If you're familiar with the YouTube channel Advanced Knife Bro, you know that his reviews are as entertaining as they are informative. Recently, he reviewed the Cold Steel Wild West Bowie Knife, and despite moving across the country and temporarily living with in-laws, he managed to provide a thorough and humorous take on this formidable blade.

Background and Context

Advanced Knife Bro starts by giving a brief history lesson on the Western Bowie knives, from their original production to their discontinuation and eventual revival. The Cold Steel Wild West Bowie is based on the Western W49 pattern, a design that hasn't seen the light of day since the mid-2000s. This modern rendition promises to bring back the classic charm with a few contemporary tweaks.

Dimensions and Features

The review dives into the knife's dimensions, emphasizing its substantial size. With a blade length of 10 inches made from 1090 carbon steel, the Wild West Bowie is not a knife for the faint of heart. Advanced Knife Bro points out that real blades are measured in feet, humorously stressing the grandeur of this knife. The satin-finished hollow ground blade is sharp out of the box, though the top swedge is not sharpened.

Handle and Ergonomics

The handle is another highlight, featuring deep tang construction with wood handle scales secured by brass screws and a rear rivet. Despite his attempts, Advanced Knife Bro couldn't fully remove the handle due to the rear rivet. He found the handle comfortable during use, with no hotspots developing even during extensive chopping sessions. The large brass cross guard, while protective, did cause a small injury—a testament to the knife's rugged nature.

Sheath Quality

The sheath accompanying the Wild West Bowie is reminiscent of the classic Western Bowie sheath, with a welted and sewn drop sheath dangler design. Advanced Knife Bro appreciated the retention loop and the string at the bottom for leg wrapping, adding practicality to the traditional design. The sheath also doubles as a makeshift tourniquet, a grim but useful feature for those daring enough to wield such a blade.

Comparisons

Throughout the review, Advanced Knife Bro compares the Wild West Bowie to several other knives, including the Ontario Marine Raider Bowie and the Benchmade Jungle. He highlights the differences in design, comfort, and practicality, noting that while the Wild West Bowie might not be the most practical for modern use, it carries a certain charm and heritage that knife enthusiasts appreciate.

Performance and Durability

In terms of performance, the Wild West Bowie did not disappoint. The 1090 carbon steel blade held up well to chopping without chipping or rolling. However, during his testing, Advanced Knife Bro noticed the cross guard loosened up slightly, a potential issue for heavy-duty use. He humorously suggests that perhaps chopping wood with a nearly 2-pound Bowie knife isn't the smartest idea, but acknowledges that the knife's weight and robustness are part of its appeal.

Conclusion

Despite the minor issue with the cross guard, Advanced Knife Bro concludes that the Cold Steel Wild West Bowie is a knife he likes a lot. Its heavy build, historical design, and durable steel make it a standout in his collection. He encourages viewers to subscribe to his channel, comment on the video, and donate to his Patreon, all in the spirit of supporting his knife reviewing endeavors.

For those new to the channel, Advanced Knife Bro's witty remarks and inside jokes might take some getting used to, but his reviews are undeniably insightful and enjoyable. The Cold Steel Wild West Bowie Knife, with its blend of tradition and modernity, receives a thumbs-up from this seasoned reviewer.

Final Thoughts

If you're in the market for a big, bold Bowie knife that harks back to the golden age of Western blades, the Cold Steel Wild West Bowie might just be the knife for you. Advanced Knife Bro's review highlights its strengths and quirks, offering a well-rounded perspective on this impressive piece of cutlery.