I always wanted a good quality replica of a D-guard bowie knife, but alot of what I see out there is the usual "Made in China" variety. Does anyone know of a good maker of a D-guard Bowie knife that won't break my bank?

__________________
Vaya con Dios

Rustic, handmade, Civil War Style D Guard Bowie



I have a rustic made D Guard and a very nice C Guard Miniature Bowie. I'll have to check my records for the maker of the D Guard Bowie for you; the miniature C Guard was made by Roger "Mudbone" Jones of Ohio.

Have a look at Swamp Fox Knives Hand Forged Knives, Swamp Fox Knives- Tim Ridge

First item currently for sale is a large D guard bowie at $450, he has other stuff at varying prices , not to my mind expensive and they are good knives.

NB

Here's one I own:




Made by Dan Brock, as I believe the one posted by CWO4 is (crossed machinist keys are Dan's maker's mark).

If you're interested pm me.

This might be what your'e looking for.

D-Guard Bowie Knife, civil war confederate D-Guard Bowie Knife

I think that most worth owning would break your bank.

Moreover, the guard isn't needed, and may hang up on brush.

I have seen many Bowies made by members of the American Bladesmith Society, and none had a D-guard. You could probably order one and get someone who'd build it, but it'd cost more than their work already does.

You might look at the Fallkniven NL-2 if you want a functional Bowie with eight-inch blade at a fair price. You can get a longer blade in their NL-1, but that blade is pretty thick, although the knives are very well balanced. Read their site: www.fallkniven.com I think they offer the best Bowie styles that you can buy without a waiting period. They are sharp and they are tough. They're also very good looking!

The ciip isn't sharpened, but you can have that done, if legal where you live.

Otherwise, I suggest a Randall Model 1 with seven or eight inch blade. They have bigger true Bowies, but they're so big and heavy that I think you'd prefer a lighter knife with the same basic characteristics. Randalls aren't made as consistently well as Fallknivens, and there's a long wait. And Fallkniven uses a VG-10 blade core that'll hold an edge exceptionally well. Their NL line does cosmetically resemble Randalls, BTW, although blade finishes are usually better.

Fallkniven knives are expensive, but less than you'd pay for most custom work that's no better made. And they are available for immediate delivery, if you find a US dealer, and there are some. (The company is Swedish, but they are NOT cheap Mora knives!)

Be sure that it's legal to carry a Bowie where you live. I know that you're in LE, so you should have that info.

If I encounter any decent D-guard Bowies, I'll give you a shout. My own taste in Bowies of the classic sort is the Sheffield style.

Oh: If, like me, you don't like the dip in the blade spine just before the guard on the Randall Model 1, order the Model 5 and have them sharpen the clip, if wanted. Except for the blade dip and the sharp clip, the knives are otherwise the same. I ordered a Model 5 that way, and was very pleased.

Try Dixie Gunworks

That's pretty large to lug around, and looks most of the way to being a naval cutlass! ("Stand by to repel boarders, Mr. Hornblower!")

Dan is a custom maker that specializes in period pieces, his work is very reasonably priced and definitely won't "break your bank." And they are definitely worth owning. CWO4 doesn't own junk knives.

Nope, not unless you're interested in owning a D Guard Bowie. Kinda like a hilt isn't needed either, lots of bowies don't have hilts.

Here's some ABS members that make D guards:

American Bladesmith Society Forum -> Gallery

Steve Dunn - D-Guard Bowie


DVD Making a D-Guard Bowie with Harvey Dean, ABS Mastersmith DVD Making a D Guard Bowie Harvey Dean

I'm sure that most ABS members can make a D-guard Bowie if someone really wants one.

And the post about Dixie Gun Works is probably a good suggestion.

I'm sure they can, I was merely posting some that had already been made because you said you had never seen a D guard made by an ABS smith.

Yes, that is a Dan Brock D Guard Bowie.

For the other end of the spectrum, here are a pair of Searles Bowies, one mirror polished, the other antiqued:



Both are by Ed Kalfayan a member of the Knife Maker's Guild

for a pair of fancy knives, in the Bowie Style, is this pair, made by Fred Rowe of Ohio, called the Bears. The double edged dagger's blade is 9-1/2".


The Bears

My brother is involved in NSSA and Rendezvous events. He wanted a replica mostly for show.

I found one in a little catalog put out by a trapper/ rendezvous outfitter. It didn't look modern, but wasn't intended as a fake either. It cost about $35 IIRC, and came with no sheath.

The blade was brightly polished. Degreased it and hit it with cold blue, and it looked just right. I copied a sheath I saw in a period photo, and made one for the knife.

It turned out great. A bunch of guys have tried to buy it off him, initially thinking it is real, or at least a high dollar fake. The dark blade and period sheath really add to the knife.

The knife was made in Pakistan.