Any recommendations on good bowie books?

Keith Montgomery

Keith Montgomery

Joined
May 9, 2000
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I asked this over in the Blade Discussion Forum, but I would like to get some nice books on bowies. Preferably hard cover and with lots of nice pictures. I will be getting Bill Bagwell's book, Bowies, Big Knives and Battle Blades, but would like to know if there are others that I should get.

Thanks.
 
My favorite is the Antique Bowie Knife Book, but it is tough to find and kinda pricey. (Bill Adams)
 
Thanks Gus, I will take a look for it. Price is not the main consideration. I just want some nice books on what has once again become my favorite knife style. As a kid bowies were the knives i dreamed of owning and I am now starting to fulfil that dream. Along with getting some of these great knives, I want to learn as much as I can about them.
 
Keith, I hope you end up finding one. I feel (as do many others) that it is an invaluable Bowie ref. I have a friend who contributes here to thank for mine. It is over 400 pages of the finest antique bowies in existance. Many makers refer to it for inspiration. I know more than one who keeps it on their night-stand.

If I hear of one available I will touch base with you.
 
I second the Antique Bowie Knife Book. It is an outstanding reference with excellent photography. The knives it showcase provides a basis for modern custom Bowie knives.

I have seen the Antique Bowie Knife Book for sale at Atlanta Cutlery (product no. 7-210) listed for $345.00. As far as I know, it is the only source for a new book. I have seen some of the first editions and leather bound editions going for more than $350.00. At 345.00 it seems like a fair market price. I feel it is a "lifetime" knife book that you will treasure forever. http://www.atlantacutlery.com/

Mark Zalesky, Editor, at Knife World Books may be able to help you obtain other out-of-print Bowie books. http://www.knifeworld.com

Also, if you are ever in Little Rock, Arkansas the 'Historic Arkansas Museum' has an outstanding display of both Antique Bowies and modern Master Smith Bowies. http://www.arkansashistory.com/

Hope this helps.

Happy New Year!

Larry Connelley
 
I agree with Larry. Three fourty five is a fair price on this book. I have seen them sell for 400 and above on two occasions (not to me :D). Larry gives some great leads. Atlanta Cutler used to be owned by one of the authors and Mark is one heck of a person to get to know in many aspects.
 
Preferably hard cover and with lots of nice pictures. I will be getting Bill Bagwell's book, Bowies, Big Knives and Battle Blades, but would like to know if there are others that I should get.
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Keith if you like pictures try Weyers Knives Points of Intrest.Book 4 has a chapter on California bowies.Another book that has'nt got much press is "Hand-Crafted Knives"Masterpieces by American Knifemakers by Roberto Allara and Silvano G.Mapelli.Its not so much on bowies but its got great pictures of knives by Loveless,S.R.Johnson,Schmidt.D.F.Kressler,Lake,Horn,Pachi,ect.
 
Robb, I love the Weyer books. They are definitely eye candy. Thanks for the recommendations. At this time I am looking to pick up a couple of books on bowies and after that I want to finish the Hrisoulas trilogy (still have to get the one on pattern welding). After that Knives of Interest 4 looks to be a good bet.
 
Keith I just picked up "A Sure Defence" by Kenneth J. Burton, out of print but has some photos not seen in other books. Madison Grant and Gordon Minnis also have some great books, I can not find them right now, but will include references when I come across them again. Also the Book By Moran, Palmer and Phillips is a good one to have. Teh lofks at Northwest Knives and Collectibles are also an excellent source.
 
Thanks Ed, I will look for books by these authors.

By the way, I just wanted you to know that it was reading your article on the Irom Mistress that got the fires really burning in me to learn as much as I can about Jim and Rezin Bowie and about the bowie knife itself. I know it is not the most practical shape for a knife, but somehow that doesn't matter to me at all.
 
Your Welcome Keith: There is also the Antique Bowie Association who publish some journals, those that I have seen are all good reading. The folks at Knife World will have information on the assiciation.

When I find my box of Bowie Books I will send you the informatin on them.

There is something about Bowies that put them in a special class. They are American in birth, though many aspects of their design are seen in early knives form other countries. When making them the maker, at lease I, finds a different mind set. Lines, curves, grace, specialized function and more come to life.

I was working on a special Bowie tinight, a tape that had the theme from 'The Good Bad and the Ugly" was playing. I turned it up loud and the Bowie came to life quick with emphasis.

The book "A Sure Defense" has some Bowies that are especially spectacular, from places like Germany, and others I can't recall right now. England and America weren't the only places to get into the Bowie syndrome.
 
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