Warning ~ Bowie Content

HTMD

HTMD

Joined
Feb 15, 2002
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For those who are interested in 'historical inspiration' and are not tired of the whole Bowie knife thing - this one is for you.

Dr. Jim Batson has spent a long time and a lot of energy learning about and being inspired by the life and times of Jim Bowie, the specific history of the Bowie legend and all manner of related phenomenon. His book on the subject is a 'must' for anyone interested in the topic. Beyond this, Jim's bladesmithing, knife and hawk making etc. clearly show the inspiration he's drawn from all that he's learned over the years.

The knife that is the subject of this post is, in my humble opinion, a great example of 'historical inspiration.' It was on Jim’s table down in Alabama recently (the 17th Batson Bladesmithing Symposium & Knife Show). A number of people admired this knife but it was my good fortune to become its new owner. I’d specifically like to acknowledge Dan Farr who understood things about the design and execution of this knife that I did not, and kindly explained them to me. When folks like Dan, Mark Zalesky and B.R. Hughes point to a certain knife and say, “Now that’s a great knife” – I have figured out that that I need to pay attention!

Here's the original L. Kimball/Vicksburg knife that sold at auction in 1992 for $44,000. This image comes from the Butterfield & Butterfield catalog for that auction (the catalog itself has become a sought-after collectable).



And this is Jim Batson's re-creation of the original. It's as powerful a reproduction as I've ever experienced. Jim showed me how he'd balanced the knife, just like the original. It's incredibly fast and light in hand. He said, "You can tell the knife was made for one thing and one thing only." In other words, it's a fighting knife – long, light, fast, sleek and deadly! When you pick it up - you know - it's obvious and you can really feel it.

Jim also pointed out that he'd used techniques very likely used by the man who made the original and other makers of that time. Many of those techniques are not recorded but Jim has figured them out. He seems to have a knack for that.

Here are a couple of images of the knife:





And finally, here are three of Jim's historical reproductions displayed on his table that day, including the Kimball Bowie. He's into it! I love that naval officer's sword - mokume no less!



For a review of the Batson Symposium including the cutting competition that established the finalists who will compete in Atlanta at BLADE for the title of 'World Champion', follow this link: http://knifenetwork.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28022 The review includes some unique animated "GIF" images of the cutting contest action.

Buddy Thomason
 
I agree 100%
Jim Batsons skills as a teacher, Bladesmith, and historian are truly top shelf.

Dale
 
A very enjoyable post showcasing some very special knives - thanks!

Roger
 
Great post Buddy - Jims work is fantastic and that particular dog bone is as good as it gets. What are the specifications, steel, fittings etc?

I am interested in the construction of repro's, and if makers and collectors think it important that they follow the original in terms of materials used, wood, steels etc rather than just size and dimensions.

Thanks,

Stephen
 
Stephen F said:
I am interested in the construction of repro's, and if makers and collectors think it important that they follow the original in terms of materials used, wood, steels etc rather than just size and dimensions.
Click to expand...

Personally, I don't think it is important to stick exactly to the materials used in the original. I am having a Schively bowie made and none of the materials will be what was used in the original. Mammoth ivory (as white as possible) instead of elephant ivory (being that I will be importing the knife I didn't want to go through all the red tape involved with importing elephant ivory), silver instead of nickel silver and L6 instead of a simple carbon steel like 1075. None of this matters to me. As long as the knife ends up looking like the original, I don't care if the materials are different.
 
Last year at Blade I had the priveledge to see a Scagel folder repro Jim Batson had done. It's was the best example I've ever seen.
David
 
That Bowie has a feel. A reproduction that looks like the original is great, but this knife has the feel, and that is rare. Bowies this quick in the hand have been lost to a great extent.
I wanted that knife to use as a benchmark. And of course because I think Dr. Batson is cool. Someday.....

Dan Farr
 
HTMD,
What did you think about the bowie on the left in the picture you show at the end?
 
Gator - I'm no Bowie expert and would quickly defer to those who are. Plus, I didn't spend much time with that one, nor did I ask Dr. Batson much about it. However, for what it's worth, I thought it was every bit as authentic of a re-creation as the Kimball knife. I thought it was terrific - the stag scales were primo too.

It's an early American style - 1830's or so. It's guarded coffin style handle was an early design, just like the dogbone style handle. They were the two earliest American Bowie knife designs, preceeded probably only by the guardless coffin a la "Bowie #1."

As I look at the knife again in the picture, I remember picking it up and saying to myself, "Wow!"

What do you think about it? Is there a reason for your wondering about it?
 
I have an opportunity to buy it. :) But it's over the net, so I can't hold it before I buy it. Just interested in hearing what someone would say who's seen it first hand.
 
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