Bowen folder

rock · Post by **rock** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 9:10 pm

I have Bowen stag handle folder (near mint) that has a Remington bullet pattern number stamped on the blade. Is this an original bullet knife assembled by Bowen after they purchased the company during the war? Anyone have an idea what its worth?

jonet143 · Post by **jonet143** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 9:34 pm

goins, bowen knife co. - bowen bullet -1973-

brl, bowen knife co. bullet- formerly collins bros. atlanta, waycross, ga. manufacturer - 1973-

don't think they are related to the remington knives.

rock · Post by **rock** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 11:08 pm

Thanks for info, but i'm still puzzled about the blade having the Remington bullet pattern number stamped on it. I looked at a picture in a collector knife guide and the single blade Remington bullet knife looks the same except the bowen knife doesn't have the bullet shield on the handle. Sorry if I sound dumb here but this is my first time on a forum.

Gr8Scout · Post by **Gr8Scout** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 11:17 pm

That bullet pattern is now a classic. Lots of makers- factory and custom, have done a rendition of them, including the model number. I have a friend that has a large collection, including the original and the Bowen.

I've owned a couple of Bowen knives, good products. The Bowen name is no longer owned by the Collins' (Blackie and his bro) but if you google the name, you'll find lots of legal and criminal entries; The companies biggest product now is a belt buckle dagger. I wrote to them a few years ago, they still have all the old dies and such for the bowen folders and fixed blades.

Hope this clears things up for you.

By the way, welcome to our forum.

edgy46 · Post by **edgy46** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 11:26 pm

Welcome aboard rock. You will find this a very friendly place.There are no dumb questions.We all started with no knowledge and none of us know it all. Well maybe a few, but they don't flaunt it.

rock · Post by **rock** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 11:29 pm

Thanks, that does help i learned alot from both replys. the knife in question i have had in my possession for about 20 years and have often wondered about it. Not many folks seemed to know the history.

Gr8Scout · Post by **Gr8Scout** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 11:38 pm

Around twenty, thirty years ago, there were many 'new' brands surfacing. Knife collecting was growing, and there was a market for 'collectible' knives. Some very interesting knives and stories came out of those years. Names like Genella and Star Handcrafted and Risner to name a couple of my personal favorites. Seemed like everyone was getting into the knife business.

knife7knut · Post by **knife7knut** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 12:25 am

As was stated before,Bowen is probably most known for it's line of belt buckle knives;both single and double edged which are now illegal almost everywhere.It spawned a host of imitators most of which were overseas.I have several examples;including a couple of Bowen originals(but no belts).They surface on e-Bay occasionally and I'm still trying for an original belt.

I also have one of the Bowen Bullets:a 1306B "Baby Bullet" which is a bit smaller than the original Remington Bullet.Back when they were made Remington Bullet knives(originals)were the hottest item around.People were paying crazy money for originals in just about any condition.A good one today will still fetch a handy sum.

I have always been a fan of the Collins Brothers as being some of the most innovative knife designers ever.I have many examples of their innovations including a couple of diver's knives. Here's a picture or two of the Baby Bullet.Still have the original box around somewhere.

El Lobo · Post by **El Lobo** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 3:36 pm

IIRC,
Walter "Blackie" Collins has held, at one time or another, somewhere around 40 knife or gun patents. Here is a page that may be of some interest.....

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/4389775.html

...keep scrolling as it's laid out in a rather difficult manner, IMO.

He has a very fertile mind. Pretty amazing, IMO.

I bought my son a Meyerco knife, designed by Mr. Collins, a few years ago. It needed a little work, so we sent it in to Meyerco in Texas. When it came back, it actually was returned from Mr. Collins' shop in South Carolina. What a treat!

Here is the current Bowen website, if anyone was looking...

http://www.bowenknife.com/

Intersting topic for sure!

Bill

rock · Post by **rock** » Tue Feb 05, 2008 5:48 pm

You guys keep this up and i may learn something!! thanks for all the help, maybe one day I'll be able to assist someone.