16 1/4" bowie knife

[magnum .44]

i'm making a bowie knife, but i've never made one of this size. it's 440c, but i don't know what rc hardness to make it? i was thinking 55rc, agree. do you think it should have a guard or bolsters? it's sheffield style, and i'm putting desert iron wood handles on it.

 

[thknives]

What size of stock are you using for the blade?
I would heat treat to 57 -59 RC, this way your knife will hold a edge for a while and you also maximise corrosion resistance. It will stand up to heavy use well.
A while back I made a bowie out of 1/4 " ATS 34 treated to a RC of 60 and it stood up to some abusive tests e.g. punkturing the hood of a 76 F 150, chopping 2 x 4 's, throwing, whaking soft steel bars. It never broke or chipped.
I don't recommend doing this with the custom knife you just bought.

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Haslinger Handcrafted Custom Knives
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[magnum .44]

3/16" thick 440c, thanks for your input, i think i'll stay around 57rc, it is a pretty big knife blade.