I just picked up the Natchez, and the difference in weight for that extra inch of blade compared to the Laredo is pretty shocking. I didn't expect it to be a heavy as the 1917. The Laredo is much quicker and more manipulable for me, but I like the extra belly and that butt cap on the Natchez. I am tempted to sand off that point in the mid-grip, but noticed it does interesting things if I choke down on the grip, putting just my index finger over top of it. I'm considering mods (including some blade re-profiling) to give me the best of both knives. Another great analysis, thanks!
I love the Natchez and the Laredo . Obviously not as cool as your Bagwells, but awesome all the same. I was looking forward to hear your take, thank you. 🙏
There is a LOT to love but dangit my sensibilities kick in and make sure that the Natchez is put in the right context and tier. Deadly with limitations.
Just got that knife not too long ago. I also was surprised at it's size and girth! For my hand, the handle is just right but because of it's length and bulk, it reminds me more of a short sword than a knife which for me, makes no difference. I "really" like this knife! My only regret, is that I didn't get it sooner! GREAT VIDEO here too btw...
I have the 3v version and it have a sharpend false edge... The San mai version doesn't have a hamon... It's San mai... It's not clay heattreed... 😅😉👍.. Awsome video as usual👍👍👍
From an uneducated totally out my rear opinion I prefer the Laredo as well. The Laredo just flows when you move, the Natchez not so much. You wouldn't think that a coffin grip would dance but the Laredo moves. But I'm 5'7" with med/lg hands, I'm curious if it flows differently for the tall guys with orangutan arms.
Just for the looks alone the Natchez was my "grail knife" since 300-400$ isn't easy to come by in India for such a pursuit in the early 2000s. I finally got the 3V version 2 years back which lacks the fit and finish of the old San Mai from the looks of it, but for me, this is a visual deterrent of last resort / home invasion scenario. The Natchez cannot be carried around in my country legally. I have trained for a long time with TOPS knives - especially the CUT 4.0 which has been my EDC for nearly 7 years now. However, i would like to know your opinion (if you've used it or if you ever pick it up) about the Prather War Bowie from TOPS. It has a similar coffin handle like Laredo and Natchez and is much smaller than either of these two knives. Just discovered your channel and i am going through the catalogue. Much appreciation from India! :)
Hey please enjoy the growing catalog! I haven’t had a chance to really study the Prather Bowie. One day I’ll handle one and study it. Maybe even do an episode. 🙏🏽
I absolutely loved my Natchez bowie but for some of the reasons you mentioned I got rid of it mostly because I've got damaged to my shoulders and found it just to be too heavy for me to move it around quickly I have ordered a copy of a Hells Belle to be built for me and I will be acquiring a Laredo
Hello & Thank You for this Videos on this really nice knifes ..! Well I' am from France and I' am the proud owner of some ColdSteel knives. following 2 disappointments , I wanted 1 really good Bowie and I had oriented myself towards 1 Natchez Bowie , but its weight made me give it up , and the Trail Master met all my expectations , except that at the time of purchase , it was impossible to get my hands on 1 Trail Master San Maï made in Japan .!!! Even sold second-hand ...! So I chose 1 Laredo Bowie Acier 4034 S , 1 Good knife , but I ended up finding 1 great opportunity with 1 Laredo Bowie San Maï III Made in Japan ...! After wrapping the handle with an adhesive “camo” fabric strip, as on the other Laredo 4034, I sewed 1 leather sheath holder, with 1 brass “frog” loop and 2 sewn leather loops. The Laredo made in Japan has a thinner and slightly narrower handle than the other steel 4034, and with this strip of fabric wound and glued in a spiral all around, it improves the grip! and protects the handle from scratches and shocks! In short, the Japanese-made Laredo is my favorite! Then I also have 2 Magnum Tanto , a XII inches VG10 & a IX “ CPM3 V , which are really different from the Bowie . The CPM3 V DLC steel “ink black” version of the Magnum Tanto IX is remarkable for its beauty and quality! So I'd like to ask a question: does anyone know if the Bowie Laredo VG1 made in Japan was produced in Mr. Ichiro Hattori's factory? Thanks to you / Merci à vous ..!! David . great
I think it is possible and it might enhance the backcut. The new Bagwell I have is making me rethink backcut mechanics so I have no final conclusions as of yet.
With a blade that size you really need a pretty dramatic distal taper to get the most out of it. It's a gorgeous knife though! The strongman Evan Singleton has one he straps to his leg like a boot knife, He's 6'6 and 350lbs though!😂
what would you do when using a wide bladed knife like this point downwards as a dagger? would you have the edge on the outside for easier slashing or inside for tearing?
Look Look Look 😂👍🏻 found this cheap tactical looking Bowie ... sadly in Germany again Double the Price and about 50€ ... But looking great 😀 Natchez IS sadly to expensive for me 😭😭😭 "Rough Rider Black Mule Bowie" ... i want one 😁👍🏻
The Black Mule Bowie is great! It’s only $25 here in USA. I like the Walther La Chasse Boar Hunter, but I can’t find it here. I know it’s sold all over Europe though. So now, if I order it, I’ll have to pay import taxes.
Definitely have to agree that the Laredo is the better knife, but the Natchez is less of a knife and more of a saber IMO. I’ve had to use karate techniques for generating power to wield the Natchez. Unfortunately that’s a pretty advanced thing to teach that requires at the very least black belt level experience. So 8-12yrs of training lol. I prefer the Natchez from a combatives perspective because of the lethality potential. But I really would rather carry a Laredo instead. I like to think of it more as an offense vs defense approach.
@RolandoEstocada Well you are much stronger than I am, and have significantly more muscle to move that Natchez around than I do. I find that I have to apply larger circular motions to use it effectively. You’re obviously not brute forcing the techniques you apply, but being a larger man does help in this instance.
Well, you're spoiled, so there's that. I find it to be quite quick and lively in the hand. It is easily one of my favorite knives of its size. But, it's also my only bowie in its size range.
I own the Natchez Bowie in VG1 SanMai and it is a killer bowie that will send your opponent packing because it's a bitchin fuking knife. That's not a knife, THAT'S A KNIFE. Best knife in my collection.
I just picked up the Natchez, and the difference in weight for that extra inch of blade compared to the Laredo is pretty shocking. I didn't expect it to be a heavy as the 1917. The Laredo is much quicker and more manipulable for me, but I like the extra belly and that butt cap on the Natchez. I am tempted to sand off that point in the mid-grip, but noticed it does interesting things if I choke down on the grip, putting just my index finger over top of it. I'm considering mods (including some blade re-profiling) to give me the best of both knives. Another great analysis, thanks!
Thank you and I think a good mod might do the trick!
The 4034 version has a sharpened back cut edge.
I love the Natchez and the Laredo . Obviously not as cool as your Bagwells, but awesome all the same. I was looking forward to hear your take, thank you. 🙏
There is a LOT to love but dangit my sensibilities kick in and make sure that the Natchez is put in the right context and tier. Deadly with limitations.
I love the old school messer look of the Natchez, the curving blade is dead sexy.
Thanks for the awesome content. I love having a channel where a guy is talking from real sparing and experience.
You’re welcome and I’m glad you’re enjoying the channel! 🙏🏽🔥👊🏽
Great video. thank you
🙏🏽🔥👊🏽
Just added a Natchez bowie to my collection
Mine is a slightly older model in the O-1 high carbon steel
Just got that knife not too long ago. I also was surprised at it's size and girth! For my hand, the handle is just right but because of it's length and bulk, it reminds me more of a short sword than a knife which for me, makes no difference. I "really" like this knife! My only regret, is that I didn't get it sooner! GREAT VIDEO here too btw...
Thank you! 🙏🏽🔥👊🏽
I have the 4034 version. It is amazing for 153 dollars that i paid for it. I also have an 0-1 version.
I have the 3v version and it have a sharpend false edge... The San mai version doesn't have a hamon... It's San mai... It's not clay heattreed... 😅😉👍.. Awsome video as usual👍👍👍
It has a little bit of it because they did the same folding on it. Of course it doesn’t look like the traditional Hamon. 😊
No disrespect, this is a compliment . I could close my eyes and hear Doug Marcaida.
😊😊😊😊
From an uneducated totally out my rear opinion I prefer the Laredo as well. The Laredo just flows when you move, the Natchez not so much. You wouldn't think that a coffin grip would dance but the Laredo moves. But I'm 5'7" with med/lg hands, I'm curious if it flows differently for the tall guys with orangutan arms.
I think I’ll end up doing a Laredo vs Natchez video. It comes down to the grip design. 🙏🏽🔥👊🏽
For me the Natches is a usable, beautyfully shaped wallhanger. My first choice to use has always been the Laredo.
🙏🏽🔥👊🏽
Just for the looks alone the Natchez was my "grail knife" since 300-400$ isn't easy to come by in India for such a pursuit in the early 2000s. I finally got the 3V version 2 years back which lacks the fit and finish of the old San Mai from the looks of it, but for me, this is a visual deterrent of last resort / home invasion scenario. The Natchez cannot be carried around in my country legally.
I have trained for a long time with TOPS knives - especially the CUT 4.0 which has been my EDC for nearly 7 years now. However, i would like to know your opinion (if you've used it or if you ever pick it up) about the Prather War Bowie from TOPS. It has a similar coffin handle like Laredo and Natchez and is much smaller than either of these two knives. Just discovered your channel and i am going through the catalogue. Much appreciation from India! :)
Hey please enjoy the growing catalog! I haven’t had a chance to really study the Prather Bowie. One day I’ll handle one and study it. Maybe even do an episode. 🙏🏽
I absolutely loved my Natchez bowie but for some of the reasons you mentioned I got rid of it mostly because I've got damaged to my shoulders and found it just to be too heavy for me to move it around quickly I have ordered a copy of a Hells Belle to be built for me and I will be acquiring a Laredo
Superb my friend
Sir, you mentioned in your last video on the Laredo that the guard was too small to protect the hand. Is that true with the Natchez as well?
The guard is too small on the Natchez also.
Buetifull piece of cold steel
Hello & Thank You for this Videos on this really nice knifes ..!
Well I' am from France and I' am the proud owner of some ColdSteel knives.
following 2 disappointments , I wanted 1 really good Bowie and I had oriented myself towards 1 Natchez Bowie , but its weight made me give it up , and the Trail Master met all my expectations , except that at the time of purchase , it was impossible to get my hands on 1 Trail Master San Maï made in Japan .!!!
Even sold second-hand ...!
So I chose 1 Laredo Bowie Acier 4034 S , 1 Good knife , but I ended up finding 1 great opportunity with 1 Laredo Bowie San Maï III Made in Japan ...!
After wrapping the handle with an adhesive “camo” fabric strip, as on the other Laredo 4034, I sewed 1 leather sheath holder, with 1 brass “frog” loop and 2 sewn leather loops.
The Laredo made in Japan has a thinner and slightly narrower handle than the other steel 4034, and with this strip of fabric wound and glued in a spiral all around, it improves the grip! and protects the handle from scratches and shocks!
In short, the Japanese-made Laredo is my favorite!
Then I also have 2 Magnum Tanto , a XII inches VG10 & a IX “ CPM3 V , which are really different from the Bowie . The CPM3 V DLC steel “ink black” version of the Magnum Tanto IX is remarkable for its beauty and quality!
So I'd like to ask a question: does anyone know if the Bowie Laredo VG1 made in Japan was produced in Mr. Ichiro Hattori's factory? Thanks to you / Merci à vous ..!! David . great
Hey you’re welcome and I’m glad you found the CS Bowies that you like! I honestly don’t know which factory! 🙏🏽🔥👊🏽
Could you modify the grip of the Natchez ( reduce the flare) and enhance the back cut?
I think it is possible and it might enhance the backcut. The new Bagwell I have is making me rethink backcut mechanics so I have no final conclusions as of yet.
That is a big ass knife
With a blade that size you really need a pretty dramatic distal taper to get the most out of it. It's a gorgeous knife though!
The strongman Evan Singleton has one he straps to his leg like a boot knife, He's 6'6 and 350lbs though!😂
He does???
Yes! He showed it off on his Instagram stories one time, he later posted a video all kitted out at the range and had it strapped to his leg!
@robertpka7228 that is awesome!
what would you do when using a wide bladed knife like this point downwards as a dagger? would you have the edge on the outside for easier slashing or inside for tearing?
I personally would advise against that grip because you lose range and versatility that way with a big knife.
This is a good question btw - I’ll probably address it in a separate video.
Look Look Look 😂👍🏻 found this cheap tactical looking Bowie ... sadly in Germany again Double the Price and about 50€ ... But looking great 😀 Natchez IS sadly to expensive for me 😭😭😭
"Rough Rider Black Mule Bowie" ... i want one 😁👍🏻
The Black Mule Bowie is great! It’s only $25 here in USA. I like the Walther La Chasse Boar Hunter, but I can’t find it here. I know it’s sold all over Europe though. So now, if I order it, I’ll have to pay import taxes.
I like the Laredo better as well. Great video bud. 👍
Thank you brother! 🙏🏽🔥👊🏽
San Mai means "three layers".
You could probably kill a bear with that thing.
Definitely have to agree that the Laredo is the better knife, but the Natchez is less of a knife and more of a saber IMO. I’ve had to use karate techniques for generating power to wield the Natchez. Unfortunately that’s a pretty advanced thing to teach that requires at the very least black belt level experience. So 8-12yrs of training lol. I prefer the Natchez from a combatives perspective because of the lethality potential. But I really would rather carry a Laredo instead. I like to think of it more as an offense vs defense approach.
Interesting application of karate techniques and I would have to agree that the biomechanics necessary to make it effective takes time and refinement.
@RolandoEstocada
Well you are much stronger than I am, and have significantly more muscle to move that Natchez around than I do. I find that I have to apply larger circular motions to use it effectively. You’re obviously not brute forcing the techniques you apply, but being a larger man does help in this instance.
Well, you're spoiled, so there's that. I find it to be quite quick and lively in the hand. It is easily one of my favorite knives of its size. But, it's also my only bowie in its size range.
I own the Natchez Bowie in VG1 SanMai and it is a killer bowie that will send your opponent packing because it's a bitchin fuking knife.
That's not a knife, THAT'S A KNIFE. Best knife in my collection.
The design is very intimidating!
MUST beat aside a bolo or sword, mandatory., expected, insisted upon for counter pirate ops.
Sooo much Cold Steel,,, so little money. BUT !!! You eat an Elephant, one bite at a time.
Gurka plus, is next on the radar.
Bowie,,,?,,, soon.
Neither is the beast. The Natchez and Laredo both have a cable tang which ensures then handle will crack and split under heavy field use.
I agree. The steel is good for field use but I’m unsure of the handle.
Use such blades to avoid a fight via intimidation. Need you eaddress, must talk.
I had it and sold it. It was too blade heavy.