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post 21 #4 cas
post 24 #1 marchand
post 60 #1 kevin casey
post 48 #3
post 24 #1 marchand
post 60 #1 kevin casey
post 48 #3
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Bladeforums BEST BOWIE 2013 - Voting Closed - FINALISTS SELECTED!
- Thread starter RogerP
- Start date
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- Aug 18, 2009
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- 1,915
Post 2 #1 Nick Wheeler Heart of Oak
Post 21 # 4 Karl Andersen Bowie/Fighter
Post 21 # 5 Claudio Cas Bowiw/fighter
Post 22 #5 Knight Combat
Post 64 #3 Nick Wheeler W2 Ironwood
Post 81 #5 Joe Keesler
Post 102 #2 Jay Hendrickson
Steve
---------
Member, W.F. Moran Jr Museum & Foundation
ABS
Post 21 # 4 Karl Andersen Bowie/Fighter
Post 21 # 5 Claudio Cas Bowiw/fighter
Post 22 #5 Knight Combat
Post 64 #3 Nick Wheeler W2 Ironwood
Post 81 #5 Joe Keesler
Post 102 #2 Jay Hendrickson
Steve
---------
Member, W.F. Moran Jr Museum & Foundation
ABS
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- Oct 24, 2007
- Messages
- 2,655
Each and every one is truly exceptional,so just coming up with 5 was tough.Here are my choices
Post#1 #4 Lisch D Guard
Post#9 #4 Lin Rhea
Post#13 #3 Lisch split ring guard
Post#21 #5 CAS Bowie/fighter
Post#81 #4 Hogstrom/Hanson
Post#1 #4 Lisch D Guard
Post#9 #4 Lin Rhea
Post#13 #3 Lisch split ring guard
Post#21 #5 CAS Bowie/fighter
Post#81 #4 Hogstrom/Hanson
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- Jan 27, 2008
- Messages
- 2,010
Post 1, #4 - Lish D-Guard: Anything, ANYTHING by Lish, but this one just gets to me.
Post 9, #1 - Feugen Ancient Ivory Bowie
Post 13, #1 - B. Bump Judge Roy Bean
Post 13, #2 - Christensen Carved Bowie
Post 24, #1 - R. Marchand: Recognizable style from a mile a way.
Post 37, #2 - Feugen Cowboy Bowie
Post #41 #1 Wieland Bowie: Likely my favorite of the bunch.
Post 9, #1 - Feugen Ancient Ivory Bowie
Post 13, #1 - B. Bump Judge Roy Bean
Post 13, #2 - Christensen Carved Bowie
Post 24, #1 - R. Marchand: Recognizable style from a mile a way.
Post 37, #2 - Feugen Cowboy Bowie
Post #41 #1 Wieland Bowie: Likely my favorite of the bunch.
Bigfattyt
Gold Member
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- Jun 23, 2007
- Messages
- 19,240
In no particular order.
Post #8: #1-Mike Ruth Jr Moran Fighter - Mike created this fighter, with his rendition of Bill Morans ST-24 blade, as homage to Bill.
Post #13 1. Bump Judge Roy Bean Bowie
Post #21: #5 Claudio CAS Bowie/Fighter
post #67:2) JR Cook - CKCA-Jerry Fisk Cutlery Challenge Bowie: 3) Kyle Royer - Ivory & Damascus Bowie:
Post 69: #1 - Tendick W2 monster stag bowie
Post 101: White Dogbone
I may have a panic attack, trying to narrow these down, and have changed several votes several times!
Post #8: #1-Mike Ruth Jr Moran Fighter - Mike created this fighter, with his rendition of Bill Morans ST-24 blade, as homage to Bill.
Post #13 1. Bump Judge Roy Bean Bowie
Post #21: #5 Claudio CAS Bowie/Fighter
post #67:2) JR Cook - CKCA-Jerry Fisk Cutlery Challenge Bowie: 3) Kyle Royer - Ivory & Damascus Bowie:
Post 69: #1 - Tendick W2 monster stag bowie
Post 101: White Dogbone
I may have a panic attack, trying to narrow these down, and have changed several votes several times!
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2003
- Messages
- 2,369
As usual, this thread is about making very hard choices. I always place beautiful design profile and flow above embellishment, so these choices may seem a bit plain and simple. I can't help but notice that only two of my picks are from North America.
Post 1 #3 Russ Andrews
I can't resist Sambar Stag and Damascus in an absolutely classic design.
Post 2 #1 Nick Wheeler
Uber clean, crisp and beautiful. I confess that I own it, but I still have to vote for it.
Post 2 #2 Claudio CAS
It is all about the flow, and this one is the Amazon.
Post 2 #3 Sam Lurquin
It is an absolute CRIME, that we don't have a better image. This one has the presence and power of Julius Caesar.
Post 22 #2 Sam Lurquin Peck Award
It takes blood, sweat and tears to win the Peck Award and I am bleeding, sweating and crying, that I don't own this one.
Post 34 #3 Claudio CAS
THE Bowie of the 21st Century, amazing design with amazing flow.
Post 81 #3 Michael Deibert
Subtle, lovely curves that sneak up on you, Mike is one to watch.
Post 1 #3 Russ Andrews
I can't resist Sambar Stag and Damascus in an absolutely classic design.
Post 2 #1 Nick Wheeler
Uber clean, crisp and beautiful. I confess that I own it, but I still have to vote for it.
Post 2 #2 Claudio CAS
It is all about the flow, and this one is the Amazon.
Post 2 #3 Sam Lurquin
It is an absolute CRIME, that we don't have a better image. This one has the presence and power of Julius Caesar.
Post 22 #2 Sam Lurquin Peck Award
It takes blood, sweat and tears to win the Peck Award and I am bleeding, sweating and crying, that I don't own this one.
Post 34 #3 Claudio CAS
THE Bowie of the 21st Century, amazing design with amazing flow.
Post 81 #3 Michael Deibert
Subtle, lovely curves that sneak up on you, Mike is one to watch.
- Joined
- Aug 13, 2002
- Messages
- 5,703
Very hard to narrow it down to seven. At this level of mastery, I am not competent enough to compare individual characteristics so I went purely with my emotional response. And even then I ended up with about twice as many entries. 
1-1 Fisk Way of St-James
1-2 Lin Rhea Gideon bowie
13-1 Bruce Bump Judge Roy Bean Bowie
21-1 Bruce Bump Gold Rush Bowie
21-2 Kyle Royer - 153
67-3 Kyle Royer - Ivory & Damascus Bowie
81-3 Mike Deibert
1-1 Fisk Way of St-James
1-2 Lin Rhea Gideon bowie
13-1 Bruce Bump Judge Roy Bean Bowie
21-1 Bruce Bump Gold Rush Bowie
21-2 Kyle Royer - 153
67-3 Kyle Royer - Ivory & Damascus Bowie
81-3 Mike Deibert
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2002
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- 13,348
Indeed. And may I add that I have thoroughly enjoyed the commentary on the individual knives. So many guys here really know their stuff, and it is fascinating to read what appealed to you about each piece.
Voting will stay open for the rest of the day. I expect we will be voting on our finalists to select an overall winner by tomorrow morning.
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2008
- Messages
- 8,287
Wow. I'll echo everyone else's feelings that this was SO hard to pick out of so many great knives. And thanks to Roger again for this thread and Lorien and Dave for helping out.
Post 1, Knife #4: Dave Lisch Ring-D Guard -Dave never ceases to amaze me with his damascus and also his unique and outside the box creativity with his guards. Better still, his knives maintain classic lines while showcasing elegant curves and eye catching flow. Probably my favorite of the whole bunch.
Post 13, Knife #1: Bruce Bump Judge Bean Bowie -I love the long lean and mean look to this knife. The color theme is perfect for the damascus and the engraving and checkering are just the right touches. Really classy.
Post 13, Knife #2: Jon Christensen Carved Ironwood Persian -I enjoy seeing something a little different here with the persian style blade. Jon's workmanship and details are second to none. The forged damascus belt keeper on the sheath is new and unique. He's a master of making every detail perfectly placed and having the knife and sheath look like one piece.
Post 13, Knife #5: Don Hanson Crackle Ivory and Damascus: -Hard to have a Best Bowie contest without including Don. Another long lean and mean knife here with beautiful damascus and my favorite kind and color of ivory. I like the overall lines of this piece and think the handle shape works especially well here.
Post 22, Knife #1: Dave Lisch -Another perfectly unique but perfectly executed guard. See my first comment about Dave and his knives. It applies here too.
Post 48, Knife #1: Nick Wheeler - Nick's insanely clean work always is the star of any of his knives. This one is stunning to me in it's simplicity and needs no further embellishments. Beautiful lines, damascus and handle are right on to my eye. I love how the bright guard contrasts the dark blade and handle perfectly. Everything you need in a bowie and nothing you don't. I think it really says something to me when a knife that is so seemingly simple gets one of my votes in a Best Bowie contest. I love this knife.
Post 48, Knife #3: John Doyle - There were so many others that I could have included for my last pick so rather than slight anyone, how could I not include my own wedding knife.
This knife probably won't hold a candle to those I mentioned above but it was very special to me so it's my last pick. I do like the dark bold hamon and the stark contrast of the white handle to the dark blade and black fittings.
Post 1, Knife #4: Dave Lisch Ring-D Guard -Dave never ceases to amaze me with his damascus and also his unique and outside the box creativity with his guards. Better still, his knives maintain classic lines while showcasing elegant curves and eye catching flow. Probably my favorite of the whole bunch.
Post 13, Knife #1: Bruce Bump Judge Bean Bowie -I love the long lean and mean look to this knife. The color theme is perfect for the damascus and the engraving and checkering are just the right touches. Really classy.
Post 13, Knife #2: Jon Christensen Carved Ironwood Persian -I enjoy seeing something a little different here with the persian style blade. Jon's workmanship and details are second to none. The forged damascus belt keeper on the sheath is new and unique. He's a master of making every detail perfectly placed and having the knife and sheath look like one piece.
Post 13, Knife #5: Don Hanson Crackle Ivory and Damascus: -Hard to have a Best Bowie contest without including Don. Another long lean and mean knife here with beautiful damascus and my favorite kind and color of ivory. I like the overall lines of this piece and think the handle shape works especially well here.
Post 22, Knife #1: Dave Lisch -Another perfectly unique but perfectly executed guard. See my first comment about Dave and his knives. It applies here too.
Post 48, Knife #1: Nick Wheeler - Nick's insanely clean work always is the star of any of his knives. This one is stunning to me in it's simplicity and needs no further embellishments. Beautiful lines, damascus and handle are right on to my eye. I love how the bright guard contrasts the dark blade and handle perfectly. Everything you need in a bowie and nothing you don't. I think it really says something to me when a knife that is so seemingly simple gets one of my votes in a Best Bowie contest. I love this knife.
Post 48, Knife #3: John Doyle - There were so many others that I could have included for my last pick so rather than slight anyone, how could I not include my own wedding knife.
This knife probably won't hold a candle to those I mentioned above but it was very special to me so it's my last pick. I do like the dark bold hamon and the stark contrast of the white handle to the dark blade and black fittings.
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- Joined
- Sep 7, 2006
- Messages
- 6,211
Amazing collection of knives.... making it an extremely tough choice! I feel the younger makers killed it this year, and the same names keep coming up again and again.
My picks all shout 'pure bowie' to me with an emphasis on clean lines and long wicked blades with singular purpose. I prefer minimal embellishment, but can't resist stag. The Fisk is the odd one out, as it has embellishments to spare, but I couldnt resist its unique charms. Thanks to Roger P for organising and all who contributed!
PICKS:
Post 1:
1) Jerry Fisk - Way of St James
3) Russ Andrews - Stag South West
Post 21:
5) CAS Stag
Post 22:
2) Lurquin Peck Award
3) CAS
Post 64:
1) Wheeler Integral
3) Wheeler W2 & Ironwood
My picks all shout 'pure bowie' to me with an emphasis on clean lines and long wicked blades with singular purpose. I prefer minimal embellishment, but can't resist stag. The Fisk is the odd one out, as it has embellishments to spare, but I couldnt resist its unique charms. Thanks to Roger P for organising and all who contributed!
PICKS:
Post 1:
1) Jerry Fisk - Way of St James
3) Russ Andrews - Stag South West
Post 21:
5) CAS Stag
Post 22:
2) Lurquin Peck Award
3) CAS
Post 64:
1) Wheeler Integral
3) Wheeler W2 & Ironwood
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- Joined
- Dec 9, 2009
- Messages
- 459
Post 07, N° 2 Russ Andrews
Intergral damascus and ivory, what else ?
Post 22, N°2 Samuel Lurquin
Sobriety of materials and purity of the line
Post 36, N° 2 James R. Cook
It would have been able to announce Conan's outfit...
Post 50, N°1 Rodrigo Sfreddo
Just Wow....or Amazing !!!!
Post 62, N°1 Samuel Lurquin
New shape, new guard, nice damascus, killing ivory.....
Lots of beautiful things, "Bravo & Merci" to the KnifeMaker
Intergral damascus and ivory, what else ?
Post 22, N°2 Samuel Lurquin
Sobriety of materials and purity of the line
Post 36, N° 2 James R. Cook
It would have been able to announce Conan's outfit...
Post 50, N°1 Rodrigo Sfreddo
Just Wow....or Amazing !!!!
Post 62, N°1 Samuel Lurquin
New shape, new guard, nice damascus, killing ivory.....
Lots of beautiful things, "Bravo & Merci" to the KnifeMaker
Gary, Scott's knife is 81-7
Post8 #1 Mike Ruth Jr
post 2 # 2 Claudio Cas
post 12#2 Jason Knight
post 22# 2 Sam Lurquin Peck award bowie
post 48#3 John Doyle
post 57#3 David Loukudes
post 81#3 Michael Deibert
that's all....
i wish you a happy new year, all the best for you all and your family
regards from Belgium
Fred
post 2 # 2 Claudio Cas
post 12#2 Jason Knight
post 22# 2 Sam Lurquin Peck award bowie
post 48#3 John Doyle
post 57#3 David Loukudes
post 81#3 Michael Deibert
that's all....
i wish you a happy new year, all the best for you all and your family
regards from Belgium
Fred
- Joined
- Dec 5, 2005
- Messages
- 28,361
Sobral 21 - 5.
This is my top pick for my favourite of the year, and quite possibly beyond. Nothing seems forced, it's very natural, and has a brutal look that is very compelling
Marchand 24 - 1.
Rick's bowie has a very naturalistic flow to it that I really like. All the proportions and dimensions jive well, and it looks sharp as hell. It has an ephemeral quality to it that is intriguing.
Hanson 7 - 1.
The ancient artifact ivory is seamlessly blended to a contemporary or perhaps futuristic blade profile, with a perfectly size guard delineating the transition between the two. There is a elegant brutality to this knife that freaks me out a little.
Lisch 22 - 1.
Dave's handle on damascus borders on mythical, and although the steel is impressive in its own right, it's the split ring guard innovation that really sets this apart. In flow, this knife has an understated grace, and lightness to it with many key lines tapering off into space.
Lurquin 62 -1.
The broad, double beveled blade, with perfectly executed pattern welding anchors a bold and radically shaped handle through a guard whose shape is both ancient and futuristic looking. This knife is very alluring, and although I'm sure it's a capable weapon, belongs in the category of fantasy.
Hanson/Hogstrom 81 - 4.
Also in the fantasy category, this knife- like any Hanson/Hogstrom collab I've seen- is an impressive combination of elements that combine together in a holistic way. Stylistically, there are a few flow stoppers, but nothing significant enough to over ride this knife's compelling presence.
Ruth 8 - 1.
Lethal and flowing, the profile of this knife is slim and menacing. It is also the most visually sensual of this year's contenders, lacking some of the blocky elements typical of 'traditional' bowie shapes and instead opting for a light and curvy approach. Yet it possesses a visual weight that other slimmer knives in the genre tend to lack.
This is my top pick for my favourite of the year, and quite possibly beyond. Nothing seems forced, it's very natural, and has a brutal look that is very compelling
Marchand 24 - 1.
Rick's bowie has a very naturalistic flow to it that I really like. All the proportions and dimensions jive well, and it looks sharp as hell. It has an ephemeral quality to it that is intriguing.
Hanson 7 - 1.
The ancient artifact ivory is seamlessly blended to a contemporary or perhaps futuristic blade profile, with a perfectly size guard delineating the transition between the two. There is a elegant brutality to this knife that freaks me out a little.
Lisch 22 - 1.
Dave's handle on damascus borders on mythical, and although the steel is impressive in its own right, it's the split ring guard innovation that really sets this apart. In flow, this knife has an understated grace, and lightness to it with many key lines tapering off into space.
Lurquin 62 -1.
The broad, double beveled blade, with perfectly executed pattern welding anchors a bold and radically shaped handle through a guard whose shape is both ancient and futuristic looking. This knife is very alluring, and although I'm sure it's a capable weapon, belongs in the category of fantasy.
Hanson/Hogstrom 81 - 4.
Also in the fantasy category, this knife- like any Hanson/Hogstrom collab I've seen- is an impressive combination of elements that combine together in a holistic way. Stylistically, there are a few flow stoppers, but nothing significant enough to over ride this knife's compelling presence.
Ruth 8 - 1.
Lethal and flowing, the profile of this knife is slim and menacing. It is also the most visually sensual of this year's contenders, lacking some of the blocky elements typical of 'traditional' bowie shapes and instead opting for a light and curvy approach. Yet it possesses a visual weight that other slimmer knives in the genre tend to lack.
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2002
- Messages
- 13,348
What a treat looking over these knives!
My votes.
Post 1 - 3 Russ Andrews
For just about as long as I have been into bowies, I have had a soft spot for the combination of Damascus and amber stag. Add the fact that the Southwest blade profile is the one that first springs to mind when I think "bowie" and you begin to understand the appeal for me here. Add in Russ' flawless workmanship and shimmering Damascus (which no still frame can capture) and this one stands with my all-time faves.
Post 2 - 1 Nick Wheeler
This is classic Wheeler right here. So crisp you could cut yourself on the photograph. Impeccable lines and perfect finish. Its grandeur rests upon its austerity.
Post 13 - 1 Bruce Bump Judge Roy Bean
Long and lean. Supremely elegant and refined. Luxurious details - engraving and fine checkering - that dovetail perfectly with the overall design theme. This is the kind of knife that forms the centerpiece of an impressive collection.
Post 22 - 2 Sam Lurquin Peck Award Bowie
Another knife that is bereft of embellishment, relying solely on the language of lines. Here the angular gives way to the voluptuous as the eye travels from one delicious curve to the next.
Post 24 - 1 Rick Marchand Musso
This knife literally blew me away. It appeals and invigorates on a visceral level. It is a foot and a half of lethal intimidation. I can see it - literally see it - being clutched in defiant defense of the Alamo.
Post 37 - 2 Larry Fuegen Cowboy Bowie
Fuegen is a living legend in my books, and this knife is classic Fuegen in every respect, from design to materials to dimensions. I'd vote for this knife on the escutcheon alone. No, I'm not kidding. Have you seen it? Sculpted so that the carving lines perfectly accentuate the Damascus pattern? Awesome stuff.
Post 67 - 3 Royer
It somehow seems that there just HAS to be more going on here than ivory, Damascus and a light touch of gold inlay. And that's probably because of the mind-altering Damascus pattern. Real genius on display here.
My votes.
Post 1 - 3 Russ Andrews
For just about as long as I have been into bowies, I have had a soft spot for the combination of Damascus and amber stag. Add the fact that the Southwest blade profile is the one that first springs to mind when I think "bowie" and you begin to understand the appeal for me here. Add in Russ' flawless workmanship and shimmering Damascus (which no still frame can capture) and this one stands with my all-time faves.
Post 2 - 1 Nick Wheeler
This is classic Wheeler right here. So crisp you could cut yourself on the photograph. Impeccable lines and perfect finish. Its grandeur rests upon its austerity.
Post 13 - 1 Bruce Bump Judge Roy Bean
Long and lean. Supremely elegant and refined. Luxurious details - engraving and fine checkering - that dovetail perfectly with the overall design theme. This is the kind of knife that forms the centerpiece of an impressive collection.
Post 22 - 2 Sam Lurquin Peck Award Bowie
Another knife that is bereft of embellishment, relying solely on the language of lines. Here the angular gives way to the voluptuous as the eye travels from one delicious curve to the next.
Post 24 - 1 Rick Marchand Musso
This knife literally blew me away. It appeals and invigorates on a visceral level. It is a foot and a half of lethal intimidation. I can see it - literally see it - being clutched in defiant defense of the Alamo.
Post 37 - 2 Larry Fuegen Cowboy Bowie
Fuegen is a living legend in my books, and this knife is classic Fuegen in every respect, from design to materials to dimensions. I'd vote for this knife on the escutcheon alone. No, I'm not kidding. Have you seen it? Sculpted so that the carving lines perfectly accentuate the Damascus pattern? Awesome stuff.
Post 67 - 3 Royer
It somehow seems that there just HAS to be more going on here than ivory, Damascus and a light touch of gold inlay. And that's probably because of the mind-altering Damascus pattern. Real genius on display here.
The Amazing Virginian
Gold Member
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- Feb 24, 2010
- Messages
- 9,911
Lots of great knives, but this was easier for me than I thought. I went back through the thread and listed all of my potential candidates, and then expected to go back through and winnow it to seven. But my initital list was already seven!
Post 1 - Knife 3 - Russ Andrews. Love the blade profile and the handle seems to really fit the blade perfectly.
Post 9 - Knife 1 - Larry Fuegen. That Damascus is mesmerizing. And I am a big fan of the mild browned steel.
Post 12 - Knife 2 - Jason Knight. If they put a picture in the dictionary under the word "Bowie" than this would be the one I would choose.
Post 21 - Knife 1 - Bruce Bump. I just love everything about it. The amount of engraving is just right and really adds to the piece.
Post 37 - Knife 2 - Larry Fuegen. The level of embellishments on this one is out of this world. If I could choose any knife on this thread for my very own, it would be this one.
Post 37 - Knife 4 - John White. I like this one even better than John's similar knife that won Best Bowie at Blade. 'Nuff said.
Post 102 - Knife 1 - Jay Hendrickson. Again, a great blade shape and a handle that just really stands out.
Post 1 - Knife 3 - Russ Andrews. Love the blade profile and the handle seems to really fit the blade perfectly.
Post 9 - Knife 1 - Larry Fuegen. That Damascus is mesmerizing. And I am a big fan of the mild browned steel.
Post 12 - Knife 2 - Jason Knight. If they put a picture in the dictionary under the word "Bowie" than this would be the one I would choose.
Post 21 - Knife 1 - Bruce Bump. I just love everything about it. The amount of engraving is just right and really adds to the piece.
Post 37 - Knife 2 - Larry Fuegen. The level of embellishments on this one is out of this world. If I could choose any knife on this thread for my very own, it would be this one.
Post 37 - Knife 4 - John White. I like this one even better than John's similar knife that won Best Bowie at Blade. 'Nuff said.
Post 102 - Knife 1 - Jay Hendrickson. Again, a great blade shape and a handle that just really stands out.
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