Looking for a Big Bowie...

M

Majnoon

Joined
May 4, 2001
Messages
7
Good day,

At first I was trying to find a reproduction of the Crocodile Dundee knife, but that seems hopeless from what I've read so far...

So, can anyone point me in the direction of where to find a big bowie. I really want to stick with the same design as the Dundee one"

*only partial guard (not big)
*a similar pommel (not big)
*big 10" plus blade length (tapered?)

*resonable price and functional

Any help would be great!

Thank you,

Jerry
 
Its the "reasonable price" that's the problem. There's any number of competent makers out there, som even specializing in Bowies, that can make what you want. But they are certainly not goning to be cheap. On the other hand, if you want a heavy duty knife in this configuration, avaoid these Hollywood knockoffs. They are mostly wallhangers and may get you in trouble out in the field. 'Course, if you're buying it just for looks, then that's a different story.

There are some production companies, such as Ontario (I think)and Cold Steel that have reasonably priced working knives in that size, but they may not be exactly what you want. If you don't get too many leads here, try the custom forum and see who's doing Bowies these days, in what configurations (some specialize in "authentic" and some have their own personal styles, such as Jerry Hossom) and what they charge, ballpark. Certainly someone can get you what you're looking for, but it may take a little digging.

Tom
 
A good place to start is right here on this forum: I've been bitten by the Bowie Bug, Any reccomendations?

Take your time, do some research, right here on the web, look through the websites of the recommended makers and their offerings and prices.

If you don't know the website, go to the FAQ here at Bladeforums, and check out the links. Or, go to http://www.google.com and do a search for the maker or company.

You'll come up against terms you may not know. Go back to our FAQ and check out the different steels, for example, and information on hardness and tempering.

You can also search the different forums for old responses to the same questions you have. The search function is up toward the top of page.

And you should see a flood of current responses to your questions -- everyone's an expert!
 
I'm not sure how much your willing to spend, but it's very possible to get a large bowie for $200 or so. I think that is very reasonable.

I would look at the Journeyman smiths, especially the relatively unknowns. They do good work at a lower cost. You may have luck with a Canadian smith because of the strength of the dollar.

Getting a sheath rig is tricky though.
 
I have a Western W49. You would swear that it's the same knife, I think it retails for about $80 these days. I think it's a beautiful Bowie, and it is quite large.
 
Something like this?

cam-WW49.jpg


Or this?

ru-10ea.jpg


[This message has been edited by PhilL (edited 05-04-2001).]
 
Phil, you bastid! I was going to suggest that one!

I'll suggest an Ontario Spec Plus Raider bowie. I think they are $40 and they would be an inexpensive option for you.

------------------
"Come What May..."
 
Something like this...
ru-10ea.jpg


What kind of knife is this? What are the specs?

By the way, thanks for the help. By far this forum has been absolutely great. I am greatful to you all. Also, what I mean by reasonable price is around $150 or so, and I definitely don't want a wall hanger!
smile.gif


Jerry
 
Nice one, PhilL!!

One thing I would like to point out, the false edge isn't nearly as severe as it looks at first glance, the darkened area above the false edge is part of the blade also, it's just a little hard to see with the white background - not a criticism, just an explanation.

I gotta go read the faq's on posting pictures...
 
I think I've narrowed it down to:

Marble’s Trailmaker

http://www.agrussell.com/marbles/ma-28080.html

MA-21080
10-1/4" blade
Leather handle
$185.00

I truly like this design, though I'm not sure about the flat grind, other than that it is perfect.

Is this a good knife for the price? Is it functional? Any comments?

Many thanks,

Jerry

 
Tough choice, but I don't think you can make a mistake here.

ma-28080.jpg


The best part is that if you order from AG Russell they have one of the best return policies if you're not happy.

I don't want to start a Firefight here, but I much prefer a flat grind to a hollow grind, better yet a convex grind. A hollow grind on any type of Bowie just doesn't make it for me.

[This message has been edited by PhilL (edited 05-05-2001).]
 
ma-28080.jpg


After some deliberation, I finally decided on Marble’s Trailmaker, 10 1/4" blade, with leather handle. It is just so pleasing to my eye, I can't wait to get it!

Many thanks to everyone who has helped me in my quest for a great bowie.

Jerry

[This message has been edited by Majnoon (edited 05-05-2001).]
 
Majnoon,

Order that Trailmaker, but just check the fit between the guard and blade, among other fit/finish items.

I bought a Marble's a while back (2 years?)and there was this big gap between guard and blade. I could've dribbled some solder in there very unprofessionally, but sent it back instead.

That gap is like a tiny black hole, just WAITING for water to get anywhere near so it can draw it in via gravitational attraction ... and that can, especially with a carbon steel blade like 5160, lead to significant corrosion inside the handle on the blade tang, and over time it could loosen up the whole handle/tang junction. I can't tell from pics if that is pinned or a threaded buttcap attachment. In either case, corrosion ain't a good thang.

AG has a great return policy... if you get a lemon, order another and try again until you get a good one (which could be 1st try nowadays, of course).


[This message has been edited by rdangerer (edited 05-05-2001).]
 
By Mineral Mountain:
k19bowie.jpg

K-19 Bowie

ozark.jpg

Ozark

dwbwb.jpg

Deep Woods Bowie

$150 each, all with 12" blades. Check out the site for more models....

------------------
John Gonzalez
Exclusive Dealer
Mineral Mountain Hatchet Works

[This message has been edited by Kumdo (edited 05-05-2001).]
 
sorry- double post!


[This message has been edited by Kumdo (edited 05-05-2001).]
 
Originally posted by rdangerer:

I bought a Marble's a while back (2 years?)and there was this big gap between guard and blade. I could've dribbled some solder in there very unprofessionally, but sent it back instead.

---Thanks rdangerer for the warning. I will be sure to look for that gap, and if it is indeed there I'll return it. Again, thanks for the warning.

Jerry
Click to expand...
 
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