Camillus Western Bowie?

[akjon]

Anyone have a plain old Western Bowie? I know it's not the newest, sexiest thing in the drawer but it looks fairly traditional and, well, western.

I'm not looking for a full-blown review, but some thoughts would be nice.

Thanks.

 

[t1mpani]

Looks good, but a little light, and I'm not sure how well the 1/8 stock 420 steel would hold up to actual bowie use. If you can find one of the old 3/16 carbon versions, that's a different matter...

 

[Walking Man]

I don't like them, the handles are bulky and the blade shape is awkward. That's why they invented the Becker line.

 

[averageguy]

The older high carbon models are excellent. Nicely ground and comfortable handle. I used to have one. I cut down the guard and refinished the handle slabs to an ebony color. Looked pretty cool.

 

[fudo]

I have an older one, made by Western. I'm very happy with it.

 

[t1mpani]

What kind of steel were the carbon ones? I remember my Uncle's, and that it seemed to be plenty tough and stay sharp, but I don't know what it was made of.

 

[averageguy]

I don't know the steel designation but the trade name was "Chrome V".

 

[HDCharlie]

Were all the Western Bowies that were manufactured in Colorado made from carbon steel?

 

[glockman99]

I'd sure like to see Camillus re-do the M49 Bowie with a better handle (more ergonomic, and without the "hook" at the end), a shorter guard (cut-off where it bends), and better steel (the same steel used in the Beckers would be good)...That would be a great knife!