Tradional Bowie Collection.... where to begin?

Joined
Dec 25, 2001
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I've always had an interest in Bowie knives and would like to start a collection.

1) What would make a good first choice? I have about $100 to begin.

2) Is there a sub-forum for Bowie collectors that I am just not seeing?

Thanks in advance!!


P.S. Post pics of your own collections! Love to see 'em.
 
What do you mean by "traditional"? Are you looking for reproductions of actual Bowie era knives or mid 20th century "Iron Mistress" things?
 
Maybe the Cold Steel 1917 Frontier Bowie? Can be had for around $120. You might also get lucky with a Case 1836 or Western W49 for your price range. The Von Tempsky (read about the man himself) by Svord... but you're inching closer to $200 there.
 
What do you mean by "traditional"? Are you looking for reproductions of actual Bowie era knives or mid 20th century "Iron Mistress" things?


I have a few Ka-bars. They are of the bowie design. I am looking at wood/leather re-productions, Not the black-n-tactical variety.
 
The Svord von tempsky bowie is a great option, it has a great story behind it, also it is made in new zealand with L6 steel.
 
The cold steel Laredo bowies can be found in the exchange at times at very good prices.

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Now this ones a damascus custom bowie not a cold steel.

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Chopping, slicing, cutting, stabbing:
If the knife fulfills these tasks, you are on the right side.
If one of these abilities are not guaranteed, imho you don't have the perfect knife.
Sounds like a very personal philosophy, but that's what I think.
Chose that knife, and you feel happy.
But when ever you have found that knife, please let me know. I'm looking for it since nearly 40 years, have bought more than 200 knives, without having found the perfect one.
Good luck
Holger
 
There was a Western W49 for a very good price in the BS&T… go back a couple pages…
Bill Bagwell wrote about it in his SOF column (1980s) and suggested modifications for it to bring the knife up to his standards.
High praise for a production piece.
Here's mine, with most of the (easy) mods done.

And… if that one is still there, you'll have enough money left over to keep shopping.
 
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