AK Bowie info wanted (new to HI knives)

G

Gary007

Joined
May 17, 2002
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Well, I’m new to Himalayan Import knives. Pretty much the only reason I stopped in was because of the high number of postings indicated under the manufacturers listing. I knew these knives must have loyal customers base so I just had to check it out. So I went to their shop and their AK Bowie caught my eye. I’ve been on the look out for a nice bowie, as I don’t currently have one, and have not seen anything that impressed me thus far. Was always looking for something unique and different looking. The AK Bowie looks very unique and I like the sheath also. What kind of steel do they use, and any info and/or comments on this knife would be appreciated.

AK Bowie
 
Hi Gary, and welcome.
The AK Bowie is one of the few HI products I don't have. I can tell you about the steel though. It's salvaged truck springs. The Kamis like Mercedes-Benz springs the best, when they can get them. The steel is probably most like 5160. It is edge quenched, by pouring water from a teapot onto the edge. That gives a nice hard edge, and a soft spine.

Steve
 
Hey Gary:

The HI AK Bowie as pictured on the HI website, and several other knives pictured there for that matter, are no longer made exactly as pictured. In the case of the HI Bowie this is a shame, as the original with those deep fullers was very nice.

Now, just like it's namesake the AK, the AK Bowie has a single smaller fuller at the top of the blade. Do a search and you are bound to find one of the new ones listed as an UBBB. I've been here a bit over a year and was too late to score one of the old ones. I do have a new one though, and it is a great all around knife and heavy duty chopper. Just doesn't have quite the same mean look to it that a double fullered knife has. I still like it a lot, but YMMV.

I believe for the most part that the steel is 5160.

Welcome to the Cantina and regards,

Norm

P.S. Don't get me wrong: overall dimensions, weight, and I think feel will be the same. The change is purely aesthetic. The main body of the blade will just angle down into a convex edge, rather than being broken up by another fuller.
 
Welcome, and remember:

When you are thinking AK Bowie you are thinking more axe with a point and a handle. It is like over 1/2" thick
 
Welcome Gary!

The AK Bowie is a really nice knife. As stated above, heavy duty chopper, and good all around user.

I too was looking for a nice bowie for a while, and then picked one up here on the forum's .... if you stick around, Uncle Bill posts a sale on here every day/other day/whenever. First come first served.

Also, here's an older thread started by Dan regarding some Bowie modifications. Dan - any updates on this project??

:D

~ Bamboo ~
 
Its a heckavu knife. I didn't like the handle on mine, and the lanyard hole made chopping kind of painful :( I'm getting it rehandled and think it will be awesome.
 
Also a great weapon. Love it in the reverse grip in the off hand. Sirupati or UBE in the strong hand. Gives chills!
 
Svashtar said:
Do a search and you are bound to find one of the new ones listed as an UBBB. I've been here a bit over a year and was too late to score one of the old ones. I do have a new one though, and it is a great all around knife and heavy duty chopper. Just doesn't have quite the same mean look to it that a double fullered knife has. I still like it a lot, but YMMV.
Click to expand...

1-31-05-2.JPG
 
Welcome Gary. I haven't heard the name Capitola for a long time.

If you hang out long enough, there's bound to be a AK Bowie on special at a price that will make any slight objections unimportant.



munk
 
If you hang out long enough, there's bound to be a AK Bowie on special at a price that will make any slight objections unimportant.
Click to expand...

Hell, hang out long enough, and you will be able to rationalize purchasing anything! ;)
 
The AK bowie is my hands down all time favorite HI knife. it's what i fell in love with first and is now my go to knife under most situations. It's a big heavy knife that cuts like and even bigger knife. The AK bowie is so good (for me anyway) that it has stopped me from justifying a cherokee rose for my collect. I love the rose, but at 20" it's going to be a handful. The AK bowie does just about everything I could want. I love all my khuks. i love how they feel in hand. I love the history behind the blade as well as the culture. but when the world ends, much sobbing and crying will be had as i kiss them goodbye and head out the door with my AK bowie strapped to my hip.
Ak bowies are also great in the kitchen. Not exactly a straight cleaver (ask munk about that one), but great on splitting frozen ribs, quartering chickens, and halving coconuts.

jake
 
Steely_Gunz said:
The AK bowie is my hands down all time favorite HI knife. it's what i fell in love with first and is now my go to knife under most situations. It's a big heavy knife that cuts like and even bigger knife. The AK bowie is so good (for me anyway) that it has stopped me from justifying a cherokee rose
jake
Click to expand...

How does it perform when doing that Brazo's thing Munk is always talking about ;)
 
Gary007 said:
Thanks for the pic, but I sure do prefer the look of the one on their online store.
Click to expand...

Yeah the older ones are more well done from the ones I've seen. Smoother handle and more fullers.
 
AA - thanks for the link. That Bowie was gorgeous. Never saw it before. I'd also never noticed the difference between the old style w/fullers and new ones without. Fullers really make the piece, don't they. Maybe, like all things, they will come around again.
 
If anyone has the old style like the web site let me know and i'll buy it from you.
Thanks,

Roger
 
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