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Post by markus313 on Dec 21, 2018 18:36:41 GMT
Have received the Windlass 1850 Bowie and Arkansas Toothpick today and am impressed with both knives, especially the 1850. It comes very close to what I imagine of an ideal bowie. A perfect short blade if having to defend vs. multiple opponents in very confined spaces. Compared to the CS Natchez, for example, I like it much better. It has none of its weaknesses and most of its strengths. It has a more robust tip that penetrates a lot better – the Natchez` tip isn`t well designed (it doesn`t penetrate well despite being thin and pointy – the Laredo is much better in all regards, imo), and it is lighter – the Natchez is too heavy. It has a nicely curved belly and long swedge that`s perfectly ground, the main edge is very, very sharp. The blade is longer than the Natchez`, but doesn`t have that unnecessarily thick spine, while being flat ground also. The very edge isn`t as delicate as the Natchez`, though. I also like that is has some weight at the butt, and even more that it`s more blade-weighted than the Natchez. The coffin handle is more voluminous than the Natchez`, but well done for the intended applications. A very, very nice knife by Windlass, and I used to own most of their bowies by now (along with many others from different low- to midrange makers, CS, Ontario, Poshland, Muela and others.
The Toothpick is a nice knife also and would make for a very dangerous weapon if sharpened. Plenty of forward weight for a dagger and a robust tip on a nicely widening blade that would penetrate deeply and leave a large wound with a thrust. Both knives do not fail to capture the 19th century western frontier and bar-room spirit.
Stats and a pic of my currently owned short fighters made by Windlass (for comparison I have kept stats for a few others marked in blue):
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harrybeck
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Post by harrybeck on Dec 21, 2018 19:25:06 GMT
We used to call such things gutshovels.
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Post by howler on Dec 21, 2018 20:39:25 GMT
I value your opinion on the subject of bowies, Markus (no matter how much my wallet might disagree ), so I'm compelled to look further at the Windlass 1850. I got into robust survival choppers recently (thicker, full tang, more utilitarian tips, etc..) like the CS 1017, Ontario Ranger Night Stalker with 9 1/2" blade, CS Survivalist (8" drop forged 91200 steel) and a goofy whack-a-doodle CS Hachiwari Skull Breaker (really cool...but WTF is this ?!?).
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Post by howler on Dec 21, 2018 21:39:49 GMT
We used to call such things gutshovels. While...gulp..."digging", "Hey, I found a spinal column".
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harrybeck
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Post by harrybeck on Dec 22, 2018 0:09:00 GMT
If ya got the stomach for it.
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Post by markus313 on Dec 22, 2018 1:18:49 GMT
We used to call such things gutshovels. That sounds pretty appropriate.
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Post by markus313 on Dec 22, 2018 1:23:50 GMT
I'm compelled to look further at the Windlass 1850. I can heartedly recommend the 1850. It has what makes for a good bowie, the bowie`s “magic in motion”. It is very well balanced, well suited for all kinds of techniques, and shines especially through what is in Escrima referred to as the “stick grab”. For example, try a snap cut on the 12 o´clock line, followed immediately by a downward slash, each time tightening the grip at the very last moment before impact. The weighted butt, forward balance and wide belly perfectly work together. The knife is always right there for the next strike, you never feel overpowered, while the edge impacts with plenty of power. Back cuts, full cuts, slicing, it`s all there. The handle is very well shaped to retain secure control at all times. The tip is perfectly aligned for the thrust and the swedge is not too pronounced, while still retaining a well-shaped, raking point. The steel and temper seem absolutely adequate, though like many if not most Windlass products it may could use around 15-30% more blade thickness right at the blade-tang-junction. But I don`t think that`s much of a biggie. Have just ordered another one for comparison. This knife tops my list above the 1880 and Laredo (only speaking of “fighters” here – never had the chance to handle a Bagwell and would love to own a Hanwei Bell, too).
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Post by howler on Dec 22, 2018 4:42:03 GMT
If ya got the stomach for it. And if you keep digging, your victim literally wont (along with heart, lungs, liver, spleen, etc...
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Post by howler on Dec 22, 2018 4:49:07 GMT
I'm compelled to look further at the Windlass 1850. I can heartedly recommend the 1850. It has what makes for a good bowie, the bowie`s “magic in motion”. It is very well balanced, well suited for all kinds of techniques, and shines especially through what is in Escrima referred to as the “stick grab”. For example, try a snap cut on the 12 o´clock line, followed immediately by a downward slash, each time tightening the grip at the very last moment before impact. The weighted butt, forward balance and wide belly perfectly work together. The knife is always right there for the next strike, you never feel overpowered, while the edge impacts with plenty of power. Back cuts, full cuts, slicing, it`s all there. The handle is very well shaped to retain secure control at all times. The tip is perfectly aligned for the thrust and the swedge is not too pronounced, while still retaining a well-shaped, raking point. The steel and temper seem absolutely adequate, though like many if not most Windlass products it may could use around 15-30% more blade thickness right at the blade-tang-junction. But I don`t think that`s much of a biggie. Have just ordered another one for comparison. This knife tops my list above the 1880 and Laredo (only speaking of “fighters” here – never had the chance to handle a Bagwell and would love to own a Hanwei Bell, too). Were did you purchase and for how much? Can't have enough bowie (small, large, traditional, contemporary, David, etc...), can't have enough blades in generally, actually.
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Post by markus313 on Dec 22, 2018 8:21:13 GMT
Were did you purchase and for how much? outfit4events.com > 1850 bowie
86 USD
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pgandy
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Post by pgandy on Dec 22, 2018 18:13:16 GMT
I was hoping that you’d get back with a report on the 1850 Bowie. Personally I think it’s an outstanding knife and was sorry to see Windlass discontinue it, but that’s Windlass for you. I read of one fellow using his for dressing out deer, including cutting through the bones. I had been looking for a bowie for some time and when I saw that one I knew it was THE one that I’d been looking for. A big selling point to me was the pot belly, CS was the only other source that I can remember that was offering that. I find the wide blade useful in the kitchen as I can, for instance, slice up a tomato then slide the blade under the pieces to scoop and carry them at one time. I did run into some big problems getting it taking about two years. First KoA ran out as I was ordering so I substituted the D-Guard Bowie that my buddy was to bring on his visit. Then they were back in stock and he volunteered to bring it also and at that point I ordered. My buddy had an accident about a month before he was to come leaving him a quadriplegic and never made the trip. I did manage to get the two forwarded to my sister’s and she stored them for another couple of years until my daughter-in-law made the trip and brought the 1850. The D-Guard Bowie was on hold for another 3? years until I made a visit to the Sates and hand carried it back. The 1850 has given me excellent service and I hope to get many more years out of it. It’s a cracker jack of a knife.
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Post by howler on Dec 22, 2018 22:03:17 GMT
Were did you purchase and for how much? outfit4events.com > 1850 bowie
86 USD
I think that's around $120 after shipping to the states. Too bad it's discontinued, as my usual lines of purchase would have been much less expensive.
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Post by markus313 on Dec 24, 2018 17:45:22 GMT
The D-Guard Bowie was on hold for another 3? years until I made a visit to the Sates and hand carried it back. The 1850 has given me excellent service and I hope to get many more years out of it. It’s a cracker jack of a knife. Wow, that`s quite some work/time to get a knife. You have a good sense for what`s good, though!
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Post by markus313 on Dec 24, 2018 17:46:43 GMT
outfit4events.com > 1850 bowie
86 USD
I think that's around $120 after shipping to the states. Too bad it's discontinued, as my usual lines of purchase would have been much less expensive. Ahh, that`s too bad… Usually I`ve got the same problems, just the other way around (and customs/taxes).
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Post by howler on Dec 24, 2018 22:05:47 GMT
I think that's around $120 after shipping to the states. Too bad it's discontinued, as my usual lines of purchase would have been much less expensive. Ahh, that`s too bad… Usually I`ve got the same problems, just the other way around (and customs/taxes). Right now I'm eyeballing the CS Magnum Warcraft tanto which sports a 12" blade of CPM 3V steel and weighs 18oz, and priced at $159. Wasn't really in the market for an O-Tanto, but that's a good price for such a hunk of super steel.
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