Michael Janich
Moderator
- Joined
- Jan 16, 2002
- Messages
- 257
We recently received the sad news that custom knifemaker Bill Bagwell has passed away.
Bagwell's lifelong passion for knives began at age 10, when he made his first knife from an old saw. He began forging knives in his high school industrial arts shop and by age 15 he was regularly smithing hunting and Bowie Knives as a hobby. In college, he began selling his handmade knives and became a full-time professional bladesmith in 1969.
One of the pioneers of forge-welded Damascus steel in the United States, Bill completed his first Damascus blade in late 1973. In early 1976, along with the late Don Hastings, B.R. Hughes, and Bill Moran, Bagwell became one of the founding members of the American Bladesmith Society and wrote the original charter for that organization. He also served as the society's first secretary and was on its first board of directors.
Best known for his iconic Bowie Knife designs, Bagwell was also an avid historian and researcher of the combative use of edged weapons and wrote prolifically about them for Soldier of Fortune magazine's "Battle Blades" column. His writings later formed the basis of the Paladin Press book "Bowies, Big Knives, and the Best of Battle Blades."
Although outspoken and very opinionated, Bagwell's skills as a bladesmith and contributions to the knife community are undeniable. He leaves behind a strong and lasting legacy. Our deepest condolences to his family and all who knew him on your loss. Rest in peace, Bill.
Stay safe,
Mike
Bagwell's lifelong passion for knives began at age 10, when he made his first knife from an old saw. He began forging knives in his high school industrial arts shop and by age 15 he was regularly smithing hunting and Bowie Knives as a hobby. In college, he began selling his handmade knives and became a full-time professional bladesmith in 1969.
One of the pioneers of forge-welded Damascus steel in the United States, Bill completed his first Damascus blade in late 1973. In early 1976, along with the late Don Hastings, B.R. Hughes, and Bill Moran, Bagwell became one of the founding members of the American Bladesmith Society and wrote the original charter for that organization. He also served as the society's first secretary and was on its first board of directors.
Best known for his iconic Bowie Knife designs, Bagwell was also an avid historian and researcher of the combative use of edged weapons and wrote prolifically about them for Soldier of Fortune magazine's "Battle Blades" column. His writings later formed the basis of the Paladin Press book "Bowies, Big Knives, and the Best of Battle Blades."
Although outspoken and very opinionated, Bagwell's skills as a bladesmith and contributions to the knife community are undeniable. He leaves behind a strong and lasting legacy. Our deepest condolences to his family and all who knew him on your loss. Rest in peace, Bill.
Stay safe,
Mike
