Bill Bagwell and Big Knives

Loki

Loki

Joined
Mar 23, 2000
Messages
740
I've read through Bagwell's new book with interest. I can see where is ruffled some feathers - he has his opinions. Personally I like big knives. I have an Ontario Hell's Bell and consider it a first rate production big-knife fighter. I also like the stud sheath. I find it amazingly easy to wear/remove and conceal this big knife. The one area that surprised me was Bagwell's favored steel - 1040. Anybody else read the book or have opinions on the Big-Knife fighter.
 
I first became acquainted with Mr. Bagwell when he was writing a regular column for Soldier of Fortune magazine. He is very opinionated and I happen to agree with him on pretty much everything. He has an article in the current SOF and how can you argue with his position that if you are in a knife fight it is a good thing to be able to cut your opponent without getting cut yourself. His position that well balanced longer is better than well balance shorter seems right to me. Through an auction, I have come into possession of all four of the Ontario Bagwell bowies. They are well done knives but I don't think they are good values at full retail. If I had paid over three hundred dollars for the Helles Belle, I would have been disappointed in some of the finish details on the knife. The stud sheath suprised me at how comfortable and user friendly it is. While Mr. Bagwell is a proponent on carrying bowies concealed, at 5'9" tall and about 195 lbs., I can't figure out how to do it and be able to move normally. I guess if I just stood up all the time I could do it. I like big knives and like the Ontario Bagwells alot. They are designed as pure fighters and while I doubt if I will need to carry one routinely, if I do I'll be ready.
 
Most of the articles in the book are reprints of his writings in SOF. I cut my eye teeth on those writings and found myself chuckling out loud while reading the books. Bagwell could really stick it to them! He said some things that needed to be said.

I don't necessarily agree with a few things he says but I can say that I own a half dozen of his knives and they are all awesome.

My favorite is a 6.5 inch fighter/survival which he made that is in contradiction to his small utilty/large fighter concept. His Bowies are second to none.

I talked with Bill about one week ago and he told me that he currently uses 1065 steel for his blades.
 
I read the book a couple months ago and found it very interesting. He is opinionated, but for the most part, I found myself agreeing with him.

As to the 1040, you'd have to ask him. But my guess would be because of the toughness and the shock it can handle. His knives are designed as fighters and fill that requirement first.

Now if I can just get my hands on an Ontario Hell's Belle.

David
 
chemist,

Bill Bagwell's Hells Belle, and the Ontario versions, can definitely be carried concealed quite effectively by a person of your stature. It takes a little experimentation to find the right spots on your person and an understanding that the belt stud sheath is a "floating" system. I'm 5'9", 175lbs, and have no trouble concealing one in all social settings except a hot tub. Considering that most of the year I wear shorts and a t-shirt, this says a heck of a lot for this form of carry.

Mike
 
I played with a Bagwell designed Ontario Stealth, and Hell's Belle, both with River City Southern Comfort sheaths, over the past weekend. Great big honkin' Bowie's for sure, but like most production blades full retail seemed a bit high. Of course after fondling them I had to have one! Opted for the Fortress with the Southern Comfort sheath. Now I'm just anxiously awaiting its delivery!
Regards,
Clyde
 
I enjoyed the articles that Bill Bagwell wrote for Soldier of Fortune, for two reasons. One was they were interesting, and helpful with a little humor in there somewhere. The other is he was the guy that lived 5 miles up the road that wrote an article in my favorite magazine when I was in Jr. High. He modified a Western Bowie into a combat bowie, and had it illustrated in SOF. My dad bought me the Western Bowie, and I planned to have Bill modify it for me, and also have him make me a custom knife. I was young and had other things on my mind, and thought, AWWWW Bill lives up the road, so I can get him to do it anytime. Well, he moved away and I have been sick about that ever since. No custom knife, or modified Bowie.
 
Thanks for the pic XRAYED. I like the bird's head handle on the Gambler. How hard was it to rehandle?

David
 
Im interested in taking a look at Bagwell's book - Whats the title?

Thanks
Red

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"Praise not the day until evening has come;a sword until it is tried; ice until it has been crossed; beer until it has been drunk" - Viking proverb
 
The book title is BOWIES BIG KNIVES and the best of BATTLE BLADES, available from Paladin Press. They are online.
 
That link isn't working at this time -- I know it's late. Maybe they take some time off?



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Asi es la vida

Bugs
 
XRAYED,

Pics still not available - love to see your Bagwells. Heck you're just up the road from me, so maybe we could get together and play a little "I'll show you mine if ....". Email me if you're interested.

Clyde,

Great getting a chance to meet you this last weekend, and better yet, getting a chance to play the river and with a bunch of sharp pointy things. Thanks for the hospitality! We're gonna have to do it again.

SYOTR,
Mike
 
I changed the link so the pic is available.

DRUMMER:

The Ontarios are pretty easy to rehandle. The guards are glued in place and come off with a little torch heat. The fake wood handle cracks off the knife with a few hammer raps.

I remove the obnoxious Ontario markings and then put it all back together with a nice piece of wood.

I am currently rehandling and sheathing a Gamber for a forum member. Should turn out pretty nice.

I have a more detailed pic of my personal Gambler with its new sheath. Email me if you'd like to see it.

Greg
 
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