and I want something even closer to perfect for me. Here's mine on the AT last week:

SANY0011-5.jpg
 
Thanks for the pic. That is a awsome knife and a great veiw. Im a little jealous of both. Im deffinatly ganna have to keep my eyes out for one. Mabye a old user will turn up in the sale section. I think youll be happy with watever you choose.
 
foxyrick said:
I like the Mk3 although it took me a while to get used to the grip; I normally go for quite chunky handles and the Ritter is slim. It fits the hand comfortably now with no hot spots. I have a tendancy to want to hold the knife with my index finger actually on the guard, not very safe. It's a combination of the grip shape and my hand and might not apply to anyone else. The knife is certainly light weight for its size. It's lively and quick in the hand.

The scales appear as if they might be slippery at first, but I've had no problems. The machined finish, along with the shape, gives plenty of grip. No complaints.

The blade takes a scary edge quite easily and the thin-ness, with just the right length, makes it a terrific slicer and push cutter. Makes pretty good feather sticks! It's not a knife to abuse though, as stated by the man himself. It's a cutter. There is enough blade height to easily grip the blade for more control with the point or belly.

The sheath is nylon with a plastic insert. It's functional, but has some flaws in my opinion. The retaining strap on mine is quite 'furry' now on the blade side because it's difficult not to slice it a little when removing or especially inserting the knife. On the back are two attachment points with several ways to use them. The only thing I've done is put it on a belt, which can be done without taking the belt off. The belt loop is a little bulky.

Unfortunately I don't have a dozier to compare it with, but I can give you a few pictures of the Mk3:

IMG_3779.JPG


IMG_3761.JPG


IMG_3763.JPG


IMG_4610.JPG


IMG_4611.JPG


IMG_4612.JPG
Click to expand...

Sorry to rise a necro-thread, but does anyone know what the second blade from the left is is the above pictures?
 
That would be Nick Allen ( NWA Knives ) Scout also considered the Bladeforums Knife..... he has a Forum under Hosted Makers
 
If I had the opportunity to buy a KS-3 Professional Guide's knife, it would be hard to turn down. That would be my choice. Very useful blade and probably more useful to me than my Dozier Wilderness. I have a number of Dozier blades and like them a lot; poor man's customs.
 
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