The Collins #18 was originally issued as a pilot's survival bowie/machete in the 1930s. At that time, pilots were apparently doing a lot of flying over jungle areas in South America and a compact machete was chosen. Later a folding machete was issued. The large hand guard seems to be a relic from the 19th century bowie knives used in duels. The blade is thin, only about 1/8" thick. Later, in WWII, Carlson's Marine Raiders wanted a big knife to boost the morale of those serving in the Pacific. The old Army Air Corps bowie/machetes were issued to them, and they became known as Marine Raider Bowies. Ontario makes a version of it, but it is much thicker and heavier than the original. The closest to the original now being made is the Case Bowie. In any case, the Ka-Bar (Mark 2 Marine Combat) became the standard fighting knife in the Pacific. I just thought that the new Dog Father LE was the latest best version of the old Combat/Survival Bowie knife. It has a different profile, but as a jungle knife, it would be superb.

Victor,
That was a pure action packed historical on the American Bowie.
I loved the history as well as the different uses the Armed Forces realized were necessary for survival of it's soldiers. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Hats of to the Horn Dog for another brilliant post detailing the history of a particular style of blade! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

Great post and super pix!! Thanks for the history.
I love a good knife story...especially with a Scrap Yard ending. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Peace.

Great post! You presented it very well!!!

Great job Vic! I'm glad you were able to get some pics up, those are great! Great info too, Thanks! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

A Scrap Yard ending is the BEST kind of ending!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Yes, I would not have posted here had it been otherwise. I had meant to show some more examples of Marine Raiders and other "Jungle Bowies", but my computer is dying, I guess. I just can't seem to get photobucket to work very well for very long. As a long-time collector and user of such blades, the new DFLE represents the current state of the art in survival bowie knives.

Great pics of some awesome blades Vic !! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Thanks, Tom. Like you, I have a thing for Bowies!

I see an Entrek knife, in that line up. I think they are good knives.

The DFLE makes me feel like a Knight, about to do battle....Nothing can oppose me, so long as I have my DFLE.

"HE-MAN"

That is the Entrek Ranger. It is more of a fighter than bowie/machete, but it is in the 9" to 12" blade size of the others. Just for fun, I hefted and swung them all a little. The DFLE rules! Put a swedge on it and wade into battle.

Was just looking at your pictures again......nice looking Harley hat. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Why don't I have one????? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

Great photos Vic and I love the idea of comparing the DFLE to some of it's competition and predecessors. I an really impressed with the DFLE. It reminds me of the classic Battle Mistress before all the lines and bumps. It is also rather close to the Basic 9.

Cliff Stamp did a very positive review of the old BM and a lot of what he said about how it works because of the excellent geometry etc is applicable to the
DFLE.