custom fixed blades: which one?

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Doc

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I am interested in getting a custom fixed blade for hunting purposes.
Think bang for the buck.

Who would you recommend?
What is the wait for the knife to be made?
 
By custom, do you mean, "Made to your individual specs?" Or "high-end handmade production knife?"
Click to expand...

I don't need to design the shape or steel type, a 3-4" with an appropriate shape for skinning and gutting (like a Hibben or Dozier etc).

I would like to supply the handle material (bone and hone) for the bolsters/handle from game we have taken.

Time for Dozier? Did you order one?
Any third party sources on the net?

Thanks

Doc
 
Doc,

Just deal with Bob directly. http://www.dozierknives.com/
There's little chance that you'd have to wait long if you supply the handle material, less time if you select a standard micarta from his site. Remember that the Bob does not normally put a mirror finish on his knives, but they work, work, work.

If you go to any of the knife shows you'll find a maker there that would build you knife from their pattern with your handle materials for ~$150.

Mike
 
I have a Dozier and it's not only my hunting knife, it's my general go-to camp or all around fixed blade knife. I did pick up a semi-custom from Terry Hearn out of Lufkin, TX a couple years ago. It's a bit thinner and lighter than the Dozier with a hollower grind, but a ton prettier, IMO. It's not a knife that I would just use and abuse though.

769th-skinner.jpg
 
I would go with a Dozier. My main hunting blade is one by Watson, #101 model. The wait on his stuff is a little long but it is relatively inexpensive and well made.

http://www.watsonknives.com/knives.html

I like Striders but they are tres poo-poo for hunting purposes. The stock they use is too thick for hunting.
 
I forgot Garry Wheeler. He's is a little known knife maker that just moved from Texas to Tennessee. He makes great small hunting knives and the sheaths to go with them. Since Garry has hunted everything from rabbits to mule deer he knows what works and puts it into his knives. His fit and finish is as good as any of the big name makers and his price is much lower than you pay for one of their pieces, say $200 for a ivory micarta handled hand made 3 1/2 inch drop point in a hand fitted sheath. While I like Dozier's work you get a lot more bang for your buck from the Wheeler. If you like I can find out what he'd charge for a standard drop point with you supplying the handle materials.
 
The Cold Steel Carbon V hunter would be a good choice. They put a gut hook on it recently I guess and I'd not choose that option. Good blade shape. Good steel (similiar to Randall). Nice length and a non-slip rubber handle to boot.
I found Dozier's heat treat not the best. My blade chipped badly. I re-sharpened it and sold it and moved on to something else.
 
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