Stag and Steel

Stag and Steel

There are certain things that fit the laws of nature, even if man sometimes has his hand in it. One of these natural fits is the mating of stag and steel. Nowhere is this combination more pleasing to the eye than in the creation of a fine European Cuttoe or an American Bowie knife. Each of the knives in this photo is one man’s vision of how best to achieve a harmonious blend and in the process provide a functional fighting knife. There is nothing superfluous about these knives. They are bare bones, un-engraved, with minimal decorative file work, and unencumbered with gaudy gems or reconstituted stone or coral.
Many people have a clear definition of what constitutes a "true" Bowie. The factors I consider necessary are simple, a 7 inch, single edged blade as a minimum. It may or may not have a guard. The guard may be single or double branched. The blade could be a clip point or spear point. The back swedge may or may not be sharpened. Seems like a lot of knives could fit this definition but there is something special that separates a Bowie from other fighting knives. Something intangible and yet unmistakable about a Bowie knife. Most of these knives have been bought not only for their collectors interest but also for illustration in our second book. Some of them will be sold once the photos are all taken and the text finalized. Most of them will find a home here for as long as I am here.
The knives in the group photo are a mixed bag of hand forged and stock removal types.
The debate about whether a forged knife is superior to a stock removal knife is moot, if appearance is all you are concerned with. I am not saying that buying a knife based solely on looks is good or bad either, we all have different criteria that shape our choices in life. It just so happens that two of my favorite fighting knives are hand forged Bowies. There are things that a man with a hammer can do to steel, that a man with only a grinder cannot, and if you want to know the difference you should read more about the forging process.
The Bowie illustrated separately was forged by Journeyman Smith Dennis Riley. I saw it on Ebay and could not bear the thought of not owning it. That is a very hedonistic thing to say but its true. I used the "Buy it Now" option and never gave it a second thought. When I first removed the knife from its wrapping I thought, gee its kind of small. But when I held it next to my Cold Steel Trailmaster™ I realized it was perhaps only 3/8" shorter. I am going to write another blog about the comparison and the inherent beauty of a properly made custom Bowie knife versus even a high quality factory knife like the Trailmaster™. So for now I will just let you enjoy the photos as you head off to check out Dennis Riley’s website.

http://www.rileycustomknives.com/