Starter custom bowie?

Ya but so is the guard . Don't remember the sheath makers name but he's pretty good huh:D
 
Buffalohump said:
I guess budget wise would be around $500 - $700. I'm just looking for something of a fairly high standard.
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Among 500 and 700 $ it is possible to find so many good bowie,but they are very different from the bowie of Bagwell or the best bowiemakers-
 
MARSUS said:
QUOTE=Erik Fritz

Nice work!Are you the child of Bagwell?
:thumbup:
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LOL no Bill is a good friend of mine. he was kind enough to come to Montana a few years back and he is the one who taught me to make knives. He spent a week in my shop and he got me going. Now if i could only make knives like him with the same feel i would be happy. I have handled i don't know how many bagwell bowies and they all have a feel of their own.
 
Woah, you guys are throwing some serious eye candy at me....

I'm really a babe in the woods when it comes to this area... tactical folders and fixed blades have always been my thing...

I have a Randall bowie on order from the company - its due in 2011. Its a 'sportsman's bowie' with the #9 grind and leather washer handle with brass guard.

I figured that would do it but after seeing the Bagwell's here it seems that the Randall is probably more of a chopper than the lean, mean fighting machine that Bill makes.

I have a lot to learn though, about the only guys who's work I am familiar with on those lists is the two Matts. So I'm gonna hang out here for a few months and start compiling a list of knives that really appeal to me.

Thanks for all the input!
 
Erik: This one really speaks to me!

Erik Fritz said:
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Buffalohump said:
I have a lot to learn though, about the only guys who's work I am familiar with on those lists is the two Matts. So I'm gonna hang out here for a few months and start compiling a list of knives that really appeal to me.

Thanks for all the input!
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Now you see, that right there tells me you're a smart guy. Understanding what you don't know, and taking the time to try to learn is exactly the smart way to enter a new field. There are lots of guys here with tons of experience in the area, but the best way to learn what knives appeal to you most is to get to a show, pick up several examples and see how they impress in person in terms of fit, finish and feel.

Roger
 
I would have to second Tommy Gann. Not as well followed yet, so he offers superb work at very reasonable prices.
You can't really go wrong with any of the suggestions I've seen here.

Nick
 
Thanks for the kind words. Unfortunately going to a show is a problem for me, being so far away and all. Which is a pity because I know getting to hold a knife is the best way to judge its qualities.

RogerP said:
Now you see, that right there tells me you're a smart guy. Understanding what you don't know, and taking the time to try to learn is exactly the smart way to enter a new field. There are lots of guys here with tons of experience in the area, but the best way to learn what knives appeal to you most is to get to a show, pick up several examples and see how they impress in person in terms of fit, finish and feel.

Roger
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I prefer a plain blade that doesn't require too much maintenance. I realise though that carbon steel is often preferred in longer blades. Damascus is great looking but I would prefer a lower maintenance (and priced) steel. I guess hand forged is really cool. It doesn't have to have a hamon.

As for handle materials, that's a tricky one. I guess in a traditional bowie staghorn or wood is best. I would be happy with a good strong stabilised wood. I like curly maple and desert ironwood for sure.

As for length, I have two Trailmasters and find the 9 inch blade to be a good size. OAL is about 15 inches?

I like a decent size guard but it doesnt have to be anything like the guard on the HB. I think I prefer the long clip as seen on the Bagwell's to a shorter clip, and a narrower blade.


stephanfowler said:
there is a long long list of very qualified makers who work in that range.

any other requirements on your part that might help narrow the field slightly


? Handle Material
? Preffered Steel
? w/ or w/out Hamon
? length
? special patterns (recurve, clip point, S-Guard, etc)
? file work


some makers specialize to one degree or another
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Something like these from Joe Mandt would seem to meet most of your criteria - and are definitely within your price range:

orig.jpg


Roger
 
RogerP said:
Something like these from Joe Mandt would seem to meet most of your criteria - and are definitely within your price range:

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Roger
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Roger I was thinking about these pieces from Joe M also they seem to be right what Buffalo hump is looking for and Joe uses Paul Long sheaths which is a big bonus.
 
or if you prefer more of a sheffield style clip I will have both of these at Blade (sorry it is verboten to give prices in a thread like this, but you can PM me if you like)

maplebowie.jpg


stagbowie.jpg
 
Stephan, they are both really nice, but the stag is awesome --- what's the length on that one (blade and o/a)?
 
All makers mentioned in this thread are great people who will do an excellent job for you! Good luck and post pics when you get it!!:thumbup:
 
Are you overwhelmed yet?:D There are a LOT of guys who can make you a very nice bowie in your price range and as you have seen you will be able to get premium handle material and oft times, a ridiculously nice sheath from a true master like Paul without busting your budget. Welcome to the addictive world of custom knives. We have a pill for every ill;)

P.S. One little piece of advice. make sure you check for any screwy laws in South Africa regarding importation, etc. When you start shipping stuff internationally, logic sometimes take a back seat. We had a member from the Netherlands who had some issues with Customs recently and the knives that they didn't like were ones that you could have legally had made by any number of makers from the Netherlands!!! You never know when Customs will tell you that your knives with the handle materials that is otherwise legal in South Africa (an possibly from there) is actually not okay to import because you don't have this certificate, etc.
 
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