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The Tsavo for me. Love the modern look and harpoon tip.
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There Can be Only One- Bladeforums Best Bowie 2014 Death Match :)
- Thread starter Lorien
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It was a real close one for me, there were two knives that stood out, my heart went out for the John White and my mind for the Tvaso, in the end the the the Tvaso edged it due in no small part to the stunning design and the awesome feat of producing the 10 identical exceptional knives in such a short time frame.
I still don't think Johns loss has sunk in, the knife world has lost a true genius and Gent.
David
I still don't think Johns loss has sunk in, the knife world has lost a true genius and Gent.
David
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- May 19, 2010
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- 1,268
Congratulations to all finalists. They are all awesome knives.
On this occasion, my vote is for Tsavo.
Claudio
On this occasion, my vote is for Tsavo.
Claudio
Matthew Gregory
Chief Executive in charge of Entertainment
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Ben Seward's checkered handle Bowie looks like the fighting Bowie I would want in a fight. I nominated it, I'm choosing it to win.
I used to try and weigh the incredible technical complexity, strength of lines, attention to detail, etc. of these staggering blades in order to somehow come up with a 'fair' method of selecting in this annual thread which Rog and Lorien so selflessly orchestrate. Seriously, I spent hours trying to come up with the "right" answer!!! There's no possible way to come up with a balanced metric to do this.
So I gave up!!!!
Now I use my gut. Which one would you want if you were expecting trouble? This answer is likely going to be different for everyone. I know Joey and I usually hold the same views on this, with the only major consideration being how much each of us can handle as far as weight goes.
Ben's knife is the right answer, for me. With my spidery arms, I'll bet I can snapcut with that blade in the blink of an eye, and hit my target from almost six feet out!!!
Rog, Lorien, thanks for pulling this off every year.
To ALL the makers, both finalists and nominees, congratulations - it was obviously a VERY good year for Bowie knives! I hope this holds true for all of you in 2015.
I used to try and weigh the incredible technical complexity, strength of lines, attention to detail, etc. of these staggering blades in order to somehow come up with a 'fair' method of selecting in this annual thread which Rog and Lorien so selflessly orchestrate. Seriously, I spent hours trying to come up with the "right" answer!!! There's no possible way to come up with a balanced metric to do this.
So I gave up!!!!
Now I use my gut. Which one would you want if you were expecting trouble? This answer is likely going to be different for everyone. I know Joey and I usually hold the same views on this, with the only major consideration being how much each of us can handle as far as weight goes.
Ben's knife is the right answer, for me. With my spidery arms, I'll bet I can snapcut with that blade in the blink of an eye, and hit my target from almost six feet out!!!
Rog, Lorien, thanks for pulling this off every year.
To ALL the makers, both finalists and nominees, congratulations - it was obviously a VERY good year for Bowie knives! I hope this holds true for all of you in 2015.
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Matt - nothing wrong with just going with your gut. Most years there is one knife among the finalists that flat out just grabs me more than the rest. Which is why I generally find it easier to vote for the overall winner than to pick the finalists. But I'm presently stuck for an overall winner.
My thoughts thus far:
6th Place - Kyle Royer Hanger Bowie - I was chatting with a fellow forumite about this knife, trying to articulate what it was that left me feeling somewhat underwhelmed about the piece. I'm not sure I'm quite there. Clamshells are not my thing, for one. And there is a delicate aspect to the overall aesthetics that don't mesh as well with my personal concept of a bowie. To echo The Virginian's comments, Kyle makes some of the best bowies on the planet, but this is neither my favorite Royer nor my favorite Royer in this year's contest. The quality craftsmanship is quite evident, however, and one could expect no less from a Royer.
Fifth Place - Ben Seward Checkered Handle Bowie This one really jumped off the pages of the nomination round for me. I'm not familiar enough with Ben's work to declare this his best piece, but if it isn't, I'd sure like to see what is. To my mind a bowie should always be a fighting knife first and a tool second. Like Matt, I agree that this one really looks ready to rumble and thus has that essential element. There isn't anything I don't like about it, really. I think it is a great knife overmatched by greater knives below.
4th Place - John White Takedown If this were an ivory contest this would win this year and most any other year. Stunning selection for the handle. I know there is a ton of love for this knife. And believe me, I've got a lot of love for the man who made it. But I love the blade somewhat less than the rest. While I've got much respect for the skill needed to produce that pattern, I'm not warming to the differing scale and pattern of each of the bars in this multi-bar make-up. I find the overall effect too busy. John's multi-bar opposing twist, in comparison, really floats my boat. I think the busy pattern also camouflages the subtleties of the blade shape - hard to tell that there is an elegant swedge, for example. Just personal preference here - not suggesting any absolutes of right or wrong, better or best. The overall lines are very much signature John White - and that will always make me smile.
Third Place - Tembo Collaboration Bowie One of the things that makes a knife special is that it's not something that can be easily or successfully accomplished. Collaborations are tough precisely because each artist has to contribute just a part of what must be a cohesive whole. More than a few collaborations by very talented artists have failed the test of resulting in a knife that reflects a single vision. This one nails it. About the only other knife that springs immediately to mind as equally exemplifying the work of many hands but a single vision is the original Bladeforums Benefit Bowie. Just a terrific piece here. Props to all and congrats to the owner.
First Place (Tie) Lin Rhea Southland D-Guard This may be the one knife this year that most filled me with a bad case of ownership envy. The D-guard is one of those designs that is literally synonymous with "bowie". That guard announces that the knife is all about battle and not at all about food preparation. And this may be the nicest execution of the guard that I have ever seen. I know Lin forges a lot of his fittings. I don't know if he did so here (confirm?) but in any event, from conception to execution it is nothing short of brilliant. D-guards don't work well with slender blades, IMO, and Lin's broad clip point is a study in proportion and flow. I think an ivory handle with an explosion of coulour would have been the wrong choice here. The creamy white is perfectly complimentary and stunningly beautiful in it's own right.
First Place (Tie) Sam Lurquin Tsavo Any one of these knives stands alone as an impressive rendition of the contemporary bowie. But the entire set - executed with such precision and over such a short period of time - stands apart as one of the more memorable accomplishments of 2014, IMO. I could go on about this knife (an example of which I am fortunate to own) but my fellow forumites have done a better job: "It is everything a bowie should be." "Textbook badass, plain and simple." "Imposing and beautiful it has perfect proportions and attitude." "Damn that many fighters so alike. What a project." "All about sleek and openly dangerous." "This is a man's knife. Love it."
I'll get down off the fence presently, but those are my thoughts to this point.
Thanks again to all - the talent of the makers, the skill of the photographers and the participation of the forum members are what combine to make this a great party, year after year.
My thoughts thus far:
6th Place - Kyle Royer Hanger Bowie - I was chatting with a fellow forumite about this knife, trying to articulate what it was that left me feeling somewhat underwhelmed about the piece. I'm not sure I'm quite there. Clamshells are not my thing, for one. And there is a delicate aspect to the overall aesthetics that don't mesh as well with my personal concept of a bowie. To echo The Virginian's comments, Kyle makes some of the best bowies on the planet, but this is neither my favorite Royer nor my favorite Royer in this year's contest. The quality craftsmanship is quite evident, however, and one could expect no less from a Royer.
Fifth Place - Ben Seward Checkered Handle Bowie This one really jumped off the pages of the nomination round for me. I'm not familiar enough with Ben's work to declare this his best piece, but if it isn't, I'd sure like to see what is. To my mind a bowie should always be a fighting knife first and a tool second. Like Matt, I agree that this one really looks ready to rumble and thus has that essential element. There isn't anything I don't like about it, really. I think it is a great knife overmatched by greater knives below.
4th Place - John White Takedown If this were an ivory contest this would win this year and most any other year. Stunning selection for the handle. I know there is a ton of love for this knife. And believe me, I've got a lot of love for the man who made it. But I love the blade somewhat less than the rest. While I've got much respect for the skill needed to produce that pattern, I'm not warming to the differing scale and pattern of each of the bars in this multi-bar make-up. I find the overall effect too busy. John's multi-bar opposing twist, in comparison, really floats my boat. I think the busy pattern also camouflages the subtleties of the blade shape - hard to tell that there is an elegant swedge, for example. Just personal preference here - not suggesting any absolutes of right or wrong, better or best. The overall lines are very much signature John White - and that will always make me smile.
Third Place - Tembo Collaboration Bowie One of the things that makes a knife special is that it's not something that can be easily or successfully accomplished. Collaborations are tough precisely because each artist has to contribute just a part of what must be a cohesive whole. More than a few collaborations by very talented artists have failed the test of resulting in a knife that reflects a single vision. This one nails it. About the only other knife that springs immediately to mind as equally exemplifying the work of many hands but a single vision is the original Bladeforums Benefit Bowie. Just a terrific piece here. Props to all and congrats to the owner.
First Place (Tie) Lin Rhea Southland D-Guard This may be the one knife this year that most filled me with a bad case of ownership envy. The D-guard is one of those designs that is literally synonymous with "bowie". That guard announces that the knife is all about battle and not at all about food preparation. And this may be the nicest execution of the guard that I have ever seen. I know Lin forges a lot of his fittings. I don't know if he did so here (confirm?) but in any event, from conception to execution it is nothing short of brilliant. D-guards don't work well with slender blades, IMO, and Lin's broad clip point is a study in proportion and flow. I think an ivory handle with an explosion of coulour would have been the wrong choice here. The creamy white is perfectly complimentary and stunningly beautiful in it's own right.
First Place (Tie) Sam Lurquin Tsavo Any one of these knives stands alone as an impressive rendition of the contemporary bowie. But the entire set - executed with such precision and over such a short period of time - stands apart as one of the more memorable accomplishments of 2014, IMO. I could go on about this knife (an example of which I am fortunate to own) but my fellow forumites have done a better job: "It is everything a bowie should be." "Textbook badass, plain and simple." "Imposing and beautiful it has perfect proportions and attitude." "Damn that many fighters so alike. What a project." "All about sleek and openly dangerous." "This is a man's knife. Love it."
I'll get down off the fence presently, but those are my thoughts to this point.
Thanks again to all - the talent of the makers, the skill of the photographers and the participation of the forum members are what combine to make this a great party, year after year.
- Joined
- Dec 24, 2012
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- 2,659
Two of my first round votes made it here, the Tsavo and the Southland.
No doubt at this stage of the game it comes down to nitpicking. I love the Tsavo's raw simplicity and downright nastiness, but, its not entirely perfect for my tastes. I'm not the biggest fan of harpoon tips, and I don't care much for the execution of the hamon. Again, nitpicking 101.
The Southland is everything I believe a bowie should be. The flow is effortless all the way through, I can't find a bad line anywhere. Lin's guard work is simply gorgeous. Here it compliments the tall blade wonderfully and the curvature even balances with the clip. Fantastic work. Proportions are also spot on, blade to handle ratio couldnt have been better and the fittings are perfectly weighted.
Its a world class piece in every aspect, and it gets my vote.
Some incredible work has been displayed over these threads and I graciously thank all who organized this and participated. What a wonderful community we have here!
No doubt at this stage of the game it comes down to nitpicking. I love the Tsavo's raw simplicity and downright nastiness, but, its not entirely perfect for my tastes. I'm not the biggest fan of harpoon tips, and I don't care much for the execution of the hamon. Again, nitpicking 101.
The Southland is everything I believe a bowie should be. The flow is effortless all the way through, I can't find a bad line anywhere. Lin's guard work is simply gorgeous. Here it compliments the tall blade wonderfully and the curvature even balances with the clip. Fantastic work. Proportions are also spot on, blade to handle ratio couldnt have been better and the fittings are perfectly weighted.
Its a world class piece in every aspect, and it gets my vote.
Some incredible work has been displayed over these threads and I graciously thank all who organized this and participated. What a wonderful community we have here!
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- 1,355
For me it was a complete toss up between John White's takedown and Kyle Royer's shell guard. I literally selected John's, then thought, then went back and looked again, then selected Kyle's, then closed the thread and thought some more. I nominated both. I love everything about John's takedown, especially that walrus. At the end of the day I selected Kyle's shell guard based on level of detail, and the various components and types of skills that all had to come together to complete such a work of art. Not to take away from any of the others because they are all master level knives. I just thought Kyle's exhibited many different aspects and all done to perfection IMO.
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- Dec 28, 2001
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They are all beautiful knives. The only 2 that I have actually had in my hand is the Tembo collaboration knife and John White's beautiful Damascus and Ivory take down Bowie knife.
John's Damascus is equalled by few and in my opinion, no knifemaker has has better fit and finish.
I have seen and handled many of John White's knives and this is one of the very best!
John's Damascus is equalled by few and in my opinion, no knifemaker has has better fit and finish.
I have seen and handled many of John White's knives and this is one of the very best!
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For me it was between two knives. Lin's Southland Bowie and John's takedown. Although I like Lin's just a little bit better I voted for John. For one reason and one reason only, sadly this will be the last time we will be able to vote for one of John's knives.
Marcel
Marcel
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Considering our history and my being the owner of this Bowie, I bet you guys did put quite a bit of effort in finding or creating things wrong with this Bowie.
Ken (Virginian) obviously Kyle is "not there yet", in regard to his engraving, he's only engraved several knives to date and none close to the extend of this piece. And this was his first attempt at scroll engraving. Though for sure not the work of a "top class master engraver", pretty darn good for a first try.
And I'm curious, can you be more specific as to the handle being too thin and stag too short? I'm sure both Kyle and myself could benefit from your vast expertise in custom knife design. But please e-mail us rather than taking this thread farther down this road.
Please don't get me wrong as I find personal feedback both positive and negative an interesting and valued part of this annual thread, but I can't help but believe that if this Bowie was owned by someone other than me, your posts above would be different.
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I understand and appreciate your logic. John was at the top of his game and among the very top knifemakers in the world when he passed, what a loss.
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Thanks for the clarification Lin. And congrats on the finals.
Kevin, it's not all about you.
sheathmaker
Custom Leather Sheaths
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Considering our history and my being the owner of this Bowie, I bet you guys did put quite a bit of effort in finding or creating things wrong with this Bowie.
Seriously, Kevin???? . The smilies don't cover the intent adequately, in my opinion.
While you are the owner of this piece and that is certainly noteworthy, this thread and contest is more to honor the MAKERS as opposed the owners so I PERSONALLY think any reference to voting or critique by anyone on the basis of ownership to be out of bounds, and probably should have been addressed privately.
Paul
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What a great final bunch I had to vote for John white's brown take down I really love this knife every thing about it speaks to me.
I also want to thank everyone that threw one of my bowies a vote your support is what keeps me wanting to make better knives
I off to the shop to finish up a split ring ball guard all damascus on this one.
Roger Lorien and everyone that puts work into this thread Thank You have a great 2015
I also want to thank everyone that threw one of my bowies a vote your support is what keeps me wanting to make better knives
I off to the shop to finish up a split ring ball guard all damascus on this one.
Roger Lorien and everyone that puts work into this thread Thank You have a great 2015
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- May 14, 2001
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- 1,414
I'll start this out by saying that the competition was stronger this year then ever before. The talent level just continues to grow each year and I applaud all nominated. My individual thoughts were as follows:
Sam's Tsavo project was outstanding and if I were to rely on just one for survival this would be my choice. However to me this competition is also about the "Wow" effect and others were so special that this wonderful work doesn't get the nod with the competition this year.
I was very glad to see that Ben made it to the finals as I look at him as a young man who has rapidly advanced to the top in a very short amount of time. He's obviously an extremely talented young man with a great future to look forward to.
Kyle's shell guard may well be some of the finest fit & finish on any knife that I have ever seen. He just continues to amaze by his masterful efforts with new skills.
Russ's Bowie shows the flawless work of a master who continues to come up with pieces that just jump out to you and scream "Special". Well done!
Lin's Bowie is one that I had the privilege of holding and is simply an amazing piece. I am in love with the way that Lin uses "the third dimension" in his hilts and the design of the d-guard shows the creative mind of a real master. He has the ability to come up with something new and very special on a regular basis and I applaud him for it. I'm a huge fan of unique and his design on this one is all of that and more. I debated about this one for a very long time as it was extremely close to the winner for me.
In summation, John got my vote as this Bowie is one that simply stands alone. Not only does he show workmanship that is exemplary but the materials are to die for. He has given the blade some of the finest Damascus that I have seen and the fossil ivory is the most beautiful piece that I can remember seeing ever being used. It's a shame that this will be the last one by him that will be in this competition but "WHAT A WAY TO GO OUT". I fitting tribute to an outstanding maker who will be long remembered.
I'd like to thank all who have given so much time & effort to make this competition the best ever. Thoroughly enjoyable!
Gary
Sam's Tsavo project was outstanding and if I were to rely on just one for survival this would be my choice. However to me this competition is also about the "Wow" effect and others were so special that this wonderful work doesn't get the nod with the competition this year.
I was very glad to see that Ben made it to the finals as I look at him as a young man who has rapidly advanced to the top in a very short amount of time. He's obviously an extremely talented young man with a great future to look forward to.
Kyle's shell guard may well be some of the finest fit & finish on any knife that I have ever seen. He just continues to amaze by his masterful efforts with new skills.
Russ's Bowie shows the flawless work of a master who continues to come up with pieces that just jump out to you and scream "Special". Well done!
Lin's Bowie is one that I had the privilege of holding and is simply an amazing piece. I am in love with the way that Lin uses "the third dimension" in his hilts and the design of the d-guard shows the creative mind of a real master. He has the ability to come up with something new and very special on a regular basis and I applaud him for it. I'm a huge fan of unique and his design on this one is all of that and more. I debated about this one for a very long time as it was extremely close to the winner for me.
In summation, John got my vote as this Bowie is one that simply stands alone. Not only does he show workmanship that is exemplary but the materials are to die for. He has given the blade some of the finest Damascus that I have seen and the fossil ivory is the most beautiful piece that I can remember seeing ever being used. It's a shame that this will be the last one by him that will be in this competition but "WHAT A WAY TO GO OUT". I fitting tribute to an outstanding maker who will be long remembered.
I'd like to thank all who have given so much time & effort to make this competition the best ever. Thoroughly enjoyable!
Gary
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