I really want a good bowie knife can any one help?

V

Volstagg

Joined
Mar 31, 2011
Messages
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Hey guys im looking for a great bowie knife under $200 that can serve combat perposes.I was thinking of buying maybe the alamo bowie knife,the outback bowie knife by downunderknives.com,gil hibben old west bowie(damascus),or either the laredo bowie.What do you guys think i should buy?
 
Hello, welcome to the forums!

I see that you like the classic bowie designs. I do too! Love 'em. From the ones you mention, I have the Laredo, it is a great knife for the price, fast, sleek, well balanced, feels good in the hand. Strong design and SK-5 steel is pretty decent for under $200.

Gil Hibben knives look great, but most of his mass produced knives are meant to be collected and looked at rather than used. (for the most part)

Not familiar with Downunder knives, but they look decent enough, maybe someone else here can chime in about them.

Oh, and you might want to check out Ontarios line of Bagwell reproductions. If they still have any for sale.

If your not dead set on a "classic western" design, there are a lot of other great bowies in your price range. Just say so if you are interested in any moddern designs too.

Just so you know, some of the guys here may give you crap for suggesting a large bowie for combat, but don't worry about it. You should try out knives that appeal to you, and bowies are a tested and proven design.
 
Thnx for the feedback.Still honestley not sure,i love the designs on the other knives but im just not sure how they really perform,but the alamo has gotten good reviews on budk 5 out of 5 some people said that it performs good in the reviews.I like the laredo a design a bit but it doesnt look appealing to me.
 
Well, if you just want a knife that you love the looks of, then you could certainly go with Hibben. And I'm sure it would do a number on someone if you used it on them. Just be aware that it is a mass produced repro of a movie knife. It will not be as sturdy, or well ballanced as some other knives. Also when it comes to performance you have to take into account things like the geometry and grinds of the blade, as well as the steel used and heat treat. 440C is useable, but not the greatest for a big knife, and I can pretty much guaranty it will not have a great heat treat.

Not trying to talk it down, just want you to be aware. :)
 
Volstagg said:
Do u you have other bowies beside the laredo that you like?
Click to expand...

Sure, but some of them are over $200. Hey if you're not in a hurry for this knife, take a look at the Cold Steel Natchez bowie. It's similar in size and style to the Alamo one, the San Mai version that you'll see is well over your budget, but they are coming out with an SK-5 version very soon that should be priced about right for you.

Although not quite the western style, you may also want to look at the CS Trailmaster, the Barker/Crowell competition Bowie, also Becker, Ka-Bar, and ESEE make some great performing bowie sized knives for the money.
 
You mentioned, "Combat Operations". That to me would not put a price limit on the knife. For a little more you can buy a custom made bowie, made from premium steel and would not break, under any pressure short of prying. The old western style, my first choice would be custom knife maker, Chris Voorhis. I can't remember the steel he uses, but it will be a premium steel. Another is Colorado knife maker, Steve Powers. Stay away from the mass produced fan-fare. Hope this helps, and best of luck to you!
 
Thnx guys, but im ganna go with 6unsually on this one.Not really interested is mass produced bowie .I want something special.
 
I hope the display stand fits in your combat bag and the other one in Pakistan Damascus screams combat.
 
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