The 2023 Towns Bowie Buildoff!

[@bentoombs]

Thanks for doing these. Love ya Sam. Keep on keeping on

[@andrewhahn1983]

Looking forward to seeing this years entries. If you're new here check out last years entries, they'll inspire. Best of luck in the forge and thanks Sam for running the Bowie buildoff again this year!

[@StrayWolfForge]

Big shout out to you! For all you do for the community and sharing your knowledge and impressive skill!

[@SamTownsBladesmith]

Thanks mate, glad to be a part of it

[@ByronRay]

I'm excited to participate again. Last year I started my Bowie, but my mother-in-law unexpectedly died. Instead of working in my shop I spent a month helping my sister-in-law finalize her affairs and empty her apartment. I finished the Bowie in December and it's one of the favorite Bowies I have ever made. This year I hope to hit the deadlines. Keep up the good work my friend! -Wolf Dog Armory

[@SamTownsBladesmith]

Life comes first mate but I look forward to seeing what you come up with

[@soccerfig08]

I think I may give it a go this time around even though I've only done a couple knives and never attempted a Bowie, the ideas where bombarding me the longer the video played! Here's hoping I can make it happen!

[@SamTownsBladesmith]

I look forward to seeing what you come up with!

[@scotthalpin4419]

Well done mate, hope your well. I'm seriously think about having a crack this year (only made half a chef's knife so far, but it was beaten to shape) but the idea is very daunting .Anyhow here goes. Keep up the good work and keep inspiring.👍

[@SamTownsBladesmith]

give it a shot! Nothing to lose! I look forward to seeing your work

[@peteremerson4150]

Thanks for your personal interest in developing interest in the craft of Blacksmithing and knife making! 🔪🗡

[@SamTownsBladesmith]

Thankyou for being part of the community!

[@peterdurnford3594]

I want that book 🤞🙏

[@ExcessiveFreedom]

Entry posted....looking for the result now!

[@FoxAndHenForge]

I have never made a blade before but, I think I’m going to give it a try !

[@SamTownsBladesmith]

Do it!

[@ThePointstheif88]

Looks like I’m on the search for some big w2 bar today so I can enter this year.

[@lindakaytalks]

🙌

[@bentoombs]

All i have is a drawing my daughter did. She is good though...

[@thefamily_ak1863]

So close but so far , my knife won't be able to make it I've got to much left , I will try again much love

[@thefamily_ak1863]

❤

[@PossumSausage]

I just recently joined a muzzle loading group and will be camping out at several rendezvous a year taking on the persona of a regency era (eighteen teens) woodsrunner (essentially a mountain man of the great lakes or great plains regions who lives off the land). I need a period correct hunting knife to carry cross draw in my sash, and I will be using this competition to get that done. I don't stand a chance against the amazing smiths that compete in this challenge, but I will win in my eyes because I'm going to make a knife that I will use at camp for many years to come and I will make it using only tools that were available to the early founding smiths of America

[@SamTownsBladesmith]

Sounds like a great project! I look forward to seeing it!

[@billwoehl3051]

Do you accept video entries? Or just stills?

[@SamTownsBladesmith]

The three stills are required, but you can send anything else you like

[@ValhallaIronworks]

But will you make dolphin tongs?

[@SamTownsBladesmith]

I'd give it a go 🤣

[@TRichardsBlades]

Just a technical question, what is your definition of a bolster? For example, if one makes a knife with say an inch of wood but on either end is metal (so butting up against the shoulders and then a piece on the other end towards the back of the knife) would that be considered a bolster?

[@SamTownsBladesmith]

So for this instance a bolster is being defined as a metal piece delineating the transition between blade and handle, traditionally in the location one would put a guard.

[@SpeargrassForge]

May the best Bowie win... is Valhalla disqualified this year?!? Lol

[@SamTownsBladesmith]

Haha no, but he has plenty on his plate as it syands

[@SpeargrassForge]

@SamTownsBladesmith that has NEVER stopped him before

[@francarilla6690]

How do you prove a negative, as in how do you prove that you haven't produced more than five knives?????

[@SamTownsBladesmith]

This is an honour system, and I have enough experience in the industry I am fairly content to adjudicate, but if you don't feel you can prove it to satisfaction then you can just enter the main category.