Custom Makers

O

Oberkommando

Joined
Oct 23, 1999
Messages
46
I was wondering if someone might recomend a custom maker(s) of bowie styled knives, looking for quality above all else, and am not worried about price.

Sorry if this question is too vague or generalized, I am usually on the flip side to this forum where I can usually provide some answers for others.

 
well...i am sure you will get a zillion different opinions on this one..but if it were me....id get a KNIVES 99 and look thru it and contact the makers that made what i like most....

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http://www.mayoknives.com


 
Tom gives you good advice on knives '99.
Bailey Bradshaw makes some beautiful bowies and his prices are fair. He makes a gorgeous Spanish bowie. One of his Scagel style bowies is in stock at http://KnifeArt.com
 
There are many great bowie makers out there.
Give us an idea as to a using knife, art knife, display, older styles, damascus etc. and I am sure we can get you started on your search. Ill "third" Tom's suggestion for Knives '99 (2000 should be hitting the streets very soon if it has not already).
 
Here are the best ive seen/handled, in no special order-

Jerry Fisk
Joe Flournoy
Jim Crowell
Harvey Dean
Micheal Connor
John Fitch
Jarrel Lambert
Jim Walker
Rob Hudson

Those i havent handled, but heard good things of-

Tim Potier
J.R. Cook
Ron Massey
Al Barton
Tim Hancock
Jim Batson


I would be happy with any of the above makers work, all of them do excellent work. Here is the problem- most of the above makers have long waiting periods. The best thing to do is buy one at a show, or from a purveyor.

Out of all the makers on both lists i think John Fitch would be the quickest on an order, simply becuase folks havent really recognized his talent....yet.


 
John's (Fitch) work came to mind for me also. His camp and bowie knives are beautifully made top shelf users. He pays attention to all aspects of his work, and has learned from some of the best.

Don Broughton's came to mind for period pieces. My favorites are the D-guards that he makes.

Matt's list is a good one.

Some others that come to mind: Ed Cafrey, Jim Siska, Jim Fister, Dave Broadwell, Don Lozier, Jay Hendrickson, Michael Manabe, Don Heathcoat, Vince Evans, Steven Rapp, Joe Huddleston and Roger Massey. As with any from Matt's list, I would not mine owning any of the work represented by these and many more makers at all.

Bailey is off line right now, so hang on if you try to get in touch with him.
 
A great English bowie at a price to match, give Ed Kalfayan a try. Beautiful works of art worth much more than the price paid.

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Howard A. Faltz, Owner
Arizona Knife Source
"Keep it Sharp"
Luke 22:26
www.azknife.com
 
Thanks for all the fast responces, and many suggestions, this will be carry knife to back up 1911 not looking for display, or special period knife, but one of function.
 
Wow! If price wasn't an issue. There was an article in Blade not to long ago about this collector that had a Bowie knife of the first 50 ABS Masters, that's not a bad place to start, how about a Moran?

I'm sorry to admit I'm at the other end of the spectrum, I'm trying to move up to the Custom market. Even with a limited knife budget there's alot of makers, hard to make a decision. I probably won't decide on the knife but by the maker. What I mean by that is, someone I've met in person or here at the Forums. Problem is I've never met a Knife maker I didn't like. I don't know what it is about you guys, your just the best people I've ever met.
 
Wow! If price wasn't an issue. There was an article in Blade not to long ago about this collector that had a Bowie knife of the first 50 ABS Masters, that's not a bad place to start, how about a Moran?

I'm sorry to admit I'm at the other end of the spectrum, I'm trying to move up to the Custom market. Even with a limited knife budget there's alot of makers, hard to make a decision. I probably won't decide on the knife but by the maker. What I mean by that is, someone I've met in person or here at the Forums. Problem is I've never met a Knife maker I didn't like. I don't know what it is about you guys, your just the best people I've ever met.
 
Barry Dawson makes some bowie style users. These are simple micarta handled knives with machine satin finishes.

For something a little fancier, but still a carry piece, you could look at the bowies I make. Most have been sold to people who use them in the bush.

I woulda sent this in email, but you don't have an email address in your profile.

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www.planet.eon.net/~matth
matth@planet.eon.net

[This message has been edited by Matt Harildstad (edited 23 October 1999).]
 
Oberkommando:

If you want a kickass combat bowie as a backup to a 1911, get a Bill Bagwell Hells Belle. Bill makes INCREDIBLE fighting bowies!!! The wait might be a bit of a bitch though... maybe you can find one on the open market.

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Attila
 
OK, since its narrowed down to a "fighter", i must condense my post-

For a "back up" weapon, in the bowie catagory- Jerry Fisk "Pit Boss" aka "Commanchero". This IS the best "fighting" bowie on the planet. Again, the problem is laying hands on one within 3 years. A close second would be John Fitch's "Defender".

These are LIGHT FAST knives with plenty of blade length and cutting edge for there size and weight, remember- "he who gets there firstest with the mostest...wins."

Ive handled the legendary Bagwells, and to me they are to heavy for an optimum fighting bowie...not live enough in the hand, BUT thats just my take on the subject.
 
Two makers that I feel on the way up are Baily Bradshaw and John Fitch.

Regards,

Tom Carey

[This message has been edited by Tom Carey (edited 25 October 1999).]
 
I set up a cutting contest each spring and fall at the ABS school. I am not allowed to enter.
John Fitch won the contest yesterday with a bowie knife..
It consisted of cutting a cardboard carpet roll. Chopping a 2 x4 in half [6.04 seconds for john, afterwards he cut a 2x4 in half in 4 blows as a demo]and a few others things with the last contest being slicing a cigerette paper in half while lightly fastened to a clothespin that was hung by a thread [all of this making it with no support]. John beat out some good people that was entered from this country as well as overseas. There was also 2 swords that had entered that he out cut with his bowie knife.
fisk
 
Im really happy to see John won the cutting competition!!

I have one of his hunters and Kenny Rowe is finishing the sheath on a "Defender" John just finished for me.

As far as value goes- No one makes a better knife for the dollar.

He is also one heck of a nice guy.

 
If you want a serious using bowie, I would talk to Larry Harley. He uses his on wild boar hunts. He organizes hunts too. No website as far as I know. I lost his e-mail, but I'm sure someone here has it. Paragon has the production version of his bowie, but I'd go to the source if money is not an object.

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~ JerryO ~
 
I have been a fan of James Batson for quite a while. There is also a man named Rich McDonald who is fast becoming well known for his period style bowies.

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If a man can keep alert and imaginative, an error is a possibility, a chance at something new; to him, wandering and wondering are a part of the same process. He is most mistaken, most in error, whenever he quits exploring.

William Least Heat Moon
 
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