Bladeforums - Best Bowie 2007

Hi Jose -- kewl that you were able to post that Pendray. I was just posting 7 new knives I had obtained since arriving back at home in September of this year for folks to see. Some they will know of course but it is still fun to show them again.

Lets see what I can add.

How about this Rodrigo Sfreedo

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or this one by Rodrigo also

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The Ron Frazier was not made in 2007 but first time posted in BF as far as I'm aware

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This by Jerry Rados was made in 2007

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and how about this by Dan Farr? very unique with the inlay work

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Craig Camerer who will be at next years Jerry Fisk Micro show

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Cowboy Bowie by Tommy Gann

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think I'd better quit. This is a fun thread and we are getting to view some amazing knives.
 
Ah, I see a couple I like but too late. I'm stubborn and already laid my cards on the table. Is it Midnight yet?

RogerP:

Did you get my tally on post #98?
 
... for worthy entries..

Don Hanson III award winner
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Next three: Oooops~! I really didn't remember well, and I had posted these back on the first page. My bad. Not trying to confuse the entries, but I did. :(

JD Smith
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Jay Hendrickson
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Twin Blades
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2008 has a lot of momentum

Coop
 
Didn't you post the above earlier in the thread :confused:

Excellent examples. There's a lot of work in that Hendrickson handle.

The JD Smith sheath is a work of art in itself.
 
More of a large fighter (10" blade length) than a bowie, but still Walter agreed its one of his finest pieces.

BREND.jpg
 
Okay gents, we are now closed to additional entries - let the selection of finalists begin!

First of all, let me extend a big thank you to all of you. There are close to 70 bowies by my quick count - and as impressive an array as anyone could conceive. Bowie heaven is here - and nobody had to die to get here. These knives are all winners and reflect brilliantly the depth and breadth of talent among custom makers who produce this style of knife. Thanks again.

The fun continues with what I think will be the hardest part - narrowing it down to five finalists.

Just to recap:

1) Each member may submit up to 7 suggested finalists. You don't have to submit as many as 7, but don't submit any more than 7. Please take your time to carefully review all the knives - a bumber crop of fine blades were added over the last few pages.

2) Please include the post number where your selected knife can be found - this will help clear up any uncertainty in the case where there are multiple knives by a given maker among the initial entries. Or in the case where the a photograph of the same knife appears in more than one post.

3) Still be as specific as you can in your description of the selected knife.

4) Please feel free to include a few words about what appeals to you about any given selection.

5) When all votes are in, we add up the numbers (each time a knife is put forward by someone as a finalist, that effectively counts as one vote for that knife) and the top 5 will be voted on by polll in a new thread.

Roger

PS - Culpeper has let me know that his earlier entry stands as his final selection, so he will kick off the process:


Culpeper said:
1. Post #1 Russ Andrews, JS - ginormous mammoth ivory S-guard, owned by Keith Montgomery.
Excellent fighting knife reminiscent of the Civil War pieces.
http://www.fototime.com/C4D6A7CFF094043/orig.jpg

2. Post #3 BFB - Andrews, Farr, Fisk & Foster!
A beautiful and charitable mindset of this forum not to mention it is a lethal fighting Bowie style.
http://homepage.mac.com/farflungfos...um Pictures/Image and Design/BFBowie02-ww.jpg

3. Post #5 Mace Vitale
Fighter! Quality! Craftmanship! No Hype.
http://www.fototime.com/9D4471EDEA03ED4/orig.jpg

4. Post #5 Jason Knight
Fighter! Quality! Craftmanship! No Hype.
http://www.fototime.com/059D27A4366FEB0/orig.jpg

Note: Honorable Mention Only....Post #5 Jay Hendrickson
To be killed by a beautiful fighting Bowie. Except no substitute.
http://www.fototime.com/EF889E20EECE37E/orig.jpg

5. Post #6 E.R. Andrews II
James Bowie would approve. This is of the Bowie Bros. taste in a fighting knife. Bona Fide.
http://www.fototime.com/72A83C41BFC5760/orig.jpg

6. Post #12 D. Brock Texan/Tejano Period Bowie (Musso)
Get off your horse, dust yourself off, tell the blacksmith what you want, go to the saloon, get drunk. What legends were made of.
http://www.myculpeper.com/photos/Joe-B.jpg

7. Post #14 Bagwell, stag bowie with two sheaths
Now, this is a modern day Bowie. Protect, Defend, Survive, and Put Food on the Table.
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa302/jparanee/bowie003.jpg
Click to expand...

Okay gents - lets have your picks!
 
It wasn't easy but here are my picks (in random order):

Andrews post #1
Bradshaw post #1
BF Bowie post #3
Hanson post # 7
Sfreddo post # 27
Hanson post # 103
Smith post # 103

Marcel
 
My selections are as follows (in no particular order):

1) Post #1 - Russ Andrews S-guard. Add together how many times I picked that knife up at the Chicago show and I probably had it in hand for a couple hours. Like everyone else who did the same, I was amazed at how fast and well-balanced this was for such a large blade. Not even Coop's significant talent can show you just how perfect the fiish is on that long carbon steel blade. The fittings are just outstanding - how often do you see a single, solid piece of mammoth tusk for a handle? And the dramatic S-guard with the lovely carved clamshell complete a truly memorable knife.

2) Post #1 - Burt Foster Laminate. I've been at this collecting thing for a while - always with an emphasis on the larger blades. It's not often that I am literally blown away by a knife - but one this knocked my socks so farr off that you'll probably find them somewhere in Texas. A visually striking, technically difficult and functionally beneficial combination of stainless and carbon steels give the knife a singular "Wow!" factor. And the premium mammoth and damascus fittings don't hurt, either. It's not uncommon for someone to call dibs on a knife I post, but the lineup that formed behind this piece was unprecedented.

3) Post 25 - Rodrigo Sfreddo Maple Leaf Integral. This guy has a boatload of talent and is turning out some truly innovative designs. This piece is a shining example, getting my nod for it's crisp lines and striking inlayed maple leaves. If you've ever had the opportunity to hold one of these in hand and marvel at the forged integral double-guard, you'll know why this model is such a hit among collectors. (I want dibs on this piece!)

4) Post 31 - Harvey Dean Damascus and Ivory. Easily one of the most stunning patterns to hit the scene in recent memory. That blade looks like it's going a hundred miles an hour, standing still. And all set against one of the best large fighter designs that exist today. I haven't seen this particular knife, but knowing Harvey's work well, I am sure it is immaculate in all respects.

5) Post 41 -Jerry Fisk Persian. The picture says it all. This is easily in my top 5 Fisks of all time - maybe top 3. That alone gets it into my final group. An heirloom quality piece, for sure.

6) Post 1 - Nick Wheeler Blackwood Southwest. "The best" needn't be the most lavish or embellished. There is something to be said for clean, crisp lines that speak for themselves, and a broad perfectly-finished carbon steel blade that provides no place for even the smallest blemish to hide. This is another one that surprises with its quickness and superbly-balanced feel. If I had to grab one knife to confront the screaming hordes, it would likely be this one.

7) Post 5 - Don Hanson III "Sinistre". Such flowing lines the knife almost looks liquid. A more elegant piece you will not see anywhere.

Roger
 
My selections would probably differ if I had the opportunity to handle the knives like many of you, but FWIW based solely on eye appeal:

1) Dean - #31 Feather Damascus w/gold inlay and engraving
2) Fisk - #83 Ladder Damascus and stag
3) SFreddo - #181 Damascus stag integral
4) Burt Foster - #1 Stainless over carbon
5) Ruth - #81
6) Siiska - #2
7) Hancock #3

Peter
 
Okay, here are my official picks. A bit different than my original choices but instead of trying to judge the blades by artistic merit and so forth I'm just going to list the 7 knives in this thread I would pick if I could add them to my collection.

1. Foster San Mai, #1
2. Cashen, #6
3. Fogg, #6
4. Dean, #31
5. Fisk, #83
6. Pendray, #99
7. Fowler, #99

Riad's Fowler double grind is a bit nicer but I couldn't find a photo in time.

Thanks for your contributions, Murray! I'll trade you a slightly worn kidney for that Pendray any time you want... :thumbup::D
 
This is very hard by pics alone. I did not chose any of the one's I posted. Thought that would be bad taste. So here it goes just by eye appeal and personal taste

1) post 31 Dean El Diablo

2) post 4 Dean El Diablo

3) post 83 Fisk Stag damascus

4) post 25 Andrews stag Damascus

5) post 1 Neely Stag Carbon

Again these are the knives that I would want to carry and use. Some others are definately more eye popping but I made my choices on what caught my eye in a bowie not an art knife. If I did not submit my Bagwell's I might have thrown one of them in there to . thanks guys this is fun


jp
 
Jose Reyes said:
Okay, here are my official picks. A bit different than my original choices but instead of trying to judge the blades by artistic merit and so forth I'm just going to list the 7 knives in this thread I would pick if I could add them to my collection.
Click to expand...

JParanee said:
Again these are the knives that I would want to carry and use. Some others are definately more eye popping but I made my choices on what caught my eye in a bowie not an art knife.
Click to expand...

Different people will have different sets of scales by which they judge "the best" - that's what is going to be interesting about the selections. Thanks for sharing this with us.

Roger

PS - There is nothing wrong in terms of voting with selecting a knife you posted. Everyone gets to pick up to 7 from this large, diverse and drool-worthy pool of knives, including the ones they posted. Vote as you choose, but please don't feel constrained to avoid the knives you put forward. You put them forward for a reason.
 
Thanks Roger then I would like to bring forward that makes 7
Post #14

6) Bagwell stag and Damascus Hell's Belle

7) Bagwell stag and carbon

jp
 
Thats how I determine the best. Difficult to judge from a distance, but with the excellent photographers here and familiarity with the makers work, here are my top pics:

Fisk Persian #41
Hancock #3
Foster #1
Brend #105
Bagwell damascus hells belle #14
Hanson 2007 guild show award winner #103
Knight #5
 
2007 was a GREAT year for handmade knives. :thumbup: :)

1) Post #1 * Burt Foster’s San Mai Fighter – Beautiful and innovative blade execution. Excellent design incorporating multiple materials that work wonderfully together.

2) Post #3 * Tim Hancock Bowie – A beautiful Bowie which is as close to perfection as any I have examined.

3) Post #4 * Jerry Fisk Gambler Bowie – It has everything I like in a Bowie. It’s one of those pieces where you have to pick up and examine from multiple angles to fully appreciate the time and effort the maker has put into its creation.

4) Post #14 * Bill Bagwell’s Hell’s Belle – A classic American Bowie IMO. Great design, materials and execution.

5) Post # 31 * Harvey Dean EL Diablo Fighter – IMO, one of the top Fighter designs ever created and this is an outstanding example of that design.

6) Post # 21 * Don Hanson Guild Show Winning Bowie – Great execution and combination of materials. I love the way Don takes a broken piece of handle material and turns it into ART.

7) Post #83 * Jerry Fisk Big Alaskan Bowie – This is just one of those pieces that as you hold it makes you feel as there’s nothing it can’t do. A Big Bowie, however good balance, seems indestructible and beautiful.
 
I love this thread. I am drooling as I sit here trying to narrow down my vote to only seven choices.
I am positive many more could be added if this thread was left open longer but here is my vote.

Post # 1 Burt Foster ,stainless over carbon laminate
http://www.fototime.com/8CCD020C32C5D6C/orig.jpg

Post # 4 Harvey Dean, Feather El Diablo
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r105/10456kaj/K04187-DeanHarvey002.jpg

Post #5 Jason Knight, Clean and Classic Fighter
http://www.fototime.com/059D27A4366FEB0/orig.jpg

Post # 6 Nick Wheeler, Peck Award
http://www.fototime.com/5A6C642E8A2E125/orig.jpg

Post # 27 Rodrigo Sfreddo,Nouveau Integral
http://homepage.mac.com/farflungfosters/.Pictures/Photo Album Pictures/Current%

Post # 41 Rodrigo Sfreddo, Stag Integral
http://i6.tinypic.com/822ww86.jpg

Post # 83 Jerry Fisk, Stag Damascus Bowie
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1158/1384501226_b901e48663_b.jpg
 
1. Post #1 Foster- Clean lines and grinds...superlative approach to the lamination technique...considered and finely executed...fantastic handle material.

2. Post #2 Siska-Great sexy grinds, OMG, Siska can grind with the best of them. Choice of stag is primo....the engraving adds a touch of class without going over the top. Like Burt's work above, Jim provides a premium handmade sheath, which is always good.;)

3. Post #3,BladeForums Bowie-what a great idea that Stephen Foster started, right? The idea that a design by committee could actually turn out sexay and sleek, and then get done FOR FREE so we could donate the proceeds to a worthy cause, and Mikey T. could slobber all over it at will...that is just too cool for school. I WANTED this knife, really bad, and this is not usually the style lusted after.

4. Post #4 Dean Stag and Feather El Diablo-This is a great design...it feels really lively in the hand...the stag is just the way that I like it, not too smooth, not too lumpy.....the blade steel is unique, primo, and shines in this incarnation.

5. Post #6 Lamey -Those lines...that hamon...the handle shaping and the guard, all come together in a mighty tasty package that looks like it could do the trick on all materials as necessary, hard and soft...that is sexy!!

6. Post #25 SfreddoAutumn Leaves Bowie-workmanship is top quality...the blade is fast,sleek and solid....integral construction is exceptionally well executed, and the handle sculpting, while influenced by Moran, is clearly the work of Rodrigo.

7. Post #25 Andrews-Great piece of stag, great lines, wonderful fittings...the more you look at it, the more the piece grows on you.

Would like to point out that 4 of 7 choices made were for stag handled knives....I am SUCH a sucker for a good piece of stag.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
I'm sorry, but I must abstain... :o

I am far too humbled by the sheer wealth of artistry y'all have posted in regards to my own meager collection to feel that I can offer an educated choice...

And the fact that I've been too lazy to get pics of the new ones I obtained this year to be able to offer my one or two that I feel might have taken a place amongst these beauts...

Thank you all for truly enlightening my week! :D :thumbup:


And I hope y'all don't mind my saving a copy of some of these for my own personal viewing please? (If any of you object, please feel free to contact me and let me know!) There are so many ideas here I would love to see worked into some of my future purchases... Dang, there goes next year's budget! :eek:
 
My Selections in no particular order except as posted perhaps

Bailey Bradshaw Grapes of Wrath #1
Jay Hendrickson #5
Lin Rhea #9
Harvey Dean #31
Jerry Fisk Persian #41
Al Pendray #99
Rodrigo Sfreedo -- Widow maker 1st of the RS knives #101
 
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