Mike Williams Rio Negro Bowie - Damascus & African Blackwood

[HTMD]

Mike Williams, ABS Master Smith, often identifies his knives using names of Oklahoma geographic landmarks, features, Native American tribes, historic events etc. Rio Negro (Black River) is an apt name for this big beautiful Bowie-style fighter that features Mike's own forged Damascus steel and a dark-as-night sculpted African Blackwood handle. OAL is 15 1/2 inches, blade 10 and handle 5 1/2. The knife weighs 15.6 ounces and the balance point is mid-ricasso.
The owner/collector requested that I clearly show the handle's shapely design over a background color that evokes the classic red-dirt butte found in the area. There is actually a subtle hint of that deep red-brown color in the handle wood. Note the 'window' treatment of the guard and pommel with timed screws - always a nice touch in a quality custom knife.

 

[Bruce Bump]

I've always liked Mikes bowies. He is a real gentleman too.

 

[mwschilling]

Very elegant bowie. Would go well in woods or with your Tux.

 

[David1967]

Beautiful!

 

[RogerP]

That's a terrific bowie, very well captured and presented. Mike does some real interesting stuff with his fittings that really add a unique touch.

 

[Kohai999]

Great features that you don't usually see in an ABS style bowie....really love the buttplate with the timed, slotted screws which I usually hate.

Well done, and beautiful photo, my friend!

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[Pete_H]

Yep, that one is superb!

 

[SharpByCoop]

Mike's a veteran makers and it shows. :thumbup:

He's not on the radar too often around here (read: not enough exposure!) yet this thread helps solve that!

Expertly shown, Buddy. Great cleanliness on the guard. We see it all, and clearly.

Coop

 

[Bob Leedy]

Very nice knife. The skeleton butt cap adds a particularly interesting touch.