Cold Steel 88CSAB 1917 Frontier Bowie

Mine came shaving sharp. The blade seems properly ground with identical bevels on both sides of the blade. The polished blued finish is attractive in a utilitarian way. The knife and scabbard both have a down-to-earth utilitarian appearance that is a pleasure to look at. The grip scales are some sort of tropical hardwood and are smooth and comfortable in the hand without being slick. It's easy to keep a secure grip on it. This thing is huge! When I first handled it I was thinking that it felt more like a Roman gladius short-sword than a Bowie knife. Nonetheless, it's still extremely handy and fast, much more nimble than you'd guess from just its immense size. The blade seems to be an ideal compromise between being thick enough for toughness while not weighing a half-ton. As noted it shaved my arm right out of the box. it is officially the largest Bowie I own (I have a collection of custom and vintage Bowies) being about a half-inch longer in blade than my next largest one, The Natchez Bowie, also a Cold Steel product. The scabbard is also (apparently) period-correct and is quite elaborate, having a leather frog it's suspended from as well as a metal tip. The knife comes with a coating of what appears to be lithium grease on the blade, and you should leave it on the blade or at least re-grease it after cleaning. There's some sort of friction spring arrangement inside that holds the blade securely yet is also easy to draw quickly from. The grease probably keeps the friction retainer from marking the blued blade. I've only scratched the surface in Filipino knife fighting but like I said, this huge blade is *fast* and handy. It does NOT handle like a battle axe. More like a rapier. The enormous guard would also be quite effective in protecting the hand in the unlikely event you actually found yourself having to engage in a knife fight. Would definitely purchase again and would have no qualms at all over taking this thing on a camping trip with me or engaging in combat with it. I've several Cold Steel Bowies, starting with an original Trailmaster I bought in 1987, and will keep on collecting them as long as Cold Steel keeps making them.

Incredibly high quality for the price! Great balance, a ferocious knife that is quick and strong. So glad I sprung for this, despite having a dozen other Bowies, including two Cold Steel premium ones. Beautiful handles and sheath is top class. Wish I would have bought years ago.

This is a great rendition of a WWI era Bowie combat knife. Love the features and the look. Used some WD40 to take off all the preservative grease and to clean the dye off of the handle - works great and there is not any need for acetone and the like. The scabbard/sheath is excellent, built like the old times when people actually had to carry knives everyday. I would buy this knife a thousand times over and at the price of Benjamin it is the lowest I have ever seen it. Buy it if you find it interesting, you won't be disappointed. There are a lot of hand made touches to it, slight blemishes and all, that make it a beautiful piece for display or serious use in combat or the bush.

The top half is incredibly sharp.. The bottom needs some work but overall a nice piece and really well balanced... I had to buy 2 of them from Amazon just to pick a decent one... Very inconsistent!!

This knife is unrealistic to carry, but it is super cool. The handle could be better, but it fits the price. It is just a nice conversation piece.

Extremely large and appears well made. The grinds are even, the handles meet the guard appropriately, the finish is nice and even, the guard is tight with no play. The scabbard is well made albeit a little tight. I'm sure it will loosen up with use. All in all a great buy for right under $100. The only complaint I have is that it could be sharper, the last 3in. and the first 2in. aren't very sharp. It is a great (huge) bowie that will make you feel like you've been taken back in time. It's well enough executed that I'll give it 5 stars even though it needs some sharpening.

I wouldn't use this monster as a tool mainly since it's to heavy. it's a fun knife though, it's not a super sharp grind, but it doesn't need it, since it's so dang heavy. It's craftsmanship is very good. the wooden handles are snugly fitted on, with no gap. the ballance is right at the hand gaurd on mine. it's easy to move around at the wrist since it's balance is perfect. unless you are strong, and can use heavy tools this won't be functional for you. I love this knife though. but it's mainly a show piece

Big cheap cost and very fun to use. Sharp and pointy. I've carried it in the mall and other stores. I've cut meat and 2×4s. I love this thing.

Você se sente pronto para enfrentar qualquer coisa, um monstro de faca, linda e excelente.

I have seen this knife for quite a few years as I am a bit of a knife collector especially Cold Steel. Recently I have seen a few knife experts in martial arts who have recommended this knife so I decided to give it a try. Previously I thought it was budget quality on par with something like the cheaper Timber Rattler Bowie knife which I own. However this is better quality. Everything is finely finished. The sheath is beautiful very well made, thick leather, the real deal for a change. And of the 200 plus knives that I own this is the first time I have ever seen someone use common sense and not sharpen the blade right to the finger coil. It's a bit dull right there so it prevents you from slicing your finger up. I don't know why other manufacturers don't do that as they leave it sharpened right to where your finger is which is. The grind is nearly perfect however it was not shaving sharp out of the box and needed a bit of a strop with green compound. If you see it on special get one even at regular prices it's worth it. All in all I'm a happy camper, if I known it was this nice I would have got it a long time ago.

Ein schönes, großes ,aber durchaus elegantes, Bowiemesser.

Dieses Messer von einer selbst gemessenen Klingenlänge von 32 CM ab Parierstange angesetzt erfüllte alle meine Erwartungen. Nach der Ankunft musste ich es zwar mit Ballistöl polieren um den vom Transport verursachten leichten Verunreinigungen, auch bezogen auf die Lederscheide, welche ich empfehle bei Erhalt einmal mit der Luftpumpe auszureinigen, damit keine Feinpartikel mehr darin sind. Ich bin sehr zufrieden und mit diesem Messer fühlt man sich mehr als ausgestattet! Ich habe es bei Bekannten auch schon zur Wildschweinjagd mehr als befriedigend einsetzen sehen!

4000316 Cold Steel 1917 Frontier Bowie - 88Csab. Received today Nov. 02, 2025. This beautiful Bowie knife has some heft to it, it looks to be well made and will make a very nice show piece and it's very imposing, I will show it off next to my Scottish dirk. Very happy customer.