Any Resident Bowie Enthusiasts On The Forum?

Drdan

Drdan

Joined
Dec 24, 2003
Messages
1,390
I'd like to purchase a high performance custom made forged steel Bowie, and I've been doing a bit of research on the Internet... Seems like this is a favorite of many well known bladesmiths. I've come across some very nicely designed knives, that are super well finished and fit. There are a lot of really talented knifemakers in the U.S.!

Can anyone steer me to a proverbial "top 10" list of contemporary Bowie makers, especially those known for producing high performance forged steel blades? I don't want a stock removal art knife, and the cost is not an issue.

Thanks! :)

By the way, the Burt Foster "S guard" featured on Mr. B.E.'s avatar is the shape and style I personally admire the most... :eek:
 
Drdan,

Check out this site:
http://www.knifeart.com/

There are too many excellent Bowie makers in the U.S. for me to decide who is in the top 10. Two names that pop into my head right now are Bill Bagwell and John Fitch. The wait time on a knife from a top maker is probably a year or more. Unfortunately I am at work and I have more info at home. I will look more when I get home.

Some of the top makers show up at Blade. A few compete in the cutting contest. I posted pics from last year's show on the forum.
 
No expert here, but some I like are:

John Fitch
Steve Filicietti (Australia)
Bruce Evans
Bill Buxton


Steve
 
Dan Whatsisname has been known to hammer out a halfway decent blade from time to time :D
 
Wow -- way too many to list (that's a good thing though) Kevin Cashen, Fitch, Jason Knight, Burton (like you mentioned), Bill Buxton, Nick Wheeler, Roger Massey, Bailey Bradshaw, Brett Gaitlin (sp?) and many, many more.

A couple of "newcomers" and BFC members you might want to check in on that have been making some awesome bowies are Jason Cutter and Matt Roberts (known as "longrifle").

Good luck and happy hunting!
 
For a really remarkable damascus Bowie, you may want to consider Petersen's "No Sweat" Forge out of Selina, Utah....doesn't advertise that I've seen, just word of mouth. I have four pieces by this guy including two Bowies. Simply outstanding work!
 
Bri in Chi said:
Does No Sweat Forge have a website?
Click to expand...

Don't think so, but he was featured in Blade magazine a couple years ago...All four of the pieces I own of his, I obtained from a dealer friend of Petersen's at the Indy 1500, a large gun show in Indianapolis. That gentleman is from northern Indiana near Chicago, but I've misplaced his card. Sorry I can't be of more help this minute.... :(
 
The knowledge around HI forum amazes me. Just when I think everything is ho hum...

Attention all you Bowie Folks: How does the Cherokee Rose stack up against the competition?


It is impossible for any red blooded American Son grown to age in the 50's or 60's not to admire the Bowie Knife. Even Walt Disney contributed to the legend.



munk
 
I notice Burchtree has a 'Eastern Bowie' on display from his link. I've read in Bladeforums that style was very common in the US at one time.
I like simple, elegant tools such as that.



munk
 
Thanks for the nod Michael :), your knives aren't so shabby either :).

My favorite bowie makers are Fitch, Crowell, Hudson, and Primos. Check out some of the ABS guys, also take a look at the "Custom" forum, lots of great stuff.

Give us an idea of what you want to spend, that will make the decision easier (or maybe harder ;)).

Matt
 
You rang?
Contact Burt :) burtfoster.com ... he's underpriced in my book. And he makes "blue collar" working knives if you want a high performance knife without the bells and whistles that just look purty... I ordered one myself! On Burt's site is a great photo session of a camp knife put to the test, his knives really perform well.
Brett Gatlin is also underpriced. I have one of his Bowies that I take hiking, it performs quite well.
Terry Primos, Nick Wheeler, Kevin Cashen, Ed Caffrey, and Bailey Bradshaw are some of my other favorites.
Michael Burch also makes a fine knife :)
I have a Cherokee Rose as well- with Yvsa's convex edge. I haven't put her to the test yet though, my AK Bowie has been doing chop duty.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions. :)

It's incredible how many knifemakers are capable of making a quality Bowie. I'll be shooting for a 9.5" -- 10" mono steel blade, perhaps the edge differentially hardened with clay, a simple guard, and an anatomical handle. If the fit and finish is outstanding, so much the better...

It's fun doing the research... The only thing that is a bit difficult is the waiting period on custom knives. :grumpy: Hopefully, I can find something I like already made and waiting for a home. :)

Bri in Chi... Whatsisname might be a good choice. I know he's putting a lot of time into everything he does so as to get his foot in the door. If he'd stay away from the forums, he'd be able to get some work done. :D :footinmou
 
Hello all,
Been awhile since I've checked in here. I'll second the compliments for Longrifle--I have a couple of his knives and they're excellent in every sense.

I also have to throw you this option: J. Neilson (another BF maker) made me this variation of his "Beast Bowie" with the forging marks left on. Differentially tempered and 3/8" thick at the spine. Seems very much at home with my khukuries:)

bowie%20beast%20redwood-brass.JPG


I like it. ;)

Warren
 
You might take a look at This discussion in the archives if you haven't already. Joe Flournoy is from teh same part of Arkansas that I grew up in. Nice guy. Note th is discussionis 2 years old.
 
Mr.BadExample said:
That's real nice Warren, I have the straight-handled version :)
Click to expand...

Cool! There are a total of three, I think. Is yours the ebony (or black micarta) handled version or the ironwood?
 
There is absolutely nothing that can compare with a beautiful well made Bowie. I love 'em, have always loved 'em and will always love 'em!!!! :D

But some more than others, like my khuk's I prefer the fat, wide bladed Bowies.
The Southern and Southwestern Style's is generally my favorites but every once in a while one from another locale will ring my chimes.

I got too lovingly hold one of the Ontario made Bagwell Helles Belles at a gun and knife show once and fell quite in love with it in spite of its skinny blade.
If they were made with a hard edge and a differently hardened blade I would have got my wallet out and paid fer the slut without a second thought.
It's a good thing my Barbie isn't jealous of my knives.;)
 
t1mpani said:
Cool! There are a total of three, I think. Is yours the ebony (or black micarta) handled version or the ironwood?
Click to expand...
Ironwood- I think mine is second, before he started making the curved handle.

The Helle's Belle is one hell of a knife. Bagwell knows his Bowies...
 
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