Ka-Bar Folding Dozier is Amazing

rogatsby

rogatsby

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Jun 19, 2018
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I've just started getting into looking into folding pocket knives. I've used Bucks and Case knives since I was young, but did not get into buying these until just recently.

I thought I would start off slow, getting some cheaper knives, so I bought the Ka-Bar Dozier Folding Hunter with the thumb hole and also the Mini Dozier with the thumb stud.

Wow. I am impressed. At that price, these knives are simply amazing. Great cutting ability, retains an edge OK, and I think I can sharpen them easily if necessary.

My question to the more experienced users: given how well these knives seem to perform for me, including their lightness and great ergonomics, is it necessary to buy knives with so-called better steel?

I know the Spyderco Delica has received great reviews, but it looks very similar in function to the Ka-Bar Folding Hunter, but is 3 times the price mainly due to VG10 steel versus AUS-8A.

I would like to receive feedback from experienced knife collectors here. Thanks.

BTW, I love the Mini Dozier even more. So small and light, yet useful. I don't even use the pocket clip with the mini, and just throw it into my pocket, and it's perfect.
 
If the knives you have are doing all you want and you are happy, no need to upgrade. That being said, if you want to go longer between sharpening sessions, then an upgrade might be worth it.
 
I like my mini Dozier, for a modern folder anyways.
Of course it's not as thin in blade and grind as most of my traditionals but it's definitely not a bad knife at all and thinly ground enough.

It's nice and lightweight, nice and simple, and fairly thin.

As far as " better steels " goes I say better is a subjective term.
Those other steels are only better if you think they are.
They will cut things the same as what you're using but if you want to sharpen or touch up less maybe you would find them better.

Do you actually want to try a " better steel " or do you think you're kind of supposed to because they're all the rage ?
 
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The Dozier line are great knives for the money. If you want to save money stick with them. Once you get hooked your spending will creep up on you ;)
I came here originally to decide on a new budget EDC $20 or less. 2.5 years later, 70 or so knife purchases/trades, and I've been unloading a lot to get more expensive stuff. I should have just bought the ONE I originally decided on and stopped lol.
 
Welcome to the forums rogatsby!

Great choice on knives. The Kabar Dozier line is my budget recommendation for the under $25 range.

If you area allows the carry of a larger blade, here a few more suggestions on next knives to consider:
Ontario Rat 1 (or Rat 2) in D2 steel. The D2 steel is worth a few extra dollars vs the AUS 8.
Steel Will Cutjack, Modus, or Tenet (depending on your style choice & blade length).

You don't have to break the bank to get a good quality knife. Most of my knives are $50-150. I've never spent more then 150 on a knife. I know I will never own a custom knife (which can cost several thousand dollars) or a Chris Reeve knife ($300-500) and I am totally fine with that. After some experimentation and trials, you will find what works for you. What works for me might not work for you so keep that in mind.
 
I have purchased several Kabar Dozier folding hunters and have given them away. I like to keep one around for giving away. They are a great value and no slouch in the knife department. Lots of opportunity to try more expensive stuff if you choose to as the interest grows. Enjoy!
 
gazz98 said:
Welcome to the forums rogatsby!

Great choice on knives. The Kabar Dozier line is my budget recommendation for the under $25 range.

If you area allows the carry of a larger blade, here a few more suggestions on next knives to consider:
Ontario Rat 1 (or Rat 2) in D2 steel. The D2 steel is worth a few extra dollars vs the AUS 8.
Steel Will Cutjack, Modus, or Tenet (depending on your style choice & blade length).

You don't have to break the bank to get a good quality knife. Most of my knives are $50-150. I've never spent more then 150 on a knife. I know I will never own a custom knife (which can cost several thousand dollars) or a Chris Reeve knife ($300-500) and I am totally fine with that. After some experimentation and trials, you will find what works for you. What works for me might not work for you so keep that in mind.
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I thought the same thing at first, but we have some real talent that caters to that price range.
 
rogatsby said:
I know the Spyderco Delica has received great reviews, but it looks very similar in function to the Ka-Bar Folding Hunter, but is 3 times the price mainly due to VG10 steel versus AUS-8A.
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Well, VG-10 isn't 3x better than AUS-8. I don't notice a massive jump between them. Higher-end steels are nice, but I'm usually perfectly happy with a decent AUS-8.
 
Diminishing returns...... that said I generally can afford a VG-10 knife without much difficulty.
 
Being into knives, and having more then I "need" already, but still appreciating even the simplest basic knife anatomy for what it is, I have a mini-dozier and a dozier already set aside for my sons first locking knives, along with a mora Jr. an opinel Jr. and a rough rider dr.s knife.
 
I've never had one of the dozier knives. Everyone says they are great. I think the super steels my be overrated . I have a knife with s30v for blade steel. Have some case with the cv and stainless both. Have an Ontario rat2 with aus8. I have some bucks with 420hc. I have kershaw with 8cr13mov.
I'm no expert but in my use I've experienced this. I love the chrome vanadium case uses my favorite steel so far.
I was cutting some boxes last week that were rather thick. The knife with s30v filled rather quickly I was shocked at how quickly it became dull. I pulled out my cryo2 which is 8cr13mov and it destroyed the boxes and was still shaving sharp
I think the s30v blade will be getting a new angle on the blade so it will slice better. All kinds of things determine how a blade Wil cut and hold an edge. I don't mind to sharpen a knife so the case steel or something like aus8 is fine for me. Knives are an addiction and we all want the newest steel or design.
Depending on what you do with a knife you may never need a super steel
 
rogatsby said:
My question to the more experienced users: given how well these knives seem to perform for me, including their lightness and great ergonomics, is it n
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That's up to you and how often you want to sharpen or how stable or tough you want your edge to be. Not to mention the added costs for diamonds to make it quick to sharpen some of the super steels. As has been recently discussed you can add edge retention by just sharpening your current steel to a lower angle. Though too low an angle may cause it to roll more depending on the task.

Generally you pay a bit more for higher end quality and materials as well as the newer super steels. But there are some lower cost handles paired with super steel.

The knife your talking about is very popular with users and affordable. I hear Dozier makes some really good d2 which is a budget super steel. Should try it out some time but I they all seem to be expensive.
 
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Thanks to everyone for the very helpful responses. I think I will be looking into the Steel Will Cutjack, and maybe the Ontario knives too. I guess I have started a new hobby. Hope I don't become too addicted lol!
 
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There's many knives out there that cost both more and have worse steel. It's a fantastic value. Great even for those of us with expensive knives when we need a beater. I don't have the Dozier myself, but I've got the silly tanto zombie killer one, and it's one heck of a $15 knife. Absolutely rock solid.
 
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