Does anyone actually use a Case Bowie

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pyro777

Joined
Sep 15, 2008
Messages
338
Just wanted to know if anyone on here has a case bowie that they actually use. I see alot of people like them for collecting but I am not much for buying a knife just to look at and never use. The knife is very similar in pattern to the western bowie knife. If anyone on here actually has used one how did it do and handle. Pictures are always good if you have them, also any of the western bowies from other makers if you have those.
 
Both the Western W49 and the Case are based on the Collins Marine Raider Bowie. I can tell you that in a side by side by side chopping comparison on seasoned black locust, both the Case and the W49 out cut a Spyderco Hossom Forester. The Case actually went through the 3" thick hardwood the fastest. The slick plastic handle was surprisingly comfortable, and the design kept it quite secure in hand in spite of its smooth surface. The edge held up quite well, so it is not just a display piece.

Crappy picture, but it's hard to get a good one of shiny knives in the middle of the night.

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I've always thought of these as badass bowies, but never considered taking one into the woods...looks more like a fighter to me.
Like the Buck 119...can be whatever you want it to be.
The white handle is sexy too.
 
I use my W49 all the time...its a (K) model....its an awesome piece of cardon steel and out cuts my SVORD bowie easily..good knife
 
Now this makes me very happy, Thanks guys. This is next on my list and I'm getting a jump on what I'd like for Christmas. Not only is it a large bowie, I love the design. Also it resembles the Jeremiah Johnson knife in a way which may be some of the reason I like it. The sheath it comes with looks really nice. All that together and its a good user just makes my day, and now its going to be a long way to Christmas time and I might just not make it.
 
So, what is the idea of the brass piece on the spine of the Case bowie? I could never figure that one out.
 
beaverballs said:
So, what is the idea of the brass piece on the spine of the Case bowie? I could never figure that one out.
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I could be misinformed, but I've read that's supposed to be a "blade catcher" of sorts. For when you're dueling with bowie knives. You just parry your opponent's blade with that sucker, and it will get caught up in that soft brass, so you can fling it away, and triumphantly ventilate his liver. Or something like that. I think it's mostly decorative nowadays. Not too many guys duel with bowie knives anymore.
 
I'm also glad to hear it's a good user. I've been on the lookout for a similar item... a Western bowie... at a reasonable price for some time.
Didn't Camillus make the bowies for Western?

And not to hijack the thread, but: anybody know of a good bowie, similar to the Case or Western, that comes with a more realistic price tag? Looking for a camp user, not a safe queen or a wall-hanger.
 
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I love the overall blade profile and appearance of the Case Bowie however I wish they would release a version in Chrome Vanadium that would IMO make an excellent using knife (not that I have any thing against stainless) it's just with more traditionally patterned knives I like the natural look that a well patina'ed 10 series carbon blade has.
 
I think another reason I remember hearing once about the spine strip of brass, was it allowed you to use thinner stock, and make it stronger and heavier for chopping, and more lateral strength for checking swings on the flats, while saving on the more expensive steel.
 
moonwilson said:
I could be misinformed, but I've read that's supposed to be a "blade catcher" of sorts. For when you're dueling with bowie knives. You just parry your opponent's blade with that sucker, and it will get caught up in that soft brass, so you can fling it away, and triumphantly ventilate his liver. Or something like that. I think it's mostly decorative nowadays. Not too many guys duel with bowie knives anymore.
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This is how I heard it as well. I have also heard that the brass was there to absorb blows from a sword -which could be somewhat common during the early Bowie knife era (1820-1850's).
 
Holy crap, have you ever forgoten about a knife you had? Seeing the title of this thread had me practicaly running down the stairs to the basement and ripping through 3 boxes, to find this! It was a graduation present from an uncle when I graduated high school in '94. Completely forgot about it. I never thought to much about using one of these, always thought they looked clumbsy. The uncle turned out to be a jerk, and the knife got packed away...Untill now. Just wish there was a sheath with it. It's never been out of the frame... What to do, what to do. Thanks for reminding me! :)
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Get a sheath made, and take that big girl out for a romantic camping trip for two!!! :cool:
 
Obsessed with Edges said:
The ultimate irony irony is, bowie knives are specifically named & defined as an 'illegal knife' for public carry in the Texas code, even for hunting/camping. :(
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Did I say Alamo? Clearly I meant to say Alamogordo! ;)
 
oilburner said:
Holy crap, have you ever forgoten about a knife you had? Seeing the title of this thread had me practicaly running down the stairs to the basement and ripping through 3 boxes, to find this! It was a graduation present from an uncle when I graduated high school in '94. Completely forgot about it. I never thought to much about using one of these, always thought they looked clumbsy. The uncle turned out to be a jerk, and the knife got packed away...Untill now. Just wish there was a sheath with it. It's never been out of the frame... What to do, what to do. Thanks for reminding me! :)

IMG_5850.jpg
Click to expand...

Take the knife out of the display box. There may well be a sheath under the display board the knife is on.
 
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