Western 49 alternative?

[Parke1]

Hey all,

I really love the looks of the old Western #49's, but I know they aren't available anymore (other than the few overpriced and/or abused ones on EBay). I'd like to get something very similar to a 49.

I don't need anything fancy, most likely it'll just be set out to look at next to my 'hawk. Any suggestions? I'd like to keep the price under $100 if possible, and for it to come with a sheath something like the 49's.

Thanks in advance for your help!
-Parke1

 

[Horn Dog]

I have found several W-49 Bowies on ebay that were in good shape. I think the Case Bowie is still available in that price range, if you don't mind the plastic handles. There are some Indian and Pakistani copies that are pretty close to the Western, but the quality varies.

 

[Parke1]

Well I'd definitely like to stay away from the no-name Indian and Paki knives if at all possible.

Hmm, I'll have to check out the Case bowies. I didn't really think of them.

Thanks!
-Parke1

 

[Horn Dog]

The Case Bowies go for about $115. Both the Case and the Western bowies are copies of the Collins #18 machete (sometimes called the Marine Raider or V44 Bowie). Case, Kinfolk, Collins, and Western all made them for the military. The design from the 1930s was originally for a pilots survival knife for the Army Air Corps. I have an original and it is quite similar to my Western and Case Bowies. The blades on all these are about 1/8" to 3/16" thick, with very similar profiles. Later models of the Case and Western are made of 420HC steel, but they sharpen up pretty well.