The Bowie knife is one of the most iconic pieces of edged weaponry in history, replete with legend and lore that will undoubtedly be argued and labored over for many years to come. They are why I began making knives, and remain the reason I make.
A fighting Bowie knife should be a formidable weapon that can be pressed into the service of other tasks. First, and foremost, it must be capable of delivering extreme performance in the most dire of situations, suffering neither failure nor causing discomfort to the user.
Below, you will find some of the fighting Bowies I have made in the decade of my experience as a bladesmith.
Rosebud, 10 3/8" blade of 1086M with hamon, wrought iron, damascus, titanium, and African Leadwood.
The Sodbuster, 12.5" blade hand forged from antique Avery plow blade with auto hamon, wrought iron, and Claro walnut.
11.5" blade, L6 tool steel, auto hamon/differential hardening line, stainless, and Claro walnut.
11.5" blade of DHIII W2 tool steel with hamon, ivory paper micarta, color case hardened mild steel fittings, and bronze.
11" blade of L6 steel, curly white ash, color case hardened 8620 fittings.
11" blade of 80CrV2, wrought iron, brass, and Sambar stag.