Custom Bowie refurbishment project

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ZLBubba

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Long time lurker, first time poster.

My father gave me a great custom Bowie knife when I was a kid. I took that knife with me everywhere when I was in the woods. I also tried to sharpen it on a couple whetstones I had. Fast forward twenty years and I found my old knife that I love so much. I want to get the blade polished up, a keener edge ground into it, and some micarta handles put onto it. I'm willing to lay down some serious cash because the knife has so much meaning to me. My father passed three years ago on Dec. 19th so he's heavily on my mind.

I'd like to get started on this project as soon as I can find the right guy to undertake it. Let me know what bladesmiths you'd recommend if you had a project like this. Much appreciated.
 
Still looking for a few good knifesmiths that you'd trust to take on a sentimental project as I mentioned above. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Re-posted from another section, per Mr Hanson's recommendation:

Long time lurker, first time poster.

My father gave me a great custom Bowie knife when I was a kid. I took that knife with me everywhere when I was in the woods. I also tried to sharpen it on a couple whetstones I had. Fast forward twenty years and I found my old knife that I love so much. I want to get the blade polished up, a keener edge ground into it, and some micarta handles put onto it. I'm willing to lay down some serious cash because the knife has so much meaning to me. My father passed three years ago on Dec. 19th so he's heavily on my mind.

Some details about the knife: unknown steel but no rust, scratched up (from sharpening and use) 10" basic Bowie blade with full tang, brass guard and pommels that show some patina, unknown wood for the grip. The blade and the grips are my biggest priorities, getting a better angle for the blade to maintain an edge and polishing it up. Is it possible to re-grind a blade angle after the knife's original manufacturing? I'd also like to switch the grips out to something much grippier, and maybe get some slight finger grooves and grip contouring done. I can take some pictures for interested parties once I'm back home after Thanksgiving.

I'd like to get started on this as soon as I can find the right guy to undertake this sentimental project. Let me know what bladesmiths you'd recommend if you had a project like this. Much appreciated for any leads.
 
While it's a sentimental project, you will be changing everything on the knife! It won't be the same.
Why not put it in a shadow box, and get a new knife made exactly as you want it?
 
When my father and I first talked about this blade, we had no idea what were functional options. We just kind of stumbled along and the guy who made it did a decent job. However, all my knives and guns have a practical purpose and role, and I'd like to update this knife to fit a role so that it gets more use. It's really a cool knife but it wasn't built with practicality and application in mind.
 
Have a look at the stickies here.
You might want to undertake this project yourself.
If you post some pic´s I´m sure people will help you out.
If you have patience you can polish out scratches by hand. Setting a new edge also isn´t a problem.
It might be possible to keep the knife more original and keep the original scales. Some sanding and oiling might be a huge improvement.
New scales can also be installed. Perhaps new ones that resemble the old ones.
Show us pics :)
 
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