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"Generic" Bowie- Critique Welcomed

T

the possum

Joined
Jul 31, 2002
Messages
2,959
Think I'm about ready to call it quits on this one. Still have to clean up the solder line in front of the guard a bit, but this is one of those projects that just doesn't want to get completed- it's not really "finished"; I've just reached the point that any further attempts at fixing it will likely make it worse. :)

This is not really a style that I normally work in (I usually prefer the Sheffield style bowies), so with that in mind I don't have much ego invested- I'd appreciate your thoughts on what you would change in the design. I've made several mistakes as well, but I'm not sure if they'll really show up in my lousy pictures...

swbowie1.jpg



Blade is O-1, mammoth ivory handle & nickel silver guard. Overall length is about 2 5/16".

swinhand.jpg


Here's one more to illustrate some of my new polishing methods. This was a large part of the hassle.

swreflection.jpg
 
wow i looked at the first pic and thought it was a full size knife....very cool....i think it looks great.....they r lousy pics though:D.....ryan
 
IMO, the true measure of a miniature is whether you can tell it's a miniature.
There's usually always a "tell".

I was totally surprised when seeing the second photo.
A very fine piece.
 
I was debating on whether to add the size reference pictures yet, but figured I didn't want to look like I was trickin' ya. However, for the purposes of this thread, please don't give this knife a "pass" just 'cause it's a mini. Critique it as though it were a full sized piece.


With that said, thanks all for your compliments thus far. :)
 
the only remotely negative thing I can come up with is the blade length /handle ratio seems off - my first thought on seeing it was that it looked very tip heavy - then I saw the dimensions.
nice work.
 
the only remotely negative thing I can come up with is the blade length /handle ratio seems off - my first thought on seeing it was that it looked very tip heavy
Click to expand...

I can understand where you're coming from, but this was partially intentional. It seems bowies with 9"-10" blades are most popular now, but I really get turned on by the big 'uns with 13"+ blades. (I used to EDC an 18" bladed bowie) So, really I kinda toned the dimensions down a bit on this one to be a little more appealing to the general market, compared to what I would have done on a full sized piece.

Then again, if everyone truly prefers something with a slightly shorter blade, then I need to take that into account as well. So, thanks for chiming in.
 
I think I could make sheath for that baby.......at least I could try. It wouldn't be too hard but I wouldn't want the stitching to be out of proportion. That's my only reservation.

Paul
 
Just as I'm not the only one taken by the actual size of this knife, I'm sure I'm not the only person who'd love top see what Paul could put together for this little stunner.

What a package that would be.

Well done sir.
 
EXCELLENT! I also think the true test of a miniature is it has correct proportions and I thought it was full sized after seeing the initial picture also.

Thanks for posting it.

Peter
 
1066vik said:
the only remotely negative thing I can come up with is the blade length /handle ratio seems off - my first thought on seeing it was that it looked very tip heavy - then I saw the dimensions.
nice work.
Click to expand...

the possum said:
I can understand where you're coming from, but this was partially intentional. It seems bowies with 9"-10" blades are most popular now, but I really get turned on by the big 'uns with 13"+ blades. (I used to EDC an 18" bladed bowie) So, really I kinda toned the dimensions down a bit on this one to be a little more appealing to the general market, compared to what I would have done on a full sized piece.

Then again, if everyone truly prefers something with a slightly shorter blade, then I need to take that into account as well. So, thanks for chiming in.
Click to expand...


I like longer blades, too - to me, this one just needs something on the tail end that looks/acts like a counterbalance to give a visual offset to the long blade.
 
Thanks again for the compliments, guys.

I think I could make sheath for that baby.......at least I could try. It wouldn't be too hard but I wouldn't want the stitching to be out of proportion. That's my only reservation.
Click to expand...

I sorta gave up on making leather sheaths long ago for the same reasons- just don't have the skills in that area to make 'em look right. I've admired your work for years though- if anyone could pull it off you'd be the first I'd try.

I like longer blades, too - to me, this one just needs something on the tail end that looks/acts like a counterbalance to give a visual offset to the long blade.
Click to expand...

Thanks for coming back to clarify- this is exactly the sort of feedback I'm looking for. Do you think it would be better off with a simple buttcap or somethin'? Or would you prefer to see more contours on the handle in general?

I actually had ta chuckle a bit when I read this though- Normally I would do more shaping on the handle, with palm swells, more pronounced pommel, etc., but figured a more subtle approach would appeal to a broader audience. I was actually concerned that the butt on this one would be too flared for modern tastes, as it seems so many guys like a slightly curved piece of broom stick. :D Maybe I should have just stuck with my instincts. :)

I knew it was a small one

But I've always liked your mini bowies. This one is cool...
Click to expand...

Thanks Don. I've always liked your big bowies, too. :) What gave it away as a mini, though? Is it the comparatively large "grain" in the ivory? (I figure you really know ivory.) Or something with the proportions? Finish?
 
I think it looks damn nice. I love long bladed Bowies. Now, does it cut?

The "only" thing I would change, and it is just my personal preference, would be a longer "Bagwellian" style clip.
 
the possum said:
Thanks for coming back to clarify- this is exactly the sort of feedback I'm looking for. Do you think it would be better off with a simple buttcap or somethin'? Or would you prefer to see more contours on the handle in general?

I actually had ta chuckle a bit when I read this though- Normally I would do more shaping on the handle, with palm swells, more pronounced pommel, etc., but figured a more subtle approach would appeal to a broader audience. I was actually concerned that the butt on this one would be too flared for modern tastes, as it seems so many guys like a slightly curved piece of broom stick. :D Maybe I should have just stuck with my instincts. :)
Click to expand...

I really like the clean simplicity of the knife as a whole, and a plain buttcap in the same metal and finish as the guard would really set off the ivory without "cluttering" the lines of the piece. (but then, I also like the flared butt on traditional Sami knives like the leuku as well)
 
Thanks Don. I've always liked your big bowies, too. What gave it away as a mini, though? Is it the comparatively large "grain" in the ivory? (I figure you really know ivory.) Or something with the proportions? Finish?
Click to expand...

Thanks man. Yeah, the ivory grain was a give away and the fact that I know you do minis :)
 
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