It is out there on the web, as I have seen it.
However, it is an extensive rework of the knife, basically a complete reshaping to meet Bill's idea of how a bowie should be shaped, and all on the premise the excellent steel already there is worth the effort, being defunkt Sharon Steel 0170-6 marketed as other names including Carbon V . By rework, and talking a regrind to drop the point in line with hand for a thrust for knife fighting. It was in SOF Magazine late 80s and I believe reprinted in his battle blades book. It was strictly to make it into a better fighter, not a better knife in general.
Frankly, I consider the flat to convex knife as supplied by Western to be about the most under-rated knife on the planet, as it sits. A shearing, chopping delight, and needs no improvement on a now collectible, never-again knife.
However, a synopsis listed from another board is as follows...
"That being the sharpening of the false edge of the swedge and lowering the tip somewhat, ala Bill Bagwell's suggestions which are roughly as follows: The Guard, Cut the ends of the guard off at the point where top and bottom bend to make the “S” curve. Finish the ends off by filing, sanding, polishing. The Blade, Starting about 3/8 of an inch forward of the guard, the blade should be narrowed in progressive taper until it’s 1 7/8 inches wide at the point where the clip starts across the widest part of the cutting edge. You can use a file or a grinder but be careful not to overheat the blade. The Point, The point is carried to high and needs to be dropped. Using a File or bench grinder lower the point ½ inch. Do not overheat the blade if you use a grinder. The unaltered blade measured ~9.5 inches from the front of the guard to the point. The modified version should be ~9 inches long. The clip, The original W49 clip point is not sharp so using a file rough the profile and finish with you favorite sharpener. The Handle, Use a file to thin and round the sides and ridges of the handle until they feel comfortable to you. Spend some time here there is plenty of material to work with. Do not remove the handle hook. He suggests performing the modifications in the above order."
Complete thread:
- Western W49 Bowie and Bagwell mods -
Jhenry,
2018-01-14, 16:43
- It is out there on the web, as I have seen it. -
former hater of plastic,
2018-01-14, 17:19
- I was just playing with my W49 today, -
former hater of plastic,
2018-01-14, 17:46
- And you likely know all that, but, -
former hater of plastic,
2018-01-14, 17:49
- And you likely know all that, but, -
Jhenry,
2018-01-14, 18:40
- I have had several, early to late, but have only one, now, - former hater of plastic, 2018-01-14, 19:56
- And you likely know all that, but, -
Jhenry,
2018-01-14, 18:40
- And you likely know all that, but, -
former hater of plastic,
2018-01-14, 17:49
- I was just playing with my W49 today, -
former hater of plastic,
2018-01-14, 17:46
- Word of caution..... -
Gunner,
2018-01-14, 21:36
- I should think that were he to change his mind, -
former hater of plastic,
2018-01-15, 09:05
- I should think that were he to change his mind, -
Jhenry,
2018-01-15, 18:34
- The above quoted mod synopsis said "just go for it", - former hater of plastic, 2018-01-15, 22:32
- I should think that were he to change his mind, -
Jhenry,
2018-01-15, 18:34
- I should think that were he to change his mind, -
former hater of plastic,
2018-01-15, 09:05
- Must be out of print: I can burn a copy for you. -
Rob Leahy,
2018-01-16, 13:16
- Legendary Peder Lund and Paladin Press just died. - former hater of plastic, 2018-01-17, 20:09
- Must be out of print: I can burn a copy for you. -
Jhenry,
2018-01-18, 19:04
- As plan B to his generosity, -
former hater of plastic,
2018-01-18, 22:48
- As plan B to his generosity, -
Jhenry,
2018-01-20, 09:22
- pffft...how hard can it be to snap a few cell phone pics, -
former hater of plastic,
2018-01-21, 00:18
- pffft...how hard can it be to snap a few cell phone pics, -
Jhenry,
2018-01-21, 09:09
- lot less chance with photos, rather than - former hater of plastic, 2018-01-21, 13:52
- pffft...how hard can it be to snap a few cell phone pics, -
Jhenry,
2018-01-21, 09:09
- pffft...how hard can it be to snap a few cell phone pics, -
former hater of plastic,
2018-01-21, 00:18
- As plan B to his generosity, -
Jhenry,
2018-01-20, 09:22
- As plan B to his generosity, -
former hater of plastic,
2018-01-18, 22:48
- It is out there on the web, as I have seen it. -
former hater of plastic,
2018-01-14, 17:19