The Svord Von Tempsky Bowie is a replica Forest Ranger Bowie Knife, based on the knife design that von Tempsky issued to his company of Forest Rangers in 1863.
Gustavus Ferdinand von Tempsky, adventurer, soldier and artist, learned the benefits of the Bowie knife in California while working in the gold fields. He possessed a fine knife of American manufacture for his own use, but had about 30 bowie knives made to his personal design by a cutler of Shortland St, Auckland. These were issued to the men of No. 2 Company, New Zealand Forest Rangers, under Major von Tempsky's command.
The knives were made from waggon spring steel - being one of the few sources of suitable steel available to blacksmiths in Auckland in 1863.
The big knives were used to clear tracks through bush, dig defensive positions, cut fire wood and for general use about camp.
Svord's version uses high carbon tool steel for its 28cm (11") blade and is supplied with a leather sheath.
- SKU
- SVVTB
- Age Restriction:
- 18+
- Blade Length (cm)
- 27.9
- Overall Length (cm)
- 39.9
- Blade Material:
- 1075 Carbon Steel
- Blade Thickness (cm)
- 0.7
- Sheath:
- Leather
- Handle Material:
- Wood