Bladeforums BEST BOWIE 2013! Voting Thread

[eddyh]

Congratulations to all. Very tough I got lucky for a newbe 4 out of 7. I finally picked Kyle Royer beautiful piece.

 

[Stephen F]

All amazing examples of the art of knife making, but its the raw essence of the Marchand that gets my vote.

 

[evanPGH]

Can't get past the phenomenal guard work on the Rhea and that's how my vote went.

 

[black mamba]

I was all set to vote for the Fuegen, but at the last minute I just could not get past the sheer beauty and perfection of the Royer. Lin Rhea gets my bronze medal.

 

[Lorien]

I voted for Claudio's knife because I thought it was the most awesome knife I saw all year.

 

[Matthew Gregory]

These threads always hurt to vote in. Always such exemplary craftsmanship, passion, attention to detail, and exquisite beauty - how to choose from such astonishing works?

Oddly enough, this year was easier for me. Over the years, my thoughts have changed regarding what constitutes a Bowie.

At the end of the day, it's a weapon.

Rick Marchand's interpretation of the Musso Bowie screams function to me, while not only embodying his own personal style but remaining true to the form and flow of the original.

 

[crossada]

Voted Marchand. It really looks flawless in design and execution for what I like in a bowie. Rick's creations just always seem to raise the bar for me whether it be machete, tanto, or even the simple puukko. Well done!

 

[D lisch]

I had to go with Lin's knife it was the only one of the 5 I voted for that made the cut all great knives and great makers happy new year to all and may you all find fine Bowies in your life in the new year

 

[secretsquirrel]

The Larry Fuegen gets my vote based on that's the one of the seven selected i would most like to own.

 

[The Amazing Virginian]

No two of these are even close to being the same. Very Interesting.

But as much as I like some of these knives, this was not difficult for me. The Fuegen Cowboy Bowie all the way. I am trying hard to remain thankful for the other fine Fuegen knives I own and not lapse into the sin of covetousness. But it's not easy.

 

[John M Cohea]

Tough choices but CAS got my vote.I love every single detail about it and the dark, rustic look of it just appeals to me !

 

[Murray White]

Three pieces here struck me as being outstanding. Bruce has done another great job. Larry is simply Larry with exemplary workmanship and design. However, Kyle has expanded his fine work beyond what has been done before. I believe it is sole authorship which means he has expanded his efforts with gold and carving and engraving. Not only that but his damascus is beyond whatever else has been offered and thus in the end it was the piece that garnered the dot beside his name. All three would be wonderful additions to a collectors collection.

 

[butcher_block]

all great but
vote is cast
runner up is Rick great job distilling bowie

 

[Tad Lynch]

Voted for Sam.
Absolutely masterful pieces in the finals, but I tend to like form over fancy in many cases.

Tad

 

[DEllis]

It was a very tough choice again this year.. All 7 are fantastic, but for me the battle was between the Rhea, and the Fuegen. The Damascus on Lin's and his awesome treatment of the guard(and gorgeous stag) almost beat out Larry.........almost. I think the Fuegen carries all the classic style of an original high end bowie from the past, but with skill of workmanship seldom seen in any era.
My <.02
Darcy

 

[quint]

Kept saying to myself Kyle's blade is the one to vote for. It is such an amazing blade overall. However they are all super nice pieces of art and function. So ....

Then I couldnt decide so I thought to myself, if your actually gonna be using a bowie and thinking of the type of situation you would be in which one would you want? Well for me that meant the Marchand blade was it. That is how I decided to vote.

Wonderful collection of blades, including all those nominated as well for the original thread.

 

[A.l.e.x.]

Hello!

Wonderful pieces from all finalists! This was CAS all the way for me though. Wonderful lines and distinct look! Simply one of my all time favourites! Love the stag flames!

My second place went to a tied Lurquin/Marchand vote. Powerful lines and just what I like in Bowie-like knives!

The others came in for a four-way tied fourth for me. Beautiful execution as well, but just not what I look for in Bowies.

Best regards,
Alex

 

[volta]

I voted for the cas blade. After looking at them all for quite a while I had to go with it. The lines, coloration, theme, just makes for a great looking knife. They're all beautiful though.

 

[Jos]

For me, it was close. Fuegen or Bump, Bump or Fuegen?

In the end I voted for Bruce Bump. But it was a though choice.

Kind regards,

Jos

 

[Patrice Lemée]

Talk about though choice. Came down to Bump, Royer and Rhea.

Picked Rhea but it could have just as well been the other two.