Tenbeers, Where Are You?

DocJD said:
Great to see this ! :cool::thumbsup::thumbsup:

Loved the shorter version and was pretty bummed when it was disco'd .
Click to expand...
Yes! I purchased a few more of the original DF Bowies and Survivalists when Cold Steel had them marked down during their 2019 Summer and X-Mas Sales. I assumed that they were clearing them out to make room for the new darker finished versions. It was a real let down to find out that the Bowie had been discontinued completely since it was my favorite design of the Drop Forged line up.

Then the new 2021 9.5" Drop Forged Bowie was announced and gave some insight into possibly why the smaller (grey) version may have been stopped before production began. Hopefully the 9.5" version sells well enough that Cold Steel (GSM) might consider reintroducing the smaller Bowie with grey finish and even produce a XL Drop Forged Bowie with 11.5" blade. These knives might be the closest thing we are ever going to get to a Warcraft Bowie.
 
Man with no name said:
Yes! I purchased a few more of the original DF Bowies and Survivalists when Cold Steel had them marked down during their 2019 Summer and X-Mas Sales. I assumed that they were clearing them out to make room for the new darker finished versions. It was a real let down to find out that the Bowie had been discontinued completely since it was my favorite design of the Drop Forged line up.

Then the new 2021 9.5" Drop Forged Bowie was announced and gave some insight into possibly why the smaller (grey) version may have been stopped before production began. Hopefully the 9.5" version sells well enough that Cold Steel (GSM) might consider reintroducing the smaller Bowie with grey finish and even produce a XL Drop Forged Bowie with 11.5" blade. These knives might be the closest thing we are ever going to get to a Warcraft Bowie.
Click to expand...

Ditto!:)
 
I ordered one last night.
I've been hesitant due to concerns about the sheath dulling. I haven't had the issue with the DF line so far but you never know. I was hoping to see a review before I pulled the trigger.
If this one comes with an edge like the original version it will be a vicious bastard.
 
Got mine today.
Decent edge that doesn't seem affected by the sheath.
I wish the handle was a bit longer but overall feels fairly lively in hand.
I would have preferred a false edge ground in even if unsharpened.
I'm pleased with it in general but this one will have to grow on me...
 
Tenbeers said:
Got mine today.
Decent edge that doesn't seem affected by the sheath.
I wish the handle was a bit longer but overall feels fairly lively in hand.
I would have preferred a false edge ground in even if unsharpened.
I'm pleased with it in general but this one will have to grow on me...
Click to expand...
So other than the length of the blade are all other proportions identical to the original?
 
This knife is larger all around than the original.
Slightly longer handle, substantially larger guard and wider blade along with the longer length.
The blade shape and size is reminiscent of the Trailmaster minus the stock thickness and false edge grind.
 
After handling it for a little while I'm really liking this piece.
I'd still like a little more handle length and false edge but this thing really moves well in flow drills and cut patterns as It is.
It seems like a lot of thought went into this model. Lots of mathematics and ciphers I'd bet!😉
I can only hope that this will continue to be the process with future DF models.
If not it's a great parting gift from the old CS crew!
 
IMG-2095.jpg


IMG-2096.jpg


I happened to have both of these out, so I figured I'd answer the comparison question with photos.

They are both fantastic knives. The small version needs to be renamed and re-released with a handle insert like that on the Survivalist. The 9.5-inch version is indeed a proper homage to the late, great Bill Bagwell. In my opinion, it's an instant classic.

-Steve

P.S. - Thanks to DocJD DocJD for suggesting self-adhering silicone tape for the handle. I do notice the gap it leaves with the hollow underneath, however, and think I'll eventually replace it with a coating of Plasti Dip. For anyone considering something similar, the sheath's retention strap is so tight that adding anything at all to the bare handle prevents the strap from working. The knife still locks in the sheath, though.
 
Last edited:
I didn't realize that Bill had passed. Sad news. Another legend gone.
He was quite the character!
I had a couple of hour long phone conversations with him back in the 80's and finally got to meet him at the 2000 shot show. I asked him to demonstrate the back cut. I had him all to myself up till then.
When he started moving his Bowie a crowd started to form. He expertly explained the mechanics behind the maneuver and what made it work. He used a balloon to show what made the cut unique.
He entertained us for a good little while.
This was during the time when his designs were being produced by Ontario.

I can definitely see his influence on the DF Bowie.
He was an unending advocate of the Bowie and in my opinion is a big part of why it's still popular.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top