Ka-Bar Dozier 3" Hunter Review (Spear Point)
Apr 24, 2011 23:15:11 GMT
Post by Larry Jordan on Apr 24, 2011 23:15:11 GMT
Ka-Bar Dozier 3” Hunter Review (Spear Point)
by Larry Jordan, Valley of the Sun
Introduction
I was inspired by Sebastian Bilodeau’s excellent review of the Kershaw Skyline. I also had to get the word out about another great EDC choice--the Ka-Bar Dozer 3” Hunter lockback folder. From the moment I opened the grey Ka-Bar box and dropped this knife into my hand I knew that I had lucked upon one of the great little knives that come along and get communicated by word of mouth, or this day of youtube, the internet and video reviews. I’m no nutnfancy, nor will I pretend to be, but I do want to share the benefits of my discovery with my fellow SBG’ers in words, images and vids.
I paid $19.95 at Knifecenter. I tossed this into a recent order at the last minute—what could I lose? $20? All gain on my part.
Just the Facts
Steel—AUS8A
Handle—Zytel, textured
Lock—Lockback
Liner—None
Blade—3” spear point with generous belly and jimping(!)
Opening Aid--thumb stud; reverse mountable
Sheath--no sheath, but comes with a black clothing clip that is reverse mountable
Closed—4 1/4”
Weight—2 1/8 oz
Made in Taiwan
Dozier and Delica
The comparison is inescapable. Here is the Dozier in profile with my EDC knife which recent enforcement of Boeing Company policy has compelled me to start carrying again. Regs call for a blade limit of 3". Some feintheart complained and management came and spoke to us on "Gunners' Row" saying we had to tone it down and choose less scary knives. So, into my drawer went my Cold Steel 4" Large Voyager and out came the Delica. The Dozier is 1/4" longer (OAL) and 1/4 oz heavier than the Delica. I prefer the Dozier blade shape--better control for everything except eating nuts. See below.
In Hand
It fits in the hand better than the Delica. I love the contours of the handle.
Grip
I can adopt this Filipino style grip with room to spare.
Release
The lockback release mechanism is easily engaged even with my weak (left) hand. (The bandage--I cut myself yesterday trying to dig out pistachio meat.)
Closing
Lots of grippy surfaces and the handle is large enough to permit one hand operations.
Closed
This is the closed footprint that will comfortably fit in the pocket using the clothing clip. The clip is a little tight, but a magazine or pamphlet shoved into the clip will relax it enough to make clipping easier.
Some videos...
Easy Opening and Closing
Big Enough for Inertial Openings
Conclusion
Pros
--very sharp
--excellent working blade shape
--surprising ergonomic handle
--so light it's forgotten
Cons
--hard to open with thumb stud
--lock bar had sharp edges (I needed to file)
I've retired the Delica and now carry the Dozier Hunter. I purchased a few extra just in case I mess up the one I'm carrying. At current rates you can get 3x Doziers for the cost of a single Delica.
by Larry Jordan, Valley of the Sun
Introduction
I was inspired by Sebastian Bilodeau’s excellent review of the Kershaw Skyline. I also had to get the word out about another great EDC choice--the Ka-Bar Dozer 3” Hunter lockback folder. From the moment I opened the grey Ka-Bar box and dropped this knife into my hand I knew that I had lucked upon one of the great little knives that come along and get communicated by word of mouth, or this day of youtube, the internet and video reviews. I’m no nutnfancy, nor will I pretend to be, but I do want to share the benefits of my discovery with my fellow SBG’ers in words, images and vids.
I paid $19.95 at Knifecenter. I tossed this into a recent order at the last minute—what could I lose? $20? All gain on my part.
Just the Facts
Steel—AUS8A
Handle—Zytel, textured
Lock—Lockback
Liner—None
Blade—3” spear point with generous belly and jimping(!)
Opening Aid--thumb stud; reverse mountable
Sheath--no sheath, but comes with a black clothing clip that is reverse mountable
Closed—4 1/4”
Weight—2 1/8 oz
Made in Taiwan
Dozier and Delica
The comparison is inescapable. Here is the Dozier in profile with my EDC knife which recent enforcement of Boeing Company policy has compelled me to start carrying again. Regs call for a blade limit of 3". Some feintheart complained and management came and spoke to us on "Gunners' Row" saying we had to tone it down and choose less scary knives. So, into my drawer went my Cold Steel 4" Large Voyager and out came the Delica. The Dozier is 1/4" longer (OAL) and 1/4 oz heavier than the Delica. I prefer the Dozier blade shape--better control for everything except eating nuts. See below.
In Hand
It fits in the hand better than the Delica. I love the contours of the handle.
Grip
I can adopt this Filipino style grip with room to spare.
Release
The lockback release mechanism is easily engaged even with my weak (left) hand. (The bandage--I cut myself yesterday trying to dig out pistachio meat.)
Closing
Lots of grippy surfaces and the handle is large enough to permit one hand operations.
Closed
This is the closed footprint that will comfortably fit in the pocket using the clothing clip. The clip is a little tight, but a magazine or pamphlet shoved into the clip will relax it enough to make clipping easier.
Some videos...
Easy Opening and Closing
Big Enough for Inertial Openings
Conclusion
Pros
--very sharp
--excellent working blade shape
--surprising ergonomic handle
--so light it's forgotten
Cons
--hard to open with thumb stud
--lock bar had sharp edges (I needed to file)
I've retired the Delica and now carry the Dozier Hunter. I purchased a few extra just in case I mess up the one I'm carrying. At current rates you can get 3x Doziers for the cost of a single Delica.