Ah what the heck, getting a 1917 frontier Bowie. Tell why I shouldn't.

I actually have one.

The decent to good -

1) The sheath is great. This isn't a fast draw knife, the sheath is really tight, but not horrible. The thickness of the leather, the fitting of the tip, frog, etc.... is all top notch. If you had to have this work done in America, etc...., the sheath would easily be more than half the cost of the $120 or so the knife usually sells for.

2) The finishing isn't that bad, I see lots of comments about this. The bluing is at least 95% perfect on mine, there are a few spots that are a tad uneven, but it's on places like the backside of the guard, etc.... It's a nitpick on giant $120 knife. The quality is worlds better than the standard stuff from Atlanta Cutlery, Museum Replicas, etc....

The guard was fit with no gaps, the grinds were even, etc.... The only other notable flaw was a little buggering on one of the flat head screws that hold the scales. It wasn't a huge thing, but you'd see it if you were examining the knife.

-----------------------------

The mediocre to bad -

1) The edge on mine was shruggable, it definitely doesn't match your average Cold Steel in quality of sharpness. It was more of a toothy edge, that was hair scraping sharp than anything else. I'd grade it as closer to a good axe, machete, etc... level of sharpness. It's a wedgy knife, but not as bad as some of the camp and Bowie knives I've seen over the years.

2) It is large and heavy. It's a real belt and suspenders type of knife, you aren't concealing this under anything but an overcoat.

3) The choil is moderately useful. I'm able to hop the guard and use it to gain a little bit more control, but it's not the best I've handled, and the 1917 in not a super nimble knife.

4) The handle shape will never be my favorite, but it wasn't near as bad as I'd thought it would be. The thickness is pretty good, the length is fine. It could maybe use a little more rounding, and the angularity at the pommel and bird's beak I wish was rounded. If you remember the old Bush Ranger fixed blade, something like a large version of that handle would've been interesting on this knife.

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For those wondering, I bought it because it sort of reminds me of a modern Musso Bowie.
 
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Houlahound said:
This is it until Christmas...except for a spydey manbug and a replacement kabar USMC, but that don't count cos it's a replacement...and a CS hollow handle Bushman.

But that's it until Christmas.

So the 1917 CS Frontier Bowie, doesn't seem that popular with the Bowie fans, is it too mass produced and too CS for the snobs?

Dang it looks very swell.
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:) You should please yourself !

Personally , if I didn't already have them all , I'd be shopping hard for the more functional CS Bowies before the cheap stainless revolution happens .

Trail Master , Laredo , Natchez (and if you like kuks , Gurkha Kukri ) . :cool::thumbsup::thumbsup:
 
I've got one of these also! It is very heavy and feels pretty clumsy to wield. I have not used it but I don't doubt that it can be hard used, basically as a knife-ax or a wedge. Someone above suggested a BudK bowie would be better. Not so, not at all. Because the BudK bowies are pretty much all flimsy half tangs with a weak weld holding it all together. A few hard whacks and they fall apart. This 1917 Frontier bowie will not fall apart. It's built like a tank, hence the weight. Supposedly, every one of these goes through the British proof test.

Is it overpriced? No, I think the price is about spot on for what you're getting. If you're going to be using this, then I would recommend looking at other big knives that will cut better. They won't quite have the same look though. If you're dead set on this, then go ahead.
 
hhmoore said:
Because you had to ask.
Because it is so CS
Because it's 2020.
Because the are so many other last knives til xmas.
Because it's so CS.
(Note: I have no idea what the knife even looks like. CS knives have never appealed to me, despite their popularity; so I'm not even curious...but, I only mentioned it being "so CS" - twice, even - because of your comment abot it being too CS)

All that said, since you've already know that you're going to get one, I hope it brings you enjoyment. Will it be a user? Or will you just fondle it, gazing in awe of its CSness?;)
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Dude I need a laughing response button for some of your posts. Gaze in awe of its CSness lmbo. Your on a role this week. The shipping info post so you could participate on the mega RMD and this. Heck ya. Covid can take our hobby budget but can never take our humor.

To the OP. Do what you makes you happy. I have over a dozen CS knives. I like them. I haven't bought any in the last year because I'm on a strong made in the US kick. If you like the knife get it. Next month when you buy the next "last" knife before Christmas get the Prather bowie from Tops, Lon Humphrey gunfighter or reaver, (or whatever you like).

I'm just worried that my phone will glitch again. I drop it with the screen open and it completes a knife purchase. Real scary stuff.
 
Houlahound said:
Can verify, a 12 inch knife that isn't too wide disappears in a waist band using a frog type sheath. Super safe and quick draw but need two hands.
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No.
You do not 'need two hands to draw the knife' from a sheath worn on the belt or IWB.
You remove the frog and the knife is held on the belt by the stud on the sheath. Some sheaths use a static line, others dont.
Ive made several sash carry sheaths. The concept is an old one and it works. Here an early sash carry sheath I made;

7lDh7Ie.jpg

dNuetmV.jpg

nShLqFE.jpg
 
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I get the impression some people are posting in this thread despite that they neither like Cold Steel, nor are very interested in big Bowie knives at all, which makes you wonder why you would even click on the thread in the first place. To the OP, you should obviously look over your options first, but don't over analyze it. If you like the knife, go for it, $120 is not that much. Personally, I think it's a good looking piece, I always wondered a bit about the square shaped handle, but I assume it might have to do with fitting the guard on the tang.

tltt said:
3) The choil is moderately useful. I'm able to hop the guard and use it to gain a little bit more control, but it's not the best I've handled, and the 1917 in not a super nimble knife.
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The choil is located a bit far from the guard to get your finger around it. Then again, I think it's mainly but there as a sharpening choil.
 
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Like the overall shape of it, but for that price I would get a Condor or two. Better yet, a BK 9 is a good score, I have one. I also have the BK 7, with micarta scales, I wonder if the scales would fit the BK 9. Comments? I know the micarta scales make the 7 feel like a different knife.
 
cbach8tw said:
Like the overall shape of it, but for that price I would get a Condor or two. Better yet, a BK 9 is a good score, I have one. I also have the BK 7, with micarta scales, I wonder if the scales would fit the BK 9. Comments? I know the micarta scales make the 7 feel like a different knife.
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From what I know, the BK9, 2, 10, 7, and some other models accept the same scales since they have identical handle dimensions. The 16 is an exception since it’s a smaller knife.

Can I ask what’s your experience with the BK9? I plan to get one someday, hehe.
 
DangerZone98 said:
From what I know, the BK9, 2, 10, 7, and some other models accept the same scales since they have identical handle dimensions. The 16 is an exception since it’s a smaller knife.

Can I ask what’s your experience with the BK9? I plan to get one someday, hehe.
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I have one and used it to trim branches off my cedar tree, taking off some small diameter branches off, and stripping them down to fit in the back of my truck. Mundane uses for me, need to sharpen it up again, but I have not used it extensively. But I like the heft and control.
 
If you like the knife , buy it .
I've got one myself and its my favourite .
Its not a user for me , being in the uk it might raise a few eyebrows out family camping .
I bought it because i liked it and wanted to add it to my collection .
I've got plenty of users but also plenty of knives i will probably never use but i like to have.
I've read lots of reviews on these and there does seem to be the odd one here or there that doesnt hit the standard for some people .
Happily my example is a good one .
Nothing i would improve on .
They dont cost a lot and if you get a good one i dont think you would feel short changed.
 
Dr Heelhook said:
The choil is located a bit far from the guard to get your finger around it. Then again, I think it's mainly but there as a charpening choil.
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Sure, it's not an intuitive choil, but you can make it work, if needed.

Just as an aside, I think Lynn was looking at the Musso, and the seafarer's Cheavalier Bowie, which is a monster knife when he was designing the 1917 -

1063.jpg
.

Dimensions - https://www.rockislandauction.com/d...ge-chevalier-new-york-bowie-knife-with-sheath .

I wish Cold Steel would try more Bowies with their Indian makers (Windlass). They seem like the perfect source to try out experimental designs with.
 
tltt said:
Sure, it's not an intuitive choil, but you can make it work, if needed.

Just as an aside, I think Lynn was looking at the Musso, and the seafarer's Cheavalier Bowie, which is a monster knife when he was designing the 1917 -

Dimensions - https://www.rockislandauction.com/d...ge-chevalier-new-york-bowie-knife-with-sheath .

I wish Cold Steel would try more Bowies with their Indian makers (Windlass). They seem like the perfect source to try out experimental designs with.
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Purely a personal POV and I may be wrong in regards to the inspiration for the 1917: Im not reminded of either, when looking at the CS 1917 Frontier. Especially not the Musso fantasy abomination.

Anyway the CS Natchez is closer to the Musso than the 1917 (but then Im not privy to the inspiration for the Natchez either).

Windlass makes a lot of blades. No doubt a good business partner for LT.
 
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