Best Bowie user for $120 or less shipped?

C

ChapmanPreferred

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Oct 7, 2006
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Greetings good folks of the WS&S,

I received a phone call today from my nephew (age 10) who wanted to know what bowie design would be best that he could afford ($100-120 shipped). I gave him six options that were anywhere from Condor to Cold Steel.

His inspiration was the Cold Steel Laredo Bowie.

What options would the collective WS&S suggest? He is set on getting a bowie design so please keep that in mind. He even turned down the BK9 because it was not in the traditional pattern. He's a cool kid!

Thanks to one and all.

Sincerely,

Doug
 
A bowie at 10 and having $120 to spend on something? I wish I was that lucky at his age! LOL
 
You might want to keep an eye on ebay for a Western bowie. They were made by Camillus and very nice for traditional style knives.
 
What length? a 10yr old's hand would likely be too small for a Becker anyway. Not sure what you can find a CS Recon Scout for these days, but the handle would work well for smaller hands, The guard just sucks and of course it's not full tang.
 
Get him a Cold Steel Bowie machete. The 12 in. model is a great intro to the bowie style and a pretty good tool. They are discontinued but are still available on line. Plus he can use the money he saved on a good pack or other woodsbumming supplies so he can go out with his uncle and learn a thing or two. :D
 
Rupestris said:
You might want to keep an eye on ebay for a Western bowie. They were made by Camillus and very nice for traditional style knives.
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This. It's strong and can take a beating that a ten year old will give it. The shape is also good for general woods work. I'd also check out some of the older 1990's Marble's(Ideal or Trailmaker) or BRKT designs. I haven't run prices, but you could probably find one in that range with a little looking.

It might be best to take the boy to a gun or knife show and have him actually handle the knives. When you're young, lots of designs seem awesome, then you get them in hand and realize they suck.

Just an opinion:).
 
I'd agree with the Buck 119, very good knife and mine has served me well! I would say a becker BK7 but the handles grip might be a little on the large side for a child.
 
I would get him the Cheaper Than Dirt Rough Use Bowie. He would save a bunch of money and have a pretty tough knife to use. For $17.00 shipped he could put the rest in his savings account.
 
Windlass steel, look at ACC (Atlanta Cutlery Co.) They have a ton of large, great looking functional, classically styled bowies for under $100

If he likes the Laredo, he will almost certainly see some bowies he likes from those guys, and they are very affordable.
 
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If you really want to do him a solid, the Scrapyard Regulator is due to be released shortly:D The profile is pretty traditional (though the Res-C handle isn't), but it's sure to be something that'll last him a long, long time! And, no matter what he does to it, it's got a great warranty:thumbup:
 
I don't have a specific recommendation for you, but am only chiming in to give kudos to your nephew for saving to buy something decent. Personally I would advise against getting something cheap or low quality. Many seem to think he should be getting a "starter" knife or something, but here's my reasoning.
He's at an age where he will be forming lots of fond childhood memories, and it sounds like that knife will play a big part in them. Someday he'll probably be sitting in an office, wishing he could get back out to the woods for an adventure like he did all the time when he was a kid. And now and then he'll get that knife out, longing to have those days back. Don't let that cherished momento be some Pakistani POS. Make sure it's something he can still appreciate and use even as his knowledge grows, and would still serve him well if he decides to relive those memories.
 
I would also look into the Crowell Barker competition knife. It is bowie'esq. There have been many good reviews on the net.
 
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