Big sheath knife recommendations

[John in AR]

I’m looking for recommendations for a large sheath knife.

Currently my two main sheath knives are an Ontario Ka-Bar and a Buck 119. Both are very good knives, but there were several times on this last campout that I wished I had a larger knife.

I’m looking for a woods knife, not a “tactical” knife; probably more toward the Bowie style. I’m out of date in my sheath-knife knowledge, but the Cold Steel Trailmaster or a Puma Trail Boss are the first two that come to mind. Strength and edge retention are the primary considerations; I want a big, heavy, STRONG knife that will stay sharp. Rust resistance is a lesser consideration to edge retention, so I’m ok with carbon steel over stainless steel.

[BigEd63]

John I can recommend both the Cold Steel Trail Master and the Becker Knife & Tool Line like the BK-7 (7" blade) on up to the BK-1 "Brute"(9-1/2" blade).

BTW- Cheaper Than Dirt has some awesome prices on the BK-7. I'm sort of fond of it because it chops well without being a overly heavy knife.

It's too bad Gerber dropped the BMF Bowie I have had one of those since they came out and it's a great field tool. Been so long ago I think they came out in '85 or '86 maybe.

[RIKA]

The Ontario RAT-7 is another b-i-g well made knife (see link for photo). Both it and the BK&T BK-7 as well as the Brute can be found on Ebay for excellent prices.

http://www.armslocker.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33353

RIKA

[Flinter]

If you don't mind going custom I'd recomend http://www.buckskinnerweb.com/blackturtle/knives.html

His knives are incredible. Only thing I don't like about them are that they are too heavy for me. They probably run 1/4 inch thick. On the other hand, I've seen him split kindling and still shave hair. Runs in the $225 range, but will outlast your grandkids.

If you like something a little lighter this other guys knives can't be beat at any price. Just don't buy the one I'm saving for. :nyah:
http://www.olddominionforge.com/knives.html

Either one will work with you to design a knife to your liking. Both are good, honest knife makers.

[John in AR]

Rika - A 7" blade isn't going to cut it, so to speak. The Ka-Bar is already 7" and even the Buck is 6". I'm looking for a "big oaf" size knife.

The only Puma Trail Boss I can find is a folder, so I'm probably remembering the name wrong. It was a big bowie from Puma back in the 1980's, about the size of a Trailmaster. I remember it made me think "Crocodile Dundee" when I handled it.

I'd forgotten about the BMF. It's a very good knife, but not really what I'm looking for. I'm looking for more "Daniel Boone" than "Rambo".

I've found some Andujar & Bagwell bowies, but I'm not overly impressed with the blade thickness. I think I'd want at least a quarter-inch thickness.

The Trailmaster is 5/16" thick, and comes with an ambidextrous sheath (I'm a lefty with a knife), so it may be the way to go. My preference for a stag or wood handle instead of rubber is what had me looking for other ideas.


Flinter - A little "too" Daniel Boone for me. I like a more modern guard and a somewhat "beefier" blade. Those tend to taper way out there to the point. (They ARE pretty though...)

[RIKA]

John, for really big useful blades please take a look at this link. They have blades of all sizes and configurations. I own a couple or three different ones and have given some as gifts to satisfied friends. You might just find something that you like. If you do, please say so before ordering and I'll tell you how to get them cheaper.

http://www.himalayan-imports.com/

Warning: picture heavy; slow loading.

RIKA

[John in AR]

Rika - Thanks; I considered a Kukri / Ghurka but I keep going back to the more American style. Their "Cherokee Rose" looked interesting at first, but at 20 inches and 25 ounces it's too much Bowie knife even for me... ;)

[Magnum88C]

http://www.1sks.com/store/ontario-bill-bagwell-bowie-hells-belle.html
http://www.1sks.com/images/ontario/on-bb4.jpg
11" QS13 stainless blade.


http://www.swampratknifeworks.com/knives.html
http://www.swampratknifeworks.com/images/battleratsm.jpg
Swamp Rat Battle rat 9 1/2" blade. Tough enough toi chop through cement blocks and pass the "grip the tip in a vise and bend the handle down to the table" test.

[Coyote]

http://knifeoutlet.com/shop/10Browse.asp?Search=bowie

If you can't seem to find something you like, it may be worthwhile to figure out whats involved with making your own. No point in settling for something you aren't satisfied with.

[John in AR]

Coyote - I was at that site just a few hours ago; one of the better selections I've found yet. (But still not that "perfect" one yet...)

[Flinter]

Not to try to steal this thread, but does Gerber still make the BMF? I always wanted one, ended up with a Buckmaster instead. Damn Santa Clauss.

Coyote.....those SOG Bowies look SWEET!!

[RIKA]

Maybe you have seen these but One Stop Knife Shop has an assortment of Bowie Knives along with the BS.

http://www.onestopknifeshop.com/cgi-bin/sc/productsearch.cgi?fromid=productsearch.cgi&search_field=bowie&storeid=*160cd878a095407706f6b84fa5&prevlocation=http://www.1sks.com/store/&testcookie=on&ip=12.73.46.151

RIKA

[BigEd63]

Rika -

I'd forgotten about the BMF. It's a very good knife, but not really what I'm looking for. I'm looking for more "Daniel Boone" than "Rambo".

John believe me she chopped kindling, cut lean-too poles, cleared brush and helped fix chow many times.
There ain't a thing gimmicky about her. Un-like the "hollowed handled hackers" :dgrin:

Maybe your thinking of that "Buckmaster" contraption Buck had out about the same time?

Though I will admit Gerber goofed big time, IMHO< when they went from a 7-1/2" blade to a 9-1/2" one. And also added that "tactical" :rolleyes: taper grind to the false edge on top to both styles.

If you do want to go the BFK route nowadays I would again reccomend either the Becker "Brute" or the Cold Steel Trail Master.

Now if you want old style looks maybe you can scare up a Western Cutlery Bowie. I had one of those also and kick myself for parting with it.

[John in AR]

Rika – I like the Entrek Bison on that page and had considered it before; but I’d feel obligated to find a different sheath than the Kydex one it comes with. Same problem as a number of other good Bowies out there nowadays; they stick a Daniel Boone knife in a Robocop sheath.

Sounds like I need to find an excuse to run up to northwest Arkansas and see what A.G. Russell has in stock, or even one of the hand-forged ones the blacksmith makes up at Silver Dollar City may be worth a look.



Mabu – You’re right. I was thinking of the Buckmaster, with the grappling-hook attachments, etc. The BMF is another story, but still more modern styled than I’m looking for. (And twice the money of a Trailmaster anyway...)

[BigEd63]

John, Yep the BMF if you find one seems to be hitting "collector" prices. Makes me wish I had bought 2 and left one NIB way back when. :headbang:

Hah!!! Another sign of getting old is when all your knives are considered collectors items. :dgrin:

I imagine the Western Cutlerly Bowie is in that grouping now also. Unless it was bought back into production. Oh does Case still make theirs?? They were very close except fot the cross guard.

Then their is Marbles which has that old time look they even make a 10" BFK-

http://www.marblesoutdoors.com/cutlery/trailmaker.html

Hot diggity I found the Western one under Camillus Cutlery.

http://www.camillusknives.com/1mainframe.htm?western/index.shtml~main

[John in AR]

Next time you're in AG Russell's shop, you could let me know what he's got there...

He's listed on the Marbles site, but doesn't show the Trailmaker in his pricing. (I checked on that exact knife earlier this week. ;) )

[BigEd63]

John- No problem I'll be up that way Saturday most likely.

[BigEd63]

Well I was at AG's today.

They didn't have too much of the older style big bowies out on display.

No Marbles 8" Ideal out; just the Russel 1861 Bowie and the OVB Fisk Southwest Bowie.

While the South West Bowie lookes impressive 11" blade I don't think it has enough weight to it to be a real heavy chopper and the 1861 Bowie is kinda short 8" blade though it's on the beefy side. But neither weigh a full pound though close.

Hope this helps you make a choice.

[brass hammer]

http://knifeoutlet.com/shop/10Browse.asp?Search=bowie

If you can't seem to find something you like, it may be worthwhile to figure out whats involved with making your own. No point in settling for something you aren't satisfied with.

i copy, coyote! i 'had' an 18" bowie /SWORD made/HAMMERED from a leaf-spring of a willys[goverment] jeep!,,[an ex-brother-in-law owns it now,in co.]

john-AR,you might not believe it, but i've scored a second 'folding-bolo'
of W.W. II fame,just last week,as miss colleen will ,,,how? shall i say this ,
brings me home,,,'play-purtys',,,, :roflmao1:

[1]time,she brought home [from garage-sale stompin'] a pretty 'cherry' german mauser bayonet[proofed/1941] for [1] of my ,,,,[now get this buddy],,,, ARMY GUNS!!! and i did have a 1916 spanish.308 IT WOULD HAVE FIT,iffin' i wouldn't have bubba'd it years ago!!! :roflmao1:

i'm thinking your lookin' for a 'chopper' of a kit blade, and the folding bolo's
will fill the bill! as i own two! [1] cattaraugus-usa,my favorite![i found under a mobile-home]
[2] the 'new'one, it just sez' "camillus",nothing else,although,minus the grunge
it wears it's oridginal folded steel 'blade-cover' and i've soaked it in a coffee-can of W-D40 for [2] days.

it's hard to say what they are worth in DOLLARS! but i do know that a 'given'
gift is price-less.
:beer: [hell, send me a p.m. as i can't swing both at the same time,,as i'll HAVE a .45 in [1]

[Abominable No-Man]

I’m looking for a woods knife, not a “tactical” knife; probably more toward the Bowie style. I’m out of date in my sheath-knife knowledge, but the Cold Steel Trailmaster or a Puma Trail Boss are the first two that come to mind. Strength and edge retention are the primary considerations; I want a big, heavy, STRONG knife that will stay sharp. Rust resistance is a lesser consideration to edge retention, so I’m ok with carbon steel over stainless steel.

How about a USGI machete?

Had a master sergeant years ago who I learned quite a lot from and even though he is retired now, I still have a lot of respect for the guy. (Vietnam vet). He packed a machete and a USGI Tomahawk (not the missile....lol) in his field kit. He wasn't a big fan of large sheath knives. He would use the machete for trailbreaking or chopping.

He swore by the tomahawk for fighting. Obviously I never saw it, but that guy had been there and done it.

[John in AR]

Well I was at AG's today.

They didn't have too much of the older style big bowies out on display.

No Marbles 8" Ideal out; just the Russel 1861 Bowie and the OVB Fisk Southwest Bowie...

I was planning to drive up there this coming Saturday, and the Marbles 8” was one of the exact knives I wanted to check out so I called them earlier this morning. Apparently they don’t have them on display, but they do have them in stock in the warehouse. (Makes very little sense to me, but they didn’t ask my opinion of their marketing strategy...)

The Marbles Trailmaker, the 1861, the Fox Gold Rush, and the Bagwell Plainsman were others I hoped to check out, but they don’t carry the Trailmaker for some reason, and they’re out of stock on the Plainsman. (I really wanted to try the Plainsman, as it has a 5/16” thick blade, like the cold steel Trailmaster does.) The 1861 was out of my price range anyway, and the Gold Rush has only a 3/16" thick blade, so they weren't serious considerations.

I’ve looked for a couple weeks now, since before posting here, and have discovered that Little Rock, North Little Rock, Benton, Alexander, Sherwood (including their new Gander Mountain store), Jacksonville, Cabot, Beebe, and Searcy all have one thing in common: they have not one grown-up knife anywhere in the city except for two of the "Western" brand Bowie knives I've found.

Regardless, I figure to head up that way this Saturday and probably pick up the 8” Marbles “Ideal” version. It’s not perfect, but it seems awfully good. (Odds are, someday I’ll order a Trailmaster as well. :dgrin: ) Just have to decide whether to go with the stag or burl maple handle on the Marbles...

They don’t look overly large, but the smaller knife in the picture is a 6” blade, same length as the Buck 119 I’m using now.

(So what'cha doin' Saturday, Mabu...? If you're going to be around Rogers, I'll buy you a cup of coffee.)

[John in AR]

Correction: the smaller knife in the burl handle the same size as the Buck 119; in the stag-handle picture, it's a smaller version.

It’s surprising how much information you can pick up in a short time as well. I’ve learned more about steel types in the past couple weeks than I had ever known before.

That’s another thing that’s leaning me toward the Marbles Ideal; the fact that its ¼” thick blade is 0170-6 steel. Though there’s no way to confirm absolutely due to Cold Steel’s trademark and naming practices, most references I’ve found say that their “Carbon V” steel, which has shown for years to have very good strength and sharpening characteristics (at the cost of decreased corrosion resistance), is almost certainly 0170-6 steel as well.

[BigEd63]

John I might be up that way. IM me about what time you'll be up there. I have some stuff going on Friday not sure if it will overlap into Sat though.

[krept]

can't find a composition chart for that steel, but if the couple google references are right, it's basically 50100-B. Should be a fine steel with around 1% carbon and added vanadium. Won't be rust resistant with the low amount of chromium, but if heat treated right it should hold a wicked edge.

[John in AR]

Yes, that’s pretty much what I’ve read about it. One thing I’ve admired about the Trailmaster is the steel. A friend in Texas has had one for years and it’s strong, fairly easy to sharpen, and yet still holds an edge for a long time. But it’s definitely prone to corrosion. (If I lived on or near a coast, it would probably be a poor choice.)

Just something to be accepted and dealt with; that’s why God created sharpening oil... :)

[John in AR]

Mabu - check PM's.

[John in AR]

Well, question answered. I picked up a Marbles "Ideal" in 8" blade on Saturday. (Apparently the 8" is ONLY available thru A.G. Russell; some limited run for them.)

I like it. The blade's a quarter-inch thick; thicker than a field knife generally needs to be, but I'm kind of rough on things sometimes so I like it. The steel is 0170-6, which is 'probably' the same as the Cold Steel Trailmaster. It was fairly sharp when I got it, but just a few minutes with a couple EZ-Laps (thanks, MRostov) and it's paper-shaving sharp.

This is a big knife. The picture is with my normal field knife; a Gerber Freeman Skinner, and my old Cold Steel Tanto, for comparison. (The round thing in the pic is an oil lamp. The power was out when I got home Saturday evening.)

The Gerber is a very handy knife in the field; adequate for quite a few things and still thin-bladed enough for smaller things. Looking at it and the Marbles side-by-side has me wondering about a double-sheath for the two of them along with one or both of the little EZ-Laps. That'd be a great combination in the woods.

[RIKA]

That Marble's 'Ideal' is a fine looking knife. Looks like it has a burl wood handle. Now, John, are you going to put it to any kind of test? Looking forward to your thoughts after you have used it for a while.

RIKA

[John in AR]

I haven’t done much of anything with it yet, as I just got it home Saturday night. Definitely need to get or make a new, left-handed, sheath; maybe a combo sheath with the Gerber like I mentioned.

I wore it while weed-eating around the property on Sunday afternoon, but alas, no wolves jumped out of the weeds at me so no chance to test it properly... ;) Seriously, I figure I’ll hack on some 2x4’s or 4x4’s with it to check out its potential. Real use will have to wait until our next outing to the really rural area we spend a lot of time in.

With its heft, it should be good for heavier camp use; chopping, etc. If it holds an edge as well as it takes an edge, I’ll be very impressed. Man, that thing sharpened up well.

[BigEd63]

Hey John glad you like it so far. With the grind it had on that edge it looked like it would sharpen up pretty slick.

And I'll add that pics don't do justice to the depth and color of the wood on the handle.

[John in AR]

(Mabu - your mailbox is full. Since I can't respond that way, regarding your message... )


As long as I don't have to wrestle you. Dang you're big. :D

I enjoyed it. My wife & kids are out of town, otherwise I couldn't burn up an entire Saturday that way; it was good.

Got home to find we'd had some pretty bad storms down here & the power was out. Don't know when it got knocked out, but it had to have been not too long after I left, since the emergency lights were even dead, and some of them last over 6 hours.

Now if I could just find time to play with (I mean "try out") the stupid knife... :cool:

[BigEd63]

Sorry to hear your power was out.

I know we had a few storms blow through both Fri. afternoon & Sat. night also.

BTW- That Friday I was at the range with my girlfriend when one blew over quick and we ended up looking like drowned rats before we got all my gear back into the car.