The Bagwell bowies are a decent knife but need a few simple modifications to make them true combat weapons with realistic field and weapon utility....
A simple and less expensive factory version was used as a trial and sent to troops for evaluation....the fencing/dueling specific guard was replaced with a larger guard which actually protected hand from both an opponent's blade and brush....
The blade weakening notch was welded up, likewise the weak tang beefed up, more mass (but not thickness!) was added to spine to increase shearing penetration with a blow, the tip reshaped to raise it to centerline, and finally, a laminated handle which could take the abuse of a real combat environment....
The troops seem to like it enough i can find 10 photos of my mod for every 1 of an unmodified Bagwell in actual combat...i should maybe patent it?
Any actual Bagwell owners feel free to send me your knives and i will perform these modifications for free and turn your play-pretty into a REAL combat knife with only a two week turn-around....by the time i am done, you will not recognize your knife.