Custom Bowie

R

raiderfan1890

Joined
Jan 28, 2012
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128
I am looking for a large bowie. I really like the Outback Bowie by Down Under Knives, but after doing a little research I don't think I want to do business with that company. I also like some Muela Bowies and Bear and Sons has a couple nice ones but I already have enough mass produced knives and I am looking for something that screams quality. At the moment I have no particular use for this but I have been interested in boar hunting so I would probably use it for that. I like "classic" looking bowies. Any thoughts?
 
What's your price range?

You can get some quality custom bowies on here from well known makers for very reasonable prices.
 
I was thinking around $500 but will spend more if I really like it. I am not ready to spend more than $1,000 at this point.
 
raiderfan1890 said:
What price should I expect for such a knife?
Click to expand...

That's all dependent on who makes it for you and what materials they use. For instance...I'm not a well known maker and my knives have never commanded a price over $250. But if a better known maker uses the same materials to make (probably a higher quality) knife...you'd be expected to be paying around 3x that.

Then if you'd want a damascus blade and ivory (or high grade wood or something) handle.....things start adding up.

I'd advise you to check out the Custom and Handmade forums here on BF to get a bit more of an idea of what you like before you pony up and spend $$$
 
The Von Tempske bowie by Bryan Baker is nice. Matter of fact I was on a Bowie kick for a couple of years and I think it is the best of the bunch that I have owned and that included some pretty nice hand made pieces. I have kept a Keith Coleman though and a stag handled CS that is pretty nice. I have others too but Mr. VonT is a standout in all regards. Search You Tube for a test of it done by a German fellow I think. That is what made me get one. keepem sharp

PS look on here too cause there are some makers making outstanding knives
 
longbow said:
The Von Tempske bowie by Bryan Baker is nice. Matter of fact I was on a Bowie kick for a couple of years and I think it is the best of the bunch that I have owned and that included some pretty nice hand made pieces. I have kept a Keith Coleman though and a stag handled CS that is pretty nice. I have others too but Mr. VonT is a standout in all regards. Search You Tube for a test of it done by a German fellow I think. That is what made me get one. keepem sharp

PS look on here too cause there are some makers making outstanding knives
Click to expand...
The Von Tempsky is a tough mother no doubt (L6 steel I believe).....but I think it's so ugly only it's mother could love it.

Check out the knifemakers for sale forum. I'm pretty sure you could find something cool there at a price you like.
 
How about this one?


attachment.php

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/983079-Bowie-Repost-with-Price-Drop
 
I recommend, but again it is what you are looking for, two makers who give you more bang for your buck, first is ML knives (Matt Lesnieswski), see his past work section on his web site, and secondly is AA forge.
 
Thanks guys for your recommendations. I like the Von Tempsky but I'm not sure about the look of it. The others are good knives too. I'm looking for something like this:
outback-large-6.jpg

or this
501_1.png
 
I've always liked the looks of claudio-cas's work, along with RyanW and NickWheeler. Any of them could build you a lovely bowie, although I don't know what pricing would look like.
 
In that price range I can only think of a few. All of them are really production knives as well.

This is from Canal Street Cutlery. Something like $350-$400, 11 3/4" overall.
yhst-58840198145722_2205_2850
 
Also take a look at the "Hen and Rooster" brand bowies. They seem to be sub $200 with classic lines.
 
raiderfan1890 said:
I am looking for a large bowie. I really like the Outback Bowie by Down Under Knives, but after doing a little research I don't think I want to do business with that company. I also like some Muela Bowies and Bear and Sons has a couple nice ones but I already have enough mass produced knives and I am looking for something that screams quality. At the moment I have no particular use for this but I have been interested in boar hunting so I would probably use it for that. I like "classic" looking bowies. Any thoughts?
Click to expand...

One thing worth pointing out is that customs aren't necessarily better than - or even as good as - production bowies, depending on what qualities you want. If you were considering an Outback and Muelas, you might well not have a decent production bowie. How much this matters depends on whether you want the bowie for using or collecting, but it's a lot easier to buy an excellent production bowie than a custom and costs less.
 
ron_m80 said:
In that price range I can only think of a few. All of them are really production knives as well.

This is from Canal Street Cutlery. Something like $350-$400, 11 3/4" overall.
yhst-58840198145722_2205_2850
Click to expand...


AG Russell seel a very similar handmade bowie with an ironwood handle for about the same price - a true custom, even if it is from a maker that sells factory knives as well.
 
Thank you for the advice meanwhile. I do want to use the knife, so you think it would be best to forgo a custom and get a high end production bowie?
 
raiderfan1890 said:
How do I keep it more active? I am new to the forums, this my first post.
Click to expand...

Keep discussing it with people. Obviously not needlessly. But you could have offered feedback to the suggestions and the conversation may have refined to the point where you found what you liked. As it was, the thread didn't get any posts and I had to go back three pages to find it.

Did you look at this?
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/981235-Jason-Knight-JS-stamped-Bowie

It will be very difficult to find this quality on the market new, or to have one like this made for you as a custom order anywhere near that price.

-I would look to custom first. Especially from a certified smith.
-Then I would look to the "quality not quantity" prodcution brands.
-And then I after those were exhausted I would look to a brand name "no smith" production machined bowie repro.

Bowies are difficult to find in the lower price range, in a reliable functional carbon steel form.
 
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