Recommendation? TM Dowell

4

406Z06

Joined
Jan 3, 2020
Messages
6
Hello Bladeforumers!

I have inherited a TM Dowell Hunter(I think) and was hoping someone on here would know more about the knife than I do. In my research I discovered that the knife maker sadly passed away a few years ago, otheriwse I would attempt reach out directly. I enjoy my knives and own a few Microtechs and Benchmades but this one is a little out of my wheel house. I can't really seem to find anything online about it either, so hopefully your kind folks can help! Any information is appreciated! Thanks, Luke





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Hi Luke,

Welcome to Bladeforums. You need to post these images better. Not showing. It' a concurrent problem for new members. Read solutions down in the tech support forum and fix this.

Ted Dowell is renowned. Probably an integral. Good for you.
 
Thanks for the heads up guys, for some reason theyre showing up on my side. I will try the Imgur approach!
 
Ted Dowell made some great knives. I had two of his folders. Didn't know he had passed; he will be missed. Excellent knife maker.
Rich
 
Welcome and you have a very nice example of what I would think is a very early example of his Integral knives....a Pioneer in the Art. Great vintage burgundy linen Micarta and I'd think mid 70's to early 80's. :cool:

With that said, I think the blade is so clean because it's been re-ground evidenced by the 'belt-bump' in the plunge on the one side.....I'm sure that knife would have never left Ted's shop like that.....ever. This is my sole opinion and I've been known to be wrong and even get yelled at once in awhile. :D
 
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Very cool, thank you for the insight! Forgive my ignorance but could you indicate what you're talking about with the "belt bump" in the plunge? I have had this knife in my gun safe for about 10 years now and haven't done anything to maintain it, is there anything I should be doing?
 
Dudley, I see what you are referring to, and I swear that's a reflection, NOT a cut into the plunge. Thankfully.

From one who views these reflections quite a bit.... :)

Great knife. Where's the sheath. There are rub marks from one.
 
Always admired TM’s work, enough to push me to make my own integrals. Looking at the pics it is evident it is not one of his integrals. The guard is a seperate piece, most likely nickel silver, and it is through tang construction instead of full tang. Would love to get hold of some of that old maroon micarta.
 
Does anyone know where I could get it valued? Is it something worth getting put on my Valuable Personable Property policy?
 
406Z06 said:
Does anyone know where I could get it valued? Is it something worth getting put on my Valuable Personable Property policy?
Click to expand...

Bernard Levine will give you an appraisal for a nominal fee using pictures. He has a subforum here and a website.
 
Hard to find a lot of data on Ted Dowell. I wound up with one of his units from 1976.
Took my awhile to figure it all out.
Anyway, for your viewing pleasure:
DSC00756.JPG
 
As Peter correctly said, this is no one of Ted's specialties, the fully integral DPH. Another way to learn values is to do searches on dealer websites or see if anything is for sale right in this venue under customs for sale. Being a non-integral, the value will be much reduced from the integral hunters. Generally for insurance purposes, just knowing the value and having the photos will be sufficient under your house insurance policy. Ted did a lot with Micarta and many with stag and wood (like my integral). The integrals will have a butt cap with TMD stamped.
Ted's knives, particularly the integral versions, are quite sought after particularly by we old time collectors ( searched long and hard ). Ted was very supportive of the collectors and was one of the earliest US makers to enjoy attending the Canadian Knife Collectors Club shows back in the late 70's & early '80's.He was always good to chat with at shows.
 
There is an article on Ted in the February 2020 issue of Blade Magazine including a picture of a Stag Funny Folder.
 
Good day. This is Jeff Dowell. Ted Dowell son. I live in Bend OR, work out of his old shop regularly (though not on knives, just handicraft stuff) and provide daily care and company to my mom (Ted's widow), Betty.

There's lots of great info about this particular era of knife that's already been provided by those above. That said, for the past few years I have putting together what I hope will become the definitive website on Dad and his work. It will be launched in roughly 45-60 days at: www.tmdknives.com There is a 'placeholder' home page at that address now. Once launched, one will be able to determine almost all the info you are seeking on this particular knife from a digital catalog archives of every TMD Catalog ever produced, as well as their accompanying price lists. A pictorial library of many of his most elaborate art pieces that he produced. All magazine articles ever written and published on dad, all TMD newsletters ever created and sent out, etc.

I'll post here again once it is up and running. And thank you, to everyone who has posted the kind words and comments of appreciation for his work.

JD
 
Hi Jeff!

Welcome. Well, what a great tribute and surprise! I wish to be reminded and will look forward to your work once you settle.

BTW: I have over a dozen images of his work I have acquired from a dealer through the years. Contact me if you need some more.

Here's a sampling: http://www.knifegallery.com/index.html#search=dowell
 
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