very accurate Jim Bowie representation, and finely crafted. As far as outdoor use, the bit looks like you could drill with it, not sure I'd put a ton of effort in prying with it though. With all the blade's weight low and close to the hilt, it will have a short sweet spot and thus won't have the leverage of a typical bolo or even latin style machete. 5160 is dynamite user steel, no questions about that, the guard looks a little too pronounced and might get in the way with my typical using techniques. Looks like a good bear killer/cholo tickler, but you'd be sacrificing quite a bit of performance and ease of use for the classic design.
Check out this bad boy. A little easier on the wallet maybe, a little more conservative but still very traditional 'Bowie'. Forged iron guard instead of brass, simple rugged walnut handle, and like I said, a more conservative design. Will probably be easier to control, as the edge is closer to the hand, and the tip looks a little more sturdy. Less drastic of a clip point, less stock reduction at the tip, which means a longer sweet spot, better for chopping. Custom made with your specs, so if you want anything specific, they can probably do it for you.
http://www.svord.com/SvordMainFrameset.htm
If you're going for style, that Imperial would be hard to beat. If you're going for a rugged outdoor user, my predictions are the Svord would take the cake.
