KaBar Bull Dozier vs CRKT F.T.W.S. - Better Overall Knife?

d2eux

d2eux

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Oct 10, 2010
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So far the only fixed blade I have is a $25 Smith and Wesson Search and Rescue knife. It's ok for what it is, but I would like a fulltang knife so I am looking to expand a little bit.

For under $100, I have found these two in similar price ranges so ultimately it comes down which has the features that make it an overall better survival knife?

Brief rundown of the specs (Taken from Knifecenter.com):

CR2060.jpg

CRKT F.T.W.S.
◦Blade: Length: 6.30" (160 mm)
◦Thickness: 0.23" (5.8 mm)
◦Steel: SK 5, 57-58 HRC
◦Overall length: 11.63" (295 mm)
◦Weight: 10.8 oz. (306 g)

1275.jpg

KaBar Bull Dozier
-Overall Length (inches): 12.13
-Blade Length (inches): 6.50
-Blade Material: AUS 8A
-Blade Detail: Plain
-Thickness: 0.19"
-Handle Material: Zytel w/Kraton Insert
-Carry System: Plastic Sheath
◦Weight: 13.6 oz

Both are made in Taiwan, the KaBar made with AUS8A steel while the CRKT uses SK5.

I believe the Kabar is hollow grind while the CRKT is flat and has a reinforced tip for extra strength.

If anyone has either feel free to add in your feedback!

Thanks!
 
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For woods survival, neither. They are both pretty tactical looking and wont function well chopping or splitting wood due to their grind geometry. Have a look at the KA BAR Large or Short Heavy Bowie. Not exactly full tang, but you wont break them under any rational use. Also 1095 is a far superior steel for a large blade because of its strength and resistance to chipping or snapping.
 
Between those two I would pick the KaBar/Dozer design. I think you will find it stronger and the design will be better for a wider range of task.
 
Wrong forum for this type of knives. I'm sure this thread will be moved soon. For survival type knife discussion I would suggest wilderness and survival sub forum. As to your question I would say that you could do better for the price where overall survival knives are concerned. Try EESE knives, fallkniven, and Becker. Should find something in your price range and would end up with a better blade IMO.


Jason
 
And this is in the Traditional forum why, exactly? :confused: Neither of those knives come even close to the what we discuss here. Since this is Traditional, I recommend a Buck 119. :D
 
CRKT is thicker with SK5 steel (1085 analog)
Dozier may have a more comfortable handle, less issue with rust

neither looks well suited to utility use, especially the double edges
 
Of the two, I'd choose the KA-BAR/Dozier, but neither would be my first choice. My first choice would be a Becker/KA-BAR BK-2 for around $60 or less.
 
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D2EUX,
Before you make a purchasing decision, it is best to understand what aspects of knives serve which purpose. A double grind or swedge on the spine will not service you well in the outdoors due to the fact at some point you will presumeably be chopping, batonning, and feathering wood. This will indeed require a knife that has a bit of a thick spine, and one that has not been ground to a second bevel. Your baton will be sliced by the spine and will hender and lengthen your tasks.
The second bevel is more for tactical (military) purposes. unless you plan on stabbing rabbits and pigs, stay away from those.
THE HARDEST THING I HAD TO LEARN WAS THAT RAMBO KNIVES ARE COOL, BUT YOU HAVE TO LEARN FUNCTION OVER AESTHETICS !!
The mentioned knives are the best knives for your price range, which is still $100 and under??

BECKER !!
ESEE !!
RANGER!!

Also, a good understanding of steels and when to choose stainless steel and carbon steel.
Stainless is a great steel when you are to be using it around water and high moisture areas all the time. They are easy to sharpen, but tend to be soft.
Carbon steels are MUCH more durable and tougher than stainless, but you have to maintain them with oils or they will tend to rust.

As of now, most of your good "survival knives" are made of Carbon Steel. 1095 and 5160 are the popular Carbon steels of choice right now and will hold up to most all rational uses. Becker and ESEE both use 1095.
 
sorry guys, noob mistake :p. I thought "fixed blade" forum applied to generally all types
 
dawsonbob said:
Of the two, I'd choose the KA-BAR/Dozier, but neither would be my first choice. My first choice would be a Becker/KA-BAR BK-2 for around $40 or less.
Click to expand...

Holy crap, why havent I heard of this knife before?? Its like a poor man's RC-5!!:eek:

I will definitely be getting that over the two I posted

Thank you!:thumbup::thumbup:
 
d2eux said:
Holy crap, why havent I heard of this knife before?? Its like a poor man's RC-5!!:eek:

I will definitely be getting that over the two I posted

Thank you!:thumbup::thumbup:
Click to expand...

It's one of the worst kept secrets in the knife world.;)

Now that you know about Beckers, why not head on over to the Becker sub-forum ( http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=827 ) here on Blade Forums, and say howdy to the gang? Lots more information over there.

Welcome aboard!
 
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