Pictures added:
While Bob Dozier is famous for his D2 utility fixed blades, it is a lesser known fact that he also makes outstanding titanium handled folders with of course D2 blades. I became aware of this when his "Workhorse" folder was on the cover of Blade magazine in February 1999. The article in this issue was about the quality of folders and several people - including Bob - made comments on what they thought would be essential for a good handmade folder. One interesting point caught my attention: Bob uses what he calls the Dozier-Lock on his folders. This eliminates the stop pin by relying on a giant locking bar (similar to a double liner lock) which - when engaged - supports the end of the blade over its entire width. Since I liked the design of this particular folder from the moment I saw it on the cover and since I found this type of lock interesting, I couldnt resist the temptation and ordered the knife in April 1999. Well, time went by and I almost thought I was forgotten until I got a call last week from one of Bobs employees saying the knife is ready for shipping.
While I knew the size of this folder from the article, I wasnt quite prepared for the monster when I took it out of the included Cordura sheath. This knife is the even bigger than the Buck Strider! Absolutely amazing when you keep in mind that Bobs fixed blades are usually relatively small. The overall size is 9 6/16, the handle 5 3/16 and the blade 4 3/16 long. The blade is 1 5/8 wide and with almost 7/32 even thicker than the one of the Strider! The weight is 8 oz., the Buck knife a mere 7.5 oz.
Here the right side of the Workhorse
And from the left in comparison to the Strider and a (large) Sebenza
The overall form of the Workhorse is very functional. The handle of course fits even XXL sized hands (like mine) and the small guard and the ridges prevent the fingers from sliding up to the blade. And this blade is amazing! As mentioned, the spine is 7 /32 but it turns into a very thin and razor sharp edge thanks to the very high and shallow hollow grind. This blade is made for cutting and for cutting only. Bobs grinding abilities are excellent and it shows. There is not the slightest flaw in grind lines or finish. The blade can be opened by using the thumb stud or by pushing on the lower guard which protrudes from the back of the handle when closed. A nice feature when wearing gloves.
Workhorse closed
The handle seems to be CNC machined. Besides the grooves on the outside which provide a better grip, the handle slabs are milled out on the inside to make the knife lighter and give it the desired balance. The center of gravity for this knife is there were the cutout in the handle for the thumb stud is.
The right handle slab is milled out on the inside in a T-pattern and houses the giant titanium locking bar. This bar is 2/32 thick (same as on the Strider. It looks different in the picture, but I measured it.) and as mentioned - supports the entire back of the blade. The head of the T-bar is with 1 5/8 a little bit wider than the handle and its stem is approx. 5/4 wide and 3 long. It fits exactly into the milled handle slot and is secured on the bottom with the screw you can see at the end of the middle groove in the first picture. At first I had concerns if a monster folder of this size can be safe enough without the stopping pin. After handling it for a while I can confidently state that it is! When you open the blade the locking bar snaps in with such authority that you can year it across the room. To test the lock, I pushed the blade through several pages of a catalogue by holding the end of the handle with my left hand and pressing on the back of the handle (not the spine of the blade!) with my left. This way I could penetrate several pages easily but the lock didnt move or even made a sound to indicate that it would set itself. Needless to say I got the same safe impression when I whacked the blade on the spine. The result is not too surprising if you keep in mind how wide the locking bar is and that it gets its support not from being screwed onto but nestled into the handle slot.
Here the picture from the top
and the bottom
Overall this knife is quite a monster due to its size. No clip is provided but a belt pouch, since youd never be tempted to clip this knife in the usual manner to your pocket. Sharpness and slicing ability are excellent and the clip point shape of the blade make this folder quite useful. There is no way to use this blade in any kind of prying without breaking of the fine tip.
If youll ever come in a self defense situation and you have this folder with you, there will most likely never be the reason to actually use it. Everybody wholl see you open this knife will be intimidated just by the look of it
The craftsmanship on this knife is flawless and I can highly recommend it to anybody whos looking into a big folder with a unique lock and an excellent blade steel.
[This message has been edited by Ralf (edited 05-14-2001).]
