November 2005 >>Read Full Article Bottom Line on Big, Big Blades By Jim Gallagher Bowie, Boone & Co. really did know best. piphanies happen. Mine arrived in the pre-dawn darkness as I stared into 200,000-plus acres of timber so thick even the Forest Service can’t say for sure what lives in there. Waiting for the fire to kick in and coffee to boil, I had my moment of clarity: I could use a bigger knife. You probably could, too. 3. Marble’s Trailmaker (blade: 10 in. carbon; weight: 22 oz.) Well-balanced, razor-sharp, tough enough to do it all and keep an edge. Leather or bone handle. Outstanding production knife. ($189; 906-428-3710; www.marblesoutdoors.com) 6. Marble’s 8-inch Ideal (blade: 8 in. carbon; weight: 14.8 oz.) A classic returned in an upsized version for general camp duty. Same quality as bigger Trailmaker, scaled for easier carry. ($199; 906-428-3710; www.marblesoutdoors.com)