Mizo bowie

[Yaj]

Thanks Asif and Jonah! Received the Bowie today.
First Impressions:
Total Length: 13 3/4 " Blade length: 9" thickness at hilt: 3/16 " Wt: 430 gms

Point of balance is exactly at the hole drilled at the ricasso.Balance for my taste sits a bit heavy in the hand.

Contours of the blade pretty decently forged and ground.Not a polished finish.Grind marks visible all over but I like it that way.Looks like a user!
Brass bolster with slight gaps between handle and bolster
I think copper tubing has been used to fix wood scales to tang.

Overall very happy with the knife. Great for the price in my opinion.Its a solidly made bowie. Sharpened to a working edge ,slices paper easily because of the toothiness as opposed to polished edge.Tried a few chops on a seasoned thick wooden beam.Sank to more than 1/2 cm with a light stroke using just the wrist.
Will test it further at a later date after some touch ups.

Here are some pics.Excuse the poor quality.No time to provide proper lighting.









Yaj.

[Olly]

what's the price... ??

[kanwar76]

Jonah, tell me where to send the doh..

-Inder

[Olly]

I'd love to buy one too...

[Yaj]

I guess you will have to pm Jonah to see if any more are available.
Yaj.

[jonahpach]

Hello Guys It's not about availability. I can get it made as and when there is an order.

Price : 1300 +/- a 50 or 100 depending on the kind of blade springs available and brass used. + Transport/Mail havent tried out either of the two. Asif was lucky My sis was home for the Christmas holidays from Delhi and was kind enough to take them with her.

Jonah

[jonahpach]

A Local Mizo Blacksmith vending his wares on the roadside. These knives are for the local market an 'fully functional' ofcourse the handles have much to be desired of.. Price Range 600-800/- (After Bargaining)







Jonah

[Yaj]

Interesting Jonah! Are those knives forged or machined from metal sheets?
Do they do any local designs too?What is the local sword/chopper? Is it like the Dha/Dhao?
Yaj.

[jonahpach]

Yaj, these are everyday utility knives used by the common folk! Usage ranges from cutting bamboo to chopping wood. They are definitely handforged! And made from vehicle blade springs. The local chopper is a 'Chempui' a bit similar to a Samurai, but much shorter and heftier blade.

Jonah

[monty3006]

wow, 1 mizo trip definately coming up for me !!!!!!!!!!

[Olly]

Beautiful knives... wonder if Mizos would themselves be paying 600-800 for these... or is the rate for outsiders ?

[danish21]

There was a woman from mizoram who was having her state's stall in the shilp mela held every year in december in allahabad was selling this knife of 250 Rs. After bargaining she was ready to give for 200 Rs. but i did'nt bought cause it was of no use to me. If any one intersted in buying then i can get these knives from the next shilp mela in december.

Danish

[eljefe]

Hey, looks like 'Rambo ' is a popular movie in Mizoram?
I thought the bowies were a one off design...
Best
Axx

[Yaj]

Yaj, these are everyday utility knives used by the common folk! Usage ranges from cutting bamboo to chopping wood. They are definitely handforged! And made from vehicle blade springs. The local chopper is a 'Chempui' a bit similar to a Samurai, but much shorter and heftier blade.

Jonah

Thats great to hear! Knives being bought by locals for use is always a good thing..It usually means they are users and not wall ornaments meant for tourists.
Would love to see a pic of a "chempui" if you have one.Some info on their specs also would be great. I love our native blade designs.
Yaj.

[jonahpach]

Hope Rambo dosent have a copyright on those knives of his Anyway. Regarding the mela knives comment by Danish; I believe him.. And it would be a bargain to get those knives. They are unavailable to us here in Mizoram as the Government gives a heavy subsidy to anybody who has any locally made product to display in those melas. (Mizoram being a no-industry state.) By the way tomatoes cost Rs. 20 a kilo in season here.

Jonah