Large Bowie Carry Options?

A

Armando Basulto

Joined
May 19, 2001
Messages
8
What are some larger fixed blade carry options? (let's talk Helle's Belle Bowie for example)

I realize this is a personal choice somewhat and I am aware of the historical belt carry, but for those of you that have experience with these larger blades, what is your opinion?

Thanks....
 
How about a "Dundee" type rig? Or Mountain Man style slung on a belt across your chest.
 
I had a fellow ask me to make up a Dundee type sheath for a large bowie with a sharpened clip once.

I spent several hours trying to find a carry position that would allow the knife to be drawn without risking injury. About the only position that met the requirement was so high that the handle stuck up the back of his hat. The problem was simply the sharpness of the blade and false edge made it essential that neither contacted the head, neck or ears during the draw.

Conclusion, looks good in the movies with a dull prop knife, ain't practical in the real world.

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george
www.tichbourneknives.com
sales@tichbourneknives.com


 
Armando Basulto,
Welcome to the forums. I can second the Mike Sastre/RiverCity Sheaths Southern Comfort. I've seen an Ontario/Bagwell Stealth concealed in shorts and a t-shirt. I was looking for it, knew what to look for, and had to actually bump into him to see if it was there. It was. tried it myself and it worked standing, sitting, and walking. Takes a bit of practice on the draw and I wouldn't resheath it without removing the sheath first...lest you add another cleft to your backside.
Regards,
Clyde
 
In a few months, I'll be posting something in 'Practical Tactical' on this subject, but I'd rather not say anything until I get it finalised.

--JB

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e_utopia@hotmail.com
 
Thanks guys....where can I find a "Mike Sastre/RiverCity Sheaths Southern Comfort"?

Is there a website?



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www.stellarrigs.com has a rig, which they call a dundee, that looks quite interesting.
It carried the knife across the back, or across the small of the back depending on the size of the knife, with the hilt downwards, and angled to the right side (or left side for lefties). I would assume this would be a very fast draw once one got the hang of it.
blade rigger also has some interesting looking rigs that might be capable of carrying a large knife.
The southern comfort sheath would probably be my top choice, which means nothign since I dont own any of the other rigs I have mentioned, or a southern comfort.
Just tossing out idea and opinion.

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Morgan Atwood
(formerly known as nim-wit)
If you deny someone the right to defend themselves you are guilty of nothing less than attempted murder.
 
There are a couple of ways to do this. My first question would be what kind of jacket you are wearing, I take it you want to conceal a large bowie?

Start off at the tip end of the sheath with long string/550 cord, put the sheath under your arm pointing up and run your belt through the belt loop, then take one end of string in front of shoulder and behind your head, bringing it under your right arm from behind. Then out the front back around your head straight to the sheath tip, more of less making a figure 8. Doing this with nylon strap you can buy at a fabric store for not much would make it alot more comfortable. Other methods have already been discussed, but this is my favorite.

Dennis Phillips
 
When I first met Bill Bagwell and saw how he made his sheaths (with a stud that prevents it from slipping below belt level), I thought "What simplistic genius!" I didn't have to carry one too long to figure just how very well this "old timers" system works. You just shove the knife/sheath behind your belt or IWB in your favorite location, and off you go. No harness, no straps, and it's position is infintely adjustable for comfort standing or sitting. Ever try to safely resheath a knife carried in a harness on your back? Not a fun proposition. With the belt stud type sheath, you can easily remove the sheath from your belt, resheath the knife safely, and return the unit to its place. No muss, no fuss. If concealability is an issue, this is the best system I found to carry a large knife comfortably concealed and still be able to access it quickly. This is one of those things that you have to try, to see that it really works. I'll be hangin' with Larry and Vince at Blade Art during the Blade Show in Atlanta if anyone wants to see for themselves.

TC&SS,
Mike
 
Armand, yes they do.
Mike, Did you get your Sandbar bowie yet? Will you be making Southern Comfort sheaths for it? Would this mean that I don't have to send you my SBB?
Tanks!
Ebbtide.
 
Ebbtide,

I'm still waiting on My Sandbar - will have to give Newt another call. Hopefully there will be enough knife to knife consistancy for me to make Southern Comforts from mine. If not, they'll have to be made on an individual basis for a proper fit - sheath will hang on to knife, yet release with speed and ease. Tricky sometimes, actually, most times.

Armando,

The Ontarios come with a leather sheath (except Stealth) that is like Bill Bagwell's, but if you are going to carry it much, you will want to at least "cap" the end of the sheath to prevent the point from eventually working through.

Mike Sastre
River City Sheaths
 
Thanx Mike!
#13 is one hunk 'o knife. I think you will like yours.
Ebbtide out.
 
If the knife is big it's almost like carrying a sword. I'm not a samurai and I don't feel comfortable wearing a bowie like a katana. That's essentially what you are doing when you slip it under your belt, although the button to keep it from slipping down is an excellent idea. Kenny Rowe uses that in some of his sheaths too.
I like back carries: drawing over my left shoulder - carefully- or simple behind the back with a slight angle. I haven't found a rig that satisfies me. I have a JSP rig, for in front carry,which is a little too complicated for me and doesn't seem to work too well with the larger knives. I usually resort to simple back carry sheaths: John Freeman and Wally Hayes made some nice ones for me, but they won't do for really big knives.
The alternative is to wear it at your side. I don't like tying it off and it makes it pretty hard to sit.

[This message has been edited by HJK (edited 05-29-2001).]
 
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