Cold Steel Natchez Bowie Black Linen Micarta Handle (Leather Sheath)
Line-bred for battle, the Natchez Bowie is the definitive fighting Bowie. Its long blade is perfectly shaped for strength, reach and leverage, and its significant heft is flawlessly balanced, giving it unparalleled liveliness and velocity. Combine all that with its wickedly razor sharp edge and you have a knife that pierces like a dagger, cuts like a razor and chops like a cleaver! The very best in materials and workmanship is what makes performance like this possible. The blade is made of vacuum heat-treated VG-1 San Mai III blade construction. It’s costly and difficult to fashion, but the resulting blade it yields is virtually indestructible. The handle also plays a big role in the overall performance. It has a double quillion guard, bolster, and pommel made of highly polished 300 series stainless steel and a gorgeous black linen Micarta handle. It will easily accommodate a wide variety of gripping methods while serving as a very formidable impact weapon as well.
The other reviewers say it all. The only con I see is that the swedge is not as sharp as the Laredo. This could have something to do with CA law. I don't know why the price fluctuates so much at Amazon but buy when it's low, down around $365. Cold Steel has released a version in SK-5 although it is not available in the US yet. The cost will be much less and I imagine the swedge will be sharpened closer to the Laredo. The sharpened swedge is a must in order to perform back cuts.I can't see why anyone would not choose the Natchez over the Laredo in San Mai III. There is not much of a price difference between the two. I think when the Natchez is released in SK-5, that will be the best production Bowie on the market. The Natchez is not full tang. It basically uses a thick wire that attaches to a bolt on the pommel. The Natchez is sold as a Battle Blade and I would not personally use this as an all purpose utility knife. I've read feedback from some that have used it for chopping and have not seen any complaints so far.The sheath on the Natchez is great. Has a frog so that it can be hung from a belt or gunny sack. It is possible to conceal this if worn with a loose shirt shirt or jacket but I would guess that a briefcase or messenger bag would be best for long term concealment.For information on the Bowie knife I recommend Bill Bagwell's "Bowies, Big Knives and the best of Battle Blades". This book covers all aspects of the Battle Bowie in great detail It is not an illustrated…