Bowie Recommendation.

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Whitlashflash

Joined
Aug 28, 2011
Messages
86
Alright, I'm looking for a bowie knife. Something I can carry around the neighborhood and use to scare them pesky kids off my lawn.
hahaha, all jokes aside, I simply want a sturdy beater of a bowie.

I've been looking at the CS Trailmaster in SK5.
Is there anything better? I dont really mind if it's not traditional...

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
I can strongly recommend the CS TrailMaster in Carbon V. There are always some for sale on Ebay. Wait for a beater and grab it up. I have pushed this knife harder than any tool I have ever owned, and it always delivers. This steel sharpens like a dream on a Spyderco Sharpmaker. It is heavy however.

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YES, THAT IS YELLOW PAINT FROM THE WHEELBARROW I KILLED, AND IT STILL SHAVED!:D

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I'm always wary about getting a knife with a guard...
How do they hold up? DO they rattle around and whatnot?
 
The guard is the weak link on my Trailmaster and it is getting loose after all the pounding. It does not concern me however because if it comes off I am simply going to grind a choil into the knife and continue to pound it till it breaks (or i do!). A Scrapyard Dogfather may be a better choice for you if the guard concerns you. Dogfathers are one of the Holy Grail Bowies and are pretty tough to come by in my experience. They actually outperform the TM's in toughness. Be prepared to pay over $250 even for a used one however, that's if you can find one at all. I would seriously consider the Beckers mentioned above as well. They are easy to find, and you get major value for your dollar without the hassle of a guard. Made in the states to!
 
The CS Trailmaster is a great knife but don't sell out the slightly smaller Recon Scout. They have a very similiar feel and weight; Trailmaster 16.7 oz @ 14.5" overall and the Recon Scout 15 oz @12.5" overall. (both in SK5) The Recon Scout is a bit easier to carry IMHO and I have yet to see anything I can do much better with the TM. (But don't get me wrong, the TM is a bad a-- knife.

They are both great knives. I wouldn't worry about trying to find the Carbon V versions, the SK5 is a very good steel and you get the guarantee with it. The Carbon V will be expensive, used and will not have any guarantee.
 
shortwinger said:
The CS Trailmaster is a great knife but don't sell out the slightly smaller Recon Scout. They have a very similiar feel and weight; Trailmaster 16.7 oz @ 14.5" overall and the Recon Scout 15 oz @12.5" overall. (both in SK5) The Recon Scout is a bit easier to carry IMHO and I have yet to see anything I can do much better with the TM. (But don't get me wrong, the TM is a bad a-- knife.

They are both great knives. I wouldn't worry about trying to find the Carbon V versions, the SK5 is a very good steel and you get the guarantee with it. The Carbon V will be expensive, used and will not have any guarantee.
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Right on. Good advice here! I forgot about the Recon Scout in SK-5. Great bargain and will serve you well.
 
I have a 'few' bowies and they all take a bit of use [ not abuse ] so do as was mentioned and buy USED.

I have 2 C/S bowies and the trailmaster was modified w/ elk handle and stainless guard [ looks good but yes,is heavy ] the Larado was also mod'ed as the rear guard was removed and the handle was made a bit smaller to fit me,she is FAST and SHARP as hell.

The Becker 9 is a true beat me and I laugh at you blade.And at that price =- who cares.

The Bark River version of the bowie is a closer blade to what I believe the real bowie was.

I also have a few Blackjacks [ 1-7 ] that is a go to and camp/fighter blade.
 
Ranger RD-9 is well worthy of being considered. Ontario made is fine, a custom RD-9 by Justin even better.
 
OOOH YES! I saw some lovely Becker 9 mods to make it look like a bowie!
And the Junglas, well that has been on my wish list for ages. How hard would it be to replace the Trailmaster's handle? Any tips anybody?
 
Rodent 9 or 911 from Swamp Rat Knife Company was just offerred and should be available on their website soon.

CS Trailmaster in Carbon 5 is a 1080 steel if I remember correctly.

The Swamp Rate Knife is SR101 or 52100 which should be a lot tougher steel.

Then there is Mineral Mountain Hatchet Works they have some great big bowies and their made out of 5160.
 
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