Which Classical Bowie Knife can you recommand?

[Knifelvr97]

Hi, I want to buy a classical Bowie Knife and I wonder what you guys can recommand me. I already have such typical survival blades like the SRK or Kabar BKs and they are very tactical. I am now searching for something more in the style of a Buck 119 but bigger (and bigger as the 120) I really like clip points btw. I am curious to hear your suggestions, and have a nice day!

 

[Lee D]

Id track down a Western W-49

 

[E.D.C.]

Case bowie.

 

[Richard338]

You didn't mention price range, but a Bill Bagwell Bowie is larger with a clip point. Can hardly get more classic.

 

[Bill Siegle]

Find a Musso Bowie reproduction. It’s big, possibly historically correct, and bad azz in design

 

[Man with no name]

Cold Steel's Laredo or Natchez Bowe!

 

[tltt]

It depends on how traditional you want to go. It's actually kinda hard to find a modern knife widely produced that is close to the mid 1800's design -

The Western W-49 and the Ontario Marine Raider are really nice, based on the Collins #18 design that goes back to about the last quarter of the 19th century in various guises.

Cold Steel is a good choice. The Laredo, Recon Scout, and Trailmaster are close to some 1800's designs (forgiving the Kraton handle on the latter two). The Natchez is a fun choice, if a bit off historically.

A dark horse is the Cold Steel line up is the Rifleman's knife, based on the 1849 Ames. It's a big knife, and a long spear point isn't for everyone, but it's a great copy of an old pattern. I was impressed with it.

 

[eveled]

Buck 124

 

[riversidedep]

If by "classical" you mean historically correct, good luck finding anything. Your best bet would be to do some research and then hire a custom maker.

When I think "classical" bowie, I think of the Randall Made Knives Thorpe or Smithsonian bowies.

 

[jideta]

I went Solingen

 

[jlauffer]

Cold Steel's Laredo or Natchez Bowe!

This! Not a huge fan of the Natchez, but LOVE the Laredo!

 

[kvaughn]

C.S. Trailmaster. The old ones in CarbonV are tanks.--

 

[justjed]

Bark River, Shining Mountain Bowie. Not 100% historically accurate, maybe, but a classic Bowie style. And better steel then anything they had in 1840...

 

[Knifelvr97]

Thanks for all your suggetions! About the price I was thinking about 350max. The Cold Steel Bowies that were mentionned are nice, no doubt about that but don't you think that with such a traditional knife a leather sheath would look far better? I mean I like the sheath's of CS with their tactical line up but a historical Bowie deserves leather.

 

[jideta]

Puma Bowie
older vintage

 

[shortwinger]

Cold Steel Laredo Bowie with leather sheath.

Puma and Linder also off many different models of traditional Bowie’s with wood or stag handles and leather sheaths.

 

[abcdef]

Custom.

 

[Knifelvr97]

View attachment 1439103 Cold Steel Laredo Bowie with leather sheath.

Puma and Linder also off many different models of traditional Bowie’s with wood or stag handles and leather sheaths.

Damn that's a nice one!

 

[Lee D]

My first suggestion was not knowing what you are willing to spend, but if you’re fine with spending up to 350, these look pretty nice.

https://www.dlttrading.com/shining-mountain-bowie-moran-handle-black-canvas-micarta-57

 

[Ebbtide]

Another vote for the W49.
Bob the guard, thin the handle and make it your own.

I had the Recon Scout as well.
That's gone and the W49 is here to stay.

The W46-8 is no slouch either. Less old timey traditional though.

Both of these were bought in a state of disrepair for under $80 each.
Time and elbow grease did the rest.