Introducing Blondie...

kamagong

kamagong

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Jan 13, 2001
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Fifteen years ago Camillus collaborated with knifemaker Jerry Fisk on a line of knives they called OVB, "Our Very Best." Unlike the usual fare we see served in these parts, these knives were not folders, but rather fixed blades. Think bowies and hunters. Being a young man at the time, I was not willing to pay the then asking price for a knife that would see little use. Besides, I had better things to spend my money on, namely pretty girls and cheap alcohol. I could never quite get the image of those knives out of my mind though. They remained tucked away, filed under my "would be nice to have list."

I finally picked one up. A Camillus OVB "Fisk" Southwest Bowie in curly maple. At nearly 17" long, with a > 11" blade, holding it sends tingles down my spine. I can almost feel the spirit of James Bowie when she's in my hand. I still don't have much use for this knife, but I wanted her and she brings a smile to my face. These days that's enough.

To give a sense of scale, I placed the bowie next to a Camillus Sailor's knife. The Sailor's knife is not a small slipjoint at ~ 4 1/4" closed. It's still dwarfed by Blondie.

23913641137_59445e82bd_b.jpg


Here is what I think is an old catalog page of the Southwest.

24905187138_691af4a260_o.jpg
 
I never knew that Camillus made anything like that! That is a beautiful Bowie. I also have no real use for Bowies, but I love the knives, and that there is a Bowie I would love to have.

That is a real fine looking knife. The handles is great, the blade is well shaped, and the proportions are just what I like on a Bowie. Like willythekid willythekid , I had no idea I needed one of those.
 
Oh, my. I'm not even an American but just seeing this photo and reading the post surfaced the "would like to have someday list" buried in my subconsciousness.

Excuse me while I look for a tissue to wipe my drool off the side of my mouth...
 
Beautiful.

I always wanted one of those, too.

Camillus also made a version of his Sendero hunter, and it was a dandy.
 
kamagong said:
Fifteen years ago Camillus collaborated with knifemaker Jerry Fisk on a line of knives they called OVB, "Our Very Best." Unlike the usual fare we see served in these parts, these knives were not folders, but rather fixed blades. Think bowies and hunters. Being a young man at the time, I was not willing to pay the then asking price for a knife that would see little use. Besides, I had better things to spend my money on, namely pretty girls and cheap alcohol. I could never quite get the image of those knives out of my mind though. They remained tucked away, filed under my "would be nice to have list."

I finally picked one up. A Camillus OVB "Fisk" Southwest Bowie in curly maple. At nearly 17" long, with a > 11" blade, holding it sends tingles down my spine. I can almost feel the spirit of James Bowie when she's in my hand. I still don't have much use for this knife, but I wanted her and she brings a smile to my face. These days that's enough.

To give a sense of scale, I placed the bowie next to a Camillus Sailor's knife. The Sailor's knife is not a small slipjoint at ~ 4 1/4" closed. It's still dwarfed by Blondie.

23913641137_59445e82bd_b.jpg


Here is what I think is an old catalog page of the Southwest.

24905187138_691af4a260_o.jpg
Click to expand...
Congratulations on that OVB Bowie! I remember when those came out. It was a real struggle not to purchase one, although I could't imagine using it. I Have huge respect for Jerry Fisk and what he's contributed to the custom knife community. That collaboration with Jerry was one of Camillus Cutlery's best. Thanks for posting it.
Oh, I noticed you're looking to have a sheath made for it. Please let us know what you end up with!

Edited to add:
Coonskinner said:
Beautiful.

I always wanted one of those, too.

Camillus also made a version of his Sendero hunter, and it was a dandy.
Click to expand...
I loved that Sendero Hunter! Dang! Now I've got to update my wish list!
 
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When that came out I was still in my "Tactical" knives phase. I missed out on some cool knives because of that. Your pic looks better than the catalog pic - beautiful knife.
 
Thanks for sharing your thoughts fellas.

willythekid said:
I didn't know until right now that I need one of those.:D
Click to expand...

abbydaddy said:
Like willythekid willythekid , I had no idea I needed one of those.
Click to expand...

That's funny. Reminds me of a line I once heard in a movie.

You are everything I never knew I always wanted.
Click to expand...

Lol...

Peregrin said:
Congratulations on that OVB Bowie! I remember when those came out. It was a real struggle not to purchase one, although I could't imagine using it. I Have huge respect for Jerry Fisk and what he's contributed to the custom knife community. That collaboration with Jerry was one of Camillus Cutlery's best. Thanks for posting it.
Oh, I noticed you're looking to have a sheath made for it. Please let us know what you end up with!
Click to expand...

It's certainly not the most practical knife. I've noticed that I'm getting more ornery as I get older. This bowie is a fitting symbol of my general orneriness. :D

I was looking for a sheath for it. The man who sold it to me said that he no longer had the original sheath. I thought that to mean that he didn't have any sheath for it. I was wrong. He had an aftermarket piece made. It'll do. Having a leather sheath custom made for a knife this size is not an inexpensive proposition, especially for a knife that won't get carried.
 
Congratulations my friend, that's a great-looking knife :) :thumbsup:
 
Its everything I never knew I always wanted...my new sig line :);)lol

And ...man o man..can Blondie make a guy blush :D
 
That is one fine looking knife!
 
At the beginning of each month I like to perform maintenance on my personal weapons. That means field stripping and cleaning the 1911, and wiping down and oiling the bedside blades. While the supplies were out I figured I might as well include Blondie. She slotted right into the lineup. As you can see she even gives khukuris a run for their money.

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