You made me want this knife. I always liked the way it looked, but thought the Gil Hibben version was just a nice looking cheap display piece. Really cool to see it hold up to a little hard use 👍😎 420 is a good steel if it has a proper heat treat.
I was thinking about getting a Gil Hibben Bowie for a bug out bag and this review answers all my questions and then some. Gotta have one now, thx for the info Donnie B
What a beauty! A wonderful traditional blade. I fell in love with Hibben blades the moment I saw one on the Tube. Some day I have to have one. I saw the Bowie and grabbed my newest acquisition, a budget Cold Steel Marauder Bowie. And it has 100% this traditional shape. No need to mention that I am a long time Cold Steel fan. Oh, I did it anyway. 420 steel is not automatically bad, so is the 440 steel family. It all comes to the heat threatment. I have some old blades, made of the 420 and 440 steel family, as it was done 30 years ago in Germany, and they all served me well over the years. Fishing, spending time at my cabin at the fishing pond in the woods my family has there. Done lots of bushcrafting, cleaning fish up to real big European Catfish (Wels), the largest was over 6 feet. Building bows and torches for the kids, splitting kindling, food preparation, beating the crap out of those knifes. Never had one of those blades chip or break on me. I am talking about knifes made by Puma, Herbertz, Schlieper, Opinel, Victorinox and some old butchers knifes from the butchers shop of my great-grandmother, used by her from around the 1880's up to 1940's. Well, this knifes and the meat cleaver are made of carbon steel, I am not able to name the steel quality, but they throw great sparks. I use, love and appreciate this old knifes a lot. I still have and use them, I don't see any reason why I shouldn't. Methinks that a lot of corksniffing is going on, when it comes to blade steel. Everybody knows that you are able to ruin every knife if you mistreat it. Take care and maintain your blades, and you'll have something to pass over generations.
Thanks for taking the time to make this reviews...I'm checking your vids to choose my blades so i don't go through the trouble of be returning stuff... because most reviewers out there don't really hack them like you do... i got me the timber rattler and like you said...for the price..is a great blade...
I can without a doubt recommend any dbad design sold at www.thekhukurihouse.com under dbad Creations. They're bad ass blades designed by me and made for hard use.
GREAT review my man! I have the Hibben Arkansas Toothpick and was very surprised at the sharpness and quality vs the low cost. I'm definitely going to be adding this to my knife collection soon! I have a tattoo on my right leg of the Musso Bowie already! :)
Whats up Johnny B, i know this is not your latest vid, but I just love how you get them blades to work! Great stuff keep it up hollidays hugs from sweden!
.....at long last.....!!!! yes...!!! someone is really using and testing this big Bowie blade , instead of just talking and talking infront of a camera...! well done!
AMAZING ! I NEVER EVEN THOUGHT TO USE MINE [DAMASCUS STEEL} THAT WAY. I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS A GORGEOUS WALL HANGER. THANK YOU FOR SHOWING ME THAT I WAS WRONG.
I bought it yesterday...but I have to say that the golden ring on the handle is a little bit loose.... How did you fix that? Because after I bought it I read that a lot of people has the same problem
Do you mean the brass guard is a bit loose? That could be from temp changes changing the wood. But if it bothers you or is too loose, you can tape the blade and the guard leaving a space where you can see where they touch and glue it. I prefer to use a two part epoxy like JB Weld. You can apply it wit a Q-Tip so you can really push it into the crack, then take off the tape so it doesn't dry to your knife.
@@DonnieBAllDay Roger that! I'm from Chile so I must wait at least a month for have it on my hands... Question, the Bloodwood edition had a real design diffrence with the first model on market, the one that You mention was run out or is just the same?
Hi there. I got the knife, loved the look, weight, and overall feel. Took it out to the yard and started battoning through wood and the brass top guard bowed and busted off after like 5-6 batons... The box it comes in says right on the outside: “Take it with you into the most untamed environments and use it under the harshest conditions." Seems like that topguard was very simply glued on, not welded or whatever... did I get a lemon or is one not supposed to baton with this kind of knife?
The brass guards are generally glued on and then held in place by the actual handle. Did you accidentally hit the actual guard or did the guard hit the wood you were batoning through? Brass is soft, so contact with the actual guard should be avoided. I did a video customizing a Szco Bowie where I trimmed the guard for that reason.
Donnie B All Day yes I was beating on the guard. Clearly I’m no pro lol... But honestly I think even if I avoided the guard, it would have eventually popped off traveling through wood... I love the look of the guard, but it seems to render the knife sort of useless as a survival tool, or is there a way to customize it out? When the guard popped off, it looked good except for the exposed hole where the guard fits into the handle...
@@maestroalhadeff without hitting it, it would've lasted forever, the blade is so long that you can baton without reaching the hilt. you shouldn't have to baton with a knife though in reality. we do it to show the strength of the edge, but not to be used as a major function. As far as customizing the guard, look at my Szco video where I did that one. its really easy. if you reshape it, you should be able to JB Weld it back on. Strongest epoxy you can use.
I've had the Damascus version of the GH Old West Bowie for years, now. A fantastic knife. I've owned a Rambo III since about 1988. Another great knife.
Depends on the treatment. So far this edge has held up great. But of course its used more rarely than my main camp blades. I use it clearing brush. Still sharp haven't even honed it.
I picked this one up from eBay last week and OMG it’s awesome. However, I cannot find anything online that says what type of stainless steel it is. You said it’s 440 and I was wondering where you got that information from?
440 and 420 are the best candidates. Those two were most commonly used. 3, 7 or 8 cr 13 mov types are possible too, but I think it's 420. I can't remember if I read that it's 440 so I can only guess now
@@DonnieBAllDay GREAT....! now, that's going to be awesome! some time ago i asked United Cutlery about the chopping abilities of this model, but got an aswer that maybe it's not a very good idea to chop down woods, it's just SO GREAT that you are doing this....! may i request that you perform a few stabbing/penetration tests as well...??? it's time to see what the big Bowie is all about.....
Went ahead and ordered one because of this video. Where can I find a different sheath for it? I've been trying to find one in Brown that can fit this massive thing and cant seem to find it.
I agree...420 isn't a bad steel for a big hard use knife. Years ago I had a xl bowie made out of 420. It was a lower end knife that cost around 20 bucks. We intentionally tried to break it all the time. We dug fire pits, chopped big hardwood like oak, locust and hedge with it. Batoned, pried with it and threw it. It was pretty much indestructible. Compared to a high end Cold Steel Kukri it was much stronger. I snapped the blade off at the handle of the Cold Steel Kukri splitting a block of cedar. It must have been a tempering flaw in the Cold Steel to be honest. I've owned lots of Cold Steel products and have noticed their tempering isn't always consistent. I still buy Cold Steel stuff, I'm waiting on a chaos kukri right now. That's actually how I found your videos. I was looking at reviews of that blade. Dollar for dollar Cold Steel is hard to beat imo.
@@DonnieBAllDay I have the Generation (Imperial Weapons) Musso bowie and it has a much thinner blade, and comes across more as a fighting knife. The thickness is between 1/8th to 3/16th of an inch. I have the Musso bowie from Knives By Hand, which was about .25 inches thick, and over 2lbs. I did not think it would be a good fighting bowie due to the weight.
the more i watch this video, the more i'm enjoying it! thank you for showing what a 420 stainless Bowie can actually do...do you have any plans of acquiring this same Bowie in its Damascus version?? United Cutlery makes both the Old West Toothpick and the Old West Bowie in Damascus....it would be just awesome to see how they perform. Best wishes from Greece!
Did James "The Knife-Lord" Bowie give his knife to Juan Padilla? The famous Juan Padilla bowie is still in existence, said to have been a gift to Sr Padilla just before the siege of the Alamo. Looking at that Hibben knife, I'd sharpen that clip-edge, and when (not if) the grip fails, TIG an extension and re-grip it. That's my plan.. Dang, Donnie B Ive put out more $$$ for knives since plugging into your videos... but truth to tell, had this knife in my sights in one form or another for some time... I'd get the Szco version cuz I prefer the carbon steel generally, but can't find one...
two things. In a knife fight the soft brass will absorb vibration from an enemies weapon, and it helps prevent damage to the spine from another weapon.
Donnie B All Day: (Touches the blade on sharp and pointy parts and No Blood) Me: (Touches sharp and pointy parts of the blade and Starts Bleeding badly)
@@DonnieBAllDay thank you sir. You could do us all a favor and take a magnet to the grip. It'd be great to know how long a Tang stretches into the grip . if it's at least half way I would trust it
I would have a ton of head scratching to answer that. The steel depends on the application. While I love 1095 applied to survival type knives, I wouldn't use it as a dive steel. D2, O1, San Mai, A1, etc. are all great for different reasons. What I would want for my Samurai sword isn't the same as my choice on my fencing sword. The same as how I would separate steels used from a fruit knife to a Bowie. I guess I don't have a preferred choice all around because all around my choices would change.
I agree with you it's a beautiful life and you being so excited about it you got me excited about it I didn't know there was such a knife or should I say I didn't know that the gentleman made that knife it's very nice and I got to get one that thing is razor shaving Sharp the way it just plows through that wood these other knife guys on here they're about dumb as a box of rocks that's 420 steals good very nice thank you for sharing this video you're awesome see we can agree and disagree doesn't mean I don't like you just we just agree and disagree I'm glad that we can get along good thank you so much 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
Hibben knifes..ugh!.....beautiful wall hangers, wimpy fragile to use, except for very lightbwork, could be effective as a fighting knife, however, would not be my first choice!..... I'd go with cold steel Nachez bowie every time
Glad you know your bowie history, i recently just picked up a bark river edwin forest bowie.... you should check it out👍🏻15:23 if you hack at someones arm with this beast you’ll definitely watch it fall to the ground
The Buck 420HB steel with the Bos tempering makes very good knives. People who diss the Buck knives never had their butts covered by the Buck 120 General... a small bowie to be sure but effective as a trail knife. Long story short, 420 makes a decent production-knife blade. A lot depends on tempering.
Finally, somebody who proves 420 steel is just as good. Design, edge type (convex, flat, hollow, etc), handle type, feeling, looks, scabbard, intended usage. These make a knife good or bad. Not the steel in itself. So a good design with a "cheapo" steel is better than a useless knife with a great steel. Try this with a Strider folder. Try this with a Cold Steel folder, ranting about the strongest lock in the world. Try this with a Cold Steel Bushman bowie. Will it be the same? No! Because the design is intended for something else, while the marketing people try to say, Yeah, this knife can do EVERYTHING Man!! Pay me 600 dollah, and here is a butter knife, cut a tree with it!!!
I tell everyone, a knife is a knife. They all serve a purpose. People forget that Buck uses 420HC in most of their forever blades as well as most dive knife makers.
I want this knife really bad but i hear say the guard is loose or became loose fast.. I dont know if its true..but i can not take the risc..i like strong Bowie's as Ontario SP10..The Undertaker Bowie..etx etx.. But i would love this Bowie if the guard was strong..
Wrong, there are 4 knives of this pattern, the Musso bowie, the Jessie Robinson, James C. Neil , and the Sweet, Robinson was a friend of Bowie's, together at the Battle of Conception, Neil and Bowie were in command in San Antonio before Travis arrived, the Sweet knife disappeared into someone's collection in the 1960s, but there's a picture of it.
. The one on display was owned by a man named Fowler made on commission by Daniel Searles who was commissioned by Rezin Bowie for gifts after James was already dead , Searles made 4 , the Sandbar knife was made by Jesse Cliftt, nobody knows what knife James had at the Alamo as he owned several knives in his life, was also known to carry a clasp knife.
Beautiful knife, but I've had 420 snap in two on a few Bucks, hence I no longer trust them. But that could be a difference in how Gil heat treats his, probably much better.
@@DonnieBAllDay the first 119 I broke was just the tip so it became a bit of a stubby but then the second one broke in half and after having two break I just kind of thought well I'll regard these strictly as light duty knives. But yes I certainly agree it has a lot to do with the quality of the heat training most all of the steels are all really really good.
@@DonnieBAllDay I'd like to find this exact blade design/shape in a high carbon steel and full tang with brass pommel to match the guard. I cant find one. This blade has the perfect dimentions/ratios, but I'm not a big fan of stainless steel.
I ordered one and sent it back for a refund... On the right side of the blade near the hilt, it had "CHINA" engraved. Due to the comments, questions answered and it being designed by American knife maker Gil Hibben, I obviously assumed that it was made in the USA. It isn't... The knife is too large for practical carry and/or use. It's best suited as a conversation piece, display or ceremonial knife.
The knife was designed by Hibben and made by United cutlery. A lot of knife companies outsource their building to China because it's cheaper. As far as the use, I use mine all the time to lop down small trees but it's best as a large self defense Bowie in the woods.
This is pretty cool looking knife ! However - if there will be a DBad designed knife, made by those guys in Khukri House that would be really something ... Ok, I'm not a "steel snob" but I really don't think that you, DBad (and a I really appreciate your work and reviews) would trust your life on that knife - and please, don't take it as an offense - it really looks great and I see your point - it really looks as a Bowie knife should look - but I'd prefer a Bowie that I could rely on ... So, long story short - why don't you make some specs for those guys on Khukri House - I would definitely buy on of those knives ... Sorry, I really don't want to upset you ! Most of us don't dive 😊 But a well made bowie knife like that would be a life saver ...
You can't upset someone by speaking from your mind. I already posted my Musso designs in my community tab. As far as this knife, in a self defense situation, I would 100% trust my life with this knife
Thank you very much DBad for your answer and especially for your confirmation that this a trustworthy knife ! It really, really looks amazing - and the fact that it can really be used for self defense and for some reasonable tasks as well puts it on the top 3 of my wish list 😊 All the best !
HC means high carbon like 440 c means carbon 420 hc is 420 knife steel same thing has carbon not very much compared to other cutlery steels that's why it doesn't rust buck knows how to heat treat that's for sure
Buck uses a cheap steel but does a good job heat treating it joker knives of Spain uses it too they do a good job in their heat treatment too they make some good knives at a good price they make a large stag Bowie for around $100 that's pretty awesome
He was famous for his sandbar fight among others. He was there for the fighting at the Alamo and was on his deathbed, but every now and then he would stumble out of his chambers to show his men that he was still there and to give them good spirits. By the time the Mexicans breeched the wall, he was bed bound.
@@jonslife3533 I also heard that he had two loaded pistols and got off two shots. True or not, don't care. He was already dying. His legacy was already born.
One word: "Tang"... what kind of tang does it have? Doesnt look to be a thru tang.. Buck uses 420HD... and have for years..... The trick with 420hd is the tempering and Paul Bos at Buck got that right many decades ago. It was highly prized in-country RVN for edge-holding and rust-resistance....
@@DonnieBAllDay What holds the grip to the tang? Doesnt seem very sturdy, to me- but it must be or it wouldnt have been designed as it is.. FWIW your personal make wouldnt have raised many eyebrows on the western trails back in day.. looks very authentic to the times and place.
@@ronalddunne3413 Like all real Musso styles, the hidden full tang is held on with a 2 part epoxy. Any time you see a handle not pinned or capped without a visible tang, it's epoxied.
Yes. The knife Jim used at the Sandbar fights was more like the kitchen knife shape. The Musso style knife, similar to this design, he carried right up until he left for Texas to go to the Alamo. He ended up giving the knife as a gift to a friend right before he left. You can still see the actual Musso knife he carried and gifted. It's at the Battle For Texas museum in San Antonio. I shot a video of it. The knife is beautiful.
Wasn't even close to Jim Bowie's knife. Actual blade was about 9 inches long. Had no hilt or clip point. Looked more like a butcher knife. His knife is in the Alamo next to the Crockett hotel and not in the mall anywhere.
This is a copy of one Jim owned and carried, but gifted to a friend prior to going into Texas. The butcher knife style was also what he used in the sand bar fight. They have the actual Musso style in Battle For Texas. I filmed it.
You are wrong. Jim had multiple knives, not just the one. The 9 1/2 inch blade was the one his brother Rezin described as being the original knife he (Rezin) designed and had made by a blacksmith, and which was supposedly later used by Jim in the Sandbar fight. Jim reportedly had multiple knives of various styles made over the years and would gift them, or copies of them, to friends.
Man...i just bought me a blood rose addition...the hand guard is loose and jingles around..it makes it feel like something from a flea market..im so disappointed...Beutiful knife...bad craftsmanship.
YOU HAVE ENTERTAINING SHOW BUT METALLURGY IS COMPLICATED ......CHECK OUT, "Knife 101 What Is the Best Steel for Knives?"......But FYI...3cr13 stainless is actual steel (china stainless steel) china is printed on blade," is what All his blades are made from !
@@tom-c1j2p 440C is an amazing steel with a great HT. Hib used that on his blades because its well trusted. 440 is a common usage, its the 440C and 440A steels you want
Sup Donnie love the channel but This knife is Made in china 👎 Gil hibbon designs are great looking but I will NOT buy products made in china anymore. Its also not full tang its a rattail tang into the handle. I highly highly recommend the Bear & Sons Gold Rush Bowie 100% made in 🇺🇸 awesome craftsmanship, true full tang. Cocobolo scales. Premium Sandvik steel knife is Made in Alabama.
The Bear and Sons blade is GREAT!!! But here's a question(just to be an ass. Haha) for you... The device you typed your comment on, was it made in China? Haha
Sure is. Much like these devices we run our lives off of. Without the China made phones and computers, many people would be lost or dead. I'm not hung up on where something is made, but if it works. The Chinese have been making war winning blades for thousands of years before we even had a country. Not gonna lie though, they do also put out some of the worst made shit on the planet! haha
@@DonnieBAllDay when they’re creating pandemics and stealing our military R&D, along with attempting to infiltrate our Government then yes I will pass on this knife and any other Chinese made garbage. I own very little Chinese made anything and make a point that my freinds and family always check the tags for where it’s made. I have a major problem with communist Chinese and quite frankly the defeatist attitude I hear is all wrong. Some of us will never sell out.
Was the Sheath stiff when you bought it? I had to force the blade in the sheath to open up. That gold part is kinda in the way. I'm just gonna let it sit in there to break it in. Did you ever have that happen to you?
Hey man I thought you were going to jail for sure moving that time you had to apologize for that thing you did to that little girl anyways I thought you'd be dead by now have a nice show oh yeah get well soon got to sell them Chinese knives
I never had to apologize for doing anything to anyone. The other way around. Went to court where they admitted it never happened, but thanks for being a slanderous dick.
You made me want this knife. I always liked the way it looked, but thought the Gil Hibben version was just a nice looking cheap display piece. Really cool to see it hold up to a little hard use 👍😎 420 is a good steel if it has a proper heat treat.
Bro! Look up my dbad Big Jim
420 отличная сталь для больших ножей или мачете
@@Мастер-ш3д great for ocean divers knives
That's a brutal beauty. You have the nicest bowie collection I've ever seen. Like your vids a lot!
thanks brother
That Natchez is simply Elegant
I was thinking about getting a Gil Hibben Bowie for a bug out bag and this review answers all my questions and then some. Gotta have one now, thx for the info Donnie B
I love it
Great choice
What a beauty! A wonderful traditional blade. I fell in love with Hibben blades the moment I saw one on the Tube. Some day I have to have one.
I saw the Bowie and grabbed my newest acquisition, a budget Cold Steel Marauder Bowie. And it has 100% this traditional shape. No need to mention that I am a long time Cold Steel fan.
Oh, I did it anyway.
420 steel is not automatically bad, so is the 440 steel family. It all comes to the heat threatment.
I have some old blades, made of the 420 and 440 steel family, as it was done 30 years ago in Germany, and they all served me well over the years. Fishing, spending time at my cabin at the fishing pond in the woods my family has there. Done lots of bushcrafting, cleaning fish up to real big European Catfish (Wels), the largest was over 6 feet. Building bows and torches for the kids, splitting kindling, food preparation, beating the crap out of those knifes. Never had one of those blades chip or break on me.
I am talking about knifes made by Puma, Herbertz, Schlieper, Opinel, Victorinox and some old butchers knifes from the butchers shop of my great-grandmother, used by her from around the 1880's up to 1940's. Well, this knifes and the meat cleaver are made of carbon steel, I am not able to name the steel quality, but they throw great sparks. I use, love and appreciate this old knifes a lot.
I still have and use them, I don't see any reason why I shouldn't.
Methinks that a lot of corksniffing is going on, when it comes to blade steel.
Everybody knows that you are able to ruin every knife if you mistreat it.
Take care and maintain your blades, and you'll have something to pass over generations.
I agree 100%
Any problem with the guard comming loose? That seems to be a common complaint. Is it full tang as well?
no loosening yet and no, they aren't full tang. For that, look up my dbad Big Jim Bowie
Thanks for taking the time to make this reviews...I'm checking your vids to choose my blades so i don't go through the trouble of be returning stuff... because most reviewers out there don't really hack them like you do... i got me the timber rattler and like you said...for the price..is a great blade...
I can without a doubt recommend any dbad design sold at www.thekhukurihouse.com under dbad Creations. They're bad ass blades designed by me and made for hard use.
GREAT review my man! I have the Hibben Arkansas Toothpick and was very surprised at the sharpness and quality vs the low cost. I'm definitely going to be adding this to my knife collection soon! I have a tattoo on my right leg of the Musso Bowie already! :)
I love this blade. Tattoo is coming
Whats up Johnny B, i know this is not your latest vid, but I just love how you get them blades to work!
Great stuff keep it up hollidays hugs from sweden!
Thanks my brother. And even though my name is Donnie, not Johnny, I still love ya. Haha
.....at long last.....!!!! yes...!!! someone is really using and testing this big Bowie blade , instead of just talking and talking infront of a camera...! well done!
I absolutely hate table top reviews and unboxing. I'm with you bro.
Almost forgot, I have the Hibb Expendables Legionnaire Bowie sitting here that I still need to review also.
Beautiful knife Donnie thanks for sharing brother!
My actual pleasure
AMAZING ! I NEVER EVEN THOUGHT TO USE MINE [DAMASCUS STEEL} THAT WAY. I THOUGHT THAT IT WAS A GORGEOUS WALL HANGER. THANK YOU FOR SHOWING ME THAT I WAS WRONG.
Look at my expendable Bowie real world usage video. People don't realize that just because they are pretty they are still knives.
@@DonnieBAllDay WILL DO. THANK YOU.
I bought it yesterday...but I have to say that the golden ring on the handle is a little bit loose.... How did you fix that? Because after I bought it I read that a lot of people has the same problem
And thanks for that video 😎 you are doing a really good job 😎
Do you mean the brass guard is a bit loose? That could be from temp changes changing the wood. But if it bothers you or is too loose, you can tape the blade and the guard leaving a space where you can see where they touch and glue it. I prefer to use a two part epoxy like JB Weld. You can apply it wit a Q-Tip so you can really push it into the crack, then take off the tape so it doesn't dry to your knife.
have you seen the giant pakistan musso bowie knives?They look awesome!!
There are a lot really nice blades that come out of Pakistan.
My knife is labeled china, it hasent been a problem, but im still hesitant to continue using it. Does your blade say china on it as well
These are all made in China
What a beautiful blade. It's an authentic and historic icon.
so damn good looking
I bought this blade yesterday... I trust in you dude!!
Not made to take down an oak, but it clearly does what I did with it. I still use it for light branch cutting.
@@DonnieBAllDay Roger that! I'm from Chile so I must wait at least a month for have it on my hands... Question, the Bloodwood edition had a real design diffrence with the first model on market, the one that You mention was run out or is just the same?
@@mauriciocanales4903 Same thing I believe, just different grips
Hi there. I got the knife, loved the look, weight, and overall feel. Took it out to the yard and started battoning through wood and the brass top guard bowed and busted off after like 5-6 batons... The box it comes in says right on the outside: “Take it with you into the most untamed environments and use it under the harshest conditions." Seems like that topguard was very simply glued on, not welded or whatever... did I get a lemon or is one not supposed to baton with this kind of knife?
The brass guards are generally glued on and then held in place by the actual handle. Did you accidentally hit the actual guard or did the guard hit the wood you were batoning through? Brass is soft, so contact with the actual guard should be avoided. I did a video customizing a Szco Bowie where I trimmed the guard for that reason.
Donnie B All Day yes I was beating on the guard. Clearly I’m no pro lol... But honestly I think even if I avoided the guard, it would have eventually popped off traveling through wood... I love the look of the guard, but it seems to render the knife sort of useless as a survival tool, or is there a way to customize it out? When the guard popped off, it looked good except for the exposed hole where the guard fits into the handle...
@@maestroalhadeff without hitting it, it would've lasted forever, the blade is so long that you can baton without reaching the hilt. you shouldn't have to baton with a knife though in reality. we do it to show the strength of the edge, but not to be used as a major function. As far as customizing the guard, look at my Szco video where I did that one. its really easy. if you reshape it, you should be able to JB Weld it back on. Strongest epoxy you can use.
I've had the Damascus version of the GH Old West Bowie for years, now. A fantastic knife. I've owned a Rambo III since about 1988. Another great knife.
I think that this shape is as pretty as a knife can be and this version while not the most well built, is the best looking
I've heard the same about 420 against corrosion although I don't believe it hols an edge as long as other 400 series stainless such as 440C
Depends on the treatment. So far this edge has held up great. But of course its used more rarely than my main camp blades. I use it clearing brush. Still sharp haven't even honed it.
I picked this one up from eBay last week and OMG it’s awesome. However, I cannot find anything online that says what type of stainless steel it is. You said it’s 440 and I was wondering where you got that information from?
440 and 420 are the best candidates. Those two were most commonly used. 3, 7 or 8 cr 13 mov types are possible too, but I think it's 420. I can't remember if I read that it's 440 so I can only guess now
@@DonnieBAllDay thanks, I was really hoping it wasn’t 3cr13mov.
would it be possible to see just how the Hibben "Magnum Bowie" performs in the woods....???? do you have the Magnum Bowie in your collection???
Thats one that I'll be grabbing. I've done a few Hibben designs and the Magnum is most likely my next Hibb.
@@DonnieBAllDay GREAT....! now, that's going to be awesome! some time ago i asked United Cutlery about the chopping abilities of this model, but got an aswer that maybe it's not a very good idea to chop down woods, it's just SO GREAT that you are doing this....! may i request that you perform a few stabbing/penetration tests as well...??? it's time to see what the big Bowie is all about.....
@@sharpsholdier once I get a Mag, I'll definitely give a good go through.
Just watched your Gil Hibben Wesrtern Bowie again and was wondering what you think of his Damascus version as I have one?
Size and build are equal but I'm not sure what steels it is. Might be stronger, might easily delay. I really can't answer.
Just got one about a month ago just like that badass it's got a good weight to it. Buck knives are 420 I think?
Buck uses alot of different steels. Alot of 440hc
Went ahead and ordered one because of this video. Where can I find a different sheath for it? I've been trying to find one in Brown that can fit this massive thing and cant seem to find it.
Good question. I never looked to change mine. Best bet is to search for musso Bowie sheath and match measurements
Love this channel! You are righteous brother!
Donnie B All Day nah man I know a good man when I see one! Your righteous!
I agree...420 isn't a bad steel for a big hard use knife.
Years ago I had a xl bowie made out of 420. It was a lower end knife that cost around 20 bucks. We intentionally tried to break it all the time. We dug fire pits, chopped big hardwood like oak, locust and hedge with it. Batoned, pried with it and threw it. It was pretty much indestructible. Compared to a high end Cold Steel Kukri it was much stronger. I snapped the blade off at the handle of the Cold Steel Kukri splitting a block of cedar.
It must have been a tempering flaw in the Cold Steel to be honest. I've owned lots of Cold Steel products and have noticed their tempering isn't always consistent. I still buy Cold Steel stuff, I'm waiting on a chaos kukri right now. That's actually how I found your videos. I was looking at reviews of that blade.
Dollar for dollar Cold Steel is hard to beat imo.
I'm completely with you
Gil hibben and buck are two of my favorites .I know from experiance that buck's guarantee is as good as they come !
Buck takes care of those who pay their bills.
Hey Donnie 3 13 steel comparison to 420 steel are they the same?
3cr13 is a bit harder and can take a better rockwell. So basically, almost the same but 3-13 will have a little better edge retention
@@DonnieBAllDay thanks Donnie I ask because my Gil hibben knives are 3 13 steel
not the best, but not the worst@@dannyguithues7327
Was the original that thick and heavy? I would think fighting knives were thinner., and lighter.
it was about the same thickness. It was a do all knife. A fighter yes, but also, hunting,fire making, shelter building, etc
@@DonnieBAllDay I have the Generation (Imperial Weapons) Musso bowie and it has a much thinner blade, and comes across more as a fighting knife. The thickness is between 1/8th to 3/16th of an inch. I have the Musso bowie from Knives By Hand, which was about .25 inches thick, and over 2lbs. I did not think it would be a good fighting bowie due to the weight.
My dbad Big Jim is a thick'n, but the way I designed the grip with it being full tang, it makes for a great fighter@@MrPotatoesLatkie
Beautiful Bowie Donnie. I have this same knife and love it. Cant beat it for the price.
I completely agree.
the more i watch this video, the more i'm enjoying it! thank you for showing what a 420 stainless Bowie can actually do...do you have any plans of acquiring this same Bowie in its Damascus version?? United Cutlery makes both the Old West Toothpick and the Old West Bowie in Damascus....it would be just awesome to see how they perform. Best wishes from Greece!
I looked at it, but haven't decided yet. I keep looking though
Did James "The Knife-Lord" Bowie give his knife to Juan Padilla? The famous Juan Padilla bowie is still in existence, said to have been a gift to Sr Padilla just before the siege of the Alamo.
Looking at that Hibben knife, I'd sharpen that clip-edge, and when (not if) the grip fails, TIG an extension and re-grip it. That's my plan.. Dang, Donnie B Ive put out more $$$ for knives since plugging into your videos... but truth to tell, had this knife in my sights in one form or another for some time... I'd get the Szco version cuz I prefer the carbon steel generally, but can't find one...
The Hibben design on this one is one of the best looking I've seen. Be careful if you Weld thought, that heat treat will be no more
@@DonnieBAllDay Easy does it with a bit of TIG weld. Welding can be a bit of a trick with stainless, for sure.
I'm very curious as to where it's made?
Asia. China, Taiwan or close to.
@@DonnieBAllDay thanks for the reply back. And what's your favorite of all your Bowie knives?
@@jeffnelson73 The Case XX is right up there with some of my own designs.
@@DonnieBAllDay thanks for all your Bowie reviews, I'm gonna go for the case XX. 🔪🗡✌
@@jeffnelson73 great blade
All Gil hibben knives are great 👍
the actual ones are pretty damn great, even if some of the designs make me wonder if he was on something.
What is that long brass frame on the back of the blade for ?
two things. In a knife fight the soft brass will absorb vibration from an enemies weapon, and it helps prevent damage to the spine from another weapon.
Donnie B All Day , thanks for the answer .
Donnie B All Day: (Touches the blade on sharp and pointy parts and No Blood)
Me: (Touches sharp and pointy parts of the blade and Starts Bleeding badly)
I'm made of steel... You know, the softish cardboard like steel.
@@DonnieBAllDay You're blessed to be that tough and and not get cuts. I need to workout more.
HOWS THE TANG?? If a push tang , how deep ? Is the glue holding up ?? Any wiggle?
It's a full hidden tang. No wiggle, no wobble.
@@DonnieBAllDay thank you sir. You could do us all a favor and take a magnet to the grip. It'd be great to know how long a Tang stretches into the grip . if it's at least half way I would trust it
@@markbennettjr great. Now I know that I failed you. Haha! Yeah, sorry, I didn't think of that.
@@DonnieBAllDay no brother. You have not. Love the vids.
Such a beautiful knife
truly
Your like an encyclopedia of Knife. 👍
At least a pocket dictionary
Wasup donnie yo my favorite steel that i can say is been put to the test is case CHROME VANADIUM. Good stuff..whats your choice of steel...and why??
I would have a ton of head scratching to answer that. The steel depends on the application. While I love 1095 applied to survival type knives, I wouldn't use it as a dive steel. D2, O1, San Mai, A1, etc. are all great for different reasons. What I would want for my Samurai sword isn't the same as my choice on my fencing sword. The same as how I would separate steels used from a fruit knife to a Bowie. I guess I don't have a preferred choice all around because all around my choices would change.
@@DonnieBAllDay spoken like a real" G" THATS WHY IM A SUBSCRIBER
I agree with you it's a beautiful life and you being so excited about it you got me excited about it I didn't know there was such a knife or should I say I didn't know that the gentleman made that knife it's very nice and I got to get one that thing is razor shaving Sharp the way it just plows through that wood these other knife guys on here they're about dumb as a box of rocks that's 420 steals good very nice thank you for sharing this video you're awesome see we can agree and disagree doesn't mean I don't like you just we just agree and disagree I'm glad that we can get along good thank you so much 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
Haha! Thanks
I have the same knife it is just a beautiful knife. You are the knife master lol. Love your videos.
These things are more "knife" than people realize
You should check out the Old West Toothpick by Gil Hibben.
I know it well. Both sizes.
Great knife. I'll have to add that to my want list.
You'll be even happier if you add it to your bought list. Haha!
Hibben knifes..ugh!.....beautiful wall hangers, wimpy fragile
to use, except for very lightbwork, could be effective as a fighting knife, however, would not be my first choice!..... I'd go with cold steel Nachez bowie every time
Yeah, but you're talking about a $400 difference in price for most people to wear and never use
Glad you know your bowie history, i recently just picked up a bark river edwin forest bowie.... you should check it out👍🏻15:23 if you hack at someones arm with this beast you’ll definitely watch it fall to the ground
most definitely
I agree about the 420. It is likely to bend and flex and not break like say 440.
Exactly, the good thing is that if you don't hit 'em at an angle, no worries. You can chip 440 at any angle.
Is that an United Cutlery Gik Hibben ?
It is. Too hard to get a Hibben original
@@DonnieBAllDay And really expensive
@@jeffkodiac indeed! Haha
The Buck 420HB steel with the Bos tempering makes very good knives. People who diss the Buck knives never had their butts covered by the Buck 120 General... a small bowie to be sure but effective as a trail knife.
Long story short, 420 makes a decent production-knife blade. A lot depends on tempering.
exactly!
Finally, somebody who proves 420 steel is just as good. Design, edge type (convex, flat, hollow, etc), handle type, feeling, looks, scabbard, intended usage. These make a knife good or bad. Not the steel in itself. So a good design with a "cheapo" steel is better than a useless knife with a great steel. Try this with a Strider folder. Try this with a Cold Steel folder, ranting about the strongest lock in the world. Try this with a Cold Steel Bushman bowie. Will it be the same? No! Because the design is intended for something else, while the marketing people try to say, Yeah, this knife can do EVERYTHING Man!! Pay me 600 dollah, and here is a butter knife, cut a tree with it!!!
I tell everyone, a knife is a knife. They all serve a purpose. People forget that Buck uses 420HC in most of their forever blades as well as most dive knife makers.
I want this knife really bad but i hear say the guard is loose or became loose fast..
I dont know if its true..but i can not take the risc..i like strong Bowie's as Ontario SP10..The Undertaker Bowie..etx etx..
But i would love this Bowie if the guard was strong..
Have you seen my dbad Big Jim Bowie?
@@DonnieBAllDay
No i did not seen that one..
@@sergeantdef.3572 ruclips.net/video/KLbFU36egj0/видео.html
How do you know its a hidden full tang?
It's listed as full tang. So it must be a full hidden stick tang similar to the KA-BARs
@@DonnieBAllDay someone x-rayed this knife, you can see it in the customer images on amazon www.amazon.com/dp/B07L53RMX9/
@@Bfr3shBrian I'm not a fan of the full hidden stick tangs. Same issue I have with KA-BAR
Tested with a magnet, the tang one the old west goes 3/4 through the handle
Where did you get it from ?
I would tell you if I remembered. I know I just searched for about 6 months for it and when one became available I grabbed it is fast as I could
i love musso bowie knife!!! it's my favorite
Im with you there
Is this knife full tang?
It reads full hidden, I'm guessing 3/4
@@DonnieBAllDay Okay. Thank you.
what is the width of the blade?
I think 4.5mm but not sure. I need to measure.
Donnie B All Day sorry I mean wide not thick sir
@@mbedelsshooter I'll have to measure
Donnie B All Day okay sir thanks 🙏🏻
@@mbedelsshooter about 2 and a half inches
Very nice.
The brass spine does nothing for me however. I think it's a gimmic personally.
It was made to eat vibration from another weapon and to save the spine from damage
Wrong, there are 4 knives of this pattern, the Musso bowie, the Jessie Robinson, James C. Neil , and the Sweet, Robinson was a friend of Bowie's, together at the Battle of Conception, Neil and Bowie were in command in San Antonio before Travis arrived, the Sweet knife disappeared into someone's collection in the 1960s, but there's a picture of it.
I photographed the knife in a museum in Texas after they closed. It's a traveling display
My mistake, Google James C. Neil bowie knife, there's also a picture of the Robinson knife on the page too.
. The one on display was owned by a man named Fowler made on commission by Daniel Searles who was commissioned by Rezin Bowie for gifts after James was already dead , Searles made 4 , the Sandbar knife was made by Jesse Cliftt, nobody knows what knife James had at the Alamo as he owned several knives in his life, was also known to carry a clasp knife.
Beautiful knife, but I've had 420 snap in two on a few Bucks, hence I no longer trust them. But that could be a difference in how Gil heat treats his, probably much better.
I've had a KA-BAR snap in half at one point. Sometimes it's not the steel but the one that got the crappy heat treat
@@DonnieBAllDay the first 119 I broke was just the tip so it became a bit of a stubby but then the second one broke in half and after having two break I just kind of thought well I'll regard these strictly as light duty knives. But yes I certainly agree it has a lot to do with the quality of the heat training most all of the steels are all really really good.
GODLY BOWIE!
I am a fan. Love this thing.
Donnie B All Day I am gonna get one...
@@LegionTacticoolCutlery Completely worth it.
Beautiful
Sure is
@@DonnieBAllDay I'd like to find this exact blade design/shape in a high carbon steel and full tang with brass pommel to match the guard. I cant find one. This blade has the perfect dimentions/ratios, but I'm not a big fan of stainless steel.
@@billjenkins5693 I designed one that is behind a few builds, but will get done
I have the Expendable one it's awesome
I just sold that
The Damascus version is awesome!!!!!
Yeah it is
@@DonnieBAllDay have you done a video of that one yet?
@@Echo5-Tango no
I ordered one and sent it back for a refund... On the right side of the blade near the hilt, it had "CHINA" engraved. Due to the comments, questions answered and it being designed by American knife maker Gil Hibben, I obviously assumed that it was made in the USA. It isn't...
The knife is too large for practical carry and/or use. It's best suited as a conversation piece, display or ceremonial knife.
The knife was designed by Hibben and made by United cutlery. A lot of knife companies outsource their building to China because it's cheaper. As far as the use, I use mine all the time to lop down small trees but it's best as a large self defense Bowie in the woods.
This is pretty cool looking knife !
However - if there will be a DBad designed knife, made by those guys in Khukri House that would be really something ...
Ok, I'm not a "steel snob" but I really don't think that you, DBad (and a I really appreciate your work and reviews) would trust your life on that knife - and please, don't take it as an offense - it really looks great and I see your point - it really looks as a Bowie knife should look - but I'd prefer a Bowie that I could rely on ...
So, long story short - why don't you make some specs for those guys on Khukri House - I would definitely buy on of those knives ...
Sorry, I really don't want to upset you !
Most of us don't dive 😊
But a well made bowie knife like that would be a life saver ...
You can't upset someone by speaking from your mind. I already posted my Musso designs in my community tab. As far as this knife, in a self defense situation, I would 100% trust my life with this knife
Thank you very much DBad for your answer and especially for your confirmation that this a trustworthy knife !
It really, really looks amazing - and the fact that it can really be used for self defense and for some reasonable tasks as well puts it on the top 3 of my wish list 😊
All the best !
@@lucianbrad4291 absolutely
I need that version
Buck uses 420 enough said . Heat treat is as important as the steel
Well Buck uses a 420HC which is completely different, but it sure is all about the heat treat
HC means high carbon like 440 c means carbon 420 hc is 420 knife steel same thing has carbon not very much compared to other cutlery steels that's why it doesn't rust buck knows how to heat treat that's for sure
Buck uses a cheap steel but does a good job heat treating it joker knives of Spain uses it too they do a good job in their heat treatment too they make some good knives at a good price they make a large stag Bowie for around $100 that's pretty awesome
@@motomark9736 420 is a great steel for dive knives and collectables.
@@motomark9736 Correct. The carbon content can change the blade hardness, flexibility, durability and edge retention.
Good video friend! Cheers!
I appreciate it
Jim Bowie did not fight at the Alamo. I believe he was in bed deathly sick. I guess it depends on what history book you read
He was famous for his sandbar fight among others. He was there for the fighting at the Alamo and was on his deathbed, but every now and then he would stumble out of his chambers to show his men that he was still there and to give them good spirits. By the time the Mexicans breeched the wall, he was bed bound.
@@DonnieBAllDay thanks Donnie B you the man
@@DonnieBAllDay there's rumor that once they breached he still shot a couple of the Mexicans who were unfortunate enough to get to his chambers first
@@jonslife3533 I also heard that he had two loaded pistols and got off two shots. True or not, don't care. He was already dying. His legacy was already born.
@@DonnieBAllDay Exactly , his story will never die
Nice looking bowie but bet not much of a tang
Full hidden but still not enough
One word: "Tang"... what kind of tang does it have? Doesnt look to be a thru tang.. Buck uses 420HD... and have for years..... The trick with 420hd is the tempering and Paul Bos at Buck got that right many decades ago. It was highly prized in-country RVN for edge-holding and rust-resistance....
It's a full hidden. They kept it true to how it's supposed to be.
@@DonnieBAllDay What holds the grip to the tang? Doesnt seem very sturdy, to me- but it must be or it wouldnt have been designed as it is.. FWIW your personal make wouldnt have raised many eyebrows on the western trails back in day.. looks very authentic to the times and place.
Dammitol! gonna have to quit watching yer vids... they incite the desire for sooo many more knives!
@@ronalddunne3413 I get done filming and automatically want to buy more. It's a disease you don't need to put cream on.
@@ronalddunne3413 Like all real Musso styles, the hidden full tang is held on with a 2 part epoxy. Any time you see a handle not pinned or capped without a visible tang, it's epoxied.
nope...there is a design... from his brother... it resembles the long Esse
Yes. The knife Jim used at the Sandbar fights was more like the kitchen knife shape. The Musso style knife, similar to this design, he carried right up until he left for Texas to go to the Alamo. He ended up giving the knife as a gift to a friend right before he left. You can still see the actual Musso knife he carried and gifted. It's at the Battle For Texas museum in San Antonio. I shot a video of it. The knife is beautiful.
ruclips.net/video/iEcS9DwXzjQ/видео.html
If you skip ahead to 33 minutes, you'll see one of his actual fighting knives and his actual Musso style Bowie that this Hibben was designed after.
Sorry about that DONNIE! Brain fart i guess😂😂
All good in the hood! Haha
420 hc is just as corrosion resistant as H-1
Why divers everywhere use it for oceanic use
Wasn't even close to Jim Bowie's knife. Actual blade was about 9 inches long. Had no hilt or clip point. Looked more like a butcher knife. His knife is in the Alamo next to the Crockett hotel and not in the mall anywhere.
This is a copy of one Jim owned and carried, but gifted to a friend prior to going into Texas. The butcher knife style was also what he used in the sand bar fight. They have the actual Musso style in Battle For Texas. I filmed it.
@@DonnieBAllDay I'll stay with my original statement. His knife looked like none of the ones they claim now as copies.
@@Broddi169 I guess I'd agree if I didn't film it in the museum. One of those see it to believe deals.
You are wrong. Jim had multiple knives, not just the one. The 9 1/2 inch blade was the one his brother Rezin described as being the original knife he (Rezin) designed and had made by a blacksmith, and which was supposedly later used by Jim in the Sandbar fight. Jim reportedly had multiple knives of various styles made over the years and would gift them, or copies of them, to friends.
@@Broddi169 yea thats why he has numerous portraits of himself with a monster of a knife and not this little buch knife your yapping about back then
Chucky 3
Hell yeah
Man...i just bought me a blood rose addition...the hand guard is loose and jingles around..it makes it feel like something from a flea market..im so disappointed...Beutiful knife...bad craftsmanship.
That sucks. If you can fit something in between the guard and grip, you can jb weld it
YOU HAVE ENTERTAINING SHOW BUT METALLURGY IS COMPLICATED ......CHECK OUT, "Knife 101
What Is the Best Steel for Knives?"......But FYI...3cr13 stainless is actual steel (china stainless steel) china is printed on blade," is what All his blades are made from !
HIS blades are 440C, the UC reproductions are mostly 3cr
440 IS HIGHER CARBON AND BRITTLE AS YOU FOUND OUT WITH BOOT KNIFE
AND HE SAYS HIS KNIVES DIFFER SOME ARE 3CR13 AND SOME APPARENTLY ARE 440 DEPENDING ON PURPOSE
maybe you're right
@@tom-c1j2p 440C is an amazing steel with a great HT. Hib used that on his blades because its well trusted. 440 is a common usage, its the 440C and 440A steels you want
420jc
420 HC is what Buck uses. Works well
Sup Donnie love the channel but
This knife is Made in china 👎 Gil hibbon designs are great looking but I will NOT buy products made in china anymore. Its also not full tang its a rattail tang into the handle. I highly highly recommend the Bear & Sons Gold Rush Bowie 100% made in 🇺🇸 awesome craftsmanship, true full tang. Cocobolo scales. Premium Sandvik steel knife is Made in Alabama.
The Bear and Sons blade is GREAT!!! But here's a question(just to be an ass. Haha) for you... The device you typed your comment on, was it made in China? Haha
@@DonnieBAllDay nope made in South Korea haha F ccp communist china. Just to be an ass
Made in China
Sure is. Much like these devices we run our lives off of. Without the China made phones and computers, many people would be lost or dead. I'm not hung up on where something is made, but if it works. The Chinese have been making war winning blades for thousands of years before we even had a country. Not gonna lie though, they do also put out some of the worst made shit on the planet! haha
@@DonnieBAllDay when they’re creating pandemics and stealing our military R&D, along with attempting to infiltrate our Government then yes I will pass on this knife and any other Chinese made garbage. I own very little Chinese made anything and make a point that my freinds and family always check the tags for where it’s made. I have a major problem with communist Chinese and quite frankly the defeatist attitude I hear is all wrong. Some of us will never sell out.
A Chinese, rat tail, wall hanger. Take apart the handle and see how cheap, poor workmanship is used on this travesty of a blade.
where did it fail in usage?
It's got a rat tail pure junk
Pure junk but it did literally everything I did with it and it's still doing it
Was the Sheath stiff when you bought it? I had to force the blade in the sheath to open up. That gold part is kinda in the way. I'm just gonna let it sit in there to break it in. Did you ever have that happen to you?
it definitely fits snug
Hey man I thought you were going to jail for sure moving that time you had to apologize for that thing you did to that little girl anyways I thought you'd be dead by now have a nice show oh yeah get well soon got to sell them Chinese knives
I never had to apologize for doing anything to anyone. The other way around. Went to court where they admitted it never happened, but thanks for being a slanderous dick.
If Jason had that at Crystal Lake man he could have killed so many more
At least 3 and a half more.