Early Opinions of the Windlass Mexican Bowie
Oct 18, 2020 17:26:43 GMT
Post by pgandy on Oct 18, 2020 17:26:43 GMT
I got mine from KoA and have no connections with that company nor is this a review, merely my impressions of the knife. The governing factor for using KoA was while available through MRL they were out of stock. The price is the same using SBG’s member’s discount except KoA knife comes sharpened in the package whereas MRL is asking an additional $15.
This is proving to be an interesting knife. I had some concerns initially but this was mostly due to trying to make a utility knife out of it by doing general work around the house comparing it with the 1850 Windlass Bowie when it’s clearly a fighting knife. When treating it in that light it excels. On one hand I considered it a ⅞th to ¾ scaled down model of what I thought it should be and then I realize that would make it heavier. Heavier=slower, and one of its attributes is its speed and ease of handling so I got the notion out of my head. One could say that it is as wickedly fast as the point is wicked.
Comparison in size between the M1850 and Mexican Bowies.
It carries better than my other knives with maybe the exception of my Windlass Poignard and the jury is still out. I carry in the sheath tucked in my belt rather than by the provided leather loop. The original grind was rather steep and I replaced it with one of 25° only to do again with an 18.5° grind. This is more acute than I normally use but seems to work better. I may increase it later. It fits my size 8 hand beautifully and is very comfortable and behaves great. I’d say in that respect it has my other knives beat. But will never replace my 1850.
The point is wicked. I sent it through the side of the scabbard twice within minutes of receiving it. I repaired the error with CA glue including the threads to prevent unravelling. I generally hold all sheaths in the manner I do with kukris and blades from the Malaysia and southeastern Asia, by the spine with fingers away from the edge. You can be sure I’ll be doing the same with this one. That may explain the broken thread in KoA’s photo.
Front Back
As received the wood grip was an unattractive colour of a dark chocolate candy bar showing no grain at all. I decided to put teak oil on it hoping for a sheen and in the long run to prevent cracking. The oil dissolved whatever finish Windlass used which appeared to more of a coating than a stain. It now has an improved marble look with a sheen. It feels better to the touch also, a definite improvement.
It past the sword thrust test by exiting the rear of a gallon jug after passing through 4 plies of rug. The tip protruded about 1” out of the back. I have swords that will do better, some won’t do as well, but that is exceptional for a knife.
Part of the problem using it as an utility knife is the length of the lower quillon. It frequently hits the surface of what I’m using as a cutting board interfering with the cut. I cut my cheese with it at lunch and had to make sure the board was sufficiently near the edge of the table. Other than that it worked great. It’s easy to climb the blade if need be. I believe this knife and I will get along quite well.
This is proving to be an interesting knife. I had some concerns initially but this was mostly due to trying to make a utility knife out of it by doing general work around the house comparing it with the 1850 Windlass Bowie when it’s clearly a fighting knife. When treating it in that light it excels. On one hand I considered it a ⅞th to ¾ scaled down model of what I thought it should be and then I realize that would make it heavier. Heavier=slower, and one of its attributes is its speed and ease of handling so I got the notion out of my head. One could say that it is as wickedly fast as the point is wicked.
Comparison in size between the M1850 and Mexican Bowies.
It carries better than my other knives with maybe the exception of my Windlass Poignard and the jury is still out. I carry in the sheath tucked in my belt rather than by the provided leather loop. The original grind was rather steep and I replaced it with one of 25° only to do again with an 18.5° grind. This is more acute than I normally use but seems to work better. I may increase it later. It fits my size 8 hand beautifully and is very comfortable and behaves great. I’d say in that respect it has my other knives beat. But will never replace my 1850.
The point is wicked. I sent it through the side of the scabbard twice within minutes of receiving it. I repaired the error with CA glue including the threads to prevent unravelling. I generally hold all sheaths in the manner I do with kukris and blades from the Malaysia and southeastern Asia, by the spine with fingers away from the edge. You can be sure I’ll be doing the same with this one. That may explain the broken thread in KoA’s photo.
Front Back
As received the wood grip was an unattractive colour of a dark chocolate candy bar showing no grain at all. I decided to put teak oil on it hoping for a sheen and in the long run to prevent cracking. The oil dissolved whatever finish Windlass used which appeared to more of a coating than a stain. It now has an improved marble look with a sheen. It feels better to the touch also, a definite improvement.
It past the sword thrust test by exiting the rear of a gallon jug after passing through 4 plies of rug. The tip protruded about 1” out of the back. I have swords that will do better, some won’t do as well, but that is exceptional for a knife.
Part of the problem using it as an utility knife is the length of the lower quillon. It frequently hits the surface of what I’m using as a cutting board interfering with the cut. I cut my cheese with it at lunch and had to make sure the board was sufficiently near the edge of the table. Other than that it worked great. It’s easy to climb the blade if need be. I believe this knife and I will get along quite well.