CJRB’s Modern Affordable Take on an Iconic Fighting Knife Gets a Heritage Throwback Edition

This pocket-friendly Bowie receives a more traditional material makeover that pays homage to classic American knives.

Folding pocket knife with a partially visible blade, featuring a handle made of dark wood and brass accents at both ends, held in a gloved hand. The knife has visible screws and a small hole near one end of the handle.

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By Sean Tirman

Published September 23, 2025

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Updated December 1, 2025

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A little over a month ago, CJRB teased a new, more traditionally outfitted version of its Bowie Pyrite, one of the brand’s most popular catalog staples. It eschewed some of the model’s modern elements in favor of classic, streamlined mechanisms.

However, the material configurations missed the mark a bit. It’s not that they were bad; they simply didn’t feature the most iconic combo. Now, the brand has returned to that same knife and righted its wrong with the CJRB Bowie Pyrite J1942SJ Brass and Wood.

Folding knife with a polished silver blade and a handle featuring dark wood and brass accents, resting on a light-colored rectangular block placed on grass. — The brass and wood handle is the quintessential material combo for classic American knives.

As classic as they come

It’s worth noting that the overall shape of this knife is already a tribute to an American classic, the Bowie knife. Made famous by frontiersman Jim Bowie, this knife is among the very first U.S. fighting knives.

Obviously, this smaller, folding, EDC-friendly version is only referentially similar — it isn’t a fixed blade, and it’s intended for daily cutting tasks instead of battle. However, it does still have many of the signature elements.

Two folding knives with black handles and brass bolsters are shown, one open and one closed. Both knives feature a silver pocket clip and a partially serrated blade with a thumb hole for easy opening. The open knife displays a sharp, wide blade with a slight curve near the tip. The closed knife shows the blade folded into the handle. — The knife has no “true” lock, opting for a more traditional slipjoint mechanism.

That includes the classic clip-point blade shape and its fuller (or blood groove), which can be used to deploy the blade manually. This configuration also sports a more quintessential material combo.

Boasting brass bolsters and wood scales, it’s the closest this model has come to its Old West origins while still remaining thoroughly modern. For reference, that material combo can be found on some of the most iconic folding and fixed knives in American knifemaking history, including (most crucially) the Buck 110 Folding Hunter.

A folding knife with a partially serrated stainless steel blade and a handle featuring brass and dark wood accents, resting on a light-colored wooden block placed on green grass. — Although traditional in its appearance, this take is much smaller and more EDC-friendly than classic Bowie knives.

Modern tradition

The shapes and materials aren’t the only parts of this knife that delve into tradition. While its siblings have sported some modern locking mechanisms, like button locks, this one has no “true” lock of which to speak.

Instead, it features a slipjoint mechanism. This style predates even back locks (as found on the Buck 110) but can still be found on Swiss Army Knives and other traditional and traditionally-inspired folders.

Boasting brass bolsters and wood scales, it’s the closest this model has come to its Old West origins while still remaining thoroughly modern.

Of course, this knife also has some contemporary elements. For instance, the blade is made from AR-RPM9 steel, a proprietary material owned by CJRB and its parent brand, Artisan Cutlery.

While it probably wouldn’t win any hearts, this steel is respectable in its properties. It offers solid corrosion resistance, takes an edge easily and performs well overall. Most importantly, however, it’s extremely affordable.

A hand wearing a brown tactical glove holding a closed folding knife with a brass and dark wood handle and a partially visible silver blade. The background is blurred greenery. — At 4.21 inches long closed, this knife is the perfect blend of heritage materials, modern sensibilities and compactness.

Coming soon

This CJRB Bowie Pyrite J1942SJ Brass and Wood version will soon be available for just $67. However, you can add it to your wishlist and be notified when it goes on sale.

Folding knife with a silver blade featuring a groove near the spine and a sharp, slightly curved tip. The handle has a two-tone design with brass-colored metal at both ends and a dark wood or wood-like material in the middle, secured with multiple screws. The knife has a sturdy, ergonomic shape.

CJRB Bowie Pyrite J1942SJ Brass and Wood

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About the Author: Sean Tirman is an associate editor at Gear Patrol who specializes in EDC, cannabis and outdoor gear.

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