Mean little bastard. I mean bowie...

NickWheeler

NickWheeler

Joined
Dec 3, 1999
Messages
9,437
Hi Guys!



Here's a new one for show and tell. Please feel free to cuss and discuss, if you wish. :)


The blade was forged from 1084 and has a sharp clip and a forced patina (Mustard finish). The guard is linen micarta, the scales are black/green G10 over a black micarta frame, with 2 stainless Corby bolts, and a new type of hidden lanyard attachment (new for me anyway, as I have never seen one or done one like this).


Photos and video first... the story behind "why" (style, materials, finish) to follow the pics for those who are interested.


[video=youtube;1L3bEZqyyVY]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L3bEZqyyVY&feature=youtu.be[/video]

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Some of you will remember the two concealed carry combat bowies I did recently.

I had quite a few messages that essentially said, "I like them, but they're too nice to use." Which threw me for a loop, because they were a pared down version of a Gent's back-up bowie with Koa that went to my friend Greg (gga357)

Since just making a crappier version wasn't an option ;) I came up with something that's just, well... different.


The overall profile of the knife is extremely close to Greg's. But I took this blade to a 320X finish grind, and then did a few forced patinas on it to achieve a hard-use/rugged blade finish. Some guys will like it, some will hate it. ;)




Now if you are a collector of finely finished knives and have a "WTF Wheeler?" reaction when seeing this, please allow me to explain---

I have ZERO plans to quit making any of my "fancy" bowies, fighters, daggers, etc. that are forged from damascus, have premium natural materials, and are finely hand finished/polished with baby Unicorn fur. :D


However, it has become clear to me, that to make an actual family wage living as a bladesmith, I must offer a diverse range of knives and try to reach a broader audience. So it is with excitement and enthusiasm that I am trying new things and working hard to bring in new guys interested in custom, forged knives. :cool: IMHO, there is a call for knives from both ends of the spectrum.



Thanks!!! :)
 
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This is still one hell of a classy knife but it really is screaming to be used. Very nicely executed.
 
I really like it and would be willing to use the heck out of it for you.
 
Good for you Nick,we love your work.ALL OF IT.Your collector stuff is absolutely stunning.This is more my style.Thanks for sharing it.What is the Steel?
Eddie
 
I love it! :)

Kinda like 'ugly' is only in the eye of the beholder and skin deep at that.....outstanding!!!! :cool:
 
Quality stands out no matter what materials are used or what degree of finish is applied. Its just as evident on this piece as it is on all your others. One of my favorites from you to date.
 
Looks like a mean little user Nick. The lanyard "pin" is a neat idea. I am not really a fan of multi color G10, but that's just me.
Now make it a blued steel guard and green micarta, and that would be just perfect to me!! :thumbup:
 
WTF is with that finish, Wheeler?!
Are you ok man?:p:p:p
 
Thanks folks. :)

Oops, the steel is 1084.

Thanks Darren, that means a lot. :)

Ben, normally I'm not really into the multi-color G10 either, but for whatever reason, it just seemed right to me for this one. I have to admit I thought it was black/blue when I started though. :foot: LMAO

Lorien- I wasn't trying to recreate what you see on an OLD knife blade, but in hand... it reminds me a lot of the blades on the old Marbles knives I have that came from my Great-grandfather. Kind of fascinating that it took 70+ years on those, and this finish took a couple days with some mustard. ;)
 
VERY smart. This forum is seeing a large push for useable bowies (thats what they are really for right?). Offering different options will certainly keep you ahead of the game. Its always tough to get that first scratch on a knife, and this should ease the pain a bit.
 
I really like the knife and the lanyard attachment. The mustard patina makes me want to use it even more.
 
NickWheeler said:
I have ZERO plans to quit making any of my "fancy" bowies, fighters, daggers, etc. that are forged from damascus, have premium natural materials, and are finely hand finished/polished with baby Unicorn fur. :D


However, it has become clear to me, that to make an actual family wage living as a bladesmith, I must offer a diverse range of knives and try to reach a broader audience. So it is with excitement and enthusiasm that I am trying new things and working hard to bring in new guys interested in custom, forged knives. :cool: IMHO, there is a call for knives from both ends of the spectrum.
Click to expand...

Lil' Jon said it best -

Yeah!
Click to expand...

Sooner or later I'm going to order my 2nd bowie. Make it one of your fighting bowies -- user grade finish, blued guard, presentation grade koa or desert ironwood handle. :D
 
Good looking and very functional. Particularly like the blade finish.
Notice you are making your ricassos a little longer on the last couple of your knives I have seen. A nice change-up IMO. :thumbup::thumbup:
 
To say I don't like Wheeler's fancy snazzy Bowie Knives would be just wrong!:eek:

But I am on the other end that Nick could reach with one of these and I do like it.......:D
 
Sweet little bowie and looks like it ready for some hard use . I am not a big fan of the mustard finish but it looks cool on this knife.

steve
 
Nick,
What kinda mustard? French's, Plochman's, or the high brow Grey Poupon? LOL Seriously, I do like the finish, unique and clean in a way. Will you be doing more of this in the future.
 
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