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Bowie Beauties: Three Quality Factory Bowie Knives

Dexter Ewing
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The Bowie Is A Beloved, Historic Knife That Continues To Inspire Makers Today. This Trio Of Factory Bowies Stands Out. 

Perhaps no other pattern in knife history has as rich a legacy as the bowie. It is a highly recognizable design featuring a large blade in a variety of shapes, some of which have a prominent swedge, and handles of varying designs, often with a guard.

The pattern dates back to 1827 as a knife given by Rezin Bowie to his legendary brother, BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member Jim Bowie, the famous American pioneer who participated in the Texas Revolution and who was killed in the Battle of the Alamo on March 6, 1836. Jim Bowie was a principal in the Sandbar Fight of Sept. 29, 1827, a melee that established the bowie’s reputation as a fearsome combat knife that lives on to this day.

Boker Magnum Giant Bowie

Whittling is easy for the Giant Bowie. The knife is well balanced and agile in hand.  

The bowie remains a widely sought-after pattern for knife collectors and users alike. Its commanding stature attracts attention. A striking example is the Boker Magnum Giant Bowie, Magnum being Boker’s more affordable knife line made in China.

Boasting a stacked leather-washer handle with integrated finger grooves, polished double guard and pommel, and clip-point blade with a pronounced swedge, the Giant Bowie looks all business. 

The 8-1/8-inch blade is 440A stainless steel. The handle is comfortable and the finger grooves index your grip nicely. The leather is covered with a clear coat that prevents moisture from soaking in and ruining the handle. The buttcap screws down to compress the washers.

One drawback is I cannot find any evidence that the handle is of a full-tang construction. It doesn’t have the balance of such in hand, as it is slightly blade heavy. As a result, use this one with caution—meaning no use bordering on abuse.

The black leather sheath has a single retention strap with a button snap. A small accessory pocket also has a button-snap closure and contains a sharpening stone. The stone is too small for major resharpening but can be used for quick field touch ups. 

MSRP: $65.95

Spyderco FB44GP Respect Bowie

The Respect chops with controlled reckless abandon and makes chunks of wood fly. The massive stock thickness gives a blade-heavy feel, an excellent trait for such tasks

Spyderco’s FB44GP Respect Bowie pays homage to classic bowie design, hence its name. Sal Glesser, company founder and BLADE Magazine Cutlery Hall-Of-Fame® member, designed this beast to be his version of the bowie executed in modern materials and manufacturing techniques.

Incorporating massive .3-inch-thick CPM 154 stainless steel, the 7-inch blade is fully flat ground. While the blade is massive, the distal taper of the spine lightens it progressively toward the tip and makes it feel agile in hand. The ergonomic G-10 handle has rounded edges, which make for a very comfortable grip. 

A stainless steel double guard provides ample protection from your hand sliding up on the blade, and acts as a positive stop for choking up for additional control. You can move your grip rearward on the handle to shift the balance point to where the feel is blade heavy for chopping tasks. Torx® screws fasten the scales to the full tang securely.

The Respect makes an excellent expedient chopper, with the flat-ground blade providing excellent bite into saplings. It aggressively eats away at green wood, sending chunks flying with each blow. Toning it down, the blade makes a great slicer with the graceful curve of the cutting edge that terminates at the tip. It sliced foam blocks easily, an indication that the cutting edge quality and blade grinds are spot on. There is enough of a defined tip to perform scoring jobs if needed. The blade can do some serious penetration as well. There were no problems with cutting performance.

The heavy-duty sheath is sewn leather. A brass frog helps secure the leather retainer strap over the guard to prevent the knife from falling out of the sheath. A belt loop on the reverse side provides further ease of carry should you opt for it. 

The Respect is a high-end production knife through and through and very well engineered at that. Made in Golden, Colorado, at the Spyderco facility, the bowie comes with a zippered padded storage pouch.

MSRP: $616

A.G. Russell Knives California Bowie

Though the knife is not blade heavy, chopping with the California Bowie is possible. The edge quality and flat grind make the blade bite into green wood easily. You will have to use more deliberate muscle action than relying on a heavyweight blade.  

Built in the A.G. Russell Knives shop in Rogers, Arkansas, the California Bowie is based on an English-style pattern popularized by knifemaker D.E. Henry in the 1960s and ’70s. Henry was thought by many to be the best at the time in crafting this style of bowie, the end result being a handmade knife of meticulous fit and finish that garnered him fans worldwide. ]

The 8.5-inch clip-point blade is 154CM stainless steel with a full flat grind. Stock thickness is .185 inches, thick enough to handle the heavy work but not so thin as to be fragile. The stainless steel guard fits tight to the tang with no gaps.

The handle is beautiful wild African wild olivewood, and there is also a version with African Ironwood scales as well. The material is a blonde color with a highly contrasting grain for a stimulating visual effect. Red fiber liners give a pop of color, something seen more in custom knives than production. 

The wood scales are pinned to the full tang, and the inward curved handle lines make the knife sit in your grip very nice and secure. It may be a boxy style handle but the way it is executed makes for a comfortable feel. There is no lanyard hole.

The sheath is done right: brown leather with contrasting white stitching and a simple button-snap retention strap. The shade of brown complements the color of the scales quite well. Knife and sheath are a “10” in overall appearance. Another nice touch is the satin finish throughout, including the blade, double guard and tang, so there’s that continuity.

The California Bowie is a real slicer. The knife is balanced in proportion to the hand and feels agile and very controllable, though it is not much of a chopper due to the lack of a blade-heavy feel. If you are primarily slicing, this knife is for you. It may be a looker but it’s also a really nice user. 

MSRP: $395

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Best M9 Bayonet Options For The Civilian Enthusiast

Mike Ableson
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On a rifle or in close quarters, the M9 Bayonet has kept its edge for nearly 30 years.

The M9 bayonet was first issued by the United States Army in 1986. It partially replaced the M7, which was first issued during the Vietnam War. The M9 is slightly longer than the M7 and has been manufactured by multiple different makers including Buck and Ontario Knife Company. The M9 has a bigger, thicker blade than the M7, and some versions come with serrations.

The M9 is compatible with the M16 series of rifles as well as the M4 carbine. It’s also a high-quality fighting and utility knife, and, unlike many other bayonets, the M9 can also be fitted to a shotgun. In this case, specifically the Mossburg 590.

The M9 is used by multiple militaries and some police forces throughout the world from the armed forces of Singapore and Thailand to the Netherlands army and the security forces in Abu Dhabi. 

Can I Buy An M9 Bayonet Today?

Yes, you absolutely can buy an M9. 

Ontario Knife Company still makes the bayonet for commercial sale, and several other companies make versions of the knife. It’s important to remember that you need to keep your local knife laws in mind before buying an M9. 

States and countries may ban the ownership and carry of the knife, most time due to the length of its blade. However, it oftentimes also gets the switchblade treatment and is classified as a “dangerous knife”–a vague and ominous distinction meant to scare old ladies and small children.

Ontario Knife Company M9

Ontario Knife Company has been making knives in New York State since the late 19th century. During that time, the company has become a regular maker of arms for the United States Armed Forces.

The OKC M9 is a beautiful knife. The clip point is just over 7-inches long and made from 420M steel. The thermoplastic nylon handle provides excellent grip without adding too much weight, and the nylon sheath keeps everything secured.

This is a knife that looks and feels like it’s ready for anything. It shines through its simplicity with quality construction. It’s easy to see why the U.S. military continues to issue the OKC M9 today.

MSRP: $223.75

Snake Eye Tactical M9 Bayonet

This M9 from Snake Eye Tactical is vastly different from the OKC version in numerous ways. Combined with its sheath, this M9 is more multi-tool than the Ontario version.

The 8-inch stainless blade has a large fuller made from stainless steel. The majority of the spine is a sawback blade to provide more versatility to the knife, namely the ability to saw through thick wood. The sheath has a built-in sharpening stone, and a section of it can be used as both a flathead screwdriver and a wire cutter.

Yes, it’s an M9 but this piece can be used for much more than a traditional bayonet. It’s also much less money than the OKC variety, so if you’re interested in the M9 this is a great entry point.

MSRP: $39.95

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First Look: Condor Buccaneer Sword

Mike Ableson
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Sometimes You Want A Blade That’s Fun And Exciting Even If It Isn’t An EDC. The Buccaneer Sword From Condor Is All About Having A Good Time.

There’s a pretty good chance you’re not a pirate in the Caribbean or off the Barbary Coast. Even if you’re just a lifelong resident of a landlocked place like Kansas City or Nashville, you’ll absolutely love the new Buccaneer Sword from Condor Tool & Knife.

The massive blade is 15.5 inches in length and is made from 1075 high-carbon steel with a convex. It weighs a shade under 30 ounces so it’s a burly, heavy knife that can be used for bushcraft or for making a big show of slicing large cuts of meats. If you’re a performer, using this sword to prepare steaks for your family at the next barbecue will be remembered for years.

It all stays solid in your hand thanks to the leather-wrapped hardwood handle that is as strong as the blade and stays true while you wield this mighty sword. The included leather sheath will keep the sword safe when stored away. 

The Buccaneer Sword is so much fun. If you want a showstopper, and stay on top of maintaining the high-carbon blade, you’ll have yourself a thrilling conversation piece for years to come.

MSRP: $174.70

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Trench Knife: The WW1 Relic Still Endures

Mike Ableson
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With More Than A Century Of History, The Trench Knife Soldiers On As A Historical Collectible And A Modern Outdoor Knife.

The trench knife may be the ultimate weapon for close-quarters combat. With a sharp blade designed for stabbing, and a finger guard that doubles as a knuckle duster, the blade is excellent for messy, claustrophobic situations, which you would expect as it was named for the intimate and brutal trench warfare of World War I.

By the time World War II began, trench warfare was nowhere near as common as it had been previously. In turn, the trench knife evolved.

The United States issued the Mark I in 1942 and 1943 to certain special military groups like the Army Rangers and Marine Raiders. The Mark I was a newer version of WWI trench knives, including a finger guard, a stiletto blade, and a skull crusher cap built into the pommel. 

However, over the course of WWII, the trench knife gave way to the combat knife. Most notable of these, the US M3 fighting knife, which was adopted in 1943. The M3 became the framework upon which more contemporary bayonets and fighting knives like the M4 and M7 were built.

Can I Own A Trench Knife Today?

That’s a complicated question to answer. 

The trench knife is classified as a dangerous weapon in many states and countries for a variety of reasons. Some places prohibit them because they have double-sided blades while others focus on the knuckle dusters or the length of the blade as reasons to ban them.

Owning or carrying a trench knife is banned in numerous countries including the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, Canada, China, and Singapore, among others.

In America, the knife is outlawed in some form in 23 states, and even among the states where it’s legal to own and/or carry, 18 of those states either only allow you to keep the knife in your home or require a permit to carry it on your person. 

The only states with no permit rules for owning a trench knife are Texas, South Dakota, Indiana, South Carolina, Idaho, Hawai’i, Georgia, Arizona, and Alabama.

Modern Trench Knives

There aren’t many companies left making trench knives similar to those blades from a century ago. However, the two below are modern takes on the combat classic.

M48 Liberator Trench Knife

This is the souped-up version of the original trench knife. Everything about the Liberator is big and bold and in your face.

It starts with the 7.5-inch 2Cr13 cast stainless blade that is ground sharp on both sides. The blade has a satin finish and black oxide coating to add to its intimidating aura. The handle scales are made from a light, rugged fiberglass-reinforced nylon that provides a strong grip without adding too much weight.

And then there’s the knuckle duster tang. It both acts as a knuckle guard and an intense defense weapon. The added spikes on the handle allow you to use more force in case you are defending yourself. The knife fits into an injection-molded Vortec and nylon belt sheath that snaps shut and easily fits on your person. 

It’s bad. It’s unapologetic. It’s the ultimate modern version of the trench knife.

MSRP: $79.99

Cold Steel Chaos Double Edge

A more muted version of the trench knife, the Chaos Double Edge from Cold Steel gives a modern, tactical spin on the old classic.

The blade itself is made from SK-5 high-carbon steel and is 7.5 inches long. The full-tang construction allows for a well-weighted knife that can be used to defend or to slice through dense brush. Both sides are ground sharp and meet at a spear point so the knife can puncture as you would expect.

The handle is made from 6061 aluminum and features a pair of D ring guards, which are a newer version of the old-school knuckle duster guards that is used for the same purpose. The pommel of the knife is tapered to allow for more force when using the cap to strike.

The included sheath is made from Secure-Ex and is both Molle-Lok and Tek-Lok compatible so transporting the Double Edge will be a breeze.

MSRP: $99.99

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First Look: Dawson Chief

Mike Ableson
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When It Comes To Beautiful Custom Knives, Few Are Doing It As Well As Dawson Knives. This Fixed Blade Shows Everything The Maker Can Do.

A knife doesn’t just need to be a showpiece. A knife doesn’t just need to be a utilitarian tool. The Dawson Chief perfectly blends the two into a piece that could be mounted in a case or used out on a hunt.

The knife is a behemoth. At 10 ounces in weight with a 5.25-inch blade, the Chief is anything but dainty. The blade can attack almost anything. Made from a CPM MagnaCut stainless powder steel, its heat treated to a rugged 60-61 HRC and can hold an edge like a champ. 

The finger choil and thumb ramp allow for maximum control and smooth cutting strokes when in use. You can choose between a G10 or carbon fiber handle. Both provide a secure grip and won’t warp. No stone was left unturned in the design of this knife. 

Visually it’s beautiful thanks to the two-tone Specter finish. The custom hybrid leather/Kydex sheath is just as tough as the blade and allows you to carry the Chief on your belt line or on a pack. Everything together makes for the total package when it comes to a fixed blade. 

MSRP: $385 (G10)/$415 (carbon fiber)

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The M7 Bayonet: From Combat To The Campsite

Mike Ableson
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The M7 Bayonet Has Been Used By The United States Military For Almost 60 Years. The Dynamic, Multi-Purpose Tool Is Just As Useful Now As When It First Went Into Service.

When you first think of a bayonet your mind probably goes to the battlefields of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. But no, bayonets aren’t some relic from a bygone era. While the days of bayonet charges are long long, the knives are still in use by the military today and have evolved into a multi-faceted tool.

The M7 Bayonet stands out due to its longevity. Built on the back of the M4 bayonet, which was issued toward the tail end of World War 2, the M7 is designed to be used with the M16 or the M4 carbine, although it can fit on numerous other rifles. 

The History Of The M7 Bayonet

The M7 was first introduced in 1964 during the Vietnam War. The knife was initially made by Bauer Ord Company, but numerous companies did eventually manufacture the M7. Today, the lone remaining maker of combat-deployed M7 bayonets is Ontario Knife, though the knife is still available from at least one other company (Smith & Wesson).

Despite being issued by the United States military, the M7 was also made in Canada, West Germany, Australia, and in several countries in Asia.

How Does The M7 Work?

The M7 connects to the M16 via a lug thanks to a dual-lever locking mechanism. This secures the blade to the barrel while keeping the muzzle unblocked. A release mechanism on the pommel of the knife allows it to detach from the firearm easily.

Ontario Knife Company M7 Bayonet

Ontario Knife Company M7 Bayonet

Ontario Knife Co. was one of many makers to manufacture the M7, and it is the last to make the military issue variety of the blade. There is also a commercial version as well, which will be reviewed here.

It starts with a 1080 carbon steel blade with a zinc phosphate finish married to a modified Kraton handle. The blade is 6.7 inches long, and the whole construction is just shy of a foot in length. It tips the scales at 1.15 pounds. It looks beefy and feels hefty in the hand, as you would expect from a such a knife.

The included molded plastic sheath is a pistol belt clip. The lightweight sheath allows for safe, easy transport of the knife. While this knife is designed for combat, it’s burly design allows for multiple different uses. This would be a an excellent all-rounder when camping.

MSRP: $114.95

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First Look: Imarku 9-Piece Knife Block Set With Sharpener

Mike Ableson
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New Kitchen Knife Set From Imarku Looks Spectacular And Is Packed With Features That Any Home Chef Would Want.

The new 9-piece knife set from Imarku has everything a home cook could ask for. The most noticeable thing about it is the color and design. The rich blue hue of the knife block is complemented by the acrylic window that lets you look inside and see the knives while they’re inside the block.

Imarku has made a comprehensive knife set with this new release. The blades are made from high-carbon Japanese stainless steel, and the flat-edge knives are sharpened to a 16-degree edge with a Rockwell hardness of 57-59 HRC.

The set includes an 8.5-inch chef’s knife, 8.5-inch bread knife, 8-inch slicing knife, 7.5-inch Santoku, 6-inch boning knife, 5-inch utility knife, 3.5-inch paring knife, and a honing rod. The ergonomic pakkawood handle and tapered bolsters allow for an easy, firm grip when slicing and matches the bright blue of the solid walnut block. 

This knife set is not only an excellent set of tools for your kitchen, but it’s also a great conversation piece and will add a bright splash of color to any countertop.

MSRP: $599.99

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