Devil's Edge Boar's Tusk Bowie review
Dec 26, 2019 23:18:16 GMT
Post by bebut on Dec 26, 2019 23:18:16 GMT
Intro and disclosure--
I was attracted to this knife by the large size and aggresive blade design. 1095 steel is a plus and it looked like it had a solid sheath. I purchsed it with my own money from KOA and have no financial relationship to the manufacturer nor the vendor. Shipping was prompt and well packed.
Historical accuracy--
The blade is in the ball park for historical designs but the handle seems a modern design to me.
Initial impression--
Nice blade, tacky Pakistani handle, no name or country of origin.
Statistics and components--
11 3/8 inch blade, full exposed tang, riveted slab handles, integral brass bolsters, 1 lb. 4.6 oz. The blade is 4.3 mm wide at the bolster and tapers as it goes forward. The leather sheath is of reasonable quality.
Handling and test cutting--
POB is about 1/2 inch in front of the bolster and the knife has a general "heavy" feel. I chopped on an old 2 x 4 a little and it cut well with the factory edge and there was no damage to the edge. I then sliced up a head of cabbage and it handled well.
Pros--
As a combat knife (which is how it is marketed) it is a little heavy, particularly for somebody who has to carry it all the time. However, the false edge that could be easily sharpened would make devastating cuts when the weapon is held in the "blade up" manner. The handle design does give some protection to the fingers when held in the normal manner.
The rectangular handle does provide for good indexing for edge alignment and is comfortable out of the box. Although it looks awkward, I held it "blade up" and the handle worked fine in that position. It actually feels better "blade up"!
As a camp knife, used for everything from preparing kindling to slicing meat to flipping bacon on the griddle it should work very well. I have no way of testing the heat treat or long term durabiity but it looks solid.
Workmanship, factory edge, fit and finish very impressive in this price range. Compared to my Windlass Primitive Bowie it feels heavier and more solid but with a shorter blade. The Windlass feels more nimble and has a pob about 3 inch in front of the guard.
Cons--
It is heavy. It appears the tang in the handle is thicker than the tang just in front of the bolster. I don't see any reason this tang could not be made the same width as the blade or have some holes drilled to lighten it up. The brass also adds weight. The forward guard in particular could be made smaller. The sheath leather is a little cardboardy and might not hold up to hard use.
The Bottom Line--
In the world of Big Boy combat/camp knives at 60 bucks this one is good value. Not a Case Bowie or other name brand name or a collectible, but all indicators are this is a good user. I am suprised that Devil's Edge or KOA don't copyright the catchy name, lighten it up a little, and put their name on it.
Note-- in 3rd picture it is held blade up.
I was attracted to this knife by the large size and aggresive blade design. 1095 steel is a plus and it looked like it had a solid sheath. I purchsed it with my own money from KOA and have no financial relationship to the manufacturer nor the vendor. Shipping was prompt and well packed.
Historical accuracy--
The blade is in the ball park for historical designs but the handle seems a modern design to me.
Initial impression--
Nice blade, tacky Pakistani handle, no name or country of origin.
Statistics and components--
11 3/8 inch blade, full exposed tang, riveted slab handles, integral brass bolsters, 1 lb. 4.6 oz. The blade is 4.3 mm wide at the bolster and tapers as it goes forward. The leather sheath is of reasonable quality.
Handling and test cutting--
POB is about 1/2 inch in front of the bolster and the knife has a general "heavy" feel. I chopped on an old 2 x 4 a little and it cut well with the factory edge and there was no damage to the edge. I then sliced up a head of cabbage and it handled well.
Pros--
As a combat knife (which is how it is marketed) it is a little heavy, particularly for somebody who has to carry it all the time. However, the false edge that could be easily sharpened would make devastating cuts when the weapon is held in the "blade up" manner. The handle design does give some protection to the fingers when held in the normal manner.
The rectangular handle does provide for good indexing for edge alignment and is comfortable out of the box. Although it looks awkward, I held it "blade up" and the handle worked fine in that position. It actually feels better "blade up"!
As a camp knife, used for everything from preparing kindling to slicing meat to flipping bacon on the griddle it should work very well. I have no way of testing the heat treat or long term durabiity but it looks solid.
Workmanship, factory edge, fit and finish very impressive in this price range. Compared to my Windlass Primitive Bowie it feels heavier and more solid but with a shorter blade. The Windlass feels more nimble and has a pob about 3 inch in front of the guard.
Cons--
It is heavy. It appears the tang in the handle is thicker than the tang just in front of the bolster. I don't see any reason this tang could not be made the same width as the blade or have some holes drilled to lighten it up. The brass also adds weight. The forward guard in particular could be made smaller. The sheath leather is a little cardboardy and might not hold up to hard use.
The Bottom Line--
In the world of Big Boy combat/camp knives at 60 bucks this one is good value. Not a Case Bowie or other name brand name or a collectible, but all indicators are this is a good user. I am suprised that Devil's Edge or KOA don't copyright the catchy name, lighten it up a little, and put their name on it.
Note-- in 3rd picture it is held blade up.