Black Bear Classic or Ontario/Bagwell?

hardheart

hardheart

Joined
Sep 19, 2001
Messages
8,968
I don't plan on much dueling, so I'd just like to know which is better quality from those who have handled them. As far as pricing, the BBC is smack dab in between the Fortress and Hell's Belle-about 30 bucks either way at one site. This isn't a 'practical-use' buy, just lookin' for another kind of knife to add to the collection.
 
I would get the Cold Steel Black Bear Classic. It IS a classic!
 
the Ontario Hell's Bell is only $190 from toptexknives.com that should be lower that the BBC, very cool and designed as a fighter, plus a classic coffin handle....
 
Correct me if I am wrong, but I think the Ontarios are longer, larger and heavier.

I'd pick the blade that best accords to my "style". I love Filipino blaade work, as well as Japanese blade work. I think Scottish Claymores (the 2 hander swords, NOT basket hilted broadswords) and Viking swords would be too much sword for me. The Ontario might be too much fighting knife for you. I know that a 4" folder is a little long for my girlfriend to manipulate the best, while I only get things around that length.

As far as quality goes, I dunno. But, I have never heard someone complain about their Black Bear on the forums. I can't say the same for Ontarios. Perhaps a search would dig up comments for you to consider.
 
From what I have read, these two knives are very closely matched, both in design and quality. The Bagwell Bowies have gotten good reviews. The Ontario knives one usually sees crticized for poor quality are in the cheaper Spec Plus line.

It is probably just a matter of whether you want the smaller or larger knife. Either would be a good choice.
 
I prefer the Ontario Bagwells, but then I've got a "thing" for Bowies, Bagwell types in particular. I just recently had a Black Bear Classic come through here for a litte Southern Comfort, and was impressed enough with it that I will pick one up soon, after contemplating getting one for a number of years. Since you say you're not getting it for a user, figure out the focus of your collection, then choose accordingly. The Ontarios take you back in time, while the BBC is more modern. Quality on both is good, so you shouldn't be disappointed either way.
 
Think I'll go with the BBC. At least I'll be going with the BBC first. Get a very strong notion that I'll end up with both. This would be easier if I didn't already have a shopping list made up. When is that Publisher's Clearing House truck gonna get here?
 
hardheart, fyi the earlier BBCs were made in Japan while the current BBCs (I think) are made in Taiwan. There was also a double-edged option when I bought mine (Japan version). You may already be aware of these differences but I thought I should mention it just in case since you're looking for a collection piece.
 
I would go with the black bear.They do have a more cost
effective version which is the OSS. The only diff is kraton for grips
and the price $62.00.
 
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