Bowie Saddle Suspender

Horsewright

Horsewright

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 4, 2011
Messages
12,565
I have a friend in AK that does a lot of horsepacking. He likes to keep a large (AG Russell) bowie on his saddle. Years ago I made him a large variation of my pancake sheath and a device to suspend the knife and sheath from the rear billet of his saddle. This has worked very well for him over the years. Recently he got a new saddle and in order to save weight the saddlemaker did away the rear billets altogether. This is an old style of rigging thats new again called a centerfire rigged saddle. Problem is no place to hang his knife. So he sent me the knife to see what I could come up with in order to hang the knife from the saddle horn. After much thought this is what I did.

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So basically its a three part system: a regular sheath for the bowie with a bowtie retainer strap. An enhanced frog with a cartridge belt sized belt loop on the back and a pocket at the bottom for the tip of the sheath to fit into. There are also "D" rings attached at the bottom so that the assembly can be tied down to the saddle or to the leg even if carried on a cartridge belt. And a heavy strap that fits through the belt loop of the frog and goes around the saddle horn. This strap has a buckle so that it can be removed completely or the height from the horn that the assembly hangs can be adjusted.

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I was pretty happy with this soloution. It works. What do ya think?
 
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Very cool. I love the frog concept, where the sheathed knife can be removed in an instant if the rider dismounts. Does the frog have a retention device for the sheath or is it just held by gravity? I'm just wondering in case the horse decides to lay down (or falls), which happens. Again, beautiful work and a cool solution to the problem:thumbup:
 
Is this the guy that you posted a picture some while ago, carrying the sheath across the back of the saddle?
I really the solution, looks really sturdy, too.
 
Thanks guys! jdk there is a lot of friction holding the sheath into the sleeve of the frog, its a very tight fit. As is the pocket part for the tip too. To remove it I took the knife out first and then pushed and pulled with both hands to get er out. The vagaries of equestrian life will not affect it. A guy can jump all the cricks he needs to and will still have his knife. Yep Vilepossum same guy. Also who I made those leggings for in that other thread.
 
Yep! there will be six inches of ice all over hell before that sheath comes out of that frog, plus the grain side interior of the upper part will further enhance the friction stickies……and the average horse is more careful where it puts its feet than I am.

Paul
 
That's vary nice work Dave. I like how you combine form and function to create the hole package. You have great skills.
John S.
 
Really like that rig - neat solution ...And really like the the fact that your friend still carries such a classic western knife everywhere he goes.
 
Paul I should of mentioned they ride those Kieger mustangs too. I've ridden a bunch of mustangs and they don't stumble and thats for sure. Never ridden a Kiieger though. Thanks guys! Strig those are tubular rivets. The kind that open like flower petals on the back side.
 
Dave
Great looking outfit. Paul nailed that one..no way its coming out for sure. Thanks for showing your work.
 
Yep, the Kiger's are surefooted. I'm not working with one now, but I currently have a Nevada BLM Mustang of strong Spanish build in training here (Double E Farm, Elizabeth CO) and he wouldn't stumble if you put a ball and chain around his front legs. But you still need security with your rig and I am impressed with all your solutions and your work, Mr. Ferry! As I posted once, I have one of your flap holsters and it's the best revolver rig I've ever had. I love that knife rig, too. All this work comes from having done miles in the saddle and I think more knife and sheath makers need to keep a hand in practical use to keep their work fresh and useful. You certainly have!

Zieg
 
Thanks Zieg! Carry one of those Rangeflap holsters myself most of the time out at the ranch too. This one has a Tokarov in it.

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Couple pics of El Patron, a mustang we started and had for a few years. He and Nichole never really bonded though. If he'd been a couple of inches taller I'd of kept him. Lots of pony there.

First touch:

Nichole with my buddy Carlos. Carlos had bought the horse knowing that Nichole would want him. He'd had just a little bit of gentling when Carlos got him. But not much.

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Moving him around under saddle. Nichole is on Reggie, a Percheron. Reggie was in training with us for a couple of months destined for police mounted work. He was certainly imposing.

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Now a reliable ranch horse.

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Nichole's saddle horse on a big pack trip. Turned loose to graze with some of the other horses.

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I noticed AG's (modeled after an 1860's Bowie he examined) knife immediately
and just have to say what a sweet rig you have set up for it. :thumbup:

Doug
 
Thanks Doug. As a knife maker I was intrigued by the bowie's complex hollow grinds and how well they were executed. It was a pretty cool knife.
 
Beautiful sheat, interesting rig, just love the knife , but you always amaze me with beautiful photos especially with belgian horse wich is favorite of mine because of painting of Frank Frazetta
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Great work! I'd have never thought of it being on the horn. By chance, do you happen to know what precise model the Bowie it is?
 
Nice sheath, particularly like the stud fastener on the retaining strap. AG originally called it the Bear Bowie did a couple of runs if I recall, mine is from 2003 and has a 7.5 in blade and I seem to remember there was one slightly larger. The grinds are both unique and beautiful. Enjoyed your photography, horses and pretty country. Do you still make the flapped holsters?
Tom
 
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