Recommend new Bowie Knife

[Harry Ono]

Looking for Fixed Blade, Bowie -- Stainless Steel or High Carbon Steel, which is a durable brand/model.

[sealocan]

I think it might depend on what you are looking to use it for. If you're looking for one of those big show Bowie's with a thick blade I don't know anyone who makes a high-quality practical version.

If you are looking for something with a Bowie type point , that's actually technically a clip point blade then I recommend the buck model 119. It's stood the test of time with its highly durable hard polymer plastic handle that won't absorb blood or bacteria if you're using it for hunting but it might be slippery when covered with blood.
They are made in the USA and are reasonably priced at Walmart and many places online. You can get wood handles and even different types of knife sheaths from real leather to a nylon canvas like material.

Check out this review ...

https://youtu.be/mvsAD-qz2Fw


If you're looking for something in between those types you could take a look at some SOG brand Bowie knife models, they remind me of copies to the Randall knives from the Vietnam era.

[fivefeezy]

I like the Becker BK9. I think Knives of Alaska might make something too.

[baranski]

Find a Bill Bagwell.

[Blademan21]

Randall..enough said.

[DGoodale]

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s....php?t=1564843

[crufflers]

Originally Posted by Harry Ono

Looking for Fixed Blade, Bowie -- Stainless Steel or High Carbon Steel, which is a durable brand/model.

Do you have a budget or price range for it? $200 range I like SYKCO (Scrap Yard Knife Company). I love Regulators. Sabre ground military model or Hollow ground parked models. SR-101 steel.

If you want to pay more, BUSSE around $400. I like regular sized Team Gemini's 7-8" blade, Micarta or G10 handle scales. INFI steel.

Classic and inexpensive, KABAR's.

Somewhere in-between and if you like the designs in 5160 steel, awesome knives @ Mineral Mountain Hatchet Works:

https://mineralmountain.com/shop?ols...2Fbowie-knives

I'd suggest a "small" PIG TRAIL BOWIE or Brush Puppy. $175 or so, but they do have sales.

I found a pic of my old MMHW Pig Trail:



Here's a pic with a Team Gemini (Light Brigade) version on top and a Regulator on bottom:

[bug_eyedmonster]

Originally Posted by crufflers

Do you have a budget or price range for it?

This is pretty important when asking for something as general as you are.

Jerry

[Jeepergeo]

Buck custom shop.

[chirohunter]

Look up Dozier Knives......although I dont personally own one of his bowies, I do have a number of his other knives. His reputation is second to none.... and his Bowie's always tempt me!!

[Friesland]

Crufflers, "I'd suggest a "small" PIG TRAIL BOWIE or Brush Puppy. $175 or so, but they do have sales.

I found a pic of my old MMHW Pig Trail:" That's tempting

Is there no love for the older Puma Bowie blades?

[crufflers]

Originally Posted by bug_eyedmonster

This is pretty important when asking for something as general as you are.

Jerry

Also figure what size you want too. You might be looking for something only a bit larger than your 3.5" folder or and camping/chopping monster.

5.5" to 7" blades are pretty handy... IIRC even that "small" Pig Trail" is a 8" monster .25" thick 5160.

There are lots of bargain brands too. OKC is great (SP-5, SP-10, Marine Combat, RTAK, etc...).

[Nvberinger]

KABAR Marine or Buck 119

[cgseanp1]

Fallkniven Modern Bowie. Awesome knife.

[Garandimal]

KA-BAR Ek Model 5. (EK45)

GR

[TwentyOneFeet]

Get the Ontario marine raider (sp10) it's 1095, it's 1/4 thick, it has a rubberised handle, it's badass, and it's cheap. Beat it to hell. I love mine

[jyo]

Originally Posted by cgseanp1

Fallkniven Modern Bowie. Awesome knife.

Knife pictured is model A2---no, I'm wrong! that's a new model Bowie they just released in the last year or so...

[crufflers]

Team Gemini Ultra Light are actually available right now, but probably not for long.
https://www.bussecombat.com/knives/

[KaLiFORNIA]

I can make you whatever kind of knife you want

[crufflers]

How about a 7.5 inch blade with .25" thick 5160 stock, full flat grind, bowie swedge tip, double guard, round choil, G10 scales ? What would you charge for something like that?

[PogoJack]

Classical Randall, Model 14. Purest steel, honed on natural stone.... by masters.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[crufflers]

Originally Posted by PogoJack

Classical Randall, Model 14. Purest steel, honed on natural stone.... by masters.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

How do they get the steel so pure. What does that mean?

[hermosabeach]

$148

http://www.ultimatesurvivalknife.net...le-dundee-use/

[PogoJack]

Originally Posted by crufflers

How do they get the steel so pure. What does that mean?

Sorry, it was dialogue from a knife fighting B movie.



Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[crufflers]

Oh right... I saw it a million years ago

[etwinam]

I've been looking at the Hinderer Ranch Bowie, good all around knife, Vintage bowie is more my style but its a folder. for Fixed blade I run a Carothers FK2... not a bowie but one hell of a field knife.


Folder:


Fixed:

[Tango_Down]

[crufflers]

The Mega Ratweiler is coming up next from Swamprat. I think it is the same pattern with 8” blade and great handle, but .35” thick SR-101.

[rmnc3r]

Have fun constructing yer own





https://www.trackofthewolf.com/List/...1?PageSize=100

https://www.trackofthewolf.com/List/Category.aspx/436


https://www.crazycrow.com/mountain-m...owie-knife-kit

[crufflers]

I tried a KABAR "Big Brother" and returned it. I like the Becker's more, but I only have a BK15. I trust a rat tail tang if it is a Scrap Yard or Swamp Rat, and I have beat the piss out of those (Chop House, Regulator, Dumpster Mutt, SOD, etc...) and nothing happens except wood splitting. I believe this KABAR would have failed unless you were cutting paper and read some reviews where it did fail. Real thin stock, felt cheap. So I withdraw my mentioning KABAR.

I'd go with that Cold Steel 52100 for the most inexpensive and maybe a Regulator for the best rugged one with a grippy shock-absorbing handle... and a Team Gemini for the best overall... but I won't have that new Ratweiler for quite a while... I liked the thick and thin Ratweilers I have had before.

[GW]

Cold Steel Trail-master Bowie
Becker BK 7 or 9
Or go nuts and get a Randall Smithsonian Bowie

[ScottsBad]

https://www.dlttrading.com/bark-river-knives

I have several Busse knives, and I still like them, but the design and handles of the BARK RIVER KNIVES are superior and they are less expensive in many cases.

Bark River makes several Bowie style knives. And they are beautiful. Also, they use a convex edge which is easy to sharpen and cuts better (in my opinion) than others. Very few makers make convex blades, but Bark River specializes in them.

I Highly recommend looking for a knife with CPM 3V steel. But there are some other steels that are acceptable.

[crufflers]

Originally Posted by ScottsBad

I have several Busse knives, and I still like them, but the design and handles of the BARK RIVER KNIVES are superior and they are less expensive in many cases.

There have been a few models I have shopped for and never bought. Maybe someday I'll try one. There was a "Survivor" and one of the larger ones that was a chopper. I think the chopper was in 3V. I have a few 6-8" blades that have handles more like Bark Rivers than the Busse style. For hard use I think the Resiprene handles are really nice.

[ScottsBad]

Originally Posted by crufflers

There have been a few models I have shopped for and never bought. Maybe someday I'll try one. There was a "Survivor" and one of the larger ones that was a chopper. I think the chopper was in 3V. I have a few 6-8" blades that have handles more like Bark Rivers than the Busse style. For hard use I think the Resiprene handles are really nice.

I have two BRK Survivors. They are really good but I did remove the ramp and mod the handles, the handles are not super roomy on the Survivor, but I have XL hands. I just sent them to BRK to have them do a full height convex. I've got a few BRKs.

I think the BRK knives are better users because they have excellent handles. I modify virtually every knife handle I buy, but BRK makes some great ones. Plus they use some terrific steels.

Don't get me wrong INFI is very good steel and is pretty near stainless, but I prefer CPM 3V for its edge holding and toughness. 3V is near stainless and the trade off is good. BRK just uses a better variety of steels than many makers and that means a lot to me. And I prefer convex grinds now that I know how good they are.

Here is a quick snap of a couple knives: Bark River Crusader in 3V and Busse Bunker Buster satin INFI
IMG_0671R1.jpg

[crufflers]

Originally Posted by ScottsBad

Here is a quick snap of a couple knives: Busse Bunker Buster satin INFI and Bark River Crusader in 3V.
Attachment 873906

I have a Chop House that has the Bunker Buster blade, but the handle looks like your BRK handle but in Resiprene-C... (I'm sure it feels different but the basic shape looks similar) if you chop hard enough, any ridgid handle is going to send shock waves through your hand. I had the coated Bunker Buster with G10 handles, but sold it.

You ever try the traditional SYKCO handles like a Dog Father, SOD, Chop House, etc...?

Here's an 1111 and a couple other tan ones



Found a pic of the Chop House

[ScottsBad]

Originally Posted by crufflers

I have a Chop House that has the Bunker Buster blade, but the handle looks like your BRK handle but in Resiprene-C... (I'm sure it feels different but the basic shape looks similar) if you chop hard enough, any ridgid handle is going to send shock waves through your hand. I had the coated Bunker Buster with G10 handles, but sold it.

You ever try the traditional SYKCO handles like a Dog Father, SOD, Chop House, etc...?

Here's an 1111 and a couple other tan ones



Found a pic of the Chop House

I've got 5 Busse kin with resiprene handles among my collection including a Busse Basic 8 and I'm OK with the rubber like handles, I've not had a problem with too much shock, but I do prefer canvas micarta over respirene and G10.

With Busse, its not the handle material or shock that's somewhat uncomfortable, its the shape. Especially, the hump on the top of the handle of canvas micarta and G10 handles.

The Respirene C handles are better, but they are too flat sided. And they feel sticky sometimes which tends to give me a little hot spot.

The Bark River handles are much better out of the box. In fact, the BRK Tope Recon has the most comfortable handle I have ever used.

BTW If you look closely at the picture of my Bunker Buster you'll notice that I removed all the texture from the G10.

[ScottsBad]

Here is my original Swamp Rat Ratweiler, but I recommend a Bark River for the money and handle.
SR-FN.jpg

[crufflers]

Originally Posted by ScottsBad

I've got 5 Busse kin with resiprene handles among my collection including a Busse Basic 8 and I'm OK with the rubber like handles, I've not had a problem with too much shock, but I do prefer canvas micarta over respirene and G10.

I'll have to locate a knife shop and check some BRK's out or take the plunge and try one.

I always liked the Ratweiler handles.

[ScottsBad]

Originally Posted by etwinam

I've been looking at the Hinderer Ranch Bowie, good all around knife, Vintage bowie is more my style but its a folder. for Fixed blade I run a Carothers FK2... not a bowie but one hell of a field knife.


Folder:


Fixed:

JFYI - I recently bought a Hinderer Ranch Drop Point and it was a beautiful knife, BUT, the jimping is to big and aggressive on the top to be confortable for extended use. I sent it back.

I have an XM-18 Gen 6 and the jimping doesn't bother me, BUT, its a different kind of knife. I use a fixed blade far more for repetitive cuts and so the jimping tears up my thumb. With the XM-18 I don't use it for a lot of cutting so its fine.

BTW - Nice CPK you have there!

[HAVOC5150]

Trollsky Raider, if you can find one.