July 2026 - bodaciousblades.com

Rigid Custom “Alamo Bowie” Serial #07973

admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 18:20:52 +0000

RIGID Alamo Bowie Limited Edition Collectible Knife – Serial #07973

A rare and impressive RIGID Alamo Bowie featuring a massive 17.5" blade and individually numbered serial #07973. This large presentation Bowie showcases the iconic Alamo design and craftsmanship that made RIGID knives popular among collectors.

The blade is clean and displays the classic RIGID Alamo Bowie styling with detailed etched artwork. The knife features the original handle, guard, and pommel, with excellent balance and substantial presence. A true conversation piece for collectors of vintage Bowies, historical-themed knives, and RIGID examples.

This knife is being offered without the original sheath. The blade, markings, and serial number remain intact, making this a desirable collectible for display or a RIGID knife collection.

Specifications:

Maker: RIGID
Model: Alamo Bowie
Overall Length: Approximately 17.5"
Blade 10.5"
Serial Number: 07973

Antique George Wostenholm I*XL Washington Works Sheffield Bowie Knife

admin — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 16:59:17 +0000

Explore this stunning 19th-century George Wostenholm & Son I*XL Bowie knife from Washington Works, Sheffield. Features "The Americans Pride" blade etching and dark horn handle scales. Perfect for Civil War era and antique cutlery collectors.

George Wostenholm I*XL Limited Edition Horsehead Bowie Knife 48/100

admin — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 16:52:31 +0000

The History of the Numbered Runs

Wostenholm produced highly coveted, limited-edition numbered Bowie knives during the mid-to-late 20th century. The most famous of these documented series is the "Last Bowie" edition of 1971.

The company produced a strict run of exactly 100 pieces to commemorate the end of an era right before George Wostenholm & Son merged with Joseph Rodgers & Sons in November 1971. These knives featured a broad 10-inch clip-point blade, traditional embellishments, and a serialized stamp out of 100 on the blade or ricasso.

The Story of the Craftsman

Name on a Knife Blade

The story you heard about a dedicated, long-time worker holding the line on these traditional builds is deeply rooted in the history of Sheffield's twilight era of knife-making.

Name on a Knife Blade

During the mid-20th century, mass production and foreign imports decimated the traditional Sheffield industry. To pull off these premium, limited numbered editions, Wostenholm relied on the last remaining traditional Master Cutlers and "Little Mesters" left in the factory—men who possessed the multi-decade experience required to hand-forge, grind, workback, and assemble a classic 19th-century style Bowie from start to finish.

Name on a Knife Blade

While many individual factory workers' names went unrecorded on standard production sheets, the pre-eminent figure of this exact era was the legendary master cutler Stan Shaw (1926–2021). Shaw famously worked for George Wostenholm (among a few other historic Sheffield firms) during this precise late-factory period, keeping the intricate hand-crafting techniques alive before eventually establishing his own independent workshop as the city's celebrated "last little mester".

Rare George Wostenholm I*XL Limited Edition Bowie Knife 5/100 with Sheath

admin — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 16:39:41 +0000

The History of the Numbered Runs

Wostenholm produced highly coveted, limited-edition numbered Bowie knives during the mid-to-late 20th century. The most famous of these documented series is the "Last Bowie" edition of 1971.

The Story of the Craftsman

Name on a Knife Blade

The story you heard about a dedicated, long-time worker holding the line on these traditional builds is deeply rooted in the history of Sheffield's twilight era of knife-making.

Name on a Knife Blade

Rare George Wostenholm I*XL Sheffield Limited Edition Bowie Knife – 96/100, Stag & Horse Head Handle

admin — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 16:31:50 +0000

Up for sale is a stunning, highly collectible George Wostenholm & Son I*XL Bowie Knife, a limited edition piece crafted in Sheffield, England.

Blade Etching: A beautifully detailed eagle motif clutching a banner that reads "The IXL Bowie", alongside the iconic classic stamping: "G. Wostenholm & Son, Washington Works, None Are Genuine But Those Marked IXL".
Handle & Fittings: A rugged, genuine stag horn grip accented by an ornate brass S-guard and a detailed brass horse-head pommel.

This knife is part of an incredibly exclusive run, individually numbered 96/100 on the ricasso. This is an exceptional centerpiece for any fine knife collector or historical cutlery enthusiast.

The History of the Numbered Runs

Wostenholm produced highly coveted, limited-edition numbered Bowie knives during the mid-to-late 20th century. The most famous of these documented series is the "Last Bowie" edition of 1971.

The Story of the Craftsman

The story you heard about a dedicated, long-time worker holding the line on these traditional builds is deeply rooted in the history of Sheffield's twilight era of knife-making.

Name on a Knife Blade

Vintage George Wostenholm & Son I*XL Sheffield “California Knife” Bowie Blade with Stag Handle

admin — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 16:02:29 +0000

This exceptional piece, captured beautifully in DSC06702.JPG and DSC06703.JPG, is a classic 19th-century style I*XL Bowie Knife manufactured by the historic Geo. Wostenholm & Son at the Washington Works in Sheffield, England.

The Blade: Features a deeply detailed, elaborate etch historically known as the "California Knife" configuration. The etch prominently displays a patriotic eagle motif alongside the classic slogans: "The Americans Pride" and "Equal rights, Equal Laws, and Equal Justice to all." The ricasso is stamped with the classic maker marks: G. Wostenholm & Son, Washington Works, None Are Genuine But Those Marked I*XL.
The Hilt & Handle: As showcased in the close-up in DSC06705.jpg, the knife features a robust, heavily textured stag horn scale handle secured with pins to a full tang. It is fitted with a solid, polished brass double guard.

Condition Notes: The knife is in exceptional condition with high-mirror polish remaining on the blade facets, clean etch definitions, and an intact, richly colored stag handle with minimal wear.

Vintage Wostenholm I*XL Horse Head Bowie Knife | Limited 7/100

admin — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 15:56:14 +0000

A magnificent piece of cutlery history, this George Wostenholm I*XL Bowie Knife represents the pinnacle of Sheffield craftsmanship. Crafted at the historic Washington Works in Sheffield, England, this stunning blade is a premium, modern limited-edition tribute to the 19th-century "California" style Bowies that cemented Wostenholm’s legacy in American history. Individually stamped as number 7 of only 100 pieces worldwide, this rare collector's masterpiece seamlessly marries historic cutlery art with pristine modern preservation.

The History of the Numbered Runs

Wostenholm produced highly coveted, limited-edition numbered Bowie knives during the mid-to-late 20th century. The most famous of these documented series is the "Last Bowie" edition of 1971.

The Story of the Craftsman

The story you heard about a dedicated, long-time worker holding the line on these traditional builds is deeply rooted in the history of Sheffield's twilight era of knife-making.

Rare Limited Edition George Wostenholm I*XL Horse-Head Bowie Knife – #6 of 100

admin — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:50:45 +0000

Discover a true collector's masterpiece. This exceptional contemporary George Wostenholm & Son I*XL Bowie knife is a rare limited-edition release, individually stamped as Number 6 of only 100 ever produced worldwide.

Crafted as a tribute to the legendary 19th-century frontier blades made at the famous Washington Works in Sheffield, England, this knife seamlessly combines historical artistry with premium craftsmanship.

The History of the Numbered Runs

Wostenholm produced highly coveted, limited-edition numbered Bowie knives during the mid-to-late 20th century. The most famous of these documented series is the "Last Bowie" edition of 1971.

The Story of the Craftsman

The story you heard about a dedicated, long-time worker holding the line on these traditional builds is deeply rooted in the history of Sheffield's twilight era of knife-making.

Rare Limited Edition G. Wostenholm & Son IXL Bowie Knife – Horse Head Pommel 50/100

admin — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:38:00 +0000

Up for sale is a highly collectible, premium limited edition Bowie knife manufactured by the legendary George Wostenholm & Son (Washington Works, Sheffield, England). This stunning piece bears the famous I*XL trademark—a stamp synonymous with top-tier 19th and 20th-century frontier knives.

Key Features:

Production Number: Stamped 50/100 on the ricasso, making this a very rare, low-run collector’s edition.
Blade Details: Features a deeply polished clip-point blade with a false edge. It is beautifully stamped and etched with an American eagle motif, the classic "THE I*XL BOWIE" banner, and the maker's mark: "G. Wostenholm & Son, Washington Works. None are genuine but those marked I*XL".
Hilt & Handle: Accented with an intricately detailed brass or German silver ornate crossguard, genuine smooth bone or ivory-style scales with an embedded metal shield inlay, and a highly detailed Horse Head Pommel.
Condition: Excellent condition with minor age-related handling wear, bright mirror-polished steel, and a tight hilt. A small natural hairline grain or cosmetic fracture is visible on the scale near the bolster (see photos).
Included: Comes complete with its matching sheath.

A phenomenal center-piece for any serious Sheffield cutlery, antique replica, or Bowie knife collection.

Vintage Puma 715 Aurum Etch Lockback Knife – Rare Serial 038 – Solingen Germany

admin — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 19:20:26 +0000

Key Features & Details:

Exquisite Aurum Etching: The mirror-polished blade features a spectacular, 24k gold-plated chemical engraving executed by the legendary Aurum Etchings, depicting a highly detailed hunting dog flushing waterfowl out of a marsh.
Low Serial Number: Etched clearly on the blade ricasso is serial number 038, adding immense scarcity and investment value to this piece.
Premium Handle Materials: Outfitted with flawless ivory-colored Micarta handle scales, classic brass pin construction, and an inlaid brass round Puma shield logo.
Solid Construction: Features hefty, mirror-polished German brass bolsters and a rock-solid lockback mechanism with crisp walk-and-talk.
Condition: Excellent to Mint vintage condition. The blade retains its factory edge with zero signs of sharpening. Excellent snap, tight lockup, and beautifully preserved gold etching. Minor handling micro-scratches may be present on the high-polish brass bolsters consistent with storage.