Bowie Request

[opaul]

I just receive a request/order to make a Bowie. I’ve been wanting to make one but have been hesitant because although I think they look great, personally I think they are more of a nich knife.
I do know I have seen them in both hidden tang and full tang construction. I just have to decide which I want to do.
For those that have made a Bowie any suggestions and pictures would be appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[EdCaffreyMS]

The good news is that the term "Bowie" means so many different things, to so many different people! Unless you have an in depth discussion with your client about specific details, there's a lot of latitude. One quick google search for "Bowie Knife", and you'll have enough variety to make your head swim!
The way I view it....rather than try to argue what is or is not a "Bowie Knife", I personally enjoy seeing the various interpretations makers put into them....very often making the knife unique to the individual maker.
Here are a few pics of what I call "Bowies".....

 

[opaul]

Thanks Ed. I actually woke up last night contemplating how to go about it.

 

[Von Gruff]

This is one I finished the other day but it is 5am here and taking pics on the kitchen table under lights is not the best . copper bolster with African Tambotie wood handles with copper pins on a 7 1/4 inch by .170 1075 blade. 12 3/4 inches overall length. Clip is non sharpened

 

[oldknife]

Here are some I have made in the past Bowie style.

 

[opaul]

This is one I finished the other day but it is 5am here and taking pics on the kitchen table under lights is not the best . copper bolster with African Tambotie wood handles with copper pins on a 7 1/4 inch by .170 1075 blade. 12 3/4 inches overall length. Clip is non sharpened

Looks great. Did you pin the bolsters?

 

[opaul]

Here are some I have made in the past Bowie style.View attachment 66698View attachment 66699View attachment 66700

They look great. Can’t tell from the photo but i’m assuming they are full tang.

 

[oldknife]

The first three are full tang the last two are framed handles, the first three are from the same pattern, called a Texas bowie if you would like the pattern I would send you one. Deane

 

[oldknife]

Here is on I made not to long ago, the blade is 9 3/4" 15" overall the handle is from a 100 year old cutlery set, is a little different bowie style I call it a mountain man knife.

 

[Von Gruff]

Looks great. Did you pin the bolsters?

Yes they are pinned with copper pins

 

[John Wilson]

my very basic take on the Bowie design. The customer wanted 12 inch blades which kind makes the blades look too straight. I think I should have brought the clips back farther.

 

[opaul]

The first three are full tang the last two are framed handles, the first three are from the same pattern, called a Texas bowie if you would like the pattern I would send you one. Deane

Yes please! I’ll pm you. Thanks!

 

[opaul]

Guys! Maybe I shouldn’t have asked for photos - you all have set a high bar!
Beautiful work and I hope I can, at least come close!

 

[Kevin Zito]

Guys! Maybe I shouldn’t have asked for photos - you all have set a high bar!
Beautiful work and I hope I can, at least come close!

You’re going to crush it! I have faith in you!

 

[opaul]

You’re going to crush it! I have faith in you!

Thanks Kevin

 

[Rick Otts]

Walk in the park for you OP!

 

[Chris Railey]

I am sure you will have it done by ohhhhhh...tomorrow.

 

[KenH]

If you want to make a 'real" Bowie, make a copy of the Joe Musso Bowie. I've got the full size plans you wish.

Here's a copy I made a while back.

 

[opaul]

If you want to make a 'real" Bowie, make a copy of the Joe Musso Bowie. I've got the full size plans you wish.

Here's a copy I made a while back.

Wow. Now that’s KNIFE. (As Dundee would say).

 

[tgalligan]

This is one i finished a couple of years ago. It's so big I got to use some of the elk antler I have!