Bowie Questions

J

Jay S.

Joined
Dec 7, 2005
Messages
406
I have been wanting a large Bowie for some time now and have narrowed it down to two different styles - the BK-9 and the Svord Von Tempsky. I'm looking for something that will stand up to whatever I throw at it. Light to medium chopping, brush clearing, camp use etc; No abuse or "destruction testing". Having owned Beckers before, I am confident in the BK-9 but was looking for a more traditional style, hence the Von Tempsky. Saw a YouTube review on the Svord that showed the guard loose after some use. Is this common? Could I tig weld the guard to the blade/handle? If anyone has used both of these, I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks!
 
I would avoid welding anywhere on a blade that has already been heat treated. Trying this may ruin it's temper. If you do decide to try welding it for some reason, throw a damp shop rag on the blade after finishing the bead.
 
Yes i did read the post..

for the money esee is a hard use chopper.

just trying to help,i have owned and used all the choppers..
 
What's your price limit? Bark River and Blackjack knives make some awesome classic bowies.
 
I've not tried the BK-9 but own a Von Tempsky. It's built like a tank, sharpens well and just keeps on going. The handle isn't for everyone, but I find it really comfortable and has a great weathered texture. Personally, I like the fact that although there's some historic significance to its construction, it's a working knife and made to be used.
 
Look on You Tube for the Von Tempske work out a German fellow gives it. I bought one because of that vid. I own many bowies, high end and low end, hand made and commercial production. Mr. VonT beats them all hands down and 3 ways to Sunday. keepem sharp
 
I've got both, plus older Bercker in Carbon V, Kershaw outcast, Fehrman 9 inch "Final Judgement", Scrapyard, swamprat ( only currently have a scrapyard in Infi, got rid of Busse) Browning Crowell Barker, and numerous more collected over the last 40 some years.

My first choice in large bowies is the Fehrman, second is Von Tempske, 3rd would probably be the Crowell Barker, or (tied) the RD9 in 5160 ( waiting for them to come out in S7 version like they did RD 6)

My sentimental favorites are early Western 49, and Seki made SK5 Tigershark. They aen't users as much as ones that I liked and it took me a long time to get one I could live with for the price, As users the more mnodern ones are much more comfortable, easier to sharpen, etc.

Also this was the 9 inch plus category. 7 inch would see different knives.
 
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ESEE knives are outstanding though it's beyond me which one remotely resembles a Bowie. Never mind. Heh - BK9 will take everything you throw at it and then some but you're right - it looks less traditional than some. If you go that route, you *could* always mod the knife to look more traditional if you liked. Wooden handles could easily be made and the few I've seen where the owner has ground the swedge down - those look amazing.

Mine is stock and is one HECK of a good bowie knife. I keep flirting with the notion of grinding down that swedge (for appearance sake) but so far, nah...

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As to the Svord Von Tempsky - no experience with that one. Sorry. They look cool and all but at roughly three times the price of the BK9... that would be a pretty easy call.

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Beckerhead #42
 
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