The Smith & Wesson Texas Ranger Bowie Knife designed by Blackie Collins
In 1972 Smith & Wesson was approached by the Texas Ranger Commission to build a commemorative revolver in honor of their 150th anniversary. While attending these meetings, Roy Jenks of Smith & Wesson Collectors Association and a Smith & Wesson Historian, proposed what could be offered in the way of a commemorative handgun. At this time, the Commission was also considering the purchase of a commemorative service knife. Roy, and John Wilson, a member of the Texas Commission, developed a design, similar to an early style Texas knife, for a Bowie knife. This pattern was presented to Smith & Wesson and the Bowie knife, designed by Blackie Collins, was modified closer to the style originally used and purposed by Mr. Wilson. Smith & Wesson felt an excellent entry into the knife market would be the Texas Ranger Commemorative Bowie knife.
A package deal consisting of the Smith & Wesson Model 19 revolver and a Bowie knife was presented. The idea was accepted, production was initiated, and in 1973 Smith & Wesson announced the Texas Ranger Commemorative. Production plans called for the manufacture of 8,000 knives cased with a Smith & Wesson model 19.
In addition, 12,000 individual knives in their own presentation case were offered starting at number 8001. The Texas The Texas Ranger Bowie knife was produced inthe Smith & Wesson factory from forged 440 series stainless steel and handcrafted in a series of up to 47 different manufacturing operations. Each knife was serial numbered on the top of the blade beginning at serial number TR1 through TR20,000. Information from the well-researched book, "The Knives of Smith & Wesson", by C.E. Rinke.
