Handforged bowie, 9.5" blade, below $750?

Joss

Joss

Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
7,351
Hi all,

I am looking for a handforged (preferably differentially heat treated) bowie, with a blade of ~9.5". This will be my "every hike" carry, and someting for which I don't want to spend $$$ on bells and whistles. In fact, I'm seriously considering micarta for the handle...

One option is to go with a world class maker - and ABS MS - and get a simple - albeit high quality - knife. Such a knife would probably exceed $750. I'm looking into that, but the maker I contacted might well not be interested.

However, another approach would be a less well established maker, yet one reputed for the quality of his forging and heat treating. For such a knife, I would expect the price tag to remain below $750.

Who would people recommend in this 2nd category?

Thanks,

JD
 
John Fitch!!!! Not only will you have a GREAT knife, It will go UP in value shortly.
 
A couple immediately come to mind, Matt Lamey and Terry Primos. These makers offer superb work for your dollar and their knives perform wonderfully. Hell, for just a couple more bucks you could have one of each.

BTW, both of their Micarta work is flawless ;)
 
Well, you mentioned ABS Mastersmiths.

I would suggest Roger Massey. He can do it, perfectly, I might add for that price.

For Journeyman smiths, Fitch is my top pick.

For non MS or JS, Matt Lamey can sell you a Bowie, AND a hunter for under 750 that will work as well but may not be as purty as the guys above.
 
Joss

Anthony is RIGHT ON the MONEY. I talk to Massey often. You can call him, but I don't think he is taking orders from "NEW" customers.
 
You should check out the bowies of Bruce Evans over on the Shop Talk forum. He does some great work.

Jim Rodebaugh is another maker that would have bowies well within your price range.
 
JD- I'd recommend asking over at ShopTalk. Bruce Evan's work comes highly recommended and he's a great member of this BladeForum's family!:)
 
Bruce Evan's work comes highly recommended and he's a great member of this BladeForum's family!

I agree.

got one of his Dragon Slayers - and the yard has been clean of dragons ever since....

he can make you one hell of a bowie inside this budget...
 
I finally decided for this knife:
http://knifeart.com/bufdambow.html

It's by Dennis Riley. It's more fancy that what I was looking for, but the value was just outstanding. There was just a post about someone being so happy with their own Riley bowie, that I placed my order right away. Impressive how 2 of his knives were sold the first day! There was a Scagel-type camp knife that also sold the first day...

JD
 
Wow, did you ever choose a beauty. That is a great looking bowie. It has the style that I tend to prefer. A geat choice.
 
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