This pocket-friendly Bowie receives a more traditional material makeover that pays homage to classic American knives.
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A little over a month ago, CJRB teased a new, more traditionally outfitted version of its Bowie Pyrite, one of the brand’s most popular catalog staples. It eschewed some of the model’s modern elements in favor of classic, streamlined mechanisms.
However, the material configurations missed the mark a bit. It’s not that they were bad; they simply didn’t feature the most iconic combo. Now, the brand has returned to that same knife and righted its wrong with the CJRB Bowie Pyrite J1942SJ Brass and Wood.
The brass and wood handle is the quintessential material combo for classic American knives. - Credit: CJRB
As classic as they come
It’s worth noting that the overall shape of this knife is already a tribute to an American classic, the Bowie knife. Made famous by frontiersman Jim Bowie, this knife is among the very first U.S. fighting knives.
Obviously, this smaller, folding, EDC-friendly version is only referentially similar — it isn’t a fixed blade, and it’s intended for daily cutting tasks instead of battle. However, it does still have many of the signature elements.
The knife has no “true” lock, opting for a more traditional slipjoint mechanism. - Credit: CJRB
That includes the classic clip-point blade shape and its fuller (or blood groove), which can be used to deploy the blade manually. This configuration also sports a more quintessential material combo.
Boasting brass bolsters and wood scales, it’s the closest this model has come to its Old West origins while still remaining thoroughly modern. For reference, that material combo can be found on some of the most iconic folding and fixed knives in American knifemaking history, including (most crucially) the Buck 110 Folding Hunter.
Although traditional in its appearance, this take is much smaller and more EDC-friendly than classic Bowie knives. - Credit: CJRB
Modern tradition
The shapes and materials aren’t the only parts of this knife that delve into tradition. While its siblings have sported some modern locking mechanisms, like button locks, this one has no “true” lock of which to speak.
Instead, it features a slipjoint mechanism. This style predates even back locks (as found on the Buck 110) but can still be found on Swiss Army Knives and other traditional and traditionally-inspired folders.
Boasting brass bolsters and wood scales, it’s the closest this model has come to its Old West origins while still remaining thoroughly modern.
Of course, this knife also has some contemporary elements. For instance, the blade is made from AR-RPM9 steel, a proprietary material owned by CJRB and its parent brand, Artisan Cutlery.
While it probably wouldn’t win any hearts, this steel is respectable in its properties. It offers solid corrosion resistance, takes an edge easily and performs well overall. Most importantly, however, it’s extremely affordable.
At 4.21 inches long closed, this knife is the perfect blend of heritage materials, modern sensibilities and compactness. - Credit: CJRB
Coming soon
This CJRB Bowie Pyrite J1942SJ Brass and Wood version will soon be available for just $67. However, you can add it to your wishlist and be notified when it goes on sale.