kabar classic bowie?

clich

clich

Joined
Apr 19, 2011
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Thinking about picking up a stacked leather handled kabar. I REALLY REALLY like that old scool classic hunting bowie look of the Kabar bowie. Only thing i dont like is the big TAIWAN stamp on the blade and im not sure about the steel either since ive never heard of it. Is there a USA version at all? maybe older more expensive etc. if not anyone own one how does it perform? It wont be a hard use knife i dont think, i got beckers for that, more of like a hunter/medium duty belt knife. if you got pics please post them, esp in hand, i really want to see different views than the standard factory photos ive been finding.

classicbowie.jpg
 
There isn't an American one being made right now, there may have used to been, but I don't know. I have one of these and it holds up good, sharpens decent and holds a pretty good edge. Its not the greatest knife in the world or anything but it's worth $35.
 
You'll have to turn back the clock and let loose the dogs, because to find American, its gonna be a hunt.

I will say, the classic 1217 with some minor mods, makes for a good "hunting" bowie. I clipped the top guard off one of mine, and ground it to make it all smooth and fluid.

Used it like that or a long time, and it really did have that classic hunter look. For the minor cost of the 1217, you might wanna get one and try that sexy, silky voice you got on it. :D

Moose
 
I've drooled over that knife a time or two. If the edge holds up on it as well as my old Western Hunters then it would make a great medium sized hunter. Thats a nice design for sure. I say get it, use it and let us know how it works for you. Dang, that knife is pretty!
 
I'm worried about the hollow grind. Couple a grind thats got very little steel behind the edge with a not to great steel and edge chipping and rolling may be a common occurrence. Now if this Taiwan made stainless (which is all the info I can find about it no other name) holds up like the Phat bobs aus8 and hollow grind well then it may just be a winner. I'm debating on taking the inexpensive way out and buying it, or just going straight for a blackjack or bark river model. I am loving the classic look right now
 
Was also thinking about the mark 1 with the leather handle. What's is the gaurd and pommel made of? The same 1095? I'd like to strip it and make it all satin but I also worth about the stripper hurting the handle.
 
FWIW- A friend of mine has the blackjack Effingham model I think, classic bowie look - really mother@#$% sharp like you would believe. I think its A2 tool steel.
 
I asked Toooj about this steel a while back in an email. According to him, the steel is a 440A equivalent.

I can't think of any of these knives I wouldn't buy if they 1) had better steel and 2) were made in the USA. More so the steel.

I would easily pay double the going rate for any of these knives new if that were the case.
 
I have the hunters hatchet in that series and is a good little axe. After using it I can see why pitt likes his Knatchet. Steel holds up pretty well and what bad can you say about kabars leather stacked handles.
 
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