- Joined
- Nov 6, 2011
- Messages
- 295
I received my Padam Bowie today and wanted to share my thoughts. For over a century and a half, the Bowie knife has been an interesting part of Americana. Though the generally accepted style (Texas clip point, deep blade belly) differs from the description of Jim Bowies original Sandbar Fight knife, it has become essentially proprietary, with countless knife makers having produced Bowie designs, and current prices for custom Bowies in the thousands of dollars. As a student of military history, I was attracted to the HI Padam Bowie for its utilitarian style and authenticity, as well as its cost effectiveness. I am not disappointed.
The Padam Bowie has a singular purpose it is a fighter in the truest sense of mid-19th century fighting knives. It is large, but not overly so, and extremely well balanced. The hilt is interesting in its two-part construction I see a hint of polishing marks where I believe the sections are pinned together and adds to the knifes formidable profile. The blade design is what the Bowie has become known for, and is extremely sharp on the main section and clip point. The most interesting part of this particular Padam is the off-cant grip. I was curious about this feature on a fighting knife (as opposed to on a Kukri), and find that it works well ergonomically, as my thumb can comfortably extended up to the hilt. It permits slashing and thrusting will equal dexterity, and poses no problems despite its somewhat non-traditional angle.
There is a uniquely crude beauty to this Padam Bowie, and that is what I believe makes it so appealing. It is not a custom makers $2,500 museum piece, but a functional fighting knife ready to take on the nearest chopping pole. The highest praise I can offer this Padam creation is that Jim Bowie would have been proud to have such a knife with him at the Sandbar or Alamo it is an outstanding interpretation of the iconic 19th century fighter.
Thank you Padam, and thank you Auntie.
The Padam Bowie has a singular purpose it is a fighter in the truest sense of mid-19th century fighting knives. It is large, but not overly so, and extremely well balanced. The hilt is interesting in its two-part construction I see a hint of polishing marks where I believe the sections are pinned together and adds to the knifes formidable profile. The blade design is what the Bowie has become known for, and is extremely sharp on the main section and clip point. The most interesting part of this particular Padam is the off-cant grip. I was curious about this feature on a fighting knife (as opposed to on a Kukri), and find that it works well ergonomically, as my thumb can comfortably extended up to the hilt. It permits slashing and thrusting will equal dexterity, and poses no problems despite its somewhat non-traditional angle.
There is a uniquely crude beauty to this Padam Bowie, and that is what I believe makes it so appealing. It is not a custom makers $2,500 museum piece, but a functional fighting knife ready to take on the nearest chopping pole. The highest praise I can offer this Padam creation is that Jim Bowie would have been proud to have such a knife with him at the Sandbar or Alamo it is an outstanding interpretation of the iconic 19th century fighter.
Thank you Padam, and thank you Auntie.
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