Knife pattern: Ed Fowler Deathwind Bowie #1
Blade Length: 6 ½ inches
Overall Length: 12 ½ inches
Steel: 52100 Forged at low temp from 6-inch round bar
Rate of reduction: 99% Grain Size ASTM 14 & finer
Blade: complex double ground
Heat Treat: Multiple Quench
Handle: Domestic Home Grown Rare Black Sheep Horn
Deathwind Bowie
Lewis Wetzel (1763 to 1808) was an American Scout and frontiersman. His family suffered many attacks English, French and Indians. At age 13 he and his brother were captured by Indians while attending the family corn field in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in l878. They were captured by Indians but were able to escape two days later.
He grew up to be large, strong, very athletic, and skillful with the knife, tomahawk, and muzzle loaders of the time he could, they could not catch him and many times he would just kill and disappear. He preferred to work alone. The Native Americans feared him and he was named Deathwind.
Other members of his family continued his commitment their ideals down through the War of Independence, with knife and tomahawk. Descendants followed in the Civil War into WWI and WWII and some carried his legend through America through recent wars and “police actions.”
This is but one example of men down through history to the present. There have been many heroes who have served many causes, not only in war time but they continue to serve many causes they believe in. Sometimes times on their own or supported by a few who share in his dedication to their ideals. His position may be a teacher who does not cater to the outside forces, but is dedicated to her commitment to her students. He or she may be on the bottom of a large corporation and know harassment by a superior who could fire her at will, still they fight for what they feel is an honest solution.
These are the unsung heroes that I wish to dedicate the Deathwind Bowie.
This knife is the result of over thirty years of research, testing and is the result of many who have influenced and encouraged my knife making development.
The steel 52100, forged down from a 6 inch round bar with a rate of reduction of grain of over 99%, along with our special heat treatment that results in a very fine grained blade (ASTM 14 and finer) that can withstand anything a man can do with his hands. The geometry of the blade was taught me by Michael Price Senior who lived in mid-1800’s and passed his knowledge down to me through one of his knives.
The black sheep horn used for the handle has been in my possession for over 25 years waiting for me to develop a knife worthy of this handle.
I know of no other way to make a highly and beautiful, efficient companion for a man who can appreciate what I call a great knife named after the legend, Deathwind.