Al Mar Question ?

WelderBob · Post by **WelderBob** » Mon Nov 19, 2007 1:55 am

I recently acquired a Al Mar "Alaskan" bowie...The knive was originality purchased from Bill Claussen of Northwest Knives in 1999...The catalog that came with the knife states c. 1993...After reading Orvet's post on Al Mar's I understand that Mr. Mar died in 1992...Maybe the description was just an oversight...Anyway I would like to know if this signature is genuine...It is stated in the ad that Al Mar signed the back of this sheath...I do not doubt Mr. Claussen, but I would like to authenicate this...Do you think the present Al Mar Co. would be of any help...your opinions would be most appreciated....Thank's, Robert

El Lobo · Post by **El Lobo** » Mon Nov 19, 2007 3:39 pm

Robert,

Just a suggestion, but I bet you could call them and ask for Gary Fadden's opinion. Just an idea.

http://www.almarknives.com/

Bill

orvet · Post by **orvet** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 10:13 am

If you want to compare the signature to Al's signature you can.
I have Al's signature on a magazine article about him. I asked him to sign it for me & he did. See the attached copy.

I think the Alaskan Bowie came out about 1989.
In 1993 Al's wife, Ann & daughter, were still running the company. It could have been stock that was around before Al's death. Al died in October of 1992, IIRC.

We had two or three of the Alaskan Bowies. They were slow sellers as they were about $350 or more when they came out.

I have been in Northwest Knives & Collectables (Mr. Claussen store in Salem, OR which closed in Oct 2006) many times. I believe he enjoys a good reputation in the industry. I think he is fairly knowledgeable on Al Mars.

Dale

Dale

WelderBob · Post by **WelderBob** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 5:21 pm

Thank you for the infomation it will be very useful. El Lobo, I have not been able to make contact with the company yet but will keep trying. Orvet, after comparing the writing and signature in your picture I see some similarity to the signature on my sheath, but I an no expert in this matter. I know Mr. Claussen has a excellent reputation and I have no reason to doubt his word. Since I am thinking of selling this knife I thought some documentation would be nice. I will continue to research this, thank's again for your help. Robert

orvet · Post by **orvet** » Sat Nov 24, 2007 2:45 am

WelderBob,
Can you post a pic of your Alaskan Bowie?

Thanks,
Dale

WelderBob · Post by **WelderBob** » Sat Nov 24, 2007 2:02 pm

Orvet, Here's a pic of "Big Al", it's quite a knife with a 12" blade...17 1/4" OAL and 3/16" thick at the tang. It balance's 1 1/4" forward of the guard and feels light in the hand. While not my choice as a survival knife it is a formidable fighter. Robert