Bill Bagwell Passes

[Michael Janich]

We recently received the sad news that custom knifemaker Bill Bagwell has passed away.

Bagwell's lifelong passion for knives began at age 10, when he made his first knife from an old saw. He began forging knives in his high school industrial arts shop and by age 15 he was regularly smithing hunting and Bowie Knives as a hobby. In college, he began selling his handmade knives and became a full-time professional bladesmith in 1969.

One of the pioneers of forge-welded Damascus steel in the United States, Bill completed his first Damascus blade in late 1973. In early 1976, along with the late Don Hastings, B.R. Hughes, and Bill Moran, Bagwell became one of the founding members of the American Bladesmith Society and wrote the original charter for that organization. He also served as the society's first secretary and was on its first board of directors.

Best known for his iconic Bowie Knife designs, Bagwell was also an avid historian and researcher of the combative use of edged weapons and wrote prolifically about them for Soldier of Fortune magazine's "Battle Blades" column. His writings later formed the basis of the Paladin Press book "Bowies, Big Knives, and the Best of Battle Blades."

Although outspoken and very opinionated, Bagwell's skills as a bladesmith and contributions to the knife community are undeniable. He leaves behind a strong and lasting legacy. Our deepest condolences to his family and all who knew him on your loss. Rest in peace, Bill.

Stay safe,

Mike

[VashHash]

Very sad news. Condolences to his.

[JRinFL]

Sad to read, RIP.

[James Y]

RIP, and condolences to his family and friends.

Jim

[tbdoc4kids]

God speed!

[Wartstein]

I´ve never heard of him, but will look into his work now.

Condolences to his family and loved ones.

[bearrowland]

Sad news, and prayers for his family.

[paladin]

We've lost another irreplaceable brother in this legendary generation of smiths, cutlers, historians, and blade users/instructors...so sad.

I've got one of your ****'s Belle on my belt in memoriam. RIP, Mr. Bagwell.

[Cambertree]

Condolences to his loved ones. Bill Bagwell left his mark on bladesmithing.

[Naperville]

Soldier of Fortune and I go way back to my time in High School. I must have been reading Bagwell and didn't even know it!

I was not the bully or thug, never disturbed the classes, quite the opposite, but you could often find me in the back of the class with an open SoF Magazine!

RIP.

[sal]

Very nice Mike. Thanx much.

I met Bill Bagwell at the 1983 Forging seminar in Dubois Wyoming. Along with Bill Moran, Don Hasting and a host of custom makers from North America, with great knowledge and skill. A very memorable time for me. Bill was an impressive maker and I learned a great deal from him. Some of which can be seen my "Traditional Bowie" Design, the "Respect". Condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.

sal

[Halfneck]

Loved reading his articles, and loved his bowies. After listening to James Keating talk about the design features of his bowies I wanted one bad. He was an icon among knifemakers and left his mark.

[TomH]

Thanks for posting this.

[mb1]

That was nicely written Michael. Condolences to Bill’s friends and family.

[linuxology]

Bagwell is a legend. R.I.P.

[Joris Mo]

R.I.P.
Respect to an amazing knife maker, lucky to have at least one of his designs on my wall as inspiration.