Recon Bowie Vs Commemorative Bowie

cpirtle

cpirtle

Leathercrafter
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Mar 28, 2001
Messages
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I'm considering purchasing one of these knives. I'd like to hear thoughts and reccomendations on both or either.

The one thing I've been having a hard time finding is the difference between the two.

I'm not sure if I want the brass guard and pommel, is this on both or just the Recon Bowie.

So, in a nutshell, throw any info you'd like to at me regarding these two knives.

Sorry for rambling :D
 
Hi Cpirtle,

Thank for your question and no apologies for "rambling." These knives are very similar.

A good place to start in understanding these knives is a look at their histories. You can find that Right Here. Big, long files, but very much worth the read.
  • Similarities: Steel type (SK-5), full tang knives (similar construction), epoxied leather washer handles, and blued blades.
  • Differences (SOG Bowie/Recon Bowie): Blade length (6.25"/7"), blade thickness (I think .280"/.230"...I'm going on memory), crossguard and buttcap material (carbon steel/brass), and MSRP ($274.95/$225.00).
Of course, slight handle shape and crossguard differences as well as differences in basic grinds of the blades.

These are both outstanding knives and either should please you greatly. Maurice has a Recon Bowie...you might want to check with him on his personal feelings. Various forumites have both.

Let me know if you have any further questions.
 
great knives.
ive handled both of em,and they're both champs.
you wont be dissppointed.
 
Get a Recon Bowie, without a doubt. It cuts AND pokes real well. I had been looking at SOG Bowies for quite some time and was holding back for some reason, but bought a Recon as soon as I handled one. Be sure to get back to us after you've decided and made your purchase.
 
Thanks for all of the great info :)

Now that I've started, how would the two we've already discussed fare when compared to the S2 Trident?

I like the looks of the Trident the most of the 3.

Ron, what are the primary differences between the Trident and the SOG Bowie (which is currently winning over the Recon because of Steel guards vs Brass)?

On a different note.. I'm in the process of buying a Titanium Vision, seems like a great knife!
 
Hi Cpirtle,

The Trident and the SOG Bowie are identical in dimensions, grinds, general appearance, construction, and price. The only difference is materials. The Tridents has an AUS8A blade and a Micarta handle.

It is just an outstanding knife as the others mentioned. My recommendation is going with what you like the best.

The Vision is one of my favorites. I carried the Vision daily for about a year. I'm now carrying the Night Vision.

Let me know if there's anything else I can do for you.
 
My search continues, so I'd like to revive this older topic to see what people's opinions of these knives are after owning them for a while.

Today's mindset is leading me to the Recon Bowie. Nice belly, useful shape, and I do like the brass hardware.

Does that .05" difference in blade thickness compared to the S1 Bowie make for a less sturdy-feeling weapon? I don't expect to use it as a pry bar, but I want to make sure it still feels "heavier than it has to be." (I wish I could see these things in person without having to buy it first.)

-- PG
 
I have the flagship Bowie and just love it! Extreamly stout knife! I also have the Trident and I use it more because the micarta handle holds up much better! When you get into this caliber of knife it really comes down to what you like best!
 
I have the Trident, and had a Bowie (gave it as a gift...).
I think I want the Recon Bowie, it will "make the set" with my Trident (like the Bowie) and my Scuba/Demo. THAT is knife!!!:D :eek: :cool:
 
I have All three and the choice to "Start" with is the Commemorative SOG Bowie, hands down! Its the original and the first in SOGs Vietnam series! There is a link below to a SOG web site that tells about the originals if you are interested. Its the most awsome of the series in my opinion. The Trident should be next, then the Recon Bowie! Thats the order I bought them in and I wouldnt change a thing! If its a matter of only buying one, then its still the original "SOG Bowie". The blade design is the same as the SOG SEAL. Its a tried and true design that was proven well over 35 years ago in Vietnam and again in the 80's by the Seals in their test!! They are all beautiful collectors blades as well as fully functionally weapons. If you are a collector you'll have to get the fourth knife in the series also, the Scuba/Demo!!! I have one on order but it got back ordered :confused: :(

http://www.sogknives.com/misc2/

I know SOG dosent make Tomahawks but it would be neat to see the Vietnam Tomahawk remade to make the 5th in their series!?!? It would be awsome!!! Any comments Ron@SOG ???
 
Hey Danny,

The SOG Tomakawk! With Spencer, you can't say "no he'll never do it." But I think him making one is very unlikely. There are some good tomahawks already out there with not a large market for them.

You will like your Scuba/Demo. It is a very hefty knife.
 
Fit and finish are wonderful, the balance is great -slightly blade-heavy-, and I like the blade-shape MUCH better than the Recon's.

Don't jump back when you see SEKI-JAPAN engraved in the blade, BTW; the original was manufactured there as well. I read somewhere it's being made in a Samurai-sword and knife factory that's been in business for 800 years. Even if that's slightly exaggerated, it works for me! :D

I do think -judging from pics- that the Recon's handle has a slightly better grip, due to the shape of it.
 
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