Best traditional bowie under $100

B

Boberama

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So far I've found this Kabar offering:

KB1236.jpg


The blade is a bit small though, only about 7 inches. I'd prefer something 9-10 inches or larger. Winchester offers their big heap bowie but I don't buy cheap stuff like that.

Ontario has the SP10 but it doesn't look like a bowie at all.

I'd like something along the line of the old Steel Laredo Bowie, but cheaper.
 
The Western W49 is my favorite of the available offerings. It's not just a show piece, but a rugged workhorse. Full tang, thick brass guard, proper sheath (swivel and tie down). They're not made any more, but you can find them all over. If you're paying more than $100, you're paying too much.
The SP10 is a really great one... And it certainly does "look like a bowie," it's just all black. A little paint stripper takes care of that.
 
puukkoman said:
The Western W49 is my favorite of the available offerings. It's not just a show piece, but a rugged workhorse. Full tang, thick brass guard, proper sheath (swivel and tie down). They're not made any more, but you can find them all over. If you're paying more than $100, you're paying too much.
The SP10 is a really great one... And it certainly does "look like a bowie," it's just all black. A little paint stripper takes care of that.
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I like the SP10, but I don't like the black paint or the grip.

Would it be possible to make a wooden grip for this knife? Because apart from the black plastic and coating I like it.
 
Boberama said:
Would it be possible to make a wooden grip for this knife? Because apart from the black plastic and coating I like it.
Click to expand...
Of course it would be possible and very doable. Just buy a cheap used one on Ebay or wherever you can. If you're patient your best bet is ebay. As long as the blade isn't beat to hell just strip the black paint off and sand the blade to your liking using progressively finer sandpaper until you get the finish where you like it. Also, just cut the plastic handles off along each side with a hacksaw. It would be easy to get a wood block at that point and make the handle to your liking. All it takes is a little work on your part with a rasp and sandpaper. If you have a belt sander it would be even quicker shaping the wooden handle. You will then have your own "customized" bowie.
 
In that case I'll definitely take a look at the SP-10.

Ideally, though, I'm looking for less "chunky" fighting bowies, something more along the lines of one of those Ontario Bagwells or the Laredo - but cheaper. :P

Any more suggestions? I'd like a blade anywhere from 8.5-12 inches. Full tang.

I thought there would be more offerings out there.
 
While I'm at it, I might as well ask you guys for advice on a decent sheath. I like the looks of Sastre's Southern Comfort sheath, but it's designed to go IWB (although he does offer a belt frog).

Concealment is not allowed here, so what are some other options? Most of the sheaths that come with the cheaper knives are crap. Preferably something as discreet as possible.
 
Somewhere on the forums, there's a thread wherein a member posted photos of an SP10 that he'd modified with a nice wooden handle...
Also, the Southern Comfort sheath is indeed IWB... but that doesn't mean it has to be worn inside one's pants. Just slide it through your belt, outside of your pants. Bowies are a little too long to keep inside yer drawers, anyway.

The SP10 is definitely kinda chunky. I didn't realize you were looking for a "fast" bowie. In that case, you're stuck with one of the more expensive ones, if you want quality. The inexpensive ones are mostly hefty choppers, not nimble "fighters."
For my purposes, though, that's just fine. I don't fight with knives, I use them as tools.
 
@puukkoman

Ideally, I would like a more "lively" bowie than, for example, the W49 or the SP10.

If Ontario was still producing the SP18 that would be almost perfect. However, SP18s are discontinued and almost impossible to find here.

It surprises me that there are few companies who offer the type of knife I'm looking for (at my price range).
 
You aren't looking in the right place. As quick Google search turned up a bunch vendors. For example:

http://www.knifeoutlet.com

In the search box, type in bowie and it will give you about 80 - 90 knives in all kinds of styles and price ranges - three pages worth! Prices from $15 to $500.

Robert
 
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