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Bagwell Bowies from Ontario Knives

G

Gypsy

Joined
Aug 9, 2000
Messages
43
I am a new member and hope this posting works. Does anyony know if the only source for the Bagwell Bowies is Ontario Knives? Does Bagwell himself have a shop where they are hand made? Any other info on these knives would be appreciated.

Thanks

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You bet there's handmade Bagwells! They're hand-forged versus stock removal and prices are HIGH, about $900 for the Hell's Belle as I recall from a bit over a year ago.

Hmmm...anybody know Bagwell's URL?

(Sidenote: the Ontarios are pretty good. I've handled a Gambler and a Hell's Belle, balance is simply excellent for a big quick Bowie. The handmades are reputed to be pure sex in steel
biggrin.gif
.)

Jim
 
I got to handle a handmade Belle at the BLADE show in Atlanta last year. Unfortunately, I can't remember the owner's name--hope he forgives me. We were in the restaurant after the show had closed, discussing what knives were good for concealed carry so as not to freak people out, when this gentlemen whips out a Hell's Belle from where it had been concealed under shorts and a photographer's vest.
"This is the knife I like to carry concealed."

It was beautiful, and it felt like magic in the hand. But I couldn't tell much difference between it and the Ontario. Maybe if I were a bit less of a rookie or I'd held them side by side. I could tell the finish was slightly nicer, of course. If you're a beginner like me, get the Ontario. They're great deals for what how close you get to the "real thing."
 
The Ontario ones are great, handled once, it's simply amazing, very good deal for the price compare to the customs.
I think if you do a search, there are some comparison tests done by Sing, very comprehensive. Wish this will help.
 
If you dont count the fact that the Ontario versions are made of junk steel(?), maybe they are a good deal. Its my understanding that the steel used is supposed to be 440C that is purposely left a little softer(like under 55 rockwell) so that they are more durable. Wouldnt that pretty much eliminate any edge holding potential? If I am wrong, please correct me, but I thought 440C needed to be pretty hard to be considered a good steel.

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Danbo, soul brother of Rambo
 
It's a fighting knife, toughness is more important than edge holding. I don't know the exact HC, but i don't think it's that low.
 
Actually, I think the RC is only 52-53. So yes it's "soft" but are these really utility / high use knives? For a fighting knife this should do just fine. I for one would have preferred that Ontario used 5160 - that would have given us toughness with a harder edge. But then stainless sells better so there you have it.
 
I believe I read that Ontario is using a "proprietary" steel; QS-13 (or something like that). While this might just be modified 440C, I don't know, however I would second people's comments that edgeholding in a fighter is one of its least important attributes.
 
QUOTE]Originally posted by Gypsy:
I am a new member and hope this posting works. Does anyony know if the only source for the Bagwell Bowies is Ontario Knives? Does Bagwell himself have a shop where they are hand made? Any other info on these knives would be appreciated.

Thanks
I am not sure if I'm doing this reply correctly but lets see anyway......

I found out that the Ontario Bowies are QS13 proprietary steel, 53-55 RC and start out at .25 + thickness. I think the blades favor tuffness over edge holding. I don't know what the QS13 steel's characteristics are. Can anyone help?

Thanks for the replies and I think this site is great!! I'll get the hang of it eventually.
[/QUOTE]

 
The Ontario Bagwells may start at .25" at the spine, but they're a full flat grind plus there's a secondary spine bevel out near the tip.

Meaning, total blade metal content is a LOT lower than a lot of other 1/4" stock blades. Mad Dog does a similar type of grind, so does Ernie Mayer, both famous for nice "big yet light and fast" Bowie types.

In other words, the Ontario Bagwells are the lowest-price "lightweight yet big fighting Bowies" available. If you favor this sort of thing but want better steel BUT can't afford a $900 Bagwell or Mad Dog, I would highly recommend taking a look at Ernie Mayer's stuff (Black Cloud Cutlery). A 9" range stock-removal blade in ATS34 with his GREAT heat-treat or a D2 piece will probably sell in the $350 - $500 range...more than Ontario, but still good prices for handground.

A Bill Bagwell, Ernie Mayer or Mad Dog can do camp chores and such. An Ontario can't, not with steel that soft. But the Ontarios are still damned good "streetfighters"
smile.gif
.

Jim
 
I've bought several handmade Bagwells (with beautiful damascus blades, though the grinds leave something to be desired) from Northwest Knives at reasonable prices. He's one of the pioneers of modern fighting knives.
 
I picked up one of the Hell's Belle bowies and the edge wasn't as sharp as I normally like, it took a while to knock down the bevel slighly and put on the razor sharp edge, seemed to take an edge pretty well and she's sharp. Didn't seem too soft when I was using my stones.

It is one heck of a bowie knife though! Light and balanced well. Blade balances right at the front of the guard.

G2

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"The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions!"
Take the time to read your Bible Now, don't be left behind...

G2 LeatherWorks
 
I read a long while back in an interview with Bill Bagwell that he did not think very highly of stainless steels in general but the proprietary QS13 steel being used in the Ontario/Bagwell Series was the closest steel to his own forgings in terms of performance that he had seen yet on a FIGHTING Bowie.

As far as edge retention goes, how long do you need a razor sharp edge to stay razor sharp in a knife fight? My guess would be till the fightin's done. A very few moments at most. After that, if you were so fortunate as to survive the fight and were able to walk away with your Bowie intact, you would naturally want to clean the sh!t and blood and other various bodily fluids and tissue residue off of it and maybe put a razor edge back on it.
Ya think?:/

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The individualist without strategy who takes opponents lightly will inevitably become the captive of others.
Sun Tzu
 
That's why I consider ATS34 (or it's 154CM cousin) the highest grade steel I'd ever need in a "streetfighter". When the Sifu ships in D2-M I'll probably get one so I can retire SN1 intact but that's really just for "grins'n'giggles" over an ATS34 piece.

Jim
 
With the Ontario Bagwells we're talking effective performance and "bang for the buck". The basic idea behind the project was to give the public an excellently designed fighting Bowie at less than custom prices. After ironing out the first few bugs, they have succeeded admirely. The Hell's Belle Bowie coupled with some fairly easily learned and maintained techniques gives you a lot of advantages you don't have with other knives. For the techniques, check out Comtech's ABC video series. If you are serious about getting a custom Bagwell call Bill at (318) 878-8435.

Gwinny, you're forgiven!
smile.gif


Mike
 
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