SZCO Supplies 15-Inch Bowie Knife with Carbon Steel Clip-Point Blade, Wooden Handle, and Leather Sheath – Hunting, Camping, Survival, and Outdoor Knife

Beefy, cheap, what else can I say? I bought this to replace my gardening knife that broke the first time I used it.The idea of using a knife for gardening is actually new to me. However, as it turns out, it is a great idea. In the past, I was placed in many situations where I wish I had a knife to separate roots in propagating plants. However, I did not want to ruin an expensive knife. When I found that there were actually knives that were specifically designed for gardening work, I bought one. I liked it. However, it broke the first time I applied a little sideward pressure. Every gardening knife is pretty flimsy made of thin gauge soft metal.Then, I got the idea of buying a large Bowie knife and using it for gardening (a purpose it was not designed for). I found this knife and I knew I had found my knife, cheap and strong.This knife has almost 1/4 inch thick full tang handle that is continuous from the top of the handle to the bottom of the handle and from the blade to the end of the handle. Rock solid. It would take a lot of pressure to try to break the knife from the handle.Having said that, I would not mind buying a second one to keep sharp and to use as a survival knife. The finish is a bit rough but, the knife is about the biggest and sturdiest knife that I have ever seen. Almost ridiculously so.Shape is right and with a little attention to sharpening, I believe this would make a fine survival knife. Seems to get very sharp and hold its edge surprisingly well.

So there I was drunk and off another red dead redemption kick looking for a Bowie knife that was decent looking and cheap. Drunk me and carbon steel are basically married at this point but I digress. When I got the knife the next day I almost rushed to check my checking statement to see how much of a fool I was, thankfully I wasn’t much of one at all at 20 bucks. I took a look a the edge and the majority of it had a pretty good bevel to it and a reasonably sharp edge, however the last inch or so of the point was dull as pig iron. That was annoying yes but easily cared for with a bastard file and a 1000 grit stone and she was then incredibly sharp given her size. Fast forward a few months and I’m beating on the thing just to see if I could break it. Full force throws into trees, often dirt, and bounces off rocks on all parts of the knife and the only thing that gave was the brass pins in the handle. Which honestly was gonna happen sooner than later given they’re just under an 1/8 of an inch thick. I’ll be remedying that soon with 1/4 inch brass rods soon and possibly new handle material but for now it’s a pretty tough knife. Did I mention I tried to snap it and it didn’t even budge? Great buy for the price all the way around. Treat it like hell and it’ll just keep coming back for more.

It sounds like it's a bit of a crap-shoot with this one based upon reading other reviews. I ordered the carbon steel version of this SZCO Western 49 pattern Bowie knife, and that is exactly what I got. Note that SZCO makes a stainless steel version as well. Same code, but that one ends in SS instead of CS like this one. What kind of carbon steel used is anyone's guess though. There are zero markings on my blade/guard/handle, and the beautiful box only indicates "carbon steel blade." Came extremely well packed with a large tip guard, inner plastic sleeve, bubble wrapped, and then inside another heavy plastic bag. The blade came heavily oiled too, which is common with carbon steel blades because they rust easily without a coat of oil.Fit and finish is definitely rustic, but you have to know that going in. I feel the rustic finish gives the knife a more authentic old west feel and look, and it does not affect its capabilities whatsoever. The blade grinds are close to perfect. Primary bevel upper line is very good with only one slight waver near the ricasso on one side. The secondary bevel is absolutely perfect and hair shaving sharp out of the box. It easily and cleanly sliced up a SMKW catalog page too, and you know how thin those are.The blade is exactly 10" long with a 9.25" cutting edge. it is 3/16" thick at the spine with a very solid and beautiful brass S-guard at 1/8". Note that the guard did loosen up after handling the knife a few times. Doesn't affect it's usability, just a bit annoying with the rattling sound. I don't exactly know what type of wood was used for the handle scales, but they are beautiful and rustic looking with a rich grain. The sanding done on the scales at the bottom of the handle are a bit uneven giving it that homemade look haha. The sclaes are held on to the full tang via 3 1/8" wide brass pins per side. There are a few imperfections or minor marks in the wood - again, rustic!You never know exactly what sheath, or even what color leather, you will get with this knife. I did not get the one pictured in the Amazon ad. Mine is black with a blade side guard strap and no tooled lines near the top, just smooth. It is a decent sheath with good solid stitching and secure snap with a large belt loop. The leather smells wonderful too! I think the back side, strap, and belt loop are all man-made material with the show side being real leather. This sheath does not have a welt, but looks like it will still give me years of service before I have to replace it. The blade fits in the sheath perfectly too, which I always appreciate. I am very happy with this purchase and can highly recommend this knife. It is the king of useable budget Bowie blades!