George Woodhead Bowie-circa 1840

Gary Mulkey

Gary Mulkey

Joined
May 14, 2001
Messages
1,414
Here's another recreation Bowie that I just finished. The original was by George Woodhead (Sheffield) circa 1840. I took a couple of liberties in that I substituted stabilized bone for the original ivory scales & 416 for N/S. This one has a 7" blade of W2 (4 1/2" false edge). The Bowies of this era usually had either an overlayed escutchion & domed pins or an inletted escutchion and pins that were flush. For this one I chose the later. Using 416 rather than N/S for the handle furniture made for a little more work as the pommel cover had to be shaped hot and hammered around a steel jig before pinning it to the frame tang of the coffin handle.

woodheadfull.jpg


woodheadhandle.jpg


Let me know what you think.

Gary
 
Really nice piece. I'm liking the reproductions of historical knives as of late. This one looks really well done.

Nice work.


However..........I could not bring myself to set that on that hunk of iron and that rock for the picture. :p ;) :)

I have a hard enough time keeping scratches off finished pieces without tempting fate...especially on a high polish piece like that.
 
I like the historic pieces you're making of late Gary. This is another nice one. It's always interesting to study the construction details of the early makers.
 
Thanks everyone for the kind words. I appreciate it.

I've learned a lot by making some knives like they were done years ago.

Gary
 
I also like the new interpretations of some of the classic styles that you have been doing Gary.

VERY nice work.

Peter
 
I think it's a very nice representation of the historical knife. I love it!
 
Thanks again, everyone. I've had a lot of fun doing these recreations of some of the classics. Unfortunately many of the early 19th century knives require casting N/S but maybe one of these days I will try my hand at some foundry work.

I apprentised in a blacksmith shop that did a lot of sand casting but I never apprendised that part of our work. We had a guy that was a master at it. I wish that I could have spent some time with him.

Gary
 
Gary, I love it too...

I forged one some time ago and am itching to finish it, especially after seeing yours!

Do you think Ironwood scales would be too much of a stretch?

Steve
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Potomac Forge
 
Steve Nuckels said:
I forged one some time ago and am itching to finish it, especially after seeing yours!

Do you think Ironwood scales would be too much of a stretch?

Steve
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Potomac Forge
Click to expand...

Steve,

Ironwood is one of the more beautiful woods and has been a favorite of mine for years but to answer your question depends on whether you want to reproduce the original exactly or not. Most of the early 19th century knives that had a wooden handle were of rosewood. However, many times the best looking knives are done when the maker adds some of his(her) own initiative.

Gary
 
Gary, you are really starting to carve yourself a niche in creating these fine classic recreations. Great work.
Now if you could only post larger photos so we can see them better. ;) :)
 
It's great to see someone making the classics.
And yours get better and better!
 
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