Looking for feedback on knife selection

JamesG

JamesG

Joined
Apr 11, 2002
Messages
15
Hello to everyone,

I am currently looking for a large bowie-style knife. I am primarily concerned with edge holding/sharpness(I'm certainly not a great sharpener! LOL) and durability. Unfortunately, financial concerns don't permit a high end custom(heard that one before, huh :)

I have been leaning toward the following blades:

1.Mineral Mountain Survival Bowie
2. Livesay HRK in D2
3. Swamp Rat Knives Battle Rat
4.I'd be interested in the new Becker C/U 9 also.

I would appreciate any feedback on any of these knives, or even suggestions on other possibiltiea around $300 or so.

I know everyone has seen this question more than they care to remember, so thanks for your patience and input!
 
I have a Livesay HKR. It is my favorite large bowie. I don't think you can go wrong there.
 
Get ahold of Bill Siegle. He can make you a NICE "working" Bowie, just the way you want it.:).
 
Hey James,
Unfortunately two of your choices aren't even available yet, but both of those promise to be excellent knives.
The Battle Rat has the handling of a Busse Basic 9, and feels even better in the hand. Very reasonable price. The steel has yet to be proven in use by consumers, but the testing it has endured is very (VERY) impressive.
The Becker should also be great, though I've modified the handles on both of my Beckers by sanding them, and filing grooves around them to improve grip security, they fit alot of people fine. The steel is tough, easy to maintain, and cuts aggressively. If it's anything like the rest of the line, this should be an excellent knife, and the retail price of ~$85 will make it hard to beat.

Don't know much about the others, but I've lusted after that maroon micarta HKR on Livesay's site for awhile now. What a great-looking knife.

I see you're in Birmingham. I live in Springville, and work at Sloss Industries in north B'ham-actually we're still on strike right now. If you want to check out a couple of Becker's (I've got a CU7 and a Patrol Machete), or a Busse Basic 9 (very close to the Battle Rat), to see how the handles fit you, just drop me an email. I'm in Birmingham almost every day...we could meet up.
 
While maybe not true bowie styles, the larger Marbles knives are well worth looking at. I have yet to find a knife in its price range that holds as good an edge, and cuts as efficiently.

The big question is what kind of edge you're after. Marbles knives have thin edges and cut like scalpels. Even so, I've never chipped or torn an edge on a Marbles. But if you'll do more chopping than slicing and cutting, the Swamp Rats may be the better option. I personally prefer the thinly ground edges of Marbles knives.

trailmakerleather2.jpg
 
A small clarification here. Orders are being accepted for the Swamp Rat Battle Rat and Camp Tramp, these knives should be shipping with the next 3-6 weeks. So while they aren't in the customers hands right now they soon will be. For more info check www.swamprat.com
 
The new Becker C/U 9 is an exquisite knife, and I have every intention of buying one as soon as is humanly possible.
However, i'm not really sure it's what you are looking for, while it is called a "Bowie" I don't think it really is one... you can goto the Camillus forum and read the post by Will Fennel to see some pics and see what I mean.
If it's just gotta have that classic bowie styling, you should probably look elsewhere, if it's just gotta do everything you ask of it and more with incredible gusto, go with the Becker :P
My Combat/Utility 7 has done more for me than I ever though possible.
 
I think the Battle Rat would be a great choice! Check out my review in the Knife Reviews and Testing forum. I won't go into details, but I am highly impressed with this knife. Oh, and sharpening it was very easy :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top