- Joined
- Aug 4, 2013
- Messages
- 3,989
Out of all the traditional fixed blade knife patterns, the ones falling under the broad term "Bowie Knife" have always been very attractive to me. One thing is sure, the American history behind it is definitely a driving force behind the attraction. Let's face it, Mr. Bowie sure had one facinating short life... and that adds so much to the nostalgia of a Bowie labled blade.
The most recent fixed blade knives I've purchased can all likely be considered what we consider Bowie style. A Marine Raider Bowie by Ontario is my most beastly knife to date (and adds a certain coolness factor to my collection). Then there's the opposite of that in size, my three Windlass miniature Bowies that have a great look and quality about them (especially for the money).
Now, against my better judgement, I have ordered one of Cold Steel's 1917 Frontier Bowies.
Why is it against my better judgement?... Well, reading some reviews on this latest offering of theirs, it seems there are just as many positive reviews as negative. The reason is most likely because, even though Cold Steel may contract their knife designs to be well made, it's Windlass Steelcrafts of India that has Cold Steel's contract to make this model for them.
I have had many dealings with Windlass products in the past 20-25 years, and though they have slowly improved, they can still be extremely spotty. Their products are very hit or miss... with some of their stuff being pretty decent when they hit... But, when they miss...UGH! lol!
Anyhow, even though I know I am rolling the dice on this one, the many pics online of this Bowie kept calling out to me... so I took the plunge and ordered it. Though I hate to deal with sending items back, there is that option if it turns out to be disappointing to me... but my fingers are crossed.
The Bowie is something I was into in the past, and owned quite a few, those having been sold off when I got divorced. Now it seems a short run is happening again with my getting a few. My focus can change in a heartbeat.. but it keeps things fun and very diverse
My Ontario Marine Raider is at the top of this display, where as the Windlass miniature Bowies are on the bottom left...
The most recent fixed blade knives I've purchased can all likely be considered what we consider Bowie style. A Marine Raider Bowie by Ontario is my most beastly knife to date (and adds a certain coolness factor to my collection). Then there's the opposite of that in size, my three Windlass miniature Bowies that have a great look and quality about them (especially for the money).
Now, against my better judgement, I have ordered one of Cold Steel's 1917 Frontier Bowies.
Why is it against my better judgement?... Well, reading some reviews on this latest offering of theirs, it seems there are just as many positive reviews as negative. The reason is most likely because, even though Cold Steel may contract their knife designs to be well made, it's Windlass Steelcrafts of India that has Cold Steel's contract to make this model for them.
I have had many dealings with Windlass products in the past 20-25 years, and though they have slowly improved, they can still be extremely spotty. Their products are very hit or miss... with some of their stuff being pretty decent when they hit... But, when they miss...UGH! lol!
Anyhow, even though I know I am rolling the dice on this one, the many pics online of this Bowie kept calling out to me... so I took the plunge and ordered it. Though I hate to deal with sending items back, there is that option if it turns out to be disappointing to me... but my fingers are crossed.
The Bowie is something I was into in the past, and owned quite a few, those having been sold off when I got divorced. Now it seems a short run is happening again with my getting a few. My focus can change in a heartbeat.. but it keeps things fun and very diverse
My Ontario Marine Raider is at the top of this display, where as the Windlass miniature Bowies are on the bottom left...
Last edited:
