Bowie Birthrights

STEVE CULVER: The Searles/Fowler reproduction includes a checkered-blackwood handle with 24k-gold pins, nickel-silver fittings and a 1095 blade. (Ward photo)

TOSHIAKI MICHINAKA: The exhibition bowie knife regales its audience with an ATS-34 blade, nickel-silver furniture and a stag handle.

FOREST “BUTCH” SHEELY: The rosewood coffin-style handle in a nickel-silver wrap is a classic design, accompanied by an 8.5-inch 5160 blade. (Eric Eggly, PointSeven Studios photo)

STEVEN RAPP and ALEX DANIELS: Two makers’ interpretations of a Michael Price dress bowie differ only slightly, each in ivory handles and nickel silver fittings, with Rapp’s version (left) sporting a CPM-154 blade, and Daniels’ in 440C stainless steel. Julie Warenski-Erickson engraved the sheath for Rapp, while Daniels employed the engraving services of Billy Bates. (Hoffman photos)

LARRY FUEGEN: With carved-walrus-ivory handle and engraved gold band, the Sheffield Bowie is the belle of the ball. (Francesco Pachi photo)

ALAN TIENSVOLD: Not only is it a replica of a Henry Shivley bowie, but the 5160 blade is treated with an aged patina, and the checkered elephant ivory grip could have come straight out of the 19th century.

RICK “BEAR BONE” SMITH: A classic I*XL Wostenholm Bowie is brought to life in a file-worked and mirror-polished O1 tool steel blade, a nickel silver guard and escutcheon plate, and sambar-stag handle scales.

MICHAEL VAGNINO: If the walrus ivory handle of the California bowie isn’t worthy enough for a loving squeeze, the engraved pins and silver edge wrap should work their magic. (Mitch Lum photo)

BRIAN THIE: The Daniel Searles bowie in ivory, nickel silver and 5160 is as sweet as its 1800’s ancestors. (Ward photo)

J.R. COOK: Born a Carrigan Bowie, the damascus piece is strikingly handsome in a coffin-style blackwood handle and fine silver fittings. (Ward photo)