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Best Value Carbon-Steel Bowie?

Yosemite Sam

Yosemite Sam

Joined
Dec 17, 2001
Messages
1,055
Yet another value judgement topic.

What would you say is the best value in a carbon steel Bowie? I want a new Bowie to replace the department store junk I've had for years, and don't want to spend more than $150-200, less if I can. I've found some things I could live with (Pumas, Solingen Linders, etc) but they're all A440 stainless. I'd prefer a good carbon steel. And I prefer bone or stag handles. Is there anything out there in my price range, or should I just go for a stainless blade and be done with it?

-- PG
 
I am a big fan of carbon steel fixed blades, I have quite a few. As far as "Bowie" goes, that is a broad term. There are a lot of fans of Ranger knives here, to the point where a Ranger will be one of my next purchases. Of the ones I already own and love, the Swamp Rat Battle Rat is one of my fave's, the only thing I don't like about it is the large choil. Becker BK9, Ontario SP6, Cold Steel Recon Scout/Trailmaster, Becker BK7, Bark River, Cold Steel SRK, Kabar heavy bowie, all great knives.
 
PG,
Check out some of the SOG Bowies; great knives with OK sheaths. You can find them all over the net for $150.00-$200.00. I have one, and have been very happy with it.

Good luck, Michael
 
As far as "Bowie" goes, that is a broad term.
Click to expand...
Yes it is, let me clarify: What I want is smaller than by some people's standards: 6-3/8 to 7-1/2". Classic clip blade. I want to go more for the traditional/western look with stag or bone rather than wood or leather. I'm not really interested in "tactical". That said, the SOG Recon Bowie does have a special place in my heart, too (well, hopefully not literally :-)).

I'd really like a nice Damascus, stag, and brass knife, but I'm not that rich!

-- Sam
 
Check out the Bark River Teddys at DLT:
http://www.dlttradingcompany.com/index.php?cPath=24_245_246

A2 steel, about 6", traditional handle materials (or modern, your choice), around $200.

The link will take you to one version of the Teddy - click around there, and you'll find other Bark River bowies available, and some other brands. It just seemed that the Teddy was closest to what you described.:)
 
This only has a 6 in blade, but something like this? Case Kodiak.
irawoodinc_1899_248529471
 
Does the knife have to be new? There are plenty of carbon bowies in great condition that show up on ebay. The search is half the fun.
-Mark
 
Bark River has a couple of bowies that'll fit your description, the Teddy and the Rogue. Their knives come in a variety of handle materials, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding one you like.

Blackjack Knives also has their version of the Randall 1-7. They are available in both stag and bone, so you might want to give that a look.
 
Northwoods makes a 1095 and stag 'cowboy' bowie.
vintageknives.com has them.
disclaimer:
I haven't seen one in person but the pix look good.
Haven't dealt with vintage, but haven't read anything bad about them either.
 
Have a look at new BlackJack Randall clones (made by BR I think from 1095), check New Grapham.

Thanks, Vassili.

I am very happy with Samurai Bowie by G-Sakai from SRS-15, but it is bit bigger, bit pricly then you are looking for.
 
http://newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=5121

This would be one I'd consider.

You might also have a look at the Cold Steel Trail Master Bowie in Carbon V and perhaps even the Recon Scout. I've had a RS and its a pretty good knife for about $100 plus or minus if you shop around.

Swamp Rat may have something close enough to qualify too and I'd sure recommend one of those. It may not be a traditional Bowie but it will do a lot of the same work.

STR
 
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