Western Maine Defensive Tactics specializes in the use of all types of edged weapons and firearms, promoting positive knife culture and education, and sharing Bowie knife knowledge, skills, and history. The Bowie knife, its construction, use, combatives, and place in history is a primary focus.
Honestly, i'd not want one that was too accurate due to the counterfeiting issue. Ebay has a rotating population of fakes that people think are real, or portray as real. There is an Indian made martial Bowie- a $40 knife- that they are stating was made by Ames and is civil war era, for $1900+, right now. But, lets say we DID make a really good quality, working version with enough changes to confound the counterfeiters, I'd say it would be in the $300-$400 range in todays dollars, and factory made. Significantly higher for a good forged blade.
I like Hutton, and the naval cutlass drills, though I admit I have not spent too much time this summer with the cutlass. I need to remedy that! Plus its just fun, that original Ames feels great in hand.
Windlass usually does an alright job compared to most. Its hard to find good sabers etc for a good price these days but it's getting better as more of us get in the game. The whole reason I started making sabers & Kindjal short swords is precisely b/c it was so hard to get an accurate version for the right price. Which as an aside I use a kindjal I made as my backup for home defense. 17 3/4 " long double edged blade. Sort of like an Arkansas toothpick really.
A friend of mine carries a toothpick he made, about 8", small of the back regularly. For years i was nto a big dagger guy but I've come to appreciate them as i get more old and crotchety. I started making knives, and well, many other things, because we grew up pretty modest. It quells the desire to buy every new whiz bang knife that comes out when one knows they can make a better version at home. Good on you for making swords, i have not done a sword yet, but i expect my first will be some type of hybrid cutlass.
Nice knives sir. Always liked the look of those & yeah it can be hard to tell with Indian companies sometimes. Though I think Windlass mostly produces in house these days & their in house stuff usually has either their name or their mark on it. They have really stepped up their game over the past few years. Now Deepeeka on the other hand, has several different grades of blade that they sell & I think they only make their top of the line stuff in house. I could be wrong cause I havent visited their factories but from what I understand from people that have, this is the case.
I just got the Windlass Battlecry cutlass and was eyeing the 1860 Cutlass for my next buy but I need to know if it's battleready since these are for ' just in case SHTF really happens! A Cutlass doesn't need or run out of ammo!
@@WMDTVIDS I don't see heat treatment as a major problem. This is a solid blade and again it is easier to sharpen. Perhaps the quality of CS heat treatment will be different from piece to piece (as the worker slept). Personally, I regret the pins - they are small in diameter, like on an Italian stiletto. Could you measure them? Thanks. /// In my country, the Czech Republic (EU), it is a very expensive knife due to taxes, it costs 170-200% of the price in the USA. For that price, it has to be well done. If it cost 50 /EUR/ dollars, I would consider it good. Thanks for your video.
@@reskatorreskator4660 A well-tempered tang, with a stiffer heat treatment, and no stress risers of course, would have flexed and returned rather than bent. Granted, there is a place for softer steel on knives, but that area varies with the design. i'll throw a caliper on the pins for you.
Sorry, but in a survival/bug out/get home scenario weight matters, and a Zippo is expensive and as heavy as 5 or 6 BIC-lighters and no maintenance needed for 10+ years. I have at least one in every kit, mostly in a waterproof roll-top bag - if it gets wet, I shake the water out and in the cold I put it in my underwear while gathering and processing firewood, no issues at all
I'll have to disagree. This spring i unpacked an old packpack that was left hanging in a closet. it had 3 Djeep lighters in it. Indoors, under ideal conditions. They were about 7 years old. The flints had disintegrated completely. The zippo REQIRES attention, and if one gives it, it nearly always works. Ive also gotten butane lighters to work similar ways, and yes its possible. For my effort the zippo still wins. If Bic would put the flame adjustment wheel back on - its still there in Europe last i checked- then it might be worth it. But, there are also a few newer generation lighters I'm interested in, but i'll stick with the zippo until i find something better.
Actually the originals were never issued I heard to service, they are rare no doubt but not worth the prices asked , I have one I thought was original paid 400 for it but there are so many so called experts out there that they are all fake according to them lol
Those old models yes but the Tri Ad Lock you could not close that way nut you can close it with one hand Thay old Voyager you have looks to be in remarkable condition for a older model knife. Itya Gem today as your friend ststed. 📸
WMDTVIDS, Thank you very much for uploading your highly informative videos! I just recently found your channel, and I have the impression that, unlike most of us others (including me), you actually carry large Bowie knives. Therefore, I think I am not the only one who would very much like to see videos on how you carry large knives concealed. Of course, the same applies to handguns. Thank you very much in advance, should you have the time and energy to upload such videos.
speaking of knuckle bows do you think its possible to make a D-guard bowie that doesnt cripple balance and handling? I like the brutality of trench knives and hand protection you get with a D-guard. some cool moves to those like slipping the guard over another blade for a thrust in a bind
Yes, I think so, though i have not done it myself. The knuckle bow i have in mind for a project is forged of spring steel and has some compound distal tapers. If i do it right, it *should* be only two ounces or so heavier than a knife with a standard guard, but still be strong enough to reliably punch with in a scrap. Most D gaurds are heavy because people accept that they will be heavy, so not many try to refine them. That was a great question, thank you!
What really flabbergasts me is that the makers often put significant effort to make a knife look a given way, and compromise the tang in the process, where it could be done both stronger and easier with less parts. But that's part of the problem- knives have become jewelry to many buyers, and not working tools.
If you want a somewhat decent look at the tang on the Cold Steel riflemans knife, JoeX did a destruction vid on it and has the mostly bare blade as the thumbnail for it.
I saw that the other day! I would have started with wood first to show what the knife is capable of before i went on to try to break it, but we all have our own ways. It was a good view at the end too, after he shoots it.
I have been into what I call "true bowies" since I first heard of the late Mr Bagwell, comtech, and looked into historical examples of bowies that are more than just the big smatchets with clipped points that laypeople visualize. Your practical application of the many concepts found within this subject that youve documented and shared has yielded the best information thats easily excessable without either tracking down out of print literature or seeking elusive schooling. I dont have acsess to thick steel or tools to make distil tapers and full length grinds, but I did manage to make my first bowie-style pigsticker last year using an old machete and grinder. youre absolutely right about properly done hidden tangs without huge stress-risers being great, for a hunk of junk that knife is pretty much indestructable. I agree that the pistols of earlier eras were correlated directly to the nature of other tools like knuckle dusters and bowie knives, which were overbuilt with many secrets to their use that are largely lost today in order to compensate for low capacity, inreliability, and often anemic power. With the advent of the pepperbox and 1849/51 pocket, then subsequent developments, other weapons were forced out of near-primary roles and became nuetered and streamlined to make them more convinient alternatives to better guns since they were less likely to see any action. looking forward to what you have to share.
I have a Bagwell Bowie, made by Ontario called, "The Gambler"! I purchased it Many Years ago at a Gun Show here in Florida! After living in NJ for 51 years, then moving to Florida, gave me a whole New Life, as I started a New Career and entered a whole New World in this Gun Friendly State! Guns & Knives and the Freedom to carry a weapon for self protection! I'm now retired and I do not Play Golf, But I do visit my Local Gun Range and at my age of 79, I am an active shooter every week and enjoying life! Oh Yes, my Bagwell Bowie is the finest knife I have ever owned! Good Luck to All!
Just saw an ad the other day from Mossberg. Basically, the new production guns feed any length shell from the get go. granted, i don't buy much for gun rags anymore, so this may be old news.
My Bowie is the Track of the Wolf 15" Bowie. 1075. I've steeped the blade in vinegar for hours and put a sweet looking patina on it; put a brass guard on it and black Canvas Micarta scales w/ stainless steel pins. It's been a super-tough tool that accomplishes any task. It was so much fun! Think I'll build me another!
Track is a great source, usually im looking for a specific BP related item when I visit the site. I'll take a closer look at the knife selection, thank you.
Hi John (without the H?), I just found your review as I've been researching this for potential home defense. Now that we're a few years later on do you have any additional thoughts on the Shockwave you'd like to add, or techniques you recommend for proper handling?
With the H actually :). Ive run it with and without a red dot, and with the dot it is less slick and compact, but easier to hit with. I have not shot it much since my eye surgery, but i will likely find a simple RMR for it. The front strap being snug helps, as does traction on the grip. Also the " rag twist" like you grip a subgun works pretty well with it.
@@WMDTVIDS I've heard some people say it tends to "shoot high", but it seems that with the stock bead you need to slightly angle up for it to crest the top of the receiver. With that in account I'm looking into Defender Tactical's Safety Sight & Highball Kit over an optic merely for compactness (less for me to potentially break). Though, they're never completely out of the question. As for recoil mgmt it's either a DefTact forend w/ included handstrap or a Magpul forend w/ m-lok & handstop. Followed up with a Demonstrated Concepts birdshead recoil strap, and maybe a grip sleeve. In DemCon's videos he also mentions that "rag twist" technique. I'd be sure to add that in to my training were I to pick one of these up. Thanks for your input, John with the H. Have a great day, sir. :)
I owned the Gerber Mk I boot knife in the early 90's...twice! Sold them both times too like a boob. Don't sell your knives. I have one of these on order and plan to do a fancy leather wrap on the handle.
@@WMDTVIDS I'd prefer you make something that just has your own vision on it. Far be it from me to tell you how to make your stuff, I wouldn't know what makes a bowie good
I agree with you 100 percent, wish more people would see it. I do my hidden tangs the exact same way you do, it is just as strong as a full tang, and has its advantages you mentioned
Check the videos by this guy, Rhrett Neumayer. He has a wrist strap and excellent shooting technique for the Shockwave. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-EDjzZnQ7x5U.htmlsi=EmY5JAQqSNNEW4c3
This is so interesting but for me, living and working in Grizzly habitat and guns being difficult to acquire here in Canada I’m thinking to acquire a Bowie knife for self defence if a grizzly jumps me. I do have a cheap Chinese made Bowie with an 11 7/8 blade but even this seems small when thinking of defending from a grizzly. Probably the thrusting capability is most important. So how big can I go with a large, tapered fighting Bowie? Where can I find such a knife?
If it were me, id work real hard on getting a Ruger Redhawk or the like. While i'm still pretty capable with a bowie knife these days, a Grizzly is one mean motor scooter. Your best bet is to get a knife that fits your hand and body so you will actually carry it, and sheathe it well so you can draw it. Measure the length from the inside of your elbow to the tip of your middle or index finger, whichever is longer, and that is the overall length of your knife, give or take a half inch or so.
I carry a Case trapper or stockman and they do %90 of what I need a knife to, if I need something stronger I'll grab my Mora and if I need something really serious I'll grab my 15" Bowie. With most of the folders you showed and that I see people carrying They are just kidding themselves about how strong and useful they are.
Exactly. Knives are jewelry to many people these days. Don't get me wrong, I like higher end knives too, but everything i buy or make is intended for use.
Depends on the belt. If it's tight enough to hold rounds securely, sometimes it's too snug to get them out quickly. I'm thinking that a pouch on an ammo belt might be the way to go.
Have the same bike, got it for a steal from, last owner took stuff apart and never put certain things back right though. Replacing all the rubbers this weekend. Been stinking up my garage with gas. Sure enough red gasket crap all over the petcock told me all I needed to know.
Thats the thing with these older 80's vintage bikes- its possible that several people had their fingers in it over the years, and some either did not have a clue or did not care that they had the right parts. Just gotta keep plugging away on the list of issues.
It’s looks awesome, I just ordered one man, I wanted a fixed blade infidel, but man it’s expensive for a basic knife.. but this is a similar shape. I like daggers…
This video is from 2012. You mean you are not aware of things that have happened in the last 11 years that might make people consider capacity in a carry gun a good thing?
Been watching you for awhile. The concept of the balance point on a cross draw holster is a good one. One of manly of my yet to be completed projects is a cross draw for a heavy revolver and I will be adding this to my design . Thanks. I appreciate your content.
I like folders a lot , but I love fixed blades they are mich better,only probably is in my State carrying a fixed blade on your person scares the sheepple something terrible. ⚔️
Right after I said that I knew that a certain demographic of a given level of immaturity would find it irresistible. Then i figured, what the hell, I'll...throw you a bone...
