Mean little bastard. I mean bowie...

NickWheeler said:
Hi Guys!



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


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 for behind "why" to follow the pics for those who are interested.



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!!! :)
Click to expand...

Boy, did you ever say a mouthful, we love our collectors but we need the full spectrum of the knife buying public to stay in business.

This one is sharp as always. I am always happy to see your stuff on here. Innovative and well executed as always.
 
This is a great idea, and makes your knives more accessible to more people.
 
I absolutely love it. There's no way I could walk away from one of these on your table at a show.

I agree about solid micarta colors. Either ivory micarta or maroon linen slabs with the black frame and guard would be killer.
 
I like I t, but it is too nice to use.....


It needs a worse fit and finish, wonky uneven grinds, too much meat behind the edge and worse ergonomics. Then it will be a perfect user....


Looks great to me, really. But I thought the earlier versions were snazzy and would have made fantastic users.
 
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I like it a lot. Does look mean. That hidden lanyard hole sure is neat. Much better visually that the regular holes.

Happy Belated Birthday by the way Nick!
 
I would definitely have carried and used one of those CC combat bowies... if I'd bought one that is. I like this one too, but I am just a sucker for a satin finished blade. Even a belt finish - no baby unicorn fur necessary! :D Still and all, its a wicked cool pattern and I think it works with the etched finish too. :thumbup:

Wanted to add that, while I admire your ingenuity with the lanyard post, I personally do not see the need for a lanyard on a fighting knife.
 
I like it. We must be on the same wave length because I was going to use Micarta and G10 as guard material soon. Good to see that it can work out.
 
Agreed w/ Joe... You're on a roll Nick!! I love the 'user' grade finish you put on this one. I don't have a problem using high-end finished knives either. This one would be perfect for carry so long as you used baby unicorn fur to finish off the sheath it came with. ;)
 
I really like that Nick. Ever try a forced finish with cold blue and Clorox?

That is certainly a new twist on the hidden lanyard attachment. I have done a couple similar on full tangs, but without a pin (just to get to the original lanyard hole in the tang)

Keep it up my friend. You are on a roll.
 
Nicks fantastic finish shows thru in every blade he makes

His willingness to provide users at an affordable price is a sound plan that I believe will pay off in a big way down the road

I love the forced patinas and I do believe they do help folks get over the hump of using a fine custom that might in normal cases be relegated to only a display

Kudos to Nick for being able to do it all so very well :)
 
Stacked leather with a matching convex linen micarta but cap. :D I like all of the small carry bowies you have made. Very desirable blade style in keeping with your previous works.
 
Thanks guys! :)




Buffalohump- In most cases, I would consider a lanyard totally unnecessary on a fighter as well. However, there are 2 reasons that I put them in the handful of this style of knife that I have made recently.


#1.) They all had horizontal, behind the back carry sheaths, so the lanyard made deployment easier/faster.


#2.) I had a lot of feedback from US servicemen that liked the idea of having the knife as a last ditch defense tool (opting for something like their M9 as the first choice! ;) :D)... But because of the size, edge geometry, and thin but solid handle shape--- they would use the knife for general utility every day... and many preferred the knife have a lanyard. :)


Personally, I don't even use lanyards on camp knives. I'm sure it's just because I'm left handed. ;) :p


So I'm sure not arguing here! :) simply explaining the thinking behind the design.... :)


I'm taking notes on preferences here, especially things like the G10 and/or Micarta colors.

Mark- Thank you for the support my friend! It is much appreciated.

Eli, thanks buddy...whenever I grab your attention with a knife it makes my day. :cool:

Robert my friend---Thank you. I haven't tried that--- YET! :D (google here I come ;)).

Joe--- Well since you're a "dealer" now, does your dealer nose smell the possibility of another project already brewing??? :foot: :D

Ron- Super cool idea! I'd probably opt for stacked natural/brown canvas micarta for a similar look with bombproof hardiness... But either way, I like it. :)



Thank you everyone for taking the time to check out my work, and especially for taking time to post. It is greatly appreciated by me and my family!!! :)
 
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I personally find it kind of incredible that you were able to get yourself to put mustard on that blade and give in to the randomness of it all.
I like it when you get a little wild hair!
The 'on a roll' comment...yeah, I'll get on that bandwagon :)
 
This is one of my favorite pieces you've posted too. This looks like a transition from American style art knife to a high quality handmade user tool.

What I'm trying to say is I like it and I would buy one.
 
Nick, I didn't know you were left handed! Very cool.
 
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