Bowies..

[jac_solar]

The HI AK Bowie looks quite amazing, but are there any other sizes? I've noticed that the AK Bowie was put up as "Medium Size", or something similar. Are there any other bowie types, and are these on request only? And are the requests open now?

 

[snowwolf]

I'm no expert in HI Bowies but I've seen overall length varying from 7inch to 15+ inch.

I guess you can say: Micro, Small, Medium and Large. There is probably few variations in the small and medium categories.

As far as requests, last time I heard, HI was not taking any. But we've seen few Bowies this year passing on the Deals Of The Days.

 

[ndoghouse]

Maybe i should answer this one since im only an hour from the Alamo There is the "AK Bowie", "Mini AK Bowie", and now thanks to a brilliant request of a forumite here to shrink the mini there is the "Micro" or "IBBB (Itty Bitty Bawanna Bowie)" and maybe some other names.

The three on the left are modeled after the Ang Khola Khukri with the same fullering style and same cross sectional profile. Ignore the ghost drawing. That one does not yet exist.
There is another set of Bowies modeled after the Chitlangi which differ in profile from the AK's. Im missing the smaller one but it is similar in style to the big one on the right and only about 15" in length. Im still looking for that one.

Then there is the Cherokee Rose (im gonna Bum steely's pic hope he dont mind)​

And Yet another that I recall from Howard Wallaces' Liberty Series thats is really a unique work of art.​

Theres what I know of. Might even be some more lurking in someones collection?

 

[Bawanna]

I believe that last one is my favorite of the Liberty Series. Far as I know Mr. Wallace has the only ones in existence. Haven't seen any come up or available. He's one lucky guy.
Still kind of partial the slimmer version too though, more of a toothpick style, as usual I like em all.

 

[ndoghouse]

There may be a set unclaimed unless Aunti put it in her collection. I know she had a set up for sale at one time. It would be a hard choice from that lineup. I will say I love that Dirk!

I believe that last one is my favorite of the Liberty Series. Far as I know Mr. Wallace has the only ones in existence. Haven't seen any come up or available. He's one lucky guy.
Still kind of partial the slimmer version too though, more of a toothpick style, as usual I like em all.

Nope that was a silly thought. All gone! As they should be.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ly-Arrive-From-Nepal?highlight=liberty+series

 

[jac_solar]

Maybe i should answer this one since im only an hour from the Alamo There is the "AK Bowie", "Mini AK Bowie", and now thanks to a brilliant request of a forumite here to shrink the mini there is the "Micro" or "IBBB (Itty Bitty Bawanna Bowie)" and maybe some other names.

The three on the left are modeled after the Ang Khola Khukri with the same fullering style and same cross sectional profile. Ignore the ghost drawing. That one does not yet exist.
There is another set of Bowies modeled after the Chitlangi which differ in profile from the AK's. Im missing the smaller one but it is similar in style to the big one on the right and only about 15" in length. Im still looking for that one.

Then there is the Cherokee Rose (im gonna Bum steely's pic hope he dont mind)​

And Yet another that I recall from Howard Wallaces' Liberty Series thats is really a unique work of art.​

Theres what I know of. Might even be some more lurking in someones collection?

Thank you. They really should make a Large, or Extra Large AK Bowie (12-14" blade.). There aren't very many full sized production bowies available.

Do you also happen to know what thickness the 20" Ang Khola is supposed to be at? There are 2 different sizes given on the site; 5/16 (On the Ang Khola order page.) and 5/8 (On the "Khukuri" page.).

 

[Bawanna]

5/16" seems awfully thin for an AK. I think my 20" is a strong 1/2", I'll have to break out the yard stick to remember for sure.
That next to biggest one in Ndogs photo should be right in the 12 to 14" bracket. The mini is usually 10 to 10 1/4" at least the ones I've seen or heard of.

 

[snowwolf]

I think my 20" is a strong 1/2", I'll have to break out the yard stick to remember for sure.

You're right - My 20" AK also got the 1/2" monster spine.

 

[snowwolf]

Since we are showing off Bowies...

I got another one since I took this picture which sits between the medium and the IBBB (most likely similar to number two from the left on ndog's display)

 

[ndoghouse]

Hold on... lemme go grab that AKB!...and I just happen to have a 20" AK a few feet away from me stuck in my footstool

Ang Khola Bowie (big un):
Blade length=9"
Thickness at ricasso=5/16"
Handle including tang /lanyard hole =6 1/4"
Total length =15 1/4"
Now this is one big dang bowie! I dont have a scale to measure the weight but it is definitely capable of some serious chopping. Unless you want to poke a hole through a water buffalo then this AKB is the one. If you do then the Giant chit is the one

My Mini. well i have two but they are about the same. One is a gift for a friend but he dont know it yet:
Mini AKB:
Blade length=5 1/8"
Thickness at ricasso= 1/4"
Handle including tang /lanyard hole =5 1/4"
Total length =10 3/8"
This is closer in size to the Micro than the bigger AKB. I love the size myself. Its longer handle gives it extra leverage for chopping and its weight makes it easy to pack.
If you dont have an Ang Khola Bowie I will say the balance on these blades are almost magical. They feel so great and lively in hand and are great working blades. They are made to be used!

OK 20" Ang Khola:

Blade length=13 1/2" as a crow flies
Thickness at ricasso= 15/32" dang near 1/2"
Handle=7" (bolster to keeper)
Total length =20 1/2"
This is one bad to the bone heavy duty blade. It would be heavy to chop steadily for hours and can definitely pull your pants down but its weight makes it a breeze for splitting kindling and prepping firewood. No need to baton. Its heavy enough to split chunks just by dropping its own weight. Get good with the snap chop and this blade can bust up some serious wood! This is the blade I keep by my side to feed the fire at home. I dont think there is a better blade. Now if you want to fell some trees with it you might have to consider your physical condition. This aint no wuss knife!
Hope this helps jac!

 

[Bawanna]

Ricasso? I thought that was something I had to remember when I took Accordion lessons in my youth. Just when I thought I was soaking up some blade knowledge I find I don't know what a ricasso is. Sometimes I'm just sick of myself.

And Ndog, that's an awesome AK and the wood on all 3 just sings. Very nice........You still got a few surprises in the sack down there.

 

[Yangdu]

Great pix, thank you for sharing

 

[ndoghouse]

I thought Ricasso was the guy that painted the Mona Lisa at first but later found out it is the area between the edge (Cho in our case) and the handle. That AK I got about christmas time with a bunch of other stuff so kinda got slipped into my collection with out to much grovelling from the missus. That was the one I almost got away with

Ricasso? I thought that was something I had to remember when I took Accordion lessons in my youth. Just when I thought I was soaking up some blade knowledge I find I don't know what a ricasso is. Sometimes I'm just sick of myself.

And Ndog, that's an awesome AK and the wood on all 3 just sings. Very nice........You still got a few surprises in the sack down there.

 

[jac_solar]

Thank you all for the information. Hopefully Himalayan Imports will make or add some more bowie-designs to their catalog.

5/16" seems awfully thin for an AK. I think my 20" is a strong 1/2", I'll have to break out the yard stick to remember for sure.
That next to biggest one in Ndogs photo should be right in the 12 to 14" bracket. The mini is usually 10 to 10 1/4" at least the ones I've seen or heard of.

Ops, I meant 9/16.

On the Ang Khola store page, it states that it's about 9/16 thick at the spine.

20 inch Ang Khola

The King of the Choppers. 20 inches overall, about 9/16" thick at the spine and 3 or 4 pounds depending on the kamis who made the knife. Unless you are physically fit and have serious chopping to get done, opt for something smaller.

http://yhst-7333098713883.stores.yahoo.net/20inchangkhola.html

However, on the "Khukuri" page, where the Ang Khola's are mentioned, they say:

top -- 20 inch, 3 to 4 pounds, 5/8 in. thick , usually wood handle

2nd from top -- 18 inch, 1/2 inch thick, 2 to 2.5 lbs, usually wood handle

2nd from bottom -- 16.5 chiruwa, 1/2 inch thick,

bottom -- *our best seller* -- 15 inch, 3/8+ in. thick, about 1.5lbs, usually horn handle

also available in 12 inch, 3/8 in. thick, about 1.0 lb, usually horn handle

http://www.himalayan-imports.com/khuk1.html

9/16" in mm = 14.2mm

5/8" in mm = 15.9mm

 

[snowwolf]

9/16" in mm = 14.2mm

5/8" in mm = 15.9mm

9/16 = 0.5625 -> My AK 20 is 0.530

NOTE: My AK 20 is a bit shy of 3 pounds. Some can go as high as 4 pounds. That extra weight must go somewhere
The AK 20 is great to impress friends but it is so big and heavy - Definitively not for every one.

On HI shop site they wrote "[FONT=arial, helvetica]Unless you are physically fit and have serious chopping to get done, opt for something smaller."[/FONT] One piece of advice you shouldn't take lightly (pun intended)

 

[pugs75]

I want to play,

 

[Bawanna]

Well played son, well played! Nice pictures.

I'm gonna go hug my micro (very carefully of course) oh I don't have to go, it's right here on me britches where it always is.

This is love.

 

[snowwolf]

^Those leather sheaths. So nice!

 

[ndoghouse]

Yep good play Pugs! Royal flush. The wood, the leather and the steel!
Bet I can get to my Micro before you Bawanna! Ill so "GO".

 

[Shavru]

Got to agree with the others. Those sure are beautiful rigs Pugs. Really awesome wood on those 2 and the leather looks incredible with all 3.