Vest pocket bowies

M

Mhael

Platinum Member
Joined
May 25, 2001
Messages
480
Hi,

As I have been trying to learn more about ABS makers and their various styles I came across the term Vest Pocket Bowie, gambler's Bowie and Harvey Dean's Huckleberry Bowie. After speaking with a maker he explained that the name came from a time when it wasn't seen as socially acceptable to carry weapons exposed but it certainty was a time when very few would gentleman would not carry some sort of smaller fixe blade and a pistol somewhere around the pockets of their vests. What sparked this interest is that I find the smaller bowies a great carry knife when you can't carry a large 10.5"+ Bowie. From what I've seen the blade is between 4.75-6.5 in and the profile is shaped with its intended purpose in mind, which is not cutting trees up.

So to start this thread off here is an older John White Vest Pocket Bowie with a beautiful Paul Long sheath. John made it in 05 when he was stil a journeyman. As you can see, it had a simple elegance but it fits perfectly in the hand and has performed beyond my expectations. So lets see what you have and be sure to post specs and impressions.

Thanks Again

Here is my simple contribution.
 
I remember that one. Here's a maker's photo of the little rascal, 4 3/4 inch, 1075 carbon steel, silicon bronze and nickel silver fittings, Stag handle.

Made in July, 2005.



John
 
Great thread Trevor!
There's a good article titled "Vest Bowies" in the April 2005 issue of Blade magazine.
This Fisk Bowie was featured in the article. It has a 8-1/4" blade.

FiskSPFullLarge_zps83d25bb0.jpg


 
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John thanks for posting the better picture. Kevin thanks for the heads up, I will have to try to track down that Blade magazine.
 
Kevin Cashen goodness....blade is just shy of 5"....Rowe leather with snakeskin inlay:

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Steven, that is a great looking knife! Here is another nice model that Harvey Dean calls his Huckleberry blade.

Photos are from Harvey's website
His upscale model
image_zpsdfd5f914.jpg

And his base model
 
This Russ Andrews piece with a forge-welded integral guard might qualify:

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But in terms of dimensions, something like the knives below is more what comes to mind for me for a vest bowie:

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One from Matt Roberts, not sure if this qualifies as a vest bowie or a boot knife.
Maybe both.
It started out in concept as a Dean style boot knife.
Great to see the Dean Huckleberry and all the other fine pieces ! :thumbup:

medium800.jpg


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Doug
 
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