Specs:
12 3/16" overall length
5 1/4" handle length
1 3/16" handle thickness
7 1/16" blade length
1/4" K-Treet 01 steel
Rounded spine
Thumb notches
3/8" flared copper handle pins
Garolite scales with red micarta liners
20.7 ounces
I designed this knife to incorporate design features from several different knives.
I have always loved the Busse flared-tube handle fasteners, I like a thumb ramp, love the way the CRK rounds the spines of their knives and how the jimping on a Sebenza looks when the spine is rounded.
Additionally, I love JK Handmade Knives, and his proprietary K-Treet 01 steel. I know from the JK Knives Torture Test Passaround just how durable this steel is.
I wanted a "big honkin' Bowie style knife". I also wanted a thicker, more rounded handle with a big bird-beak at the butt to allow better control of the knife, even when wearing gloves.
The result of my thoughts and design, after collaborating with Mr. K, is the excellent JK XD Modern Bowie.
Pictured below is the initial mock-up that I sent to John -
And John turned that idea into this!!
The grind lines are PERFECT! If I did not know better, I would swear this was made on CNC -
The eXtra Thick spine looks fantastic rounded off - and it comes to a perfect point.
I took it to the range with me so I could show the guys.
You can make fuzz sticks with the XD, you hold the knife and bring the wood to it - this wood was very green so it did not make nice curlies, plus my technique is in question...
The knife, by virtue of it's weight, makes a decent chopper - you won't want to cut down trees with it, but if you had to make large notches for a big deadfall trap or emergency shelter etc, the XD would be your friend.
fun pictures -
here is the knife with my Defensive Battle Hawk and my Glock 23 -
John stamps a 1 into the first of any model.
John made an excellent sheath for the XD - I asked for something "law enforcement" like - heavy duty with no nonsense.
John never gives himself enough credit for his leather work - it is very durable and I have NEVER had a problem with a JK Sheath -
He really nailed this one for me!!
The XD Modern Bowie Knife can be had in a couple of flavors - the XT (extra thick) and a thinner XM, although John can make any combination of size/thickness one desires.
The garolite is very smooth - it may be slippery when wet, but the hollow rivet tubes give some traction, and the bird-beak butt also keeps your hand in place.
The handle is very nicely rounded and is a big-honkin' hand filler!!
Thank you Mr. K - you made me very happy with helping me make the XD Modern Bowie a reality!
best
mqqn
