- Joined
- May 6, 2010
- Messages
- 7
Hi all,
This is my first time on the forums so forgive me if I am re-inventing the wheel with my questions. In my experience the easiest way to get answers is to ask plenty of questions.
First I will start with my dilemma.
I am looking for a knife that is somewhat large, very solid, and of mid-19th century Bowie styling. I am not necessarily interested in what makes the best "fighter", I am looking for a workhorse, something that can withstand a lot of use in the field.
I am involved with a local Civil War re-enactment group. Some of you who have experienced Living History are familiar with the blood, sweat, and tears that go into making such an enterprise successful. Often times you might find yourself cutting down saplings, chopping wood into kindling, preparing food, as well as all the other numerous cutting chores that one might run into living in the great outdoors.
So hopefully you have an understanding of what my needs are. A solid, functional knife that can withstand the rigors of outdoor living and at the same time make a good mid-19th century period impression.
Here is the kicker though, I am looking to acquire one for under $100. I just recently invested a lot of money into having an early 18th century Scottish dirk custom made so my budget at this time is somewhat tight until I can manage to convince my better half that knives are wonderful tools/weapons to put money into.
Some of my research has led me to a variety of options. Windlass Steelcrafts has a line of Bowie knives available through AtlantaCutlery.com . However, I have what I feel are legitimate concerns about the integrity of Indian steel, which is where Windlass blades are crafted. I own a couple of Windlass swords and quite honestly I would never want to try to actually "use" them for fear that they would break quite easily. I also have friends who have cautioned me in regards to actually using their steel in field applications. On the flip side though, some of Windlass' Bowies make a good historical impression and you certainly cannot beat the price easily. Perhaps the questionable integrity of their swords does not extend to some of their knives?
Another option is acquiring a Paul Chen Bowie. Although most of his line of Bowies are no longer in production, a couple of them are still available through various stores. I have handled Hanwei steel before and honestly, I do not have the same misgivings regarding their steel that I do of Windlass. Though they are made in China, they certainly have better quality control than it would seem Windlass does. Still...... I am curious as to whether or not Paul Chen's line will stand up to the use I would put it through.....
I am not interested in "throwing", "fighting", or "playing" with the knife I hope to acquire. I am looking for a large working knife that will get my chores done and protect me from the unwarranted attention of some bear or cougar if the need were to arise.
I am open to any feedback, questions, ideas, etc. I apologize for the seemingly long-winded topic.
Thank you all for your time,
-Dylan
This is my first time on the forums so forgive me if I am re-inventing the wheel with my questions. In my experience the easiest way to get answers is to ask plenty of questions.
First I will start with my dilemma.
I am looking for a knife that is somewhat large, very solid, and of mid-19th century Bowie styling. I am not necessarily interested in what makes the best "fighter", I am looking for a workhorse, something that can withstand a lot of use in the field.
I am involved with a local Civil War re-enactment group. Some of you who have experienced Living History are familiar with the blood, sweat, and tears that go into making such an enterprise successful. Often times you might find yourself cutting down saplings, chopping wood into kindling, preparing food, as well as all the other numerous cutting chores that one might run into living in the great outdoors.
So hopefully you have an understanding of what my needs are. A solid, functional knife that can withstand the rigors of outdoor living and at the same time make a good mid-19th century period impression.
Here is the kicker though, I am looking to acquire one for under $100. I just recently invested a lot of money into having an early 18th century Scottish dirk custom made so my budget at this time is somewhat tight until I can manage to convince my better half that knives are wonderful tools/weapons to put money into.
Some of my research has led me to a variety of options. Windlass Steelcrafts has a line of Bowie knives available through AtlantaCutlery.com . However, I have what I feel are legitimate concerns about the integrity of Indian steel, which is where Windlass blades are crafted. I own a couple of Windlass swords and quite honestly I would never want to try to actually "use" them for fear that they would break quite easily. I also have friends who have cautioned me in regards to actually using their steel in field applications. On the flip side though, some of Windlass' Bowies make a good historical impression and you certainly cannot beat the price easily. Perhaps the questionable integrity of their swords does not extend to some of their knives?
Another option is acquiring a Paul Chen Bowie. Although most of his line of Bowies are no longer in production, a couple of them are still available through various stores. I have handled Hanwei steel before and honestly, I do not have the same misgivings regarding their steel that I do of Windlass. Though they are made in China, they certainly have better quality control than it would seem Windlass does. Still...... I am curious as to whether or not Paul Chen's line will stand up to the use I would put it through.....
I am not interested in "throwing", "fighting", or "playing" with the knife I hope to acquire. I am looking for a large working knife that will get my chores done and protect me from the unwarranted attention of some bear or cougar if the need were to arise.
I am open to any feedback, questions, ideas, etc. I apologize for the seemingly long-winded topic.
Thank you all for your time,
-Dylan
confused
