Starter custom bowie?

Thanks for the advice. We dont really have any restrictions out here on knives. Bowies are cool. About the only natural material I could have a potential problem with is elephant ivory, but that's the same everywhere.
 
Those are definitely in the right area! I will investigate Mr Mandt's work further... :thumbup:

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

Roger
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Stephan, I found your site and there is plenty to consider there. Questions to follow....

stephanfowler said:
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)
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Buffalohump said:
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.
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The second post in a few days referring to damascus being difficult to maintain and or being susceptible to rust/spotting. Simply, not true if we are addressing quality damascus. Actually, ease of maintenance and reduced risk of rust are reasons why I prefer damascus blades over rubbed carbon steel.
 
Kevin Jones said:
The second post in a few days referring to damascus being difficult to maintain and or being susceptible to rust/spotting. Simply, not true if we are addressing quality damascus. Actually, ease of maintenance and reduced risk of rust are reasons why I prefer damascus blades over rubbed carbon steel.
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I agree!
 
Kevin I agree that damascus is less likely to rust than a sanded carbon steel blade and can make an excellent user. The only concern I have with useing my damascus stuff is that I do not care how deep the etch is with repeated clean ups over the years and even heavy sheath ware you will lighten the etch. Scratches are also very hard to cover up and blend in. This is why I am still a fan of a mirror polish on a user I know they are not that popular these days but I have found this finish on a hard use or hard carried blades to work the best for me. As long as I can't hang a nail on a scratch I can usally buff out any damage to the finish. I agree that damascus makes an excellent user and as long as you do not care about the etch slowly fadeing and not being able to buff out scratches it is the most interesting and beautiful of blades to carry. For me it was never a rust issue. My only concern with rust is returning a blade to the sheath with organics on it sap , blood , fat etc. and contaminateing the sheath which will promote rust on any knife. So the smoother the finish the better I can wipe it off in the field. I tend to be kinda anal so I love being able to carry a blade for years and with care keep it looking like new. See ya at blade brother looking forward to spending some time.
 
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Well, I thought I would throw one out here for you also. This one is dressed up a bit more than you you mentioned, but options can be changed.

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best of luck in your search.

Brian
 
Joe, I agree. A mirror or satin finish is definitely the easiest thing to maintain. I always polish my satin finish blades with Flitz to get them as smooth as possible. Particularly the carbon steel ones.

But my issues with damascus relate more to cost than anything else right now. I just don't think I'm ready yet for a damascus blade of that size!

JParanee said:
Kevin I agree that damascus is less likely to rust than a sanded carbon steel blade and can make an excellent user. The only concern I have with useing my damascus stuff is that I do not care how deep the etch is with repeated clean ups over the years and even heavy sheath ware you will lighten the etch. Scratches are also very hard to cover up and blend in. This is why I am still a fan of a mirror polish on a user I know they are not that popular these days but I have found this finish on a hard use or hard carried blades to work the best for me. As long as I can't hang a nail on a scratch I can usally buff out any damage to the finish. I agree that damascus makes an excellent user and as long as you do not care about the etch slowly fadeing and not being able to buff out scratches it is the most interesting and beautiful of blades to carry. For me it was never a rust issue. My only concern with rust is returning a blade to the sheath with organics on it sap , blood , fat etc. and contaminateing the sheath which will promote rust on any knife. So the smoother the finish the better I can wipe it off in the field. I tend to be kinda anal so I love being able to carry a blade for years and with care keep it looking like new. See ya at blade brother looking forward to spending some time.
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If you can possibly make it to Atlanta next week for the Blade Show or to Rogers Ark July 24-26 you can look at and handle the work of some of those makers.
 
Karl B. Andersen said:
I'm sorry. I apologize.
Since I was a kid, they always told me I was in some kind of category by myself.
Something about "special".....
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My Mamma always said "He who tootith not his own horn will likely find that said horn goes un-tooted." She was right! It takes many years and even then you are easily forgotten or skipped.
 
It has always been my dream to attend a show like Blade, unfortunately it is prohibitively expensive to visit the USA from my location. However, I do have a long term plan to change my location which will hopefully allow me to one day go to Blade or a similar show. That will be a great day indeed!

A. G. Russell said:
If you can possibly make it to Atlanta next week for the Blade Show or to Rogers Ark July 24-26 you can look at and handle the work of some of those makers.
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