Upon hearing what had happened, Rudy was determined to rebuild the knife so that a break would never happen again and that is what he did. Free of charge, Rudy custom-built a new guard of aluminum all by hand, adding some extra supporting strength workmanship to the blade and guard. You can see the varying size and shape of the balls on the guard as they do not mirror each other. The owner then wrapped rawhide on the elk antler handle and coated the knife guard and handle with a golden shellac giving the brass look. The rawhide aided in the throwing of the knife.
The knife was thrown for many years after the rebuild. The rebuild shape of the guard is similar to a 43D, with the original blade marking of 35B still bold. Measuring 13 7/8" overall and with an 8 7/8" blade the knife is in impressive condition with good ol' use marks as a testament to years in the field. The blade is sharp and the point is perfect. I do not see any issues with discoloration or pitting, etc.
The butt cap is unique in that it is angled. There is about 1/75th of an inch of movement in the handle.
The sheath is the original. Another very interesting fact about the knife is that Rudy put a second snap on after he rebuilt the guard as his newly configured guard required a second snap for proper closure. The front of the sheath is very good condition, back of the sheath a few of the stitches pulled through as shown, from many years of use in the mountains. I think it is safe to say there is not another one like it.
The item "R H Ruana Bowie Knife Special Guard One-of-a-Kind Custom 35B Rebuild by Rudy" is in sale since Wednesday, September 30, 2020. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Knives, Swords & Blades\Collectible Fixed Blade Knives\Vintage Fixed Blade Knives\Custom & Handmade". The seller is "rorzbid" and is located in Missoula, Montana. This item can be shipped to United States.