Classic Bowie, Realistic Price?

K

Knifestyle

Joined
Dec 6, 2009
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I'm a deep martial artist and HEMA guy who recently got involved with a group that loves doing classical Bowie. So far I've only been messing around with the Cold Steel trainers, but I've really developed an appreciation for this unique historical weapon and want to try finding a real one to do test cuts with at cutting events. I of course figured I'd look for a real-steel from Cold Steel...only to see what they really cost.

For under a hundred dollars, what can I get that handles like a coffin-handle Bowie? I'm well aware that Becker has created the modern Bowie and I love his work, but for this I'm looking for history.
 
Imho the only decent prouduction Bowie out there for a reasonable price is the Laredo
 
JParanee said:
Imho the only decent prouduction Bowie out there for a reasonable price is the Laredo
Click to expand...

The CS Laredo is a great Bowie. If you get one with a leather sheath that sheath is usable. You won't find a better production fighting Bowie.
 
I don't know if they're any good, but Bear and Son has a stag-handled Bowie for about $100. That's the only one I can think of off the top of my head that meets your criteria.

If you're looking for authenticity, there's a good argument to be made for a large kitchen knife. An Old Hickory 7" Butcher in a homemade leather sheath is probably the closest you can get to the kind of knives that people like Jim Bowie would actually have carried and used in those days...

OHhawk.jpg


oldhicks.jpg


You can buy one for under $25. A little sandpaper, stain, and gunstock oil (or beeswax) to shape and finish the handle. Maybe force a patina with some vinegar or grapefruit. Would be a cool project for short money.

I've got a couple of Old Hickory knives knocking around in the kitchen drawer. It's very easy to put a razor edge on them.
 
Just a C-Note makes it tough... check out the Buck 120 General...
 
A knife kit from Jantz will be fun and could be done for (less than) a C-note.

Just ask ...whats his name....Ebbtide!:D
 
Yeah, the price range limits the possibilities, but the Buck 120 or event the 124 (a little over $100) are good options. The Svord Von Tempsky Bowie creeps up in price from the Buck, but speaks to the historical interest. And if you feel like splurging--check out Lon Humphrey's Gunfighter Bowie...I have one and absolutely love it. It slices well, chops, splits wood... and it looks good doing it. :D

Here it is in Joshua Tree on my last hike:
2sb04kk.jpg
 
Aias said:
Yeah, the price range limits the possibilities, but the Buck 120 or event the 124 (a little over $100) are good options. The Svord Von Tempsky Bowie creeps up in price from the Buck, but speaks to the historical interest. And if you feel like splurging--check out Lon Humphrey's Gunfighter Bowie...I have one and absolutely love it. It slices well, chops, splits wood... and it looks good doing it. :D

Here it is in Joshua Tree on my last hike:
2sb04kk.jpg
Click to expand...

That is nice
 
If the Op wants to be practicing Bowie technique he will be wanting something that has a sharpened clip,etc
 
BladeScout said:
A knife kit from Jantz will be fun and could be done for (less than) a C-note.

Just ask ...whats his name....Ebbtide!:D
Click to expand...

That's a great idea...
Jantz "Appalacian" kit bowie


Another option would be buying an older beat up knife and "rescuing" it...
Both of these Westerns were bought here on the exchange for way less than a c-note each.
Elbow grease and TLC brought them back
Before




After





If you like the W49 (top of the two) do a little research on the Bagwell mods that I've done. All easy work, no power tools, just files, sandpaper and time.
 
Ebbtide said:
That's a great idea...
Jantz "Appalacian" kit bowie


Another option would be buying an older beat up knife and "rescuing" it...
Both of these Westerns were bought here on the exchange for way less than a c-note each.
Elbow grease and TLC brought them back
Before




After





If you like the W49 (top of the two) do a little research on the Bagwell mods that I've done. All easy work, no power tools, just files, sandpaper and time.
Click to expand...

Ebb

Horn of the Hunter

Great book
 
Yes it is a great book.
I read it from the library when I was in grammar school, figure mid 60's.
A couple years ago the book found me again. My neighbor put a pile of books up for grabs and there it was.
:D
 
The Laredo is on my list of production ones to get, but I recently got a fairly decent cheap one, an Elk Ridge ER038.

Google it.

It's cheap and not hard use, obviously, I think it has but a 2/3 stick tang but the weight and balance for its size is ideal.

There's a coffin scaled one, too, I can't remember the model number, don't have it, but I believe Matt on scholagladiatora reviewed it, check out his YT channel

A lot of cheap bowies from Pakistan or China are often overweight monstrosities. I have something ridiculous at 2 lbs! I think about a pound is the sweet spot. So be warned. Some of the nice ones advertised as full tang are also not. Some are decent some are downright nasty. Just be aware you are getting something cheap, caveat emptor etc.

Other less traditional offerings are the condor and mtech combat bowies, I have not one of these yet, but they are cheap and some guys say, "good enough". Can't comment, apart from "I'm curious, maybe hmmm.. might buy one someday to take look".

The Ka-bar 1271 and 2211 look interesting as well, I haven't handled one yet, also on my list.
 
The Buck 124 Frontiersman gets my vote even though it's a bit over $100 (prob closer to $120 new).
 
Ebbtide, great looking knives, but Ive mentioned that before.

The coffin handle is a personal favorite but the old Westerns look great as well. The bottom one is just so nice and has such sleek lines.

Ruark rocks.
 
Did anyone else get sub titles with that video on the elk ridge Bowie ?
Because I did and it made the video one of the funniest I've ever seen😂😂😂😂
It's a boning knife, a boy knife, a bunny night, and all sorts of other things according to the sub titles. I guess I'm smarter than YouTube because I understood him perfectly, but apparently YouTube isn't smart enough to understand a British accent.
 
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