Newb with Bagwell bowie question

[N8dawg16]

Hello all, been lurking here for a while and reading about Bagwell's Bowies. I understand Bill builds the knives to match the specific owner and I assume there use (?). I'd like to get in line for one of his knives.
I'm interested in actually learning how to use a Bowie and carry it occasionally so it won't be a safe queen.

On average how long is his backlog and how do you get a hold of him, just by phone or does he have a mailing address?
If you were looking for a carbon steal Bowie with a wood handle about where does the price start?
I'm undecided on the shape of the handle as i like both the coffin and dogbone shapes.

What is the purpose of the Spanish Notch?

thank you,

N8

 

[Kevin Jones]

There's many reported purposes for the Spanish Notch, from wire/rope striping, blade catching, sharpening starting point, hanging grove all pretty ridiculous IMO. It's probably more an artistic thing as the right Spanish notch can enhance the right knife IMO.

 

[Bors]

Yes Bill builds the knife to match the owner, If you want to learn more about Bowie knife use check out James Keating (http://www.jamesakeating.com/) he is one of the leading Instructors. I ordered my HB in 2010 and recieved it April this year. As far as pricing I will let Bill discuss that with you however, you are ordering the best fighting bowie so keep that in mind.......

I also dithered on which handle style and in the end I went with the coffin handle and i'm not sorry i did. Bill does not put the Spanish notch on the HB's any more except on special request. He feels it's a stress riser and I agree. Give Bill a call he is quite a nice guy and easy to chat with (903-938-0905).



This is the one I ordered. Damascus Hells Belle with Cocobolo wood handle. It has excellent balance and as far as speed well it came equiped with warp drive LOL

Next to a FBM

I hope you decide to get one they are worth the wait and the price

 

[Kevin Jones]

Hello all, been lurking here for a while and reading about Bagwell's Bowies. I understand Bill builds the knives to match the specific owner

This has been my understanding as well, however have always been a litte curious about the process? I mean obviously it's not like traveling to Europe and being "fitted" for a fine shotgun?
Does the owner fill out a form, or does Bill ask questions? Does he just consider height & weight or does he seek more detailed information? I notice some of his handles seem quite long proportionally, is this because he takes hand measurements? As stated, just curious, as no other knifemakers immediately come to mind who specifically claim to "build knives to match each owner".

 

[N8dawg16]

Thanks for the replies. In perusing the forum I noted most people opt for the Hell's Belle, and I can see why they are stunning (as are all his bowies). What are the differences between that and his regular fighting bowie (if that is what he calls it). I noted on another site there was mention of a Vidalia Maiden and a Gentleman's Bowie (?).

 

[Bors]

He has a formula I don't no what it is for making his knives he will ask you some measurment questions and thats about it. He will call you when he is ready to start it, at that time payment arrangements will be discussed.
As far as I know Some of Bills other bowies are more general use bowies whereas the HB is tuned for fighting. To get the spacific differences you would have to chat with Bill.

 

[crossada]

Nothing moves like a Bagwell. They have the best feel of any bowie i've tried and I find most to have handles too small but I realize this is a personal preference. He does ask for several measurements when ordering and he states the reasons why too.

I've got three now and would like a few more.

 

[N8dawg16]

Thanks for all the replies. I've got to call Bill and get on the wait list and ask a bunch of questions. I'm still undecided on handle shape and of course blade steel, although I'm leaning towards carbon at this point. This will be my first and I might just go with Damascus but who knows. I just got Bill's book and have already digested the material. Now I need to get Keating's DVD's and get working on that too. I think I'm doomed...