TK Magazine "Wilderness Knife"

[hushnel]

Where doth one acquireth such an animal?

Well, ya did ask for it. I found it for about $40.00 less than MSRP.

 

[Joezilla]

I've seen that thing before. A walking stick carver had it. It was marvelous!

 

[koyote]

I hate you.



WANT.

 

[Ramm9]

That's pretty cool, Hushnel. Where doth one acquireth such an animal?

AG Russell has been selling the "Carving Jack" for a few years also.

 

[Ramm9]

Let me guess - it was written by that *&^%))(&* Cliff Jacobson.

Doc

Doubt it was Jacobson, he is the canoe camping guru and a proponent of fixed blades, axes and saws....

now Ray Jardine would be a likely candidate, he would probably recommend the "Olfa Touch Knife" for long trail hiking.

 

[Rockywolf]

True. But there's more than a little bit of the clown in me.

I, also, don't get the complaints about Doziers. They're outstanding knives and have served me VERY well.

Of course, I prefer my Woodsman.

Me too. I use my Woodsman daily. I wouldn't hesitate to take it with me ever, whether some considered it overkill or not.

 

[ROCK6]

These topics always generate good discussions. I know we have some ultra-light backpackers here and I truly commend them and have learned a lot from them...I am still far from making the ultralight standard though

It's funny seeing that some of these ultralight guys/gals will carry a very heavy (but quality) camera or binoculars or some other new fangled backpacking device like the coffee French-presses; I've even seen one carry her favorite novel. None of those are "essential" but it is what adds enjoyment to their backpacking experience. That's how I see a good knife...maybe I don't "need" it, but it does bring me enjoyment when I carry it and use it.

That carving jack that hushnel has carried and used is a great example. For most of us (although my carving-foo is still very weak), simple woodcraft and carving is how we pass the time, improve the skill and enjoy the outdoor experience.

Snobs from either extreme do bother me. I've seen a few "kids" with their large bowie knives...who gives a rat's a$$? If they are outdoors and having fun, why give them the odd looks and rude comments? Same token, I've seen and have known ultralight campers with their SAK Classic or Leatherman Micra as their only knife/tool; if they have plenty of backcountry/trail experience, more power to them. If I'm packing a big blade (like my new Koyote Leuku), it's because I want to try it out and do some enjoyable carving, chopping and cutting with it. For me, enjoying the outdoors includes "playing" with knives...some pack a lot of camera equipment...I pack knives...we both derive enjoyment out of our hobby (although mine is better in an emergency). I haven't read the article yet, but I enjoy Steven Dicks' comments/opinions; I may not always agree, but I still respect them.

ROCK6

 

[DOC-CANADA]

Doubt it was Jacobson, he is the canoe camping guru and a proponent of fixed blades, axes and saws....

now Ray Jardine would be a likely candidate, he would probably recommend the "Olfa Touch Knife" for long trail hiking.

Jacobson once wrote in Tactical Knives, IIRC, that people that carried big blades are cowboys and a knife only has to be long enough to reach to the bottom of a peanut butter jar - idiot!!!!

I'm pretty sure it was Tactical Knives because it was the only knife rag I read. Some of the readers took him to task, and used people like Ron Hood as an example of an experienced outdoorsman that liked big blades.

Doc

 

[buddha72]

The discussion of what tools are the right fit for each individual and in what area brings to memory the unfortunate incident with Hiker Aron Ralston. I believe he was in Moab Utah? Not sure of what sort of edged tools are best suited for that area, but I am willing to wager that in the Canyon area he was in a large axe for chopping wood might be more than you need,but is it more than you want? My point is suppose he had an axe in his pack instead of the small folding multi-tool he used to severe his arm? Would he have had the option of hammering away at the rock to free his hand instead of that sad and unfortunate alternative that he ultimately dealt with? Here's hoping that none of us ever have to face such a situation, but like has been mentioned, each tool whether large and cumbersome or tiny and ultra-light they all have a fit and function for someone somewhere?

 

[sodak]

Or could Ralston have quickly chopped the hand off instead of having to cut all the skin, muscle, and tendons away, and then having to snap both arm bones off one at a time in the wedged rocks?

 

[Cpl Punishment]

Jacobson once wrote in Tactical Knives, IIRC, that people that carried big blades are cowboys and a knife only has to be long enough to reach to the bottom of a peanut butter jar - idiot!!!!

IIRC he got a lot of flak for that comment -- from the ultralight guys, because the knife was too big, because noone would be stupid enough to carry something that heavy (jar of peanut butter).

Seems he gets it from both ends!



Wait, that came out wrong.



How's this for the Cpl Punishment "sh*t stirrer for the day": "Only amateurs think they can judge another's experience level by the size of the blade they carry."?

 

[tknife]

How's this for the Cpl Punishment "sh*t stirrer for the day": "Only amateurs think they can judge another's experience level by the size of the blade they carry."?

I like that quote :thumbup: Not sure how men began being judged on their woodsmanship based on their knife size, but I think guys like Nessmuk started the trend! Though if he were around now, he may very well carry a Busse and not consider himself a "Billy The Kid" wannabe

 

[EMT_Lee]

Hmm... where I'm from "cowboy" isnt an insult, it's a compliment.

 

[jdm61]

I understand that the ultra-light hikers like to count every ounce, so they aren't really living in the "real" world. Through hiking on the AT at a 20 mile a day pace is a foot race against however much vacation time you managed to weasel out of your employer and family and not a "wilderness survival situation." For the rest of us, I don't see how an extra 8 ounces is going to make the difference between getting out of the woods or ending up as vulture poop. As for the comment about a "big knife dragging your pants down", those of us who occasionally wore ugly green clothing have been attaching knives to web gear, pack straps or other load bearing equipment for decades. Are all of you planning to go into the woods with nothing more than jeans, a t-shirt and your wallet?

 

[Oregon Knife Guy]

Imagine a drifter riding across the western states in the 1800's. He rides into another camp and sets down to have a cup of coffee with the stranger. The stranger looks at his knife and says; "Man, you must have a 7" blade on that knife! Thats an overkill! What do you need a knife that big for?"
I am pretty sure a conversation never happened like that back then. Back in the day, a knife was one of the most important tools you could carry, plain and simple. Today however, we live in a time where equipment is advancing on a daily basis. If you go out and buy a camping product that is top of the line, lightest, most powerful and has all the bells and whistles, then two weeks later you open up a magazine and see an add for the upgraded model, many people will immediately begin devising a plan to save up to buy the new one. Don't deny it boys, we are that way with knives too! It seems that most of the time people are so caught up with keeping up with the Jonses that they loose sight of what is important. Getting into the woods and using the equipment you have.
The new lightweight backpacking thing is great, it does one thing that is important to me, it gets people into the woods. I obviously live in Oregon, we have a ton of hippies on the western side, (Portland & Eugene). When I am out on popular trails like the Pacific Crest Trail I come across many of these people, I don't care, I am happy to see them as long as they leave me alone. Although I have had many occasions where I am on my horse in the wilderness and I have them get upset because I am riding my horse on "their" trail. Thats when I get angry, but not all of them are that way.
I don't see that it is anyones business to tell anyone what they are carrying or are not carrying is wrong. I have met many people that are hiking from Mexico to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail, that have no more than a SAK knife on them. They compensate by having the luxuries of home like coffee grinders and what ever else packers pack. A lot of it comes down to your own confidence in your own abilities. Like many of you, I can absolutely go into the woods with little more than a knife a metal match and have a great time for a two or three day trip.
IMO if you put a Dozier KS-7 Wilderness into the hands of many of those hippies that only carry a SAK, I would put my money on it, they would create a worse problem than they started with because they are not as experienced in handling a larger knife. IMO a knife can be as dangerous as a gun in unexperienced hands. They can be carving something, make a slip of the knife and a situation just became really dangerous.
By the way, I just found out my Dozier KS-5 is on the way! Pretty excited about that one!

 

[Marion David Poff]

I am glad this thread popped back up.

1. I think Steven Dick is really good at creating a stir and a buzz. Even here on the internet, where we are often set up as straw men, we are debating his words. He is a professional at what he does. And, he has been there, and done that, and he has an authentic voice when it come to a certain kind of wilderness.

2. Different Strokes for Different Folks. or It takes all kinds of folks.

3. I like knives, I carry what I like.

4. There will always be people who think that the way they do things is the ONLY way to a thing. And it will always be my job, morally and ethically, to find the truth in their perspective, learn what I can, and ignore the rest, with a smile if I can. Because, if I still did things like I did when I was 20, I would be dead or in jail. So, I am constantly in a cycle of learning, and testing others thoughts and opinions for truth.

5. There are people who hit the woods with the wrong tools, we all know it. They spend money instead of spending time, they invest ego instead of investing time in research, and they deserve the comments. But, we do the best job, when we come alongside them, and show them a better way. And let's face it, sometimes that includes making fun of them, kindly and ironically, but making fun nonetheless.

6. None of these statements are meant to be combined. Unless that seems really brilliant to you, and then I meant that combination...... : )

Marion

 

[koyote]

I'm still lost here.

I don't find the Dozier to be my ideal design, but that has more to do with it being a bit thick, narrow (1.25 to 1.5 broad is my happy place) and ground differently than I'd do it. But it gets panned as being too LITTLE knife, carried by a person who doesn't baton- and I count on people doing some amount of batoning with my - much thinner- knives. So I'm lost. Help me out here.


big knife, little knife. I've said it before and I'll say it again- in modern not bushcraft project shelter building specific camping and hiking, most of what a knife does is food related. and most of the rest is 'utility' stuff (string cutting, tape cutting, trimming webbing on a patch job). a 2.5 inch blade is - IMO- ludicrous for this. (actually, a 3/16 thick blade is ludicrous, too)-

One could say that when hiking, a person carrying a 4-7 inch blade with a good profile for chopping veggies is evidence of an experienced hiker. Someone carrying a spyderco is evidence of a greenhorn. (not saying I agree with that 100% or even 80%, but turning things around is fun)

 

[EMT_Lee]

I'm still lost here.

I don't find the Dozier to be my ideal design, but that has more to do with it being a bit thick, narrow (1.25 to 1.5 broad is my happy place) and ground differently than I'd do it. But it gets panned as being too LITTLE knife, carried by a person who doesn't baton- and I count on people doing some amount of batoning with my - much thinner- knives. So I'm lost. Help me out here.


big knife, little knife. I've said it before and I'll say it again- in modern not bushcraft project shelter building specific camping and hiking, most of what a knife does is food related. and most of the rest is 'utility' stuff (string cutting, tape cutting, trimming webbing on a patch job). a 2.5 inch blade is - IMO- ludicrous for this. (actually, a 3/16 thick blade is ludicrous, too)-

One could say that when hiking, a person carrying a 4-7 inch blade with a good profile for chopping veggies is evidence of an experienced hiker. Someone carrying a spyderco is evidence of a greenhorn. (not saying I agree with that 100% or even 80%, but turning things around is fun)

Saying "spyderco" is a pretty broad statement. Personally, I think the Moran fixed blade Spyderco's excel at food prep and kitchen work. YMMV.

 

[A. G. Russell]

I'm still lost here.

I don't find the Dozier to be my ideal design, but that has more to do with it being a bit thick, narrow (1.25 to 1.5 broad is my happy place) and ground differently than I'd do it. But it gets panned as being too LITTLE knife, carried by a person who doesn't baton- and I count on people doing some amount of batoning with my - much thinner- knives. So I'm lost. Help me out here.


big knife, little knife. I've said it before and I'll say it again- in modern not bushcraft project shelter building specific camping and hiking, most of what a knife does is food related. and most of the rest is 'utility' stuff (string cutting, tape cutting, trimming webbing on a patch job). a 2.5 inch blade is - IMO- ludicrous for this. (actually, a 3/16 thick blade is ludicrous, too)-

One could say that when hiking, a person carrying a 4-7 inch blade with a good profile for chopping veggies is evidence of an experienced hiker. Someone carrying a spyderco is evidence of a greenhorn. (not saying I agree with that 100% or even 80%, but turning things around is fun)

If you want a blade of less than 3/16 in a handmade knife like the Dozier you will have to order it. I do not know anybody except myself who makes really thin knives because all of us know that they will not sell.

You are correct, thinner is better, it is just that the gerneral knife buyer will not buy a thin knife.

 

[koyote]

If you want a blade of less than 3/16 in a handmade knife like the Dozier you will have to order it. I do not know anybody except myself who makes really thin knives because all of us know that they will not sell.

You are correct, thinner is better, it is just that the gerneral knife buyer will not buy a thin knife.

It's an uphill battle- with the exception of a few styles of *big* blades, everything I make is under 3/16- most 3/32 and I have problems selling them all the time. No matter how well they perform.