Description :

An absolute masterpiece of mid-century custom American knifemaking: "The Leopardo" Combat Bowie, individually hand-forged and sculpted by the legendary late master bladesmith Roderick “Caribou” Chappel. Dated October 8th, 1982, this imposing art blade represents the absolute pinnacle of Chappel's legendary "Hi-Art" era of highly organic, fluid, and aggressively ergonomic combat designs.

Operating out of Spokane, Washington under the banner Davis Knives (a tribute to his grandfather), Rod Chappel became world-renowned for his complex, sweeping grinds and flawlessly executed mirror polishes. This specific piece was crafted during his highly sought-after Seattle, Washington production period.

The massive 9.5-inch recurve blade is ground from premium 440C stainless steel, featuring a spectacular, distortion-free mirror-polished finish. The obverse side of the ricasso bears Chappel’s unmistakable hand-engraved signature, model name, and steel designation: "Roderick 'Caribou' Chappel... 'Leopardo' Combat Bowie." The reverse ricasso tracks its precise lineage: "Davis Knives, Spokane, W.A. – October 8th, 1982, Seattle, W.A. – 440C."The handle is an engineering marvel of ergonomic sculpture. It features a beautifully contoured, multi-toned red and charcoal stabilized laminate wood grip, anatomically grooved for an incredibly secure, natural hold. The handle is brilliantly accented by a sweeping polished stainless steel forward guard and matching pommel cap, divided by immaculate custom brass and steel micro-spacers.

• Maker: Roderick "Caribou" Chappel (Davis Knives)
• Model: "The Leopardo" Combat Bowie
• Date of Manufacture: October 8, 1982
• Overall Length: Approx. 15.5 Inches
• Blade Length: Approx. 9.5 Inches
• Blade Steel: 440C Stainless Steel
• Blade Finish: Mirror Polished
• Handle Material: Contoured Stabilized Red/Charcoal Laminate Wood