First Bowie

[Gliden07]

First, let me say I'm not a big fan of Bowie knives, but I feel like there a right of passage kinda like a Railroad Spike knife! So I've been working on my first Bowie style knife. Handle is shaped quite a bit, is made from Maple and Mahogany, Damascus guard and a 1084 forged blade. Still a ways to go but it's taking shape!

 

[Dennis Morland]

That is awesome!!

 

[Johan Nel]

Looking good!

 

[Heikki]

Looks great! You definitely learn a lot during a Bowie build.

 

[opaul]

I’ve gotta say you are nailing that one.

 

[KenH]

Looks good - don't forget to take a few photos of the next steps so we can follow your progress.

 

[Gliden07]

I decided to stabilize the handle wanted a little bit of color. Belive it or not that is Blue! Couple more ideas I'm gonna try! Hopefully it will make my first Bowie a little different than the norm!

 

[JD Brown]

The blade profile and swedge are on point sir !

 

[opaul]

Tell me more about the different wood on the bottom of the handle.

 

[Gliden07]

Tell me more about the different wood on the bottom of the handle.

I had the Maple handle pretty much made liked the figuring but wanted something a bit different. Decided to cut out the bottom of the handle and epoxy a piece of Mahogany in to make it different! Then I just sanded it down to match the Maple. I've been getting bored with the same ole stuff so I've been playing a bit!

 

[Gliden07]

I had some Indian Damascus that I bought early on before I knew anything about it! Well after lots of don't use it for a knife! I decided to use it for some guards. Stuff looks good but again I don't think I would trust it for a Blade! What do you guys think?

 

[JD Brown]

I had some Indian Damascus that I bought early on before I knew anything about it! Well after lots of don't use it for a knife! I decided to use it for some guards. Stuff looks good but again I don't think I would trust it for a Blade! What do you guys think?

That will make a fine guard !! Love the pattern , shame it’s no count for a blade !

 

[opaul]

I had some Indian Damascus that I bought early on before I knew anything about it! Well after lots of don't use it for a knife! I decided to use it for some guards. Stuff looks good but again I don't think I would trust it for a Blade! What do you guys think?

I think that’s the perfect solution. Looking good!

 

[Gliden07]

Stone washed blade now. May have to redo it there is some banding on the other side I don't know if I like it?

 

[JD Brown]

Stone washed blade now. May have to redo it there is some banding on the other side I don't know if I like it?

I personally like it , gives it some patina / character . That being said I don’t know how many times I have redone a blade over something small that just didn’t sit right with me , something that most people wouldn’t even notice .

 

[Gliden07]

All glued up! Still need to drill hole in handle for pin. I left the blotchyness on the blade kinda gives it a faux patina before the patina LOL!! Once I get some shine-juice on the handle it should bring it all together!! Fingers crossed!!

 

[Gliden07]

All glued up. Looking good started putting the Tru-Oil on the handle really made the striping in Maple "POP"! I'm liking the way it's heading. Another 200 coats of Tru-Oil and it will be done!! LOL!!

 

[Gliden07]

Well its finally done except for a sharpening! This one was fun! Did what I wanted to do and salvaged a piece that I wasn't going to finish because I didn't like the way it was headed! Some redesign and grinder work and now I like it!! LOL!!