If you are into Cowboy Action shooting and need an authentic knife to round out the outfit, check out the classic styled blades from the shop of Padre & Coyote Woman at their remote log home in the mountains of North Idaho. Mike "Padre" Mann builds a wide variety of authentic knives. Most are based on 19th Century designs but more modern styles are available. In fact, he will build most any knife you desire. It is a custom shop after all and Mann makes each knife by hand in his small shop.

The knives turned out at Idaho Knife Works are not only beautiful and authentic in design, they are working knives as well. Mann forges his blades from tough 5160 high carbon spring steel or L-6 tool steel. Blades are flat ground and hardened and tempered so the back of the blade is not as hard as the cutting edge. This allows for a flexible blade, less prone to breakage.

I received a Gentleman's Dress Bowie from Idaho Knife Works recently and was immediately impressed with the quality of workmanship. It is a full tang knife with a coffin-shaped handle decked out with elk antler slabs and has an unobtrusive brass crossguard. Fit and finish were superb and the knife had a nice balance and comforting heft to it. A sturdy leather sheath was included.

Whether you want a custom knife for dress-up or dressing game, Idaho Knife Works has you covered. Request a catalog or visit their website to see their selection, including various Bowies, authentically designed backwoods and mountain man patterns, some modern hunters, and even a couple of unique folders.

Price: $270 for Gentleman's Bowie

Idaho Knife Works P.O. Box 144 Spirit Lake, Idaho 83869 (509) 994-9394 www.idahoknifeworks.com