My Dad has always had a limited, but unique interest in knives and guns. He never acquired many, but he did end up with some gems. We recently had to move both him and my Mom into a care facility, and I have been tasked with cleaning up and out a lot of his things.
I don't know when, exactly, that he purchased this knife but I know I have seen it at least 30 years ago. It's a Ruana Bowie- with a 14" blade and elk antler handle. The 33-B designation I've seen referenced as a Civil War Bowie. From what I can find, I believe it was made in the late 60's to early 70's. It's a neat old knife, and the Ruanas seem to have really appreciated in value. I'll hang onto it until it goes to one of my sons. Interestingly enough, the front cover of the book detailing Rudolph Ruana's life has him holding the same Bowie pattern knife on the cover.

Great story. Great knife.

Man that's awesome, a knife with a story!

Great family heirloom

That's awesome he made some great knives.

Very cool. Love that knife!

Neat looking knife. Great heirloom.

Nice

Great looking Bowie!

I helped induct him into the Bladesmith hall of fame. He deserved it. He was a hard worker and insisted that a knife cost no more than an a average man made in a days wages. You and your dad have a good un there.

"It's a neat old knife, and the Ruanas seem to have really appreciated in value."

That is no lie - check this out same knife Sold for $5500 http://www.northernknives.com/rh_ruana_archive.html

Update on this post- went back and did some more cleanup of Dad's things- found this "Little Brother" to the big Ruana Bowie.



Also found quite a few more neat old knives- including this Randall.

Who knows what else will show up?

WOW!

DITTO!!

Very cool!

You need go talk to Pops and get the stories behind those old knives. I have a GW Stone skull knife that was as the story goes won in a poker game aboard the USS Pennsylvania during WWII.

I also have the sister knife to his Puma which is a Orthello Stag Hunter.

That is very cool! I love Bowie Knives, ordered me a new one yesterday.

Wonderful family treasures, and as mentioned, you should get as much history on each of them as you possibly can, and get it all written down!!

X100