Lot # 7 - Roderick "Caribou" Chappel Custom "Lady Diana" Recurve Bowie Knife

Opening Bid : $ 5.00
Start Date/Time: 20-Oct-2026 7:00:00 AM
End Date/Time: 27-Oct-2026 6:06:00 PM
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Description :

An investment-grade example of custom knifemaking history by legendary master craftsman Roderick "Rorie" Caribou Chappel (1942–2014). Renowned for his sweeping, dramatic blade grinds and avant-garde ergonomic handles, Chappel remains one of the most distinctive and highly sought-after figures in late 20th-century custom cutlery.

This piece, handmade in Seattle, Washington, in February 1981, beautifully showcases Chappel’s iconic "Lady Diana" design language scaled up into a formidable, full-sized Bowie format.


Blade Geometry: Sculptural, highly complex recurve clip point blade featuring an intensely deep, flawlessly executed hollow grind

Finish: Impeccable high-mirror polish, a hallmark of Chappel’s painstaking craftsmanship.

Obverse Inscription: Elegantly hand-engraved on the blade canvas: “A Roderick Caribou Chappel Bowie Knife..

Signed, dated, and located by the maker near the guard: “Rorie Chappel… Seattle, WN… February 1981”Hilt, 

Handle: Masterfully sculpted, highly contoured exotic wood handle featuring deep, anatomical finger grooves engineered for an incredibly secure, ergonomic grip.

Guard & Pommel: Heavily polished, flowing stainless steel guard and integrated distinct sweeping pommel.

Spacers: Accentuated by Chappel’s signature multi-layered spacer stack consisting of alternating red, brass, and dark accents at both the guard and pommel junctions.

  • Overall Length: Approx. 12.0 inches
  • Blade Length: Approx. 7.0 inches
  • Guard Width: Approx. 3.0 inches
  • Production Date: February 1981
  • Origin: Seattle, Washington, USA

Auction History

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We make every effort to describe lot items as accurately as possible. Expect normal signs of wear associated with antiques, vintage, and used items. We do not list every flaw. All items are sold AS IS WHERE IS. No refunds or returns. Sound Estate Company does not guarantee the working order of any clock, watch, electronic or mechanical device. Dimensions given may be approximate.

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