Need to get a Bagwell Helle Belle

I bought one of the early model of Production Bowies.
I dropped it, and not even very hard, and the tip broke off.
BTW, Mad Dog knives makes differentially tempered blades also.

From what I understand Ontario heard about this problem and fixed it.
But I could be wrong.......
 
Originally posted by brownie0486
He may have stated it was good for the knockoffs from Onrtario but my guess is that you won't see him making SS knives anytime soon.
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Just to clarify: according to the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, a knockoff is "an unauthorized copy or imitation". The Ontario Hell's Belle is a collaboration between that knife company and Bill Bagwell; therefore, it is not a "knockoff".
 
Unless you feel QS13 is close to 5160, Bill isn't making the Belle with a similiar steel to QS13.

Brownie
 
Originally posted by brownie0486
Unless you feel QS13 is close to 5160, Bill isn't making the Belle with a similiar steel to QS13.

Brownie
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That wasn't an answer to my post above, was it? Because I didn't say anything about similar steels (I don't pretend to be a metallurgy expert, and very few people know what "QS13" really is anyway). I just pointed out the fact that you've been erroneously classifying the Ontario versions of Bagwell's knives as "knockoffs", when in fact they're authorized versions. That's all.
 
Originally posted by kevtan
Xrayed, I have read your post where you stated that the tip gouged the floor out without damage. But from other posts, I get the impression that the blade is grounded to a very thin bevel and is not suited to camping tasks other than self-defence.
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Yes....this tip is rather thin but I was really surprised that the tip did not deform or snap....but rather gouged the floor. It is true that this blade is best suited for self defense though.....I would rather go with the Cold Steel Laredo for a "crossover" knife, if I were to choose a production Bowie.

A true Bagwell Bowie is something to behold though...worth the wait. I style many of my Bowies after his general designs.
 
Leo:
That was in answer to "run with scissors" statement about qs13 being similiar to 5160 which Bagwell uses.

Authorized copies, of course. It's still a knockoff to the original Belles to me. In the true sense of the meaning of knockoff, you are correct, yet they are still copies of his design that are not exact to dimentions of the originals, hence they are knockoffs, okay, authorized knockoffs.

Brownie
 
Runs With Scissors:

I understood it was only a rumor, wasn't trying to say different in the replies.

I feel it is good to bring up rumors and information thats out there so all consumers can be better informed. It serves a good purpose to my thinking.

Though I had not heard that rumor, there are so many out there relative knives that it's always good to bring them up and discuss them.

I had two Ontario Belle's at one time, they are gone now for one reason. That being the qs13 was not capable of taking the edge I wanted on them for whatever reason.

Brownie
 
aw heck man, ya' know how it is, inflection comes across poorly through the internet, although I truly do appreciate explanation there. Definitely agree with ya' on the addressing of all issues, as long as we try to remain conscious of remembering rumors are just that. Hard to learn or evolve otherwise, eh?

I only had one Ontario Belle, but got rid of it fairly quickly. the blade was actually ground a couple degrees crooked from the handle. Not likely to affect performance, but a serious annoyance nonetheless.

hope the days a good 'un!
 
Originally posted by brownie0486

Authorized copies, of course. It's still a knockoff to the original Belles to me. In the true sense of the meaning of knockoff, you are correct, yet they are still copies of his design that are not exact to dimentions of the originals, hence they are knockoffs, okay, authorized knockoffs.
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I remember reading somewhere about Bill Bagwell being happy with how the Ontario copies came out. Granted, they're not the same as the customs, but for a fraction of the price, that's to be expected.

OTOH, the fact that they wouldn't take the edge you wanted is of course relevant. I was not aware of that particular issue, having not tried to sharpen mine yet. I will eventually, so we'll see what happens.
 
Hi Leo,
I think Bill is happy with the Ontario made Belle. They are damned close to his designs.

I was not happy with the edge as they came from Ontario. I atempted to put an edge on them like the Bagwell Belle came with and just could not do so.

I spent a few times at the stones with these and after an hour between them decided to let them go.

They would still be here if they took the edge I wanted.

I picked up a Laredo from Cold Steel with carbon V which I knew would take the edge I wanted.

Brownie
 
As stated in my previous post, I think that Colloborations are a great way for us lower down the ladder consumers to get a taste of the real thing. As an example, I have the Camillus D.Ralph Arclite - 420hc, EDC - Talonite, Maxx - d2, Dominator - S30v. After these samplings, would I hesitate to get the real thing from Ralph if I have the money? Not in a heart beat. My brother got the Buck - Mayo and he feels the same.

I have not had the pleasure of seeing and feeling the pieces from some of the famous makers like Carson, Lightfoot, Elizhawitz and others. Would I buy directly from them? I would have to research a lot and ask for opinions on the forums. But ultimately it would be a gamble. This is of course figuring in the place where I am at now.
 
I had been lusting after the production Helle's Belle for a while now, but I handled one at Blade West and decided it wasn't big enough, so I bought a Hearndon bowie instead. Here it is against my HI 20" Ang Khola! :eek:
 

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Steven Roos:

How long is the blade on the Hearndon?
Weight?
Material?

Thanks

BTW--Nice pieces there. The hearndon reminded me a little of the Crain knives.

Brownie
 
The sharpened edge measures just about 13" and its about 19.5" overall. I don't have an accurate way to measure the weight, but it is distally tapered and very light weight. I just compared it to my Battle Rat, and it feels heavier, but is much better balanced and quicker.

In my excitement, I forgot to ask the composition of the damascus. Oops! I'm going to get in touch with Bill soon anyway, and I'll remember to ask him.
 
On its way to your listed address.

The only ones I have are with it in the Rivercitysheath, sorry.

Brownie
 
Brownie/Viper,

I'll take a picture of mine naked later and forward it to the email address.

Contact number listed earlier is no longer in service. New contact number for Bill Bagwell is (903) 938-0905 and his backlog is definitely 2 years right now, so if you want a real Bagwell, you should get on board ASAP. Well worth the wait!!!
 
Thanks Mike,

BTW--I have a long knife on it's way to you
this week.

Customer saw the Southern Comforted Laredo at the gun club this morning, wants his bowie done in one as well.

I'll call you tomorrow.

Brownie
 
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