Mastering the Bowie Backcut Flow

[@mountainadventures7346]

I’ve studied German longsword and owned a Feder. And I’ve used Bowies in my life mainly as utilitarian. I really like the thrust over the slash. It’s very hard to defend against. And as a knife a slimmer profile Bowie with a sharp false edge is a terrifying thruster. As your story of the Arkansas representative being killed by a thrust to the chest plays out. Our politicians were real men is those days! A knife is always loaded. And it doesn’t jam. There is wisdom there. Be safe folks! 🙏🏻

[@powerplay4real174]

RIP to the master blade smith Bill Bagwell I hope Bill Bagwell taught his technique to a worthy protege before his passing. 🎲🎲🔪🔪🎲🎲

[@RolandoEstocada]

🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@tx.tactical3165]

Just found your channel, great video...

[@Tito_Viera]

Just two videos on the Bowie and I fall to addiction to your style of present the information. So there you have it, my subscription to the channel and a beautiful thumb up. Thanks Rolando!! Greetings from Chile!!

[@RolandoEstocada]

Greetings and I’m glad you enjoyed it! More videos to come!

[@Tito_Viera]

@@RolandoEstocada Now I'm really surprised about the balisong, the real ones from Filipinas.

[@stephenmorin6373]

Very well executed.

[@eugenevictortooms4174]

Beautiful knife mate. I've always wanted a bagwell Hells Belle.

[@jamesshackelford6721]

Really informative video. Something that I was taught and trained in is Apache and Comanche knife fighting along with fighting with a Bowie knife. I was always told to have the cutting edge upwards. That way if you are able to go into the body with a thrust you can cut the twist the blade of your knife then rip more inside the body with the clip point before pulling out your knife. Granted my Bowie knife is not a really expensive or high priced knife but it can has done many things that I needed. Mine has a 10 1/2 inch blade. My wife also has a Bowie knife that she carries with her at times. She has a Buck 119 . Mine is a Timber Rattler .

[@RolandoEstocada]

Thank you! The edge-up methodology is also found in Bowie combatives (and balisong!). I like the use of it in sparring!

[@kaialoha]

With a single edged knife edge up enables the back edge cut both ways: forehand palm up to palm down; backhand palm down to palm up. The back strap is best for guard.

[@TAVAAR7]

Loving your vids incorporating some of my favorite American weapons into FMA (also my favorite MA). 👍 And historical uses too 🙂

[@RolandoEstocada]

Thank you! 🙏🏽🔥👊🏽

[@ericsierra-franco7802]

Great video! 👍⚔️

[@RolandoEstocada]

Thank you! 👍

[@esegoldberg]

As others have written, what a wonderful presentation of the use of the Bowie and some of the history. I've been a long time student of Escrima (Guro Inosanto) and also have a Gil Hibben Kenpo Bowie Knife(first version) that I got after I got promoted to black belt in Kenpo many years ago. I grew up in Texas, near the Mexican border and returned a couple of years back after I retired. It's great to be back home in the Rio Grande Valley, not too far from the Alamo in San Antonio..:) I just subscribed and I look forward to more of your videos and information...:)

[@RolandoEstocada]

Thank you and I’m glad you enjoyed it! The Bowie is an endless source of fascination - to think it’s design has made it to every theater of war. That’s how effective it is.

[@Kent4OughtAldridge]

Absolutely devastating!!

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

I really love my Cold Steel Laredo Bowie and trainer

[@RolandoEstocada]

You’re going to LOVE the next video - I feature the Laredo in it!

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

@@RolandoEstocada Sweet! A knife saved my life back in the 1970s serving as a LRRP and Ranger, formally studied fighting techniques after that.

[@RolandoEstocada]

That is SUPERB! Knives save lives - completely underreported.

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

@@RolandoEstocada Yes, in both military combat (as in my case) and civilian self-defense

[@juancarlosacunahinojosa4632]

Excelente video, felicitaciones...un saludo desde Santiago, Chile!

[@RolandoEstocada]

❤❤❤❤

[@a661992]

Great video ! A great video representation of this is James Keating’s DVD’s on Bowie specifically Back Cuts

[@RolandoEstocada]

Yes!

[@ronalddunne3413]

Bill Bagwell was probably the greatest bowie maker since James Black. He definitely was the "man"- a cut above most knife-makers....

[@cjvan713]

I got to say, if I ever find myself in a Bowie duel, I really got a question my life choices that have led me up to that point.

[@RolandoEstocada]

Me too. 🙏🏽🔥👊🏽

[@davefletch3063]

Whats your opinion of the cold steel marauder bowie?

[@RolandoEstocada]

It’s very similar to the Randall 8 Bowie, which I own and I think it is based on. Superb design, and most likely a work-horse like all Cold Steel products.

[@xenodraigshrike5052]

I like the video and I know you are trying to highlight how fast these motions are but I really wish you had walked through them in slow motion all the way through a few times before going full speed.

[@RolandoEstocada]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHi3foh3frtreZosi=jlEqK5rra4B4xBV3

[@Kris_Stiletto]

Absolutely luv your Videos.

[@powerplay4real174]

Hey Bro , I just got hip to this blade guy ,but he has some serious knives in his arsenal of blades. ⚔️🐊⚔️🤺

[@RolandoEstocada]

Thank you! More videos to come!

[@trikk9964]

... fantastic!

[@RolandoEstocada]

Thank you!

[@TravisMcKnight-lk7gg]

Bowie duel 👍 lets party 🎉🥳 , that's the koolest phrase i heard all day - changing my middle name to ( Bowie duel ) ! Then naturally people understand not to mess with you 😆

[@RolandoEstocada]

😂

[@chrishynes6091]

Wonderful blades! I wish I could have at least an Ontario version, but never got one. I have a Trail Master and have made sheaths like those pictured for your Bagwells... except I never could find those belt stops. I ended up using Sam Browne studs. Does anyone know where the Bagwell style belt stops can be sourced??

[@World0fWowcraft]

I would argue the non-sharp false edge would be more nasty as it acts as a more rip and tear when hit with a back cut.

[@RolandoEstocada]

I can see that! It always depends on the maker. I own a couple of OVB Fisk Bowies with no sharpened false edge and they don’t backcut as well. The 1917 is a needle point with a more recurved angle which I think contributes to its effectiveness.

[@edwardgomez3633]

Very educational. Thank you. Can you give me your opinion on the Tops Prather Bowie? Thanks.

[@mariaconcepcionrodriguezhe2850]

Everything tops is garbage. Avoid at no cost.

[@JoelHuncar]

Loved this video. You can’t do Bowie knife training these days without mentioning Keating, McLemore, and Bagwell…. Is there any production Bowie knives made with the balance and quality sharpened false edge that I should have on my knife purchase radar?

[@RolandoEstocada]

The only one I would recommend is the Cold Steel Laredo. Bill spoke highly of the balance, but he was not a fan of the lack of fighting guard. Even my beloved Randalls are nowhere near as fluid and lively as the CS Laredos.

[@JoelHuncar]

@@RolandoEstocada thank you sir!

[@danielsmit3524]

What do you think of the Condor Undertaker Bowie?

[@RolandoEstocada]

I never handled one - I think it looks great and Condor has a great reputation for Bowies!

[@danielsmit3524]

@RolandoEstocada I don't have many big knives, but at least wanted one Bowie for my collection. Customs are too expensive, so I did a bunch of online scrolling and ended up with the Condor. The leather sheath is incredible quality. The knife is fierce looking in person. It didn't come as sharp as I would expect, but a custom maker I know put a scary edge on it. The steel seems to be heat treated well, since it took a good edge.

[@elonmust7470]

I was like, meh just another dorky guy who likes knives a lot. Then you started demonstrating some of the techniques. After a few effortless repititions, you all of the sudden looked quite dangerous! I'd like to learn enough to be able to utilize a bowie with moderate efficiency.

[@RockinRonnie6869]

Where can we go to learn the basic steps/building blocks to learning bowie flow

[@RockinRonnie6869]

One of the worst things is 'learning' and practicing bad habits that have to be 'unlearned'.

[@RolandoEstocada]

Email me at [e-mail]

[@meeshaka6016]

I am a new subscriber. Could you please tell me your thoughts on this technique with a true double edge like the cold steel black bear classic?

[@RolandoEstocada]

It definitely applies to it. 😊

[@RolandoEstocada]

And welcome to the channel!

[@meeshaka6016]

​@@RolandoEstocada thank you for your time and information

[@RolandoEstocada]

It isn’t optimal for it but it can work.

[@timarcella]

SICK INTRO

[@RolandoEstocada]

👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽

[@dougboal7620]

Dear Sir i enjoy your videos very much, but i would like to submit info in which i trained in the use of the Bowie. One technique i would like to discuss is the manner of performing the back cut. The knife was commonly held edge up to perform the cut more precisely. By doing this there was more strength in the strike with the blade tip, providing excellent control and accuracy, being the wrist was straight. When performing the back cut, with blade edge down, the technique requires the wrist to be relaxed, allowing the blade tip to perform strikes in flipping positions and movements. With the spine of the knife in the down position, and in a stationary position, an experienced bowie knife fighter would time the exaggerated movements of the blade down fighter, and strike the hand, wrist or forearm with the spine of his knife with the spine, probably breaking bone. I compare this with a young pup jumping around snapping at an older experienced dog, and when ready, the mature dog picks a target striking with one effective bite. Also contrary to belief, some bowies were designed with a brass spine. This was done to avoid blade shock, when the spine was used, in a hammer like striking manner. The majority of bowies were designed with a narrow unsharpened edge clip . This aided in penetration, where sharpening the top of the clip area and removing blade metal, could compromise the structure of the blade, possibly causing the clip portion to fail if striking an object. In my post, i was not degrading your instruction or knowledge, but providing a different manner of performing the back cut, and other usages of the bowie knife.. Stay safe.

[@RolandoEstocada]

My friend thank you for your very informative and respectful post. I have actually done several videos on the edge-up orientation of the Bowie, and I find it very fascinating. I acquired a Bagwell Bowie this past June that I believe was optimized for the technique you are discussing. The Keating/Bagwell curriculum primarily teaches the edge-down orientation, which I prefer. However, there are techniques for the edge-up which Bagwell himself encouraged me to explore during my discussions with him. 🙏🏽🔥👊🏽 Thank you for your wonderful post - I hope you are enjoying my channel!

[@dougboal7620]

@@RolandoEstocada Rolanda, thank you for your quick and professional response. As a 74 year old retired police officer, about five years ago arthritis started causing stiffness in my wrists. So maneuverability for performing your quick and evasive bowie self defense system is pretty much out of the picture. But it is truly impressive. Have a blessed day. Doug.

[@RolandoEstocada]

@dougboal7620 my pleasure Doug. Do you think it would be helpful if I created a video with exercises to develop the arm for these techniques?

[@dougboal7620]

@@RolandoEstocada Rolando, oh most definitely. As we age, certain modifications sometimes have to be made, to keep our training realistic and usable. I continue to carry for EDC/Self Protection the same SOG 3.75 inch lockback fighting folder i carried as a peace officer for 35 years. It is still in great shape. May not have all the "bells and whistles" of modern blades, but the same training with it of years ago, remains. Stay safe. Doug.

[@Wargwod]

You are one of the very few individuals I have seen who has any real idea

[@RolandoEstocada]

🙏🏽

[@TheirsHopewithJesusChrist_277]

Facts 💯 💯 ​@@RolandoEstocada

[@RolandoEstocada]

🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@Xonid1]

Are false edges legal in all states?

[@RolandoEstocada]

I’m not a legal expert. I would consult with your state’s laws for clarity. 🙏🏽

[@donaldpate1863]

Very Good! I'm an up close and personal type, I'll subscribe and stick around!

[@noejitta]

I have had many opportunities to train with James Keating in the Bowie, highly recommend it if someone gets a chance

[@tatumergo3931]

I will argue that the hammer grip is incorrect, but a handshake grip where the thumb is on the back of the handle and the index finger is close to the guard. According to sources the Bowie was primarily a stabbing knife and not so much a cutting blade.

[@RolandoEstocada]

Hammer grip is how it is taught ala Keating/Bagwell/McLemore. Check my recent short when I use my Damascus Bagwell at full-speed. The grip you recommend would not be able to handle the velocity of that flow I demonstrate.

[@tatumergo3931]

@@RolandoEstocada . My apologies, I should rephrase my comment. I should have said that for cutting the hammer grip might be fine but for stabbing a handshake grip is preferable. Now given that despite the Bowie's blade being so wide, historically it was used more as a stabbing weapon than a cutting one like a machete. And that the cutting that was done was either in a drawing or pushing cut fashion, but not in a chopping manner. My understanding comes from the same manner that an ancient Roman gladius sword was used. The bowie blade although heavy, doesn't necessarily has the length to make effective chopping cuts. But that's just my opinion, in the end it really doesn't matter until it's tested under pressure.

[@RolandoEstocada]

@@tatumergo3931 no apologies necessary my friend. Under pressure testing your grip recommendation has failed in our testing, especially if a sparring partner hits the blade aggressively with the spine of his Bowie. I can see your perspective in that there is a requirement to change grips when it come to stabbing with the Bowie - I actually address this in my episode comparing the Laredo and Ontario Hell’s Belle. This episode drops in 15mins. 🙏🏽

[@tatumergo3931]

@@RolandoEstocada. Excellent! There's very little information regarding the use of the Bowie available, much less sources that talk about it. It would be great to see some sparring sessions it they could be available. I will be sure to check them out once they're published.

[@allones3078]

i would sharpen the false edge on all my kbars when i was in iraq

[@stevenledwith]

❤

[@travispadilla3972]

🔥🤘🏼🔥

[@RolandoEstocada]

🙏🏽😊🔥

[@brianvannorman1465]

Don't know if you have an answer. How much did Spanish martial arts influence Filipino styles?

[@RolandoEstocada]

In certain regions - plenty. In others, not so much. It depends on how long the Spaniards settled in what region.

[@wehrewulf]

It isn't a "false edge", if it is an actual edge. It is referred to a sharp swedge, or sharpened clip. A false edge is a beveled swedge with no actual edge thus "false".

[@kaialoha]

So unnecessarily confusing. I just call it a back edge.

[@bdlkinetics]

hi , ive noticed that you tend to blink when cutting or stabbing....if you focus on it in training you can get rid of this dangerous habbit. great video, greetings from germany

[@canadafree2087]

I find wide Bowie knives are best for a sharpened back edge. The wider it is the more space for a gradual thinning of the back edge. Too narrow, and a sharpened ack edge is rather blunt, more like an axe wedge than a knife edge.

[@PaLMROXVIXIII]

Imagine that shit 🤣 two white older dudes at the House of Representatives busting out with Bowie knives and fighting to the death? 🤣 and the winner wipes the blood on his opponent’s coat 🤣 that sounds like a South Park episode 🤣 🤣 🤣

[@robertwood8508]

You're saying bowie wrong. It's not pronounced booie

[@connorperrett9559]

Yes it is. Jim Bowie's name was pronounced the same way as "buoy". The Bo-ee pronunciation is incorrect when applied to Jim Bowie and his knife.

[@dallasmore6703]

I sharpened the false edge on my frontier Bowie.