1909 Bolo reproductions or similar knives?

[Goosey]

I'm interested in buying a knife much like this, it seems like a simple design, visible full tang, with a thick blade. I can only find one reproduction being offered though, from Atlanta Cutlery. Their version uses 1/4 stock and I think the originals are supposed to be a bit thicker, but 1/4 inch is fine. The main problem I see is that I have no idea who has made the knife (I think Windlass) and that the brass pins holding the handle scales in place are very small compared to the originals.

Reproduction

Original


I don't really want to overpay for an original which I would just beat on, either... any other sub-$100 large knives like this? thick blade stock, at least 12-inch blade, full tang, sharp (not rounded) point?

 

[tltt]

Honestly, if I were buying one, I'd buy a real 1917 re-issue on Ebay for $100 - 150, and then find an acceptable scabbard later.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

The Windlass pieces in the same series are reportedly some of their better-made items. They have a VERY good returns policy so if you're interested in them I'd give it a try. You might be surprised at how much rivets can take. My personal Baryonyx Machete prototypes had the handle holes cut smaller than spec by the waterjet cutter (don't do business with Great Lakes!) and Darrin Sanders (fellow forumite who handled the blanks for me) was forced to use puny 3/32" pins to hold the scales on. Pins that small with epoxy weren't enough to hold the scales on when the piece was being used for heavy chopping, so I drove the pins out and replaced them with hand-domed rivets I made from 3/32" brass rod. I've used it since to split wood like an axe and there's been no loosening of the scales.