Bowie Recommendations

madbomber1998

madbomber1998

Joined
Nov 27, 2008
Messages
182
Heya guys. I'm looking to get some kind of bowie style knife. Not sure on the exact design or whatever. Just in the mood for a bowie.

Anyways, I don't know much about bowies, so can I get some recommendations on who to look at? I know there's alot of good smiths here who I don't know much about. Not looking for anything outrageous and don't want it to be really expensive. Custom or production is fine, but I want something thats hardcore and will last.

So....educate me?
 
Among the 1st questions the knife experts here (i'm def. not an expert) are going to ask is:

"How much do you want to spend?"
"What 'exact' use do you want the knife for?"

So, given that you have some ideas about what you're wanting, it may be good to communicate those criteria preemptively.
 
Is 'Free Sample' a good answer? lol

Price? $150-300. Preferably on the lower end of that, but I know a good knife is $$$

And exact use? I dunno. A little bit of everything I guess. I mean, I have my bushcraft type knives, I have my choppers, I have my little knives. Do I REALLY need a specific use for another knife? *grins*

And to narrow it down a bit, I don't want a massive, hulking bowie. Probably on the shorter side, narrower blade.

EDIT: I know that price range kinda limits the choices, especially on custom stuff. I just don't know what's out there. If there's something totally bad-ass for a touch more, cool. Let me know. But that's the budget I'm really looking at.
 
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Do you prefer a "classic" western style...?
various2008-2009158.jpg


...or a more "tactical" style...?
moreknives003.jpg

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Realy the more you could narrow it down the better people could help you.
Do you want a fighting bowie, or wood craft?
Classic or modern?
More specifics on your size preference would help alot too. -Are you thinking 7" and under blade?
 
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Check out Mineral Mountain Hatchet Works. They have several bowies in the price range you've mentioned.
 
I guess I'm leaning more towards a fighting bowie than a wood craft one. I've been thinking about it the last little bit - I have all the wood craft knives I need. I loved the badass knife from Inglorious Bastards - probably what got me started on this kick. Maybe just get the bowie to have around for the zombie apocalypse.

Anyways, I'm thinking 6"-9" blade. I like both western and tactical styles. Probably leaning more towards a tactical. But either one.

I checked out the Mineral Hatchet ones - some cool knives on there. Not really the bowies I was looking for - I like the thinner bladed ones.

I hear the scrapyard name come up every once in awhile, dunno much about them. Interesting suggestion there.
 
Hrmmm...was looking over in the custom knife forum and saw this:

228a.jpg


I know it's not a bowie - change up the handle to a bowie style handle and change up the blade just a touch. I like the general lines though. Got some ideas like that?

And throw some regular bowie ideas at me too.
 
madbomber1998 said:
Price? $150-300. Preferably on the lower end of that, but I know a good knife is $$$

And to narrow it down a bit, I don't want a massive, hulking bowie. Probably on the shorter side, narrower blade.
Click to expand...

Puma Bowie, $90.00, practical 6 3/8" 440-C blade and comfortable single guard. :thumbup:

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I'd go with the Fallkniven Thor or Odin. Just great looking blades and tough as heck, but expensive.
 
Broad bladed classic Western Bowie just like Redford's in Jeremiah Johnson...

IMG_0815.jpg



Or the smaller contemporary hunting style from Puma...

FM277.jpg

(thanks pumaknifeman)


Or a replica copy of the San Francisco style (these two might be out of your price range)

WF1531-EL.jpg


MP1529-EL.jpg

(thanks sanfranciscoknives)
 
If you can afford it... Go big and spend 400-500 on a Great custom from a Known and Respected maker... If you end up like me trying to be cheap but buying many knives that are OK but not exactly what you want you will: 1. be disappointed and want to buy more knives and end up spending 500-600 on knives 2.won't be able to sell the many knives you bought... unlike a really well respected maker who has a long wait list and many people trying to get one...


Now give Charlie Edmonson a email <c.edmondsonknives@yahoo.com> and ask him for a custom bowie Bowie. You will spend about 200 or so on a knife that will beat the pants off anything in this price range He posts here as C.Edmondson and I know he will hook you up! he has hooked me up and Many other as well.

EDIT: Matt Lamey, Matt Roberts, S. Fowler, Lynch.... many great makers that will do an excellent job... look them up!
 
You cannot go wrong with Bark River or Fallniven, if you want a classic leather handle then try Fall.'s northern light series or their tactical ones such as the A1 or even bigger
A2.
 
LOVE this thread. Can we get some details on the Spec Ops Marine Raider Bowie? If it is ok w/ the OP of course
 
An older Cold Steel Trailmaster in Carbon V if you can find one. A newer one if not.--KV
 
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