Overview
Daniel Searles proverbially carved himself into Bowie history when he made several Bowie knives for Rezin Bowie, brother of James.
Daniel Searles was a gunsmith and knife maker during the 1830's in Baton Rouge Louisiana. Rezin Bowie commissioned him to make several exquisite knives that Rezin later gave away as gifts. One he presented to Josiah Seth Stafford of Alexandria and the other recreated here was presented to H.W. Fowler of the U.S. Dragoons. The original of our Searles knife is currently on display at the Alamo.
It seemed that Rezin enjoyed grabbing a bit of personal attention cashing in on his brothers fame after the Sandbar duel by sporting well crafted custom knives. These silver adorned fancy weapons were later presented as gifts by Rezin to notable worthies of the day. Rezin would spend much of his later life putting various spins on the origin of the first known Bowie knife usually not realizing that those interested were really only concerned with what Jim used in the Sandbar duel and might later have carried in defense of the Alamo.
The Searles Bowie definitely has its place in history however by being the Alamo display knife and having the undisputed refute of being owned by a Bowie at one time. It may be the only "confirmed" knife in existence that historians are sure "was" owned by a Bowie. Although never provable it is possible it may have been a Searles.
Enjoy this fine reproduction by Generation 2/Legacy Arms of the most viewed knives in history on display at the Alamo.
From historian Rick J. Baer
This knife is made from high carbon steel, all hand hammer and hand ground, then highly polished, with a full tang and this blade comes with a sharp (workable) edge. The handle is made from an exotic hardwood that will last. The scabbard is wood that has been wrapped in black leather with steel accents. Has some scratches and a couple small oxidation spots, otherwise good condition.