Looking for a good Bowie

As to the NL1, I felt that it was blade heavy, and prefer different balance. Maybe it wasnt as much as I remember, yet you might want to hold one before you buy, just in case.
I prefer a different tang than the cable tang on the ColdSteels. Yet many like them.

http://coldsteelforums.com/m224.aspx

http://coldsteelforums.com/m171319.aspx

Personally, I would go with the O1 Trailmaster if I were picking a Cold Steel. It is a great knife, and very similar in blade design to the bowies associated with Jim Bowie hizzef.

And one more time for Bark River, fyi

Bark-River-Custom-8.5--Bowie--Black---Green-Linen-Micarta-Handle--12C27-Stainless-Steel--Custom-Sheath.HTML

https://www.knivesshipfree.com/bark-river-knives-1909-michigan-bowie/
 
Last edited:
You mentioned the SOG Super Bowie , i have one, unless you have overly large hands i would avoid it. I bought mine online, never got to paw it first, the handle is waaaay too big, much much bigger than the regular shorter Sog fixed blades. I have an old Western Bowie, an Ontario spec plus raider Bowie and a CS Trailmaster all of those have longer blades and smaller MUCH more ergonomic handles. Of those i'd go with the Trailmaster but the Ontario is good as well and less expensive. If i lost all my knives tomorrow i'd just buy a Kabar Becker BK7 or BK9. Seriously you can't go wrong with a Becker.
 
deltablade said:
As to the NL1, I felt that it was blade heavy, and prefer different balance. Maybe it wasnt as much as I remember, yet you might want to hold one before you buy, just in case.
I prefer a different tang than the cable tang on the ColdSteels. Yet many like them.

http://coldsteelforums.com/m224.aspx

http://coldsteelforums.com/m171319.aspx

Personally, I would go with the O1 Trailmaster if I were picking a Cold Steel. It is a great knife, and very similar in blade design to the bowies associated with Jim Bowie hizzef.
Click to expand...

I doubt that its possible to find one around here before ordering it... I'm not a huge fan of cold steel overall as a company, I will prob end up buying their kukri eventually but I doubt I'll own any others.

tholiver said:
You mentioned the SOG Super Bowie , i have one, unless you have overly large hands i would avoid it. I bought mine online, never got to paw it first, the handle is waaaay too big, much much bigger than the regular shorter Sog fixed blades. I have an old Western Bowie, an Ontario spec plus raider Bowie and a CS Trailmaster all of those have longer blades and smaller MUCH more ergonomic handles. Of those i'd go with the Trailmaster but the Ontario is good as well and less expensive. If i lost all my knives tomorrow i'd just buy a Kabar Becker BK7 or BK9. Seriously you can't go wrong with a Becker.
Click to expand...

Well I do have big hands, XL on the glove side. Think I would go Kabar oever Sog or CS. Think I'd buy an original first though if I was going to that company.
 
Last edited:
My main large fixed blade is a Fallkniven volcano in lam cos. Blade is only 6.75" long and it chops very well. Haven't felt the need for another lg fixed blade since I got it like 4yrs ago. Also the steel is superb. Holds a great edge, sharpens up easy n like a laser when stropped. JMHO!!
 
jfk1110 said:
My main large fixed blade is a Fallkniven volcano in lam cos. Blade is only 6.75" long and it chops very well. Haven't felt the need for another lg fixed blade since I got it like 4yrs ago. Also the steel is superb. Holds a great edge, sharpens up easy n like a laser when stropped. JMHO!!
Click to expand...

I really like the performance marks on that cob steel, seems superior to the VG10. Kind of why the Krut is appealing to me, but I'm really trying to buy something similar to a Bowie at least.. it's a difficult decision.
 
Here's the little Tommi Puukko I picked up today!
IMG_2629_zpspmw7g7mj.jpg
 
deltablade said:
If you are thinking of a NL1, these guys here on the forum can make you a superb custom, for about the same price.
I have one from each of them, and can attest to the quality of their work


http://www.caltoncutlery.com

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/darrin-sanders-custom-knives.924/

Darrin made this one for me

http://www.bladeforums.com/attachments/hargett-bowie-1-2-jpg.570504/

http://www.bladeforums.com/threads/hand-forged-fighting-bowie-up-for-grabs.1255147/#post-14372994
Click to expand...

Hmmm, good suggestion thanks!
 
LEGION 12 said:
Bark River now makes Blackjack knives and I had that for a few years now and can find nothing bad to say about it , has done everything I could ask of any knife.
Click to expand...
Mike stewart who is thw owner od bark river used to own black jack years back but had a fall out and created brk and maybe makes black jack desighns but it will not say black jack on them, his manin steel know besides a2 is a far better3v and elmax steel
 
Camillus USA made a Bowie designed by Jerry Fisk. The OVB (Our Very Best) it's called.

Came in a few different handle materials. I have one in Desert Ironwood and one in Fiddleback Maple.

They carry like they're made out of waterproof smoke. They are fast handling and fun to play with.

Fisk told me on BFC Chat one night... "It was made to work, Vel... go forth!" And so, forth I have gone and he spaketh true.

They're still around if you look a bit, and are still affordable when you do find them.
 
Velitrius said:
Camillus USA made a Bowie designed by Jerry Fisk. The OVB (Our Very Best) it's called.

Came in a few different handle materials. I have one in Desert Ironwood and one in Fiddleback Maple.

They carry like they're made out of waterproof smoke. They are fast handling and fun to play with.

Fisk told me on BFC Chat one night... "It was made to work, Vel... go forth!" And so, forth I have gone and he spaketh true.

They're still around if you look a bit, and are still affordable when you do find them.
Click to expand...

I can vouch for this. I carried one for a couple months.
 
Velitrius said:
Camillus USA made a Bowie designed by Jerry Fisk. The OVB (Our Very Best) it's called.

Came in a few different handle materials. I have one in Desert Ironwood and one in Fiddleback Maple.

They carry like they're made out of waterproof smoke. They are fast handling and fun to play with.

Fisk told me on BFC Chat one night... "It was made to work, Vel... go forth!" And so, forth I have gone and he spaketh true.

They're still around if you look a bit, and are still affordable when you do find them.
Click to expand...
one is on the bay right now
 
Jack88 said:
You win the competition of the Bowies Have been lurking there a bit
Click to expand...
No competition, just having fun and trying to help out.
I really like the modded W49. Way more than it seems like I should. It seems to be the best of all the worlds.
Not counting the customs of course.
The Bagwell comes in a very very close 2nd and the 46-8 is there cuz I've wanted one since I was a kid.

Man with no name said:
Ebbtide, How long is the blade on that Ben Browning Forged Recurve?
Click to expand...
That's 10" on the blade. The handle is a little small, just fits my small hand, so it looks larger than it is. Helluva well made knife.
 
Last edited:
Only because no one has mentioned them yet, and it was the first "bowie" I posted, take a good, long look at Mineral Mountain Hatchet Works. Ted and Barry make some really good stuff...
 
Really enjoying this thread. Keep the suggestions coming.

So what would be your specs on the "perfect" old school Bowie? I'm thinking 10"ish blade for starters.

What say ye Jack? Or anyone.
 
10 inch blade for sure, well-balanced and light, fast blade...not current chopper type. Ontario Bagwell type.

Now as to ole Jack88, if he wants to try out a Bowie as homework for his decision-making process, this Ontari SP5 is highly recommended. I have some, and they are strong knives, yet not too heavy. I plan to add a leather washer handle to one of mine, and maybe drop the upswept tip a touch.

 
GB940Rookie said:
Really enjoying this thread. Keep the suggestions coming.

So what would be your specs on the "perfect" old school Bowie? I'm thinking 10"ish blade for starters.

What say ye Jack? Or anyone.
Click to expand...

Yep I want a large sized knife that should I end up in a Hugh Glass situation I'd be able to dish some damage out as well. The knife needs to be ergonomic easy to carry for long hiking adventures, able to run the ringer with wood (though serious chopping isn't highest on the list)

Ultimately you need to be able to look at it and say "That knife is a killer" because Bowie knives are just that, they were designed for knife fighting and killing. The outdoorsman aspect of it is a modern addition.

I personally like more traditional looking versions: wood/leather handles, not like it was pumped out of a factory.

I am definitely learning a lot though bravo to you experts.
 
AKC said:
Only because no one has mentioned them yet, and it was the first "bowie" I posted, take a good, long look at Mineral Mountain Hatchet Works. Ted and Barry make some really good stuff...
Click to expand...

Wow really like the two custom Bowie's they just sold! Look MEAN!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top