Stainless Steel Bowies?

[ZVP]

 I know that the metal is a 20th century product but I have seen several stainless Steel Bowies tucked in scabbards lately. Is it within the "code" to carry one of these beautys with our outfits or are these folks outside of the "Code"?
I for one don't mind as the stainless looks like nickled steel and it makes for a pretty knife!
ZVP

[WaddWatsonEllis]

ZVP.

First, well met!

I have three Damascus and a nickel or stainless knife.

Are they very period?

Not really
But in defense I can say that I perform as a docent in Sacramento ... and by the 1850s we were an overnigt steam to Baghdad-by-the-Bay as it was called ... or more properly San Francisco.

As such, we had much greater chance of having anything that was availble from any calling port that reciprocated on San Francisco Bay.

Could the characters I play had Damascus? Possibly to yes.

As far as stainless, if it stays in the sheath, who is to know? As long ast the hilt and sheath looks period, I am not going to bust somebodies chops for a shiny blade .... and if there is a problem with shine, leave the knife out when there is to be a heavy dew....I don't care how stainless the grade is, it will eventually anodize a bit

Just my $0.02 ...

[Forty Rod]

'Taint nobody's business but yours.

I have both stainless and carbon and carry both.

'Taint nobody's business but mine.

[Cliff Fendley]

I think it's really up to you. I don't see a thing wrong with it if your shooting Sass or dressed in B western or such. When shooting NCOWS or wanting to be more authentic to the 19th century then no.

I'm trying to do more period knives to go along with my leather but I just have such a hard time calling it finished until it's a mirror.

Here's one of my latest stainless steel Bowies. I should have used a stainless Vaquero for the pic because it makes the rig look much more balanced.

[Forty Rod]

I think it's really up to you. I don't see a thing wrong with it if your shooting Sass or dressed in B western or such. When shooting NCOWS or wanting to be more authentic to the 19th century then no.

I'm trying to do more period knives to go along with my leather but I just have such a hard time calling it finished until it's a mirror.

Here's one of my latest stainless steel Bowies. I should have used a stainless Vaquero for the pic because it makes the rig look much more balanced.

Okay now, that's a great looking knife.  What's the blade length? I assume the sheath is your work, too.  Great work on both.

[GunClick Rick]

"WHEW"

[Cliff Fendley]

Yep, I made everything you see there except the gun. Blade length on that one is 11 1/2 inches and the oal is 16 1/2. Blade is ATS34 stainless and the guard and pommel are 304 stainless. Sambar stag for the handle. It is for sale too.

I'm working on a full size Musso bowie right now out of ATS34 stainless made from a blueprint off of the original knife. I'm going to get back on it once I get caught up on orders.

[WaddWatsonEllis]

Okay, Since you started ...

I have my Damscene/Woot steel Bowie ... and like yours, it looks good enough in the sheath to wear pretty much anywhere .... by the way, what a gorgeous knife you have!

As far as the size, it would be totally appropriate for the Cap and Ball era ...possibly later if your personna is that of a plains buffalo hunter and you would need a big knife to separate joints in a buff ... or some such scimlar scenario

But as guns became more dependable (i.e. cartridges came on the scene), the need for a huge heavy knife became less and less ... still, big knifes continued to exist as the shorter knives (and eventually jacknives) appeared ....

[KidTerico]

Cliff thanks for your input. Its a great knife and a outstanding job on the rig. KT

[Cliff Fendley]

Thanks KT.

WWE, that knife and sheath are outstanding I love that handle

[WaddWatsonEllis]

Cliff,

I wish I could take responsibility for that ....But Chuck Burrows was kind enough to take a stock Indian modern knife and 'modify' it to look more period ... for instance. under that gorgeous leather handle is a modern looking stag grip .... and below is the catalog pic of what the knife started out looking like:

[WaddWatsonEllis]

All proof that you CAN make a silk purse out of a cow's ear if you're talented and have the desire to do it ...

[Cliff Fendley]

AH, I thought that had the look of Chucks work and after looking again I see the WRTC in the corner of the pic

He does have the talent for sure.

[rebsr52339]

I like the "frog" on the sheath and the novel way you attach it to the sheath. Great job and the whole rig is outstanding.

[Cliff Fendley]

Thank you for the compliment. That isn't a frog on my Bowie sheath but after looking again your right in thinking because it does look like a frog in the photo. It is all one piece in a Mexican Loop fashion and the slotted concho held by the bleed knot is just on the loop.

[Hipshot]

 These are all some beautiful knives and leather work. I would like to have a sheath made in this style for a knife I have. Is it mandatory to send the knife to the maker or are their makers that will build one from photos and exact measurements? I have no problems with the sheath makers haveing my knife, I have a problem with the shippers including the PO. Over the past few years I've had lost and damaged items and although I had insurance it didn't make up for the loss of my stuff
This is the knife, it has a 7 1/8" blade:

[Cliff Fendley]

I have made them without the knife but I prefer (and it's best) to have it. I like to wrap the blade in plastic wrap and use the actual knife to wet form the sheath depending on the type of sheath matters though.

Generally on a Bowie it is less of a problem than small knives since with hunters and fighters the sheath needs to be molded around the guard. On most Bowie sheaths they are a flat top so as long as the angle is right for the guard it's not a problem.

For a Mexican loop style sheath like I posted it's better to have the knife so the loop can be somewhat molded to the back of the guard.

I have heard of the nightmares of stuff missing and them wanting proof of the value so it is a chance you take. I guess I've been lucky so far, I've sent knives and gun rigs to several countries but I still have that certain amount of worry every time.