Or SOG Agency. Cheaper, allthough not at the same quality level as Blackjack.
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Light, slim Bowie knives
- Thread starter HFinn
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Or SOG Agency. Cheaper, allthough not at the same quality level as Blackjack.
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Perhaps the Svord Von Tempsky Ranger knife is more along the lines of what you're looking for? Specifically the Ranger. The original VT is a massive knife.
VT Ranger is on the same price range as Blackjack. I would prefer it to have a swedge, though. If not for any other reason but style.
Oh, I quess I have to consider saving money and getting something once-in-a-lifetime.
By the way, I did what I intended to do with the CS Trailmaster. I stripped the black coating and sanded the blade and guard. Also I took off the rubber handle, then proceeded to make a new one. I had intended to try the cord wrap with a larger knife so, that I "build" the handle on the tang. I think I was succesfull. Using hemp cord and epoxy I started wrapping the handle, then covered the first wrap with epoxy and continued with second layer, put on more epoxy and made then third layer. When I was satisfied with the mass of the handle I wiped the handle with epoxy one more time to seal it and let dry.
The result is a wood-like handle with a cord texture. It feels very solid and gives a good grip. All that was needed was a light sanding to get rid of the strands.
Still I am happy that I did choose a guardless design for the Ka-bar. I reshaped the blade near the handle so I can get a grip near the blade. This way I get better controll and the blade feels more lively. The balance point is right at the junction of blade and handle. Compared to the Ka-bar the CS feels like a tip-heavy chopper.
The result is a wood-like handle with a cord texture. It feels very solid and gives a good grip. All that was needed was a light sanding to get rid of the strands.
Still I am happy that I did choose a guardless design for the Ka-bar. I reshaped the blade near the handle so I can get a grip near the blade. This way I get better controll and the blade feels more lively. The balance point is right at the junction of blade and handle. Compared to the Ka-bar the CS feels like a tip-heavy chopper.
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KA-BAR has some great knives that fit what your looking for
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Scagel Bowies, mentioned earlier are beautifully made and finished. These wouldn't be considered light & slim. They have been safe Queens. I've been thinking about selling the Sambar Stags. I just will not use them.
Tom
Tom
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I have finally made up my mind and will buy the Blackjack 1-7. The only thing I need to decide is the handle material. Is there any reason to choose the leather handle rather than, say, the stag version (apart from price, allthough the difference is not too big)?
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Scagel Bowies, mentioned earlier are beautifully made and finished. These wouldn't be considered light & slim. They have been safe Queens. I've been thinking about selling the Sambar Stags. I just will not use them.
Tom
Those are some fine looking (and obviously made) knives
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HFINN........You wont be disappointed.....I have an Effingham 1-7 with leather handle....It is a joy to use, and the most perfectly balanced knife i own......good choice.......FES
One question though: is the tang peened over the pommel? There seems to be a knob, does this mean that it is possible to take the knife apart?
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My one has a six sided nut on the pommel....i assume this is to tighten it,should the leather shrink in time.......I could be very wrong with this assumption.............Fes
Found a video of the knife that showed briefly the pommel. There seems to be a six sided nut as you said.
screened porch
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When I get a knife that comes apart I have to glue it together, for fear the handle will loosen and twirl.
So I got the Blackjack 1-7 today. Upon opening the package I was speechless. The fit and finish is top notch, as it should be. I really can't find a flaw. The handle is roomy but not too thick, even if the leather handle is slick it gives a good grip. I wonder if I should put some leather oil or wax on the handle or the sheath?
The blade is exquisite. I have never had a convex edge knife before. The grind flows in to the edge without any signs of machining, satin finish is flawless. I tested the edge on paper and it cut like a laser. Scary sharp.
Since I am a swordsman and a martial artist I can appreciate the balance, which is right at the juction of blade and the guard. 1-7 has some serious heft, but not too much. The knife wants to move by itself. This feels like a purpose-built weapon. Still, I am sure it can be used for everyday jobs. The swedge is not sharpened, which in my opinion is after all a good thing if I want to carry it in the woods and use it there. I can comfortably put a finger round the guard to get a grip closer to the edge.
The sheath is well made, no corners cut there. I carries the Bark River logo. I thought it should have some other logo? Sheath was first almost too tight, but it will no doupt loosen with use. I have planned to make a southern comfort style sheath.
So there are a lot of firsts. First serious fighting bowie, first convex edge, first knife at this level of quality and price.
Pictures will follow.
Edit. I forgot to mention the tip. Perfectly symmetrical, needle-sharp. How do these guys manage to do this kind of knives? I am stunned.
The blade is exquisite. I have never had a convex edge knife before. The grind flows in to the edge without any signs of machining, satin finish is flawless. I tested the edge on paper and it cut like a laser. Scary sharp.
Since I am a swordsman and a martial artist I can appreciate the balance, which is right at the juction of blade and the guard. 1-7 has some serious heft, but not too much. The knife wants to move by itself. This feels like a purpose-built weapon. Still, I am sure it can be used for everyday jobs. The swedge is not sharpened, which in my opinion is after all a good thing if I want to carry it in the woods and use it there. I can comfortably put a finger round the guard to get a grip closer to the edge.
The sheath is well made, no corners cut there. I carries the Bark River logo. I thought it should have some other logo? Sheath was first almost too tight, but it will no doupt loosen with use. I have planned to make a southern comfort style sheath.
So there are a lot of firsts. First serious fighting bowie, first convex edge, first knife at this level of quality and price.
Pictures will follow.
Edit. I forgot to mention the tip. Perfectly symmetrical, needle-sharp. How do these guys manage to do this kind of knives? I am stunned.
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pistonsandgears
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Only contribution I have in this category is this old Robeson. I just kind of liked the anvil hammer marks on the blade.
Congrats on a great knife, HFinn! With a 12" blade, the BJ 1-7 is a beast! I think you're definition of "light and slim" is a little different than mine!
The overall lenght is somewhere near 12 inches, blade lenght is about 7 inches. I dont think it is too large
And your bowies look really nice!I very carefully stropped the edge a bit. Allready sharp knife turned in to a monster. This is by far the sharpest knife I own.