Ontario/Bagwell bowies... worthwhile?

[James_Terrio]

First, I apologize for beating a dead horse. I haven't ponied-up for a real membership yet, so I can't search worth a hoot. Thank you for your patience.

I cut my teeth on Bagwell's "Battle Blades" column in Soldier Of Fortune back in the 80's. 'Nuff said.

I can't afford a real Bagwell.

So naturally, I'm looking at an Ontario factory model. It looks really nice.

It's made of an absolute crap steel :grumpy: OK, I've gotten over this, no need to rehash it.

So, clearly, the only reason to buy one of these is to experience (sort of) a Bagwell design. Cool, they're not very expensive, so why not?

My question is, what's the quality-control reputation on these? I only have a couple knives made by Ontario and although the HT is a bit on the soft side :grumpy:, they're well-built. HT isn't an issue since I don't intend to use it much other than basic testing for giggles.

I guess what I'm saying is, with a little nudge I could be talked into buying a knife made of 440A :barf: but only if it's nicely put together.

I've never bought a non-user knife in my life, and if I'm going to now, it better be pretty cool

So whattaya think, drop a hundred bucks and pick one up?

 

[steelscout30]

I've heard positive things about them---I've never handled one, so wait for some with more extensive experience.

They look like cool designs; my personal favorite is the Hell's Belle.

Good luck!

 

[nikoknife48]

I'd go for the HELL'S BELLE also. That's the closest you will get to the real thing as far as size and design go in comparison to the other Ontario models and for a fraction of the price. The guard is what makes it cool.

 

[lawp]

If you are thinking of buying a "non-user" then you are starting a collection. A factory knife does not belong in a collection. Double your $100 and contact some of the makers on this forum and elsewhere. You will find one who will make you a Bagwell replica, but it will be custom, and have a custom maker's mark. That is a good start to a collection.

 

[pootsythesamurai]

I'd nip over to the Custom Knife part of the forum and have a look at the thread on Bagwells. Honestly dude you'd be better saving and getting a real one because in the end you probably will And it's worth it. Really worth it
You'd be surprised too that you'd be able maybe to not get one of Mr.Bagwell's Hell's Belles but you might be able to get a camp or gentlemans bowie. I'd just save; he has quite a big waiting list but if you put some money away each month you'd be surprised

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=6132817#post6132817

I'd have a look on River City sheaths and ask Mike Sastre if he has any Ontario Bagwells least then you know you'll be getting a good one

 

[branned]

I am not a big Bowie type of knife person. I do have three production types.

Winchester (Gerber), smallest of three, Cheap Chinese:thumbdn:

Cold Steel® Laredo Bowie, $59.99, middle in size and cheap Chinese one from SMKW. Production moving from China to Tawain. Sk-5 Steel (might be the toughest of the three). Better, but will be my beater knife.

Ontario Bagwell HELL'S BELLE Bowie, largest of three, best looking and best feel of the three. Nice carved Bagwell and USA on blade. 440A Stainless Steel. Best made of the three.