Quality Traditional Production Bowies

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VolundoftheForge

Joined
Jan 3, 2012
Messages
1,491
Hey guys. Having a strong Texas heritage, I can't help but love the classic bowie. It's a great all-around fixed blade. For a while no I've been trying to find a good quality production version, but I haven't been able to find one that "spoke" to me, as it were. What are your favorites in this category? Thanks!
 
My absolute favorites are Randall followed and if not tied by Bark River.

Kevin
 
VolundoftheForge said:
Is it just called the Bark River Bowie, or is there a model name?
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Bark River Knife and Tool is the brand. They have made lots of bowies over the years in different steels, styles and sizes. Tons of variations to browse. You can find A2 and 3V blades which interest my tastes. Blackjack is also made by Bark River Knife and Tool and I think of them as the same. Sorry I was so brief initially.

Kevin
 
for me it would have to be a Muela; more specifically the Muela Magnum Bowie! very nice knife

serafinnievepp6.jpg


screen cap from "Seraphim Falls," also happens to be a good movie imo.
 
So...are you looking for a Bowie similar in blade shape to the top (considered a true bowie) or the bottom ( American Classic)



model-12E-sptmn.jpg


model-14LG.jpg
 
Boggs said:
So...are you looking for a Bowie similar in blade shape to the top (considered a true bowie) or the bottom ( American Classic)



model-12E-sptmn.jpg


model-14LG.jpg
Click to expand...

Well personally, I wanted a "classic" bowie, kind of what you would've seen back in the late 1800's/ early 1900's. I also really like modern bowies, so I guess my answer is, "yes". :)
 
richstag said:
Bark River Knife and Tool is the brand. They have made lots of bowies over the years in different steels, styles and sizes. Tons of variations to browse. You can find A2 and 3V blades which interest my tastes. Blackjack is also made by Bark River Knife and Tool and I think of them as the same. Sorry I was so brief initially.

Kevin
Click to expand...

No need to apologize, I was just a tad confused. :)
 
VolundoftheForge said:
Is it just called the Bark River Bowie, or is there a model name?
Click to expand...

Bark River has made the new line of Scagel Large Bowie.
Some of those are in Your 300 range

Mine was over 300 but that's because of the Sambar handle.
It's a beefy knife for an eight inch blade, but it can do both finer cutting and hard chopping.

That Muela above looks tempting, it's a beautiful bowie but I have yet to try one.
Same with the Randall, a #12-9 would be nice.

A Fällkniven NL2 would also cost You more than Your limit, but it has to be mentioned as the truly great knife it is!

Here's the Scagel Large Bowie:

View attachment 310256

Regards
Mikael
 
My choice would be a Cold Steel Trailmaster. It is a modernized version, but a pretty good one. It is less than $200.

Ed J
 
VolundoftheForge said:
I really had no particular model in mind. Honestly I'm not highly versed in Bowie history(obviously). I also liked the Svord Bowie, but wasn't sure how the quality was.
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Bowie history is tricky to say the least, but it's very interesting.
The Von Tempsky has been getting good words from their owners and it's a Big knife!

I don't plan to get it as I'm very pleased with the Big knife I have:
The rehandled Fällkniven Tor.

View attachment 310258

Regards
Mikael
 
Canal street cutlery 1873 bowie.
Case Bowie
Bear and Sons model 501 and 502
Remington (?) name has been placed on Marbles style outdoor knives. I don't know who is making them.

With $300 in your pocket though, you should take your time and hunt a good custom down on the Bladeforums, for sale by owner custom knives forum. I have seen several recently that I recall being in your range, and full blown custom style.
 
If you want a quality blade to be used like an original bowie knife, grind down a 12" Ontario Machete, to a clip point and sharpen it up, then place a stacked leather or tag handle on it. "Bowie" knife problems solved.

Also DO NOT FORGET TO CHECK OUT RUANA KNIVES They are required viewing for anyone that dreams of bowie ownership. They are pricey, but they have real bowie lineage behind them. I get mine in another couple of months all things permitting. They are dang lust worthy to look at too.
bowie1.jpg
 
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