Yep I agree on the long knife thing "Big is better" and I think a blade catcher would work much better on a much longer knife. The more linear length on the spine the better for effective blocks and parries. And of coarse sharpen the clip.

H/D - I think that if I anticipated a knife fight, I would be packing my Cold Steel Laredo Bowie. It is long, fast, and VERY sharp! Also, the Oyabun with the longer blade has the same features, only lighter and faster. A knife fight calls for a slicer/dicer, not a chopper, in my opinion. YMMV <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Tom

I figure i am good for 2, one to leave factory, and one to grind on...

How do you like the Laredo, Tom?

I can do it. My Westerns now have that feature!

This is some of my early work. I can do it better now.

I had a laredo bowie and boy can it cut, It will cut clean through three wara mats or slice an empty beer can in half. I really really liked the knife it's well balanced light quick however........

I handle is way to slick.
To many right grind angles around the guard. In fact I had to round some to prevent damaging the sheath.

This is the one that made me trade the knife off and continue my search for a good knife. The tang only goes half way into the handle. A wire is used to join the tang and the pommel nut. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

And why he didn't use a full tang (like the trail master) and thread it like the tanto's mystifies me.

If you anticipate knife fight don't forget a chain mail shirt <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Vic - I really like my Laredo Bowie, and as I said it would be my choice if I anticipated a knife fight. It is certainly NOT a great chopper like my DogFathers, but it is not intended to be. Even the clip is sharp, and can be easily sharpened even more. I began picking up Cold Steel knives ten years ago, when many folks thought they were one of the best production lines out there. I was really sorry to see them go to Chinese production. I wouldn't buy one now unless it was either older production or give-away priced. Tom

Nice Job Vic <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />


Are your W49s the newer stainless model or the older carbon steel model?

I have a huge Windlass Bowie that is surprisingly light and fast. It is razor sharp, too.

I have four old carbon steel ones and one newer stainless model with the big heavy straight guard.

I have no doubt that it's fast. I always liked that design.

I have thought about picking up another Carbon W49. I Bagwellized my last one and gave it to my dad. I kind of miss it.