[Joe Demko]

It's made by Windlass, so I'm well aware that it isn't exactly going to rival a Loveless in quality. My question is, for the approximately $70 they're charging, is it a bad buy? I've wanted a Searles Bowie for years, pretty much as a display item. So is the Atlanta Cutlery item a piece of junk?

[hso]

Compared to what? What's the criteria?

Compared to the inexpensive customs? Sure is.

Compared to a decorative ornament that isn't expected to be used? Maybe. I'd have to have the thing in my hands to know.

There's no good answer.

[Joe Demko]

Let me rephrase: How do you think it compares to all the other Searles Bowie replicas in the same price range?

[hso]

JD,

I can't find anything close to it in the same price range. It's not an exact replica of the Searles Bowie, but it's closer than the next closest one under $100 and you've got to spend a couple of hundred dollars to get a closer match.

A little tinkering and you could make it very close in appearance.

[Joe Demko]

Who has one in the "couple hundred dollars" price range? If it's a nice enough replica, I'd grit my teeth and pay the extra freight. The main point is to display the thing, after all.

[hso]

Dixie Gun Works (http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_104_537_546_555&products_id=1425) has a very close replica for $250. You should be able to find it through a dealer for close to $200.

http://www.dixiegunworks.com/images/KE6701.jpg

[Joe Demko]

Thanks!

[cnorman18]

The guy that owns Atlanta Cutlery--Hank somebody--is deep into history, reenactments and reproductions, so much so that he has a sister company, Museum Replicas. His swords are properly spring-tempered and well-balanced fighting blades, not wallhangers. I've owned a couple and was very impressed. No, they're not Loveless quality, but they're not beaten out on a rock either. I think AC offers as much quality at a reasonable price as anyone around.

If you just want to display it, I'd go for the Atlanta knife and save my money for another.