So at the NRA show I bought a bunch of Ka-Bar Dozier folders for just a few bucks. I was thinking of taking some pictures of them for this review, but you know what, this crappy one is fine:
No need for glamor shot, these are NOT glamorous knives. These are inexpensive knives…but not CHEAP knives. There’s a huge distinction to that. Also there is a LOT to be said about that.
Let’s look at the knives. They’re simple folders with a lock-back design. They are offered with either a thumb stud or a thumbhole. They don’t deploy fast as some of the crazy ball-bearing action knives with super-slick washers and all that stuff, and with the lock-back they don’t stow fast. Hey but you can get one in your pocket for under $20.
The handles are Zytel and very light and rugged, and Ka-Bar offers them in several colors. I’m not a steel guy. The site says its AUS8 steel. That doesn’t mean much to me. What I know is the blades come out of the box sharp, hold their edge well, and resist rust and staining. The blade shank is also quite thick so if you use the knife for abusive tasks (as you are want to do with a knife that didn’t set you back a lot of money) it’s held up reasonably well for me.
They work, and they work well. They really don’t offer a ton else…but what else do you want?
Also for a blade so reasonably priced if one happens to be left in your carry-on bag, or the state you are in has questionable knife laws….toss it in the trash. Let the cops keep it. If it falls out of your canoe, or you use it to gut a saltwater fish. You won’t cry yourself to sleep.
They also offer them in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. If you regularly carry knives, buy a few of them and tuck them around, you can do a LOT worse for this kind of money.
I really like mine. It’s pretty tough, and the price couldn’t be beat.
Country on manufacture? I have seen several reputable manufacturers (SOG, others) make their main knives here in the US but make ‘consumer’ models in China. As far as possible I avoid Chinese goods.