Where do I get a classic USA made Bowie?

C

Charles Bronson

Joined
Apr 21, 2012
Messages
21
I'm looking for a CLASSIC Bowie knife that is MADE IN USA.

I just can't find one! Absolutely impossible! How can this be? What is going on?
Why is one of the most traditional American knife types made in China????? I do not want!

Criteria:
- Coffin shaped wooden handle
- 7 to 10 inch blade
- Tool steel (D2, O1, W ?), 1095 etc. (no A2!)
- Convex grind, absolutely no hollow grind
- has to have ricasso
- traditional leather scabbard with belt peg -> like Coldsteel's Laredo Bowie (not important, as I am good with leather and can make my own)
- MADE IN USA
- blade shape/profile similar to Blackjack Model 12
- USD 300 to 500 (pretty much singles out customs)

I own the Blackjack Model 12 miniature (Bowie) Boot Knife. That knife in a different steel with a ∼8" blade and a coffin shaped wooden handle = I'm happy.

b12_natural_canvas_001_600.jpg
 
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I wouldn't rule out a custom. Check out some of the makers selling their wares in the exchange forums, great work at great prices.
 
kamagong said:
Lol...A2 is a tool steel, 1095 is not.



+1. You'll have to do some legwork, but it is possible to find a bowie in your budget.

- Christian
Click to expand...

That's why I separated the 1095 with a comma and didn't put it in parenthesis. And A2 is a tool steel I just don't really care for.
Maybe I was a bit vague there... ;)
 
If you can live with 154CM steel, A.G. Russell makes some pretty nice looking Bowies.

Ed J
 
Hi Mr. Bronson -

I bought a hand-made custom Bowie from John Kiedaisch (JK Handmade Knives) for a great price (at the low end of your range).

Coffin handle. John's length limit is around 14" total.

DSC_0784.JPG


Check the link in my signature, John can help you with your knife, and it will be fun for us to watch!

best

mqqn
 
There is an Ontario Bagwell Hell's Belle in the exchange right now I believe.

Old Cold Steel trailmaster in Carbon V is a good choice as well. I have one in the stag. Key word being old.
 
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On the other hand, with your lengthy list of wants, it might be actually easier to commission a custom from a Maker on BF.

Hard to go wrong with a Steingass or several other of the guys here.
 
You may have to make some compromises or go custom. Having said that you could:

Get an old Carbon V Trailmaster or Recon Scout... made when the NY Camillus factory was still open.
Cut off the rubber handle and make a coffin handle of your own.

Now for the compromises :)

If you can live with stainless go for a Buck and handle it on your own.


Or look at the kit blades from Jantz...
IIRC they have carbon bowie blades, not sure of the country of origin though.
This one is a stainless kit blade

I'm a sucker for a guardless coffin handle Black / T'ah Chee style bowie :)

Or save up some money and go custom.


Either way, the hunt is half the fun.
Even if it isn't the exact knife you want, I highly recommend the kit blades.
Very satisfying to do. The only power tool I used was a mini drill press from sears.
One of these day's I'm going to cut the handle off of my Recon Scout.
One of these days...
 
Canal Street Cutlery makes one, I know they're available in buffalo horn, but I'm pretty sure there are a few wood handles out there too (ebony and osage orange for sure), also stag and peened leather. I think they're in the two to three hundred dollar range, D2 blades, 12" OAL, 7" blade:

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Eric
 
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Lots of custom makers out there, also Bark River, the makers of the Blackjack you have.

Check out Scott Gossman's Tuskers, he makes some with wooden scales. His Big Boar Tusker might be the bowie you're looking for.
 
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