[Sting]

Hi,
What is the best material to make a hardcore (cutting alot) bowie knife ??
How long and width should be a fighting Bowie Knife ??
With what should I coat it ?? Epoxy ??

[sonofodin]

Go with something strong. http://www.agrussell.com/knife_information/steel_guide/index.html

Aus8
Sandvic12c21
152CM
ATS34
VG10
Expensive but if you are going to make it, make it good.

[hso]

Sting,

Are you asking so you man make your own? If so, you should check out Bladeforums.com and Knifeforums.com for good advice for makers.

As to the answer to your questions -

I'd advise a good differntially heat treated carbon tool steel. Simple steels like 1095 do just fine when properly heat treated. You can go into more advanced steels like L6, but I'd stick with something easy to heat treat at home like 1095 (old car spring steel) if it was a first effort.

Bowie size varies over a huge range. Bagwell's knives are long and pointy and "skinny". Other makers go for shorter lengths. Balance is key in a Bowie "fighter". No one can tell you what a Bowie "should" be since it's got to fit you and your style. On average you're looking to end up with a finished blade length in excess of 7 inche and less than 18 (not much help).

Coat it? Why? A fighter is used little and for nothing more than that. Keep it oiled or waxed and nothing else is needed.

[JShirley]

If you are making a Bowie, it should be large. If it is large, resiliency is more important than whether it will stay sharp for 500 cuts, or whatever.

5160 is perfect for a large blade, will take a good edge, is not horribly expensive, and will tend to roll or bend rather than chip or break. This is important.

John

[rbmcmjr]

When you say "cutting" do you mean slicing or chopping? The answer to your question will depend on that.

I'll second the 5160 recommendation. It works quite well for large bowie style blades. An inexpensive alternative to epoxy would be parkerizing or bluing, if all you are looking for is lowered reflectivity.

Chopper from J. Neilson (before his JS stamp):

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/rbmcmjr/neilsonbowie.jpg

Fighters from Mineral Mountain/Dervish:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b240/rbmcmjr/pigsticker1.jpg

Rick

[Sunray]

"...cutting a lot..." Cutting what a lot?
Tool steel. A2 for one. Or a SS tool steel. No coating is required for any knife. Epoxy is glue. Why would you want glue on a knife blade?
Vintage bowies came in many lengths and widths. I'd be thinking the same length as a K-bar, but 1/4" wide out of better steel.
rbmcmjr, please reduce the size of your pictures. A dial up user will be loading this page until next week

[JTW Jr.]

visit all the knife forums you can , and use the search tool on them , you will find tons of info and many will have step by step info to give you an idea.

heres a start:http://www.knivesby.com/knifemaking.html

knifenetwork.com
knifeforums.com
bladeforums

all have newbie areas where you can ask questions.

1095 or 5160 is great steel for a Bowie for the reasons other have mentioned.

[Max Power]

I love the nice pics ,great knives as well.

5160, 1095. A2 or S7
I would not differentially harden as through hardening is better for toughness.
The reason you see so many Diff hardened bowies is the beautiful hamon.

The first knife I made was a bowie and it was a disaster. If you are just starting out start small, flat ground full tang cord wrapped and send it in for heat treat.
Stick with carbon steel it is easier to work and heat treat.
Make a couple of throwing stars to practice or some other simple item.

[Mike Sastre]

HSO,

Here's a Bagwell Hell's Belle for ya. Hope to see you next time Brownie heads back that way. This is one the Bowies I carry.

[hso]

Mike! When you gonna come down next? We're going to do the next course in May after my 50th birthday. If you want to stay with us you're more than welcome.

[Mike Sastre]

i'll be down for sure, Mike. Brownie said dates were 11-20 May. Will be there as much of that as I can - probably bring video equip (and boat). If your makin' another ammo buy, count me in.

[hso]

I may push things back one week to get closer to dryer weather and to get my 50th birthday out of the way before we start a pretty busy 10 days. Does that fit your schedule better?

[Mike Sastre]

Only conflicts would be TARS Swiftwater Training dates (haven't gotten them yet, Dan will know) and that's really no problem with the number of days Brownie will be there. Whatever works! Fifty is just like the rest of those "milestones" - you don't really feel that old and it ain't no biggie (other than the fact you managed to get there despite yourself). :)

[brownie0486]

HSO,

Have made arrangements to be coming in from Pa training the week before. I'll be traveling via motor [ scooter ] across country for Pa then on to Tenn for the two weekends and that week between them.

Enjoy your birthday, Jim, Dan and that "bear" who helped last time will be there as range officers so we'll be fine. Besides that, I'm there all week after the 11th so we can hook up then if you want out at Dans for some one on one anyway.

Brownie