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Special Interests - Groups & Societies => The Cutting Edge => Topic started by: Ten Bears on January 28, 2010, 03:14:44 PM

Title: Searles Bowie
Post by: Ten Bears on January 28, 2010, 03:14:44 PM
I liked its design so much, I bought one, and its the last knife Ill ever own.

Believed to be the Bowie brothers first design. Made by George Searles of Baton Rouge LA.

Today you can get two production models. Below is Imperials model. Its the prettier, and a tad more authentic than
Dixie Gun Works model. Dixies model has superior steel. The reason I bought mine.

(http://www.armsofvalour.com/miva/graphics/00000001/IP-203.jpg)
Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: Shotgun Steve on January 28, 2010, 09:29:07 PM
I too have always liked the Searles Bowie, Ten Bears. It is a classic.
You have a very nice bowie there, I hope it serves you well.

 Shotgun Steve
Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: northwestgrizzly on January 29, 2010, 06:36:09 AM
I like the looks alot!
Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: Galloway on January 29, 2010, 11:12:28 AM
Thats beautifull, did it or the dixie model come sharpened?
Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: Dave Cole on January 29, 2010, 12:32:21 PM
One of my favorite styles of Bowie's.I have been planning on making one soon.Dave :)
Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: Steel Horse Bailey on January 29, 2010, 12:43:12 PM
Beautiful !
Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: The Elderly Kid on January 30, 2010, 08:07:10 PM
This is the one design we can confidently associate with the Bowie brothers.  It's probably much like the one James used at the Sandbar fight, though the original probably had a plainer handle. I've seen the Searles at the Alamo museum and it's a trip seeing a knife that was undoubtedly handled by Rezin Bowie. The big, broad, clip-pointed blade most people think of as a "Bowie" is only one of many designs called Bowies in the 19th century, though it was the most popular. But the Sheffield cutlers had far more influence on its design than Jim Bowie ever did. The Searles has both elegance and utility. It is a gentleman's weapon, and in those days gentlemen could be total bada**es.
Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: Ten Wolves Fiveshooter on January 31, 2010, 12:14:21 AM


       Very nice ;D
Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: rebsr52339 on January 31, 2010, 07:14:08 AM
Ten Bears, is Imperials the company who makes this version?
Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: Ten Bears on February 10, 2010, 12:38:08 PM
Ten Bears, is Imperials the company who makes this version?

Yes that is Imperials knife shown above, they dont make it, only sell it, its imported.

Thats beautifull, did it or the dixie model come sharpened?

I had to cut a mud flap that got stuck up inside a wheel well. It cut it like butter, but the steel lacing dulled it

It was sharp, but not like it is now. I took the 35 degree edge down to 23degrees, and its now nasty sharp.

Ive had a standing bet, if you can put the point on your finger, and let go of the handle, if it does not cut right thru your finger, and stick to the table, you can have it. No one has taken me up on it yet. It has to do with the fact that I can slide it right though a one inch steak, with its own weight  :o

Ive shown it to two different knife smiths, they both said the same thing. It was the finest blade anyone has walked in with.

Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: rebsr52339 on February 10, 2010, 12:58:50 PM
Thank you for the info.
Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: Ten Bears on February 10, 2010, 01:13:56 PM
Here is the real one.

(http://www.tamu.edu/ccbn/dewitt/adp/history/bios/bio_images/Rb-knife.jpg)
Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: rebsr52339 on February 10, 2010, 05:28:49 PM
If my memory serves me right this knife went "missing" (stolen) a bunch, 40 maybe 50 years ago. It was returned after about 10 years I think. While visiting the Alamo with another "well-known" Bowie collector I was privileged to hold this knife. The curator was kind enough to remove it from the display for us to “see close up”. What a thrill that was. It has been one of my favorites along with the Schively I owned. Great stuff.
Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: Ten Bears on February 10, 2010, 05:32:42 PM
Your lucky Bro, When I was there I just wanted to bring Mine in and set it on top of the glass.
They told me for security reason they could not. I told them the owners of the one under glass would be so disappointed.
That didn't work either, so I left.
Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: The Elderly Kid on February 10, 2010, 05:57:21 PM
Ten Bears, is your knife the Dixie Gun Works item or the Imperial shown in the first post? I have a Searles blade that I bought from DGW years ago and had hilted in a different fashion, and now I'm considering getting the Imperial version for its authenticity. I have Imperial Musso Bowies, both their older design and the new, full-sized version, and both are outstanding.
Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: rebsr52339 on February 10, 2010, 06:16:11 PM
Ten Bears, as I recall the knife was in a glass case on the left as you went into the Museum. I understood a new "case" was being made to display the knife. I think it was in the late 70s when I was last there. They were VERY apprehensive about letting people near the case never mind the knife. I like the one I made and I have a photo of another Searles "with" a sharpened false edge. I believe the swage is on the right side of the blade only like the Schively.
Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: Ten Bears on February 11, 2010, 12:49:22 AM
The one pictured is the Imperial version. I own the Dixie version. Id buy the Imperial, but cant really see owning two of them. If I ever sell mine, then Ill get the other. Im darn sure mine will go with me to the grave.

When I was there a hand full of years ago, it was in a glass fronted case, behind a roped off area.
I could not even get to the case.
Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: rebsr52339 on February 11, 2010, 07:40:56 AM
Ten Bears, here is another Searles Bowie. I can’t remember “where” I downloaded this from. If anybody knows refresh my memory. It shows a very fancy guard with file work on the edges. The hilt appears to be ebony with silver pins. The blade has the swaged sharpened false edge and as I said, can’t prove it, but I think it is only on the right side. Simply a gorgeous looking knife. The Alamo Searles Bowie also has silver pins embedded in each of the diamonds of the checkered panels on the four sides of the hilt. You can hardly see them. There is a great photo of this knife, the Alamo Searles, in my Texas Gun Collectors book and I will see if I can find it.
Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: The Elderly Kid on February 11, 2010, 11:50:47 AM
rebsr:  That knife is to be found at:
http://southernantique.googlepages.com/knives
It is identified only as "unmarked Louisiana style hunting knife." It certainly has the Searles look, complete with that little crescent cutout at the base of the blade. But then, maybe those Rezin-commissioned Searles presentation knives were widely copied in the South. Without markings, it's hard to know.
Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: Mogorilla on February 11, 2010, 12:12:31 PM
Not sure if the sale is still on, but CrazyCrow had their handforged searless blade on sale for under 20, you add the handle and the guard.  If you are looking for a "I had the smith in town make it for me", this is it.   
Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: rebsr52339 on February 11, 2010, 12:45:59 PM
Your right Kid. I should have said Searles "style" knife.    :-[    I'm getting too old I guess.   :'(
Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: rebsr52339 on February 22, 2010, 02:32:31 PM
Ok, here is the photo I “promised” you. It shows the Searles/Fowler Bowie at the Alamo. I am including it here to show the hilt and the pains taking effort it took of installing tiny silver pins in each of the diamonds in the checkering pattern on the hilt panels. The other photo is a shot of the Alamo taken in 1860. The photos are from the 1971, 1st edition, of the Antique Arms Annual, sponsored by the Texas Gun Collectors Assoc. This is a remarkable book, full of color photos. There is also an article in there by Bill Williamson on the Wostenholm  knife factory with a boatload of Wostenholm knives. I’ll try and answer any questions you got.
Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: Sir Charles deMouton-Black on February 22, 2010, 02:43:20 PM
Anyone else notice the remarkable similarity between the Searles Bowie and a Belduque?  To my eye, the only specific difference is the presence of a guard on the Searles.
Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: rebsr52339 on February 22, 2010, 03:25:27 PM
Sir Charles, I think if one can "rationalize" it, Searles was a maker in Baton Rouge La. That would put him pretty close in the mix of French/ Spanish influence as far as knife making goes. The knives of this style would remind one of a “French” carving knife of today. This knife and ones similar to them have a certain Ambiance about them. A good feeling to hold one.
Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: The Elderly Kid on November 29, 2013, 01:39:14 PM
I was in San Antonio a couple of months ago and naturally visited the Alamo a couple of times (only a block or two from my hotel, a good thing since it was 104 degrees outside). I am pleased to report that the Fowler Searles is now in a side room in a case and you can walk right up to it and lean over the glass for a close look. Most edifying. Also, in the gift shop, there is a sizable display of Bowie and other knives, bot vintage and replica. It's good to see these weapons getting the attention they have long deserved.
Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: WaddWatsonEllis on November 29, 2013, 08:54:56 PM
To the Room,

I am fortunate enough to own two Belduqes; One a 'Large' (approx. 5 1/2" Blade) By Crazy Crow and one by Josh Dabney (approx.10 3/8" blade).

Both are modern knives, but both pay homage to the Searles Bowie, and to echo Charles St John, I think Mr Bowie told Mr Searles to start off with a Belduques and customize it to his specifications ...

www.crazycrow.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=4926-012-002&Store_Code=CCTP&search=Belduque&offset=&filter_cat=&PowerSearch_Begin_Only=&sort=&range_low=&range_high=

(http://i854.photobucket.com/albums/ab107/WaddWatsonEllis/Belduque476-1.jpg) (http://s854.photobucket.com/user/WaddWatsonEllis/media/Belduque476-1.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: WaddWatsonEllis on November 29, 2013, 09:01:30 PM
Hi,

Come to think of it, I have often regretted the fact that I no longer sail, cause the Crazy Crow Belduque with it's sheath (that it sits deeply inside of) would make a great belt knife and would not get caught in lines (I think) ...

Just a hunch ...

TTFN,
Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: Grizzly Adams on December 04, 2013, 10:12:27 PM
Here is one I just finished up a while back using a DGW blade.

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y213/grizzly3674/1876%20Short%20Rifle/IMG_0868_zps08a04a1a.jpg) (http://s6.photobucket.com/user/grizzly3674/media/1876%20Short%20Rifle/IMG_0868_zps08a04a1a.jpg.html)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y213/grizzly3674/1876%20Short%20Rifle/IMG_0867_zpsd882a2b0.jpg) (http://s6.photobucket.com/user/grizzly3674/media/1876%20Short%20Rifle/IMG_0867_zpsd882a2b0.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: The Elderly Kid on December 06, 2013, 01:06:21 PM
That's pretty, 'Griz. What did you use for the handle?
Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: The Elderly Kid on December 11, 2013, 03:26:27 PM
I've just acquired an Imperial Searles through Kult of Athena. I've had a DGW Searles for a number of years, so I can now do a side-by-side comparison. I bought the DGW as blade only, so that is all I will compare. The two blades are quite similar, but not identical. First, the Imperial gives a larger and more massive impression. It is 9 3/4" long, compared to the DGW's 9 1/4" length. The imperial is broader at 1 3/4" to the DGW's 1 3/8". However, the Imperial is noticeably thinner, 3/16" at the hilt compared to the DGW's 1/4" and it has far more distal taper, tapering almost evenly from hilt to point, where the DGW is all but untapered until the last 2" from the point. The result is that the Imperial, despite its larger appearance, is very light and lively in the hand. The DGW has an almost mirror-polish and it has a 1 1/2" silver plate set into its spine just in front of the hilt, apparently for engraving purposes. The Imperial's finish is close to matte though I suspect it would buff up nicely. It has no inset silver plate.

Overall, I would rate the Imperial as an elegant fighter: a gentleman's weapon for town and formal occasions. The DGW is a tool for hard use in the field and a fine weapon in a pinch. I would pick the Imperial for a Creole ball in New Orleans, the DGW for the woods or a flatboat voyage down the Mississippi. Both would do for a brawl in a dive in Natchez-Under-the-Hill.

The Imperial comes with a sheath patterned on the Fowler Searles, made of wood covered with thin black leather, with metal throat and chape, though I think the Imperial's is stainless steel rather than silver. Like the Fowler it has a belt stud on the throat, though rounded rather than flat, and it has a ring on the back of the throat. The ring on the Fowler's sheath is set at right angles to the axis of the sheath, but on the Imperial's it is parallel to the sheath.

As usual with most Fowler Searles repros, the guard, while short, is much thicker than on the original, about 3/8" where the original's can be no more than 1/32". The handle is of black wood and has the diamond crosshatching, but without any silver pins.
It has silver-colored escutcheon plates on both sides. I don't know if the original does since I've only seen it from one side.

Overall, I am very pleased with the Imperial Searles, because I've always wanted a full-dress Fowler Bowie and this is probably the best affordable repro out there. Custom knives can be had, but you'd have to pay custom prices.
Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: The Elderly Kid on August 16, 2014, 11:13:53 AM
I'm just posting this because I got tired of seeing "deleted" as the title of the most recent posting here. We need to get this thread working again.
Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: Black River Smith on August 16, 2014, 01:47:24 PM
Sorry about that posting but after ~1200 views and not a single comment, I thought it was time to remove it.

People had suggestions 5 years ago when I started this project as a Price knife with his egg shaped handle.  But not a single suggestion for the different handle shape.

I figured it out myself by making a wheel ground steel pattern that I filed around.  After that, the post was mute.

Again sorry.  Thanks for totally removing the post, I was sick of seeing it also.
Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: St. George on August 16, 2014, 06:06:59 PM
You're welcome.

Sometimes - as you've seen - folks see that a guy seems to have a handle on what he's doing, so they refrain from commenting.

That, or they'll send a PM - and a 'lot' of suggestions are passed on via PMs - eliminating frivolity and unworkable 'solutions'.

Perhaps everyone thought that business was being conducted quietly - perhaps they felt that Life had expanded to fill available time, as it so often does - it managed to do so quite efficiently to me, causing a bit of OCONUS travel.

At any rate, new posts on new work are always welcome.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

Title: Re: Searles Bowie
Post by: Sarge on June 30, 2016, 03:33:29 PM
Many thanks for this thread, lets keep it going. Ten Bears and rebsr do you have any measurements on the originals you posted pictures?