First custom bowie!

kamagong

kamagong

Gold Member
Joined
Jan 13, 2001
Messages
10,966
I finally pulled the trigger on my first custom bowie. I've owned a couple of production pieces in the past, but I wanted something that was more faithful to origins of the genre. Most factory offerings attempt to be both tool and weapon, resulting in a hefty and robust build.

I requested the smith to make this one a fighter, quick and lively. I think he succeeded. The knife balances right at the plunge line.

mystuartbransonbowie3.png


Wrought iron guard, stabilized walnut handle, and a 9 3/8" blade of W2 steel.

Unfortunately I don't have it in hand yet. It still awaits the sheath. Sometime next week hopefully.

:D
 
Christian - that turned out very well indeed. The absence of a dropped edge gives this stout blade a fast, lean look. I would have guessed Koa for the wood if you didn't tell me it was walnut - but it's beautiful regardless of the name. I am sure this is a knife that would serve you well for a lifetime should you decide to put it through its paces.

I know the maker - but why don't you tell everyone - unless you'd like them to guess?

Roger
 
that looks like a Branson.
Awesome looking knife, whoever made it! Nice score man.
 
defaultuser said:
Who's the maker?
Click to expand...

Here's a hint.

mystuartbransonbowie4.png


Lorien said:
that looks like a Branson.
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Kevin Jones said:
That's who first came to mind.
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You guys are good.

Roger's knife provided the initial inspiration. I requested a couple of changes and left the rest up to Stuart. I'm glad I did so; I really like the end result and doubt it would've turned out as well if I had been an interfering pest.

Thanks for the comments guys, I really appreciate it. You're right this won't be my last. I've enjoyed the entire process -- the give-and-take between maker and customer, the generosity of my fellow forumites in answering questions and giving advice, and eventually getting an awesome knife made just for me.
 
Roger, my first guess was koa as well, but beautifully done either way. Congrats, Christian!
 
You sure you didn't edit the post and take a peek, Lorien..;)

Christian,

Great first custom, really like the wrought iron single guard and stabilized walnut.
Nice hamon, you have a winner here.

Congrats ! :thumbup:

Doug
 
Doug C said:
You sure you didn't edit the post and take a peek, Lorien..;)

Christian,

Great first custom, really like the wrought iron single guard and stabilized walnut.
Nice hamon, you have a winner here.

Congrats ! :thumbup:

Doug
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no, but since you've called me out, I'll admit I recognized Stu's deck:p!

Seriously though, Stu's knives have a face, (which I couldn't help but see IMMEDIATELY) and that is one reason why he is such a kick ass knife maker, in my book.
 
Beautiful knife! Your smith nailed that sublime, spartan profile of a perfect fighting blade. Don't get to see flamed walnut everyday, either!
 
Doug C said:
Great first custom, really like the wrought iron single guard and stabilized walnut.
Nice hamon, you have a winner here.
Click to expand...

Not my first custom. I already have a few puukkos, a handful of slipjoints, and a couple of others. This is my first bowie though. First ABS knife too.

Lorien said:
Stu's knives have a face, (which I couldn't help but see IMMEDIATELY) and that is one reason why he is such a kick ass knife maker, in my book.
Click to expand...

I agree, that is why I approached him for this project. There are a lot of excellent makers out there making for a sometimes difficult choice. Not in this case though. Stuart's work strikes a chord with me.

- Christian
 
Congrats to you Christian and to Branson as well!
And no wonder why I saw Fowler's style from the very beginning!
Thanks for showing :)

mohd
 
kamagong said:
Not my first custom. I already have a few puukkos, a handful of slipjoints, and a couple of others.
- Christian
Click to expand...
I remember your Joonas Kallioniemi puukko thread :thumbup:, I should have been clearer. ;)
Bowies just get me excited, nice one.

Doug
 
Gorgeous! The form / flow is just perfect. Is that variety of walnut called "claro"?
David
 
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