Best production Bowie?

Joss

Joss

Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
7,353
Hi,

What do people feel is the best production bowie out-there? I have an inclination for the Cold Steel Stag Trailmaster myself, although the new Camillius / Fisk is gorgeous too.

Cheers,

JD
 
The blade is only 7.5 inches... I think that's a bit too small for a bowie. In fact, I really like Cold Steel's 9.5 inch blade.

JD
 
Well, now, I have never much liked my Tailmaster. i've generally considered it junk, actually. But, if you want to see a wonderful modern interpretation of a fighting Bowie as opposed to a large camp knife, look at the Ontario version of Bill Bagwell's Hell's Belle. Try this site for a look at one http://www.knifeworks.com/manufacturer.asp?2=1108&1=Go But understand that this is not a knife for chopping kindling or such utility work, this is a fighting knife.

I collect Bowies, have ever since I was a kid, and this is the best modern interpretation of an 1830s fighter that I have seen.

BTW, Roger, down at Lafourche, is wonderful to deal with, very pleasant and very helpful.
 
Originally posted by Joss
The blade is only 7.5 inches... I think that's a bit too small for a bowie.
Click to expand...

I have a Bowie from ABS Master Smith PJ Tomes Tah-Chee Bowie the blade is only 6.5" long. Now you may prefer a bigger knife, but here's at least two Master smiths that are calling their knives Bowies. Do you really want to tell them they're wrong?
:rolleyes:

I have a CS Trailmaster in stag, and it's a great knife, but I'm far more excited about this new Camillus/Fisk Bowie, and it isn't even stag. ;)
 
I would also choose the Cold Steel Trail Master as one of the "best" production Bowies. I also like the SOG Tigershark "Bowie" that I received yesterday in a trade. (It has a 9 inch long, 1/4 inch thick blade.).

Then there is also the Camillus/Western W-49 Bowie, and the discontinued Gerber BMF...:).
 
Originally posted by PhilL
Now you may prefer a bigger knife, but here's at least two Master smiths that are calling their knives Bowies. Do you really want to tell them they're wrong?
Click to expand...

I meant that as: I prefer. I wouldn't risk myself in the debate: what is a true bowie... ;)

JD
 
If we accept the definition of production per the "Custom" forum I guess the Randall's would fit into the picture. You get your choice of 8, 9, 11, and 13" models. Of course they do carry premium prices for a "production" knife.
 
There are some really nice ones but I think I prefer the Camillus/Fisk. I think that the Randall's are great and so are the Ontario Cutlery Bill Bagwell Bowies, but this new Camillus has the look I love in a Bowie.
 
How about the new Fallknivens? Laminated VG-10. Configuration of the blade and guard similar to a Trailmaster. Marbles style stacked leather handle. SOG-like buttcap. Very nice!
 
Originally posted by DancesWithKnives
How about the new Fallknivens?
Click to expand...

Hmm... Where can I see an example? Is that a brand? Also, what is VG10 steel?

Thanks,

JD
 
Click here for a pic and info about the forthcoming Fallkniven bowie.

Fallkniven makes some of the most awesome fixed blades that I have had the pleasure of using.
 
DancesWithKnives is right! I forgot about the new Fallkniven Bowie. That bad-boy looks like it'll be SWEET!.:). It's just about a Cold Steel Trail Master with "better" steel, and a MUCH better grip.

I'm gonna have to get me one of those!.:).
 
For a user factory Bowie you can't go wrong with a Western W-49, or Case Bowie. Both can be found for under $125.00, sometimes a lot less. For higher end Bowie's, the new Camillus Fisk looks SWEET!:D
 
In production Bowies, I've got to ditto Hugh Fuller here.

The Ontario Hell's Belle is IT!

I want one so bad I can taste it.
Awesome knife and as soon as I have some free "toy" money it's the next knife on my list.

The Trailmaster is a darned tough knife, but to me, it's just not a true Bowie.

Of the Randall's, (Sorry, I consider them customs.)
The "Smithsonian" or the "Confederate" would be my choice.
 
OK, OK.......It is a BOWIE knife because the original Maker's last Names was 'Bowie". but could someone tell this Newbie knife man, and someone who JUST started to really get a taste for fixed blades, EXACTLY what a "Bowie" knife is designed for? I hate to show my superior "Dumbness", but I look at the entire bowie knife and just cannot see if it is a specific purpose knife, or a utility "Do it all" knife. ANYONE care to offer an "Educational explanation"?.....Thanks.........wolf:confused:
 
Hi Wolfmann,

The Bowie was designed by Rezin Bowie, who then passed it on to his brother Jim Bowie. The latter Bowie went on to fame for the Vidalia Sandbar fight, and then the Alamo. When one look's at what many believe to be the original Bowie (the Edwin Forrest knife), it looks to be made with an eye toward's defense first( light, and fast), while utility is second. The larger, heavier designs came about in the late 1800s, early 1900s. That style's popularity seemed to "boom" after Thorpe's book "Bowie Knife" was published, and the film "The Iron Mistress" came out.

Hope this help's a bit:D !!!!!!!!
 
(This is all IMHO, take it or leave it)

Another way of looking at it, is that a "Bowie knife" is any knife designed to be used with a certain fighting style.

A good bowie knife should have all of the following;

1. A good false edge
2. Long heavy blade
3. Spanish Notch
4. Large Quillions with trapping capability and good hand protection
5. Good grip that is secure in the hand even during "loose" grip movements.

Not all Bowies have all these features but all knives that have all of these features are Bowies.

(Did you follow that last sentence?)
;)

A good Bowie is an excellent thrusting blade, an equally excellent cutter, and with the heavy blade and false edge, (preferably a shallow clip point) excellent for back cuts and snap cuts.


Okay guys, what did I miss?
 
Hi Ken,

I agree with most of what you wrote,just relating what I've read. To me, a Bowie should be like the Swiss Army knife of fixed blade's. It should be able to handle many job's, although it may not be the best tool for the job IMHO :) .
 
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