Reccomend me a Bowie for my NKF

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KennyB

Joined
Jan 19, 2010
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I've got a non-knife friend who is a little bit into knives, but he's not really acquainted with quality, or what is "abusing" a knife, and he's a bit into them more for the aesthetic appeal. I haven't really tracked down exactly what aesthetic appeal that he likes, but judging by the way he admires my 119 and from a few comments he's made I think he would like a well-made bowie.

The thing is, he doesn't seem to like wood-grain, bone or stag handles, and so I'm wondering what kind of bowie I could get him. I also don't want to spend an arm and a leg, but I don't want it to be the equivalent of some gas station folder either.

Anyway, as far as the quality of it goes... I'd like to give him something that demonstrates quality crafstmanship and has premium materials, but on the other hand bowies are big knives and I don't have all that big of a bank to break. I'm probably looking in the $100-$150 range maximum and would like to find something more in the $80-$100 if at all possible. I think in his case I'd sacrifice better blade material for better fit and finish.

Really, if the Buck 119 was a bit longer and wider I think I'd just get him something like that because he seems to really like mine, but I feel like just getting him a 119 wouldn't be putting much thought into it, and I know from previous comments the only thing he doesn't like about the 119 is that he wishes it was bigger.

So, anyone have any ideas? I've asked him what kind of knives he likes, but he's just not too descriptive, so this is about all I have to go on. Something like a Buck 119, but a bit bigger like a bowie.
 
I don't know much about Bowies, but I know that Case makes them in your price range and that Case knives in general fit all the parameters of what you have described already.
 
The thing is, he doesn't seem to like wood-grain, bone or stag handles, and so I'm wondering what kind of bowie I could get him. I also don't want to spend an arm and a leg, but I don't want it to be the equivalent of some gas station folder either.
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Not exactly a "Bowie knife", but perhaps the Buck 650 NightHawk would do....

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Or maybe a leather handled USMC Kabar?


Good luck,
Allen
 
Bowie that is big, has synthetic scales, costs under $150, and good quallity....

I'd recomend the Browning Crowell/Barker Competition knife....
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Great overall knife for a great price IMHO. :)
 
Bark River Searles. I just bought 3. Good looking, made by one of the best production makers. Only a 5" blade, which may be good getting your friend started. Look around, they can be found at good prices right now as they have been discontinued.
 
I can't imagine a better first "real" knife than a Becker BK7. Although not a traditional bowie, it will not disappoint, and it can be had for $70-$90. The Crowell Barker(Browning) is a sweet knife(the first knife I made was based on it's dimensions), but it was designed for cutting competitions, and it's kinda big. I know I sound like a fan boy, but Beckers are great, and they are well represented on this forum, with warranty issues being resolved swiftly.

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Pretty good reccomendations so far, but I can't find a place that sells the Randalls to check them out. Any other reccomendations people can make?
 
http://www.cutleryshoppe.com/reconscout-sk-5new.aspx

Cold Steel Recon Scout (SK-5 version) Like I said in another post, I just got one of these. Absolute Beast of a knife. If your friend doesn't mind the black blade. Handle is Kraton (rubber) very comfortable.

This place is sold out, but can can be bought for $100 all over (Ebay and amazon) Has a 5 year warr. too.
 
Randalls are expensive. You would be hard pressed to find one for less than $400. If that's the case, take a look at this drool inducing Canal Street(msrp $350):

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I think the best American production knives made at the moment are coming out of the Bark River/Black Jack camp up in Michigan. The convex zero grind is as close to the Japanese Katana as you can get.

The Bark Rivers are pricier. I think "The" bowie at the moment is the Black Jack Halo Attack.

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If you're looking for something close to a Randall Model-1, look at the Black Jack Model 7. Instead of the hollow-grind v edge, you're getting a convex-grind zero edge.
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I think they are an amazing, modern interpretation of the Bowie. Affordable production price too.
 
I'd go with a Scrap Yard Regulator. They're no longer made, but they can be found on the exchange for just over $100. You can't get a better knife for the money.
 
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