Thinking about getting a Schempp Bowie...

[tvenuto]

DO IT! A phenomenal design that has to be held to be truly appreciated. It has unconventional ergos, but the knife just drops right in your hand after a middle finger flick. I can echo the "detent is a little weak" sentiment, but I can forgive it since this one fills a "dressy" role for me and is less utilitarian. It's just amazing in person, few pictures capture the contrasting grind lines.

[Mad Mac]

I loved my Schempp Bowie, but sold it.

The good was it was beautiful as attested to in my photo album of Schempp Bowie Porn. There are also some comparison pictures of the SB with a Starmate, a Police and a Native.

The bad was the tiny liner lock release -- so aggravating. I have the same complaint about my new Gayle Bradley 2. I also determined that I do not like deep pocket carry like the SB has. It makes it more difficult to draw. The edges of the liners were uncomfortably sharp but easily rectified with some stoning using the Sharpmaker fine stone.

In spite of reassurance on this forum from Mr. Schempp himself, I felt like it was too beautiful and costly to risk using and reluctantly sold it so I could justify buying some other Spydies. But I miss her.

[razorsharp]

one of my favorite spyderco's I have owned, but I sold it when I thinned my collection down to 2 knives ... I kinda miss it.

[paladin]

Paladin, great looking mod Bowie! The scales are fantastic, but even more so in my eyes is the improved lines from the razed thumb ramp. I've been wanting a Schempp Bowie myself for awhile now just to try and do that to it but can't fit it into my budget. Great to see you've done it!
So, I've got to ask; how does it feel in use without the ramp? I know it looks better to my eyes, but more importantly how is it to the hand?

Happen to have any comparison shots between the two in your hand?

Thanks SpeedHoles, she's my dedicated desk knife and feels great to my medium/small hands. Eli <GoldenSpydie> was kind enough to snag this one for me from the factory 2nd's sale last time. The only problem Eli could spot was scratched bolsters, functionally she's SOLID. Note the blade notch...I didn't want to void the warranty on a virgin blade when I was venturing into uncharted custom territory. Thanks again Eli! :spyder: :) :spyder:

I will admit, with taking off the top of the S-guard combined with polishing the bolsters, she's a bit "slick" topside with my thumb. However, even if the thumb creeps forward it isn't going to hurt much along the spine. Now consider that with the bottom leg of the S guard keeping my hand locked in on the business side of the blade, well, it feels secure for most any light duty task. Wet / sweaty use would give me a bit of pause, mainly due to the lack of jimping rather than the lack of the top guard. However the ergonomic design of Ed's <even with my mods> still shines through and provides palm gripping purchase...great testament to a fine design, IMHO. :D

My most comfortable, most used grip is saber / modified saber grip. With index finger forward of guard is good, with all 4 fingers behind the guard is even better...the handle really fits my palm superbly! :)

Most other well-used grips would be serviceable...but I don't use them much. About the only grip that doesn't feel good to me is an icepick type grip with edge inward. The guard digs into my palm and the handle isn't optimized for that it seems to me...however, ice pick with edge leading, thumb atop pommel feels GREAT! Drawing type grips are serviceable as well.

BOTTOM LINE: The bottom S-guard is more than capable, independent of the top guard, to keep you locked in restricting fore & aft creeping. Jimping atop spine and around choil/ricasso, OTOH, would be a great addition for someone needing better grip for heavier duty. A more pronounced little "kick" on the blade under the plunge near the edge, like on a Chaparral would form a really good 50/50 choil. Although it could be a boon to functionality...But to me, that would spoil the looks.

I understand and respect Ed's translation of the Bowie into the 21st century < I own 2 unmodified, plus my custom >, but I just thought it would look beautiful with the "sharkfin" removed and ironwood scales. So, I modded the knife just for beauty, functionality was a secondary concern. As it turned out it is very functional still. It would be a matter of personal opinion if it is "more functional" with mods as compared to pre-mod. But I prefer the ergos now....it is destined to be an heirloom desk knife for my sons after I'm done with her .

I am going to modify another and I'm currently mulling over what natural material I want to utilize...maybe stag? :confused:

here's the pics you requested a few days back Speed, you need to snag a Bowie, you'll love it, trust me, I'm a professional :cool: :p :

Modded Bowie....





Factory Bowie....




:spyder: group shot....

[SpeedHoles]

Thanks much for the photos and detailed explanation! :spyder:

First photo looks great, and as I mildly suspected; it appears that it may feel just a bit like a Navaja but with negative blade angle and no handle heel hook.

[paladin]

Thanks much for the photos and detailed explanation! :spyder:

First photo looks great, and as I mildly suspected; it appears that it may feel just a bit like a Navaja but with negative blade angle and no handle heel hook.

You're welcome Speedy!

FYI, if you're thinking of modding one-- it's a moderately involved process removing the top S guard, if you cut it too fine and close you could blow out the stop pin hole, especially when applying your finish chamfer...

Additionally, to fit the wood scales, the bolsters had to be re-milled to a standard 45 degree angle...lost a millimeter or so in bolster length, but more than made up for in ease of working with a standard cutter!

The comparison to the Navaja <with your noted differences> is well warranted. However, the choil is quite different. A few folks thought the Navaja choil was TOO LARGE. But I think they're NOT employing Ed's design to full effect as intended-- I find the choil is JUST RIGHT for TWO fingers choked up.

Also, the Navaja choil is more of a traditional choil that gets you locked in more, fore & aft...plus there's jimping... :spyder:

[tvenuto]

FYI, if you're thinking of modding one-- it's a moderately involved process removing the top S guard, if you cut it too fine and close you could blow out the stop pin hole, especially when applying your finish chamfer...

...and then you'd have to start a thread on how the stop pin location weakened the design :rolleyes: .

Jokes aside, very cool mods, and I can see liking the design both ways. Also, that comparison shot really shows how the Bowie packs a millie sized edge in a very sleek package.

[hoimin]

Wow! I actually failed to notice the dorsal guard removal the first time I saw the pictures (because I was drawn to the handles). It looks fantastic and I wish there was a slightly littler Schempp like that.