I am somewhat picky on blades because I use them so much. S30V aside, what are forum member's opinions on a "non-prybar" drop point style fixed blade in D2 tool steel for survival and general use?

I noticed this one is real reasonable for a Dozier because of CNC grinding and Bob Dozier still does his 60-61 Rc heat treatment himself: That takes the price probably from a comparable previous model (K-DP) from about $435 down to $195 for the Master Hunter.

http://www.agrussell.com/knives/by_maker...al_rucarta.html

Also Bob Dozier makes custom Kydex knife sheaths I found out on his site. If he doesn't already have it, you ship the knife to him. That was something nice to know. I don't work for him, yadda yadda yadda

http://www.dozierknives.com/

I prefer the smaller Doziers like the K-1, K-6, K-7 and K-31. I personally have the K-1 and K-31. The horizontal sheath is a very easy carry. That said, the Dozier Master Hunter looks like a very nice knife. Nothing wrong with Doziers CNC knives.

Hey Simon,
Must you have D2? What's your budget? What's your preferred blade length? Do you have some special "hand" considerations (big.small hands)?

I've never handled Ritters Mk3 but I have fondled BM's Griptilian. I like them and Ritter's blade has a nicer belly to it, G-10 scales (instead of BM's plastic), a great looking coating on the blade, and it's S30V steel.... slightly better than D2 I'm told. ($165). I want one, but I'm so cheap I can't muster the courage. I'd get one of these before I ever bought a TOPS or Busse (of the same stye). It kind of looks like a Game Warden. Super-Extra plus for this knife: made by Benchmade.

The Ontario RAT series of knives are Rock SOLID pieces of equipment. I own the RAT-3 which is a 3.5" blade in epoxy-coated D-2 with Micarta scales ($75). I love it and want a RAT-5 in D-2, though I'm tempted to just get their 1095 carbon blade ($80). They have a RAT-7 in D-2 (blades too big for my tastes ($90). The RAT series are Solid....not prybars, and they don;t have quite the fit and finish of a BM Snody....but they're not cheapos...they're excellent knives. If you like 5" blades, it's rumored Ontario may spit out a few RAT-5's in D2 this year....due to people screaming and whinning and such.

ANY BM fixed blade. Sounds to me like you might consider the H&K Snody 14100 or 14150... both in 440C though, I think. I have a Nimravus in 154CM steel that I love, and wouldn't have a problem getting stuck somewhere with it on my belt. BM's CSK fixed blade is nice....154CM steel I'm pretty sure... 5" blade, 3/16" steel, pretty thick handle (3/4") if you like that. The BM-Snody 220 is nice too, smaller than than the CSK. Ahem..... ANY Snody knife is nice...you choose.... just close your eyes and point to one....any one.

Simon, there are a literal ton of good knives out there. Kabar's "Impact" series excites me.... if there was a little more belly to the blade. It look slike they're ready to take their lagging fixed blades to another level....finally. Otherwise they're solid and reasonably priced.

Buck, as always has good knives.

But, I have to beg an answer to this question.... Why just D2? I mean, I like it, but the other steels are just as good...relatively speaking. I mean, it's a stainless, but it will rust (almost) as quick as a high-carbon 1095. It's tough and holds an edge, but no better than ATS-34 or S30V I don;t think. Some say it's hard to sharpen and, to some degree, I can attest to that. I just can;t get it back to hair-shaving sharp on my Sharpmaker, but I suspect that's because of my lack of skill, as opposed to the alloy of D2.

If you're concerned about rust... don;t be. As I said, having D2 steel doesn;t mean the blade won;t rust. Look, NONE of these knives are going to rust. You're just not going to let it happen.

IF it were me, I woudn;t limit myself to D2. Instead, I would look for length of blade and handle, blade geometry, scales material, weight, sheath, manufacturer's reputation, and then, almost last, steel. I say that because all these steels are good, they are each marginally better or worse than the next one at different tasks or criteria.

Well, shoot, Simon. After I posted, I went back up and re-read your initial post where you said you used knives alot and were picky. So I feel a little silly about over-explaining the attributes of those knives. Sorry about that.

Still bugging me though.... why D2? If it's because there's a rave in the knife world about D2 (on affordable knives anyway), then why not S30V? As I said, IF it were me....the alloy makeup comes almost last.

Stretch, I'm a knife knutt. I know what's out there. You apparently don't know anything about Bob Dozier when it comes to D2. Whole different ball game. Do you use any of that big collection of yours to do serious knife work (hours long) as opposed to just having a collection? Do you really know how to sharpen them and appreciate an edge that holds a long time? If you do, you would already know what I was talking about. I do EDC a RSK MkI, in S30V, by the way

P.S. I think the RAT-7 is pretty much considered a sharpened prybar by most. I believe DR considers them so.

I am very satisfied with the D2 knives I have from Gene Ingram. His work is exceptional and his prices are very very good. I have an article on my pile from him over at the outdoors-magazine:

http://outdoors-magazine.com/s_article.php?id_article=273

His work is stock-removal flat ground as opposed to Dozier's hollow ground. My favorite general purpose is his #6 droppoint and a slightly thinner version can be had in his #30.

This is my standard length #6 with Seacow bone scales:



I highly recommend his work, and agree with your D2 choice. D2 done from an excellent maker is a very good choice.

Thanks for the link, Schwert! I was looking at Dozier's Master Hunter because the cost was reduced by it being his second flat ground (by CNC) knife produced it was said.

Well, again I apologize for not paying attention to your initial post and over-stating in my post.

I'm aware of Dozier's knives. The fact that he treats his own steel doesn't make him unique.... it might make him over-priced. If you want a $400 Dozier FB, get it, then come post how good of a price you got.

I don;t have a "collection". I have 2 nice FB's and a nice folder (plus many cheapies). I use them.

If you're a knife nut (and a sensitive one at that), why would you post in such a manner as to suggest that you just weren't sure about what you wanted to buy? Yes, I know you wanted to "hear from the forum"...... but why? If you know what's out there, why bring it up in here? Why not in the blade forums?

Again I ask..... if you're so knowledgeable about D2....then why must you have it for this new survival knife purchase?

You asked...I responded. Oh...and I apologized for not paying attention.

Not trying to be rude, just objective: I asked, S30V aside, for survival and general purposes, and stated, in my title "non-prybar." I never got any kind of answer from you I was looking for: Look at the blade again. It is well known 60.5 Rc on each blade by Bob Dozier is pretty unique. You are invited to come up with a different response. Your apology accepted.

The RAT-3 in D2 has become my favorite fixed blade.

todd