Guide About Bowie Knife

Have a passion for collecting high-quality knives then a bowie knife should be on top of your list as there is a huge demand for these unique hunting knives all over the world.

Bowie Knives are very popular among hunters due to their high-quality craftsmanship and solid quality materials. Bowie knives have been traditionally used for outdoor hunting and camping. They are excellent weapons for self-defense and are used extensively for various animal skinning and butchering activities in the wild.

What Is A Bowie Knife?

Bowie knife giving the appearance of a sword was known to be designed for Jim Bowie known as the butcher’s knife upon its creation. Bowie knife is known today due to the knife consisting of clipped edge, clip point, fixed blade and unique handguard. The Bowie Knife can perform various manoeuvres and attacks in single blows due to its weight.

Bowie Knife History

The bowie knife became famous by James Bowie during a Sandbar fight that started in the Mississippi River close to the Natchez town. James become wounded severely and was not expected to recover but he magically recovered giving him status of knife master which become famous by epic proportions among the public due to his passion for knives.

Bowie knife was often used as standard equipment by backwoodsmen and frontiersmen along with Colt gun for centuries. Bowie knife has been used by Texas Rangers, Mississippi river pirates and mountain men alike. The knife can be used as a strong self-defense weapon as it could be wielded and thrown towards enemies, it was also very useful and economical for cutting meat, skinning animals, fighting duels and various other functions.

The Popularity of Bowie Knives

The original bowie knife construction was quite different during the early period as the knife had a blunt blade rather than curved. The knife was quite popular among many cutlery outlets. The knife was covered by the media which gave rise to its popularity among the masses. The bowie knife was featured in Hollywood movies like “the iron mistress”, the “Jim Bowie” show which increased its popularity.

The bowie knife became a very popular weapon while also being during hunting and camping. It is still popular among campers, travelers and explorers of the wild alike. There are endless variations of the bowie knife available today variating in quality, size and construction material.

People still use bowie knives today especially the backpackers and campers.

Choosing The Bowie Knife

Bowie knife have traditionally been known for their sharpness due to their usage of carbon steel. The knives were easy to maintain as well. Today’s Custom Bowie Knives are made from anodized aluminum but people looking for a classic bowie knife should always prefer a carbon steel one.

The Bowie Knife’s Ideal Blade Size

People who are mostly hunters prefer bowie knife having a length of 7 – 9 inches. If you prefer more control then go for a longer length knife as it will prove better for performing various tasks like cutting rungs, chopping wood, removing animal hide and sharpening stakes.

Smaller bowie knives are used for more precision work like skinning animals, shaving among others. If you wish to use a bowie knife for self-defense purposes you should go with medium length knife as it will be easier to man oeuvre and control.

The Bowie Knife’s Blade Design

Bowie knife blade design contributes greatly towards its usability. Clip point blades are ideal for strong blade tip control providing better maneuverability and penetration. Straight back or drop points are more important for various outdoor hunting and sports. For

Clip point blade design features straight spine that features straight spine blade having blade tip integrated in a concave drop or straight with the handle. The main purpose of this design is to lighten the blade tip for better control and balance.

Straight back and Drop points are primarily aimed towards outdoor sports and usage. Drop point Blade has straight spine blade extending from the bolster and incorporating curves from the blade spine towards the tip for greater precision and control during cutting work.

Straight back bowie knife has a straight spine which extends from the handles of the blade and provides very little control towards the blade tip but has benefits towards the chopping activity.

The Bowie knife’s Blade Edge Design

The edge of the blade of bowie knife is very important. Bowie knife having straight edge towards the belly is a recommended knife for carving and slicing.

Some bowie knife have recurved blade edge which could be concave or straight giving it more control by moving the blade point of balance giving it an advantage towards chopping stuff.

The Bowie Knife’s Best Material

Construction material is very important for blade durability for a bowie knife. Carbon steel has traditionally been used but these days stainless steel is more popular. Explorers, travelers, hunters need a well-balanced knife for various tasks including piercing, skinning and chopping.

Stainless steel is capable material known for its durability whether chopping wood, slicing, excavating or knocking over sapling without damage. Tough steel is recommended for durability and usage but blade smiths often select construction material depending on intended usage.

The Bowie Knife’s Best Handle Material

Bowie knife are known for their durability, therefore, selecting the best material that provides good grip and durable construction material should be preferred.

Wood, antler and bone are comfortable materials but rubber, Kraton, polymer are extra durable and provide more grip for the user.

The Bowie Knife’s Ideal Handle Design

Bowie knife handle design also influences the knives ergonomics and usability as to whether it provides control and better grip for the user. Contoured grip handles have been used for better grip among many bowie knives while some manufacturers may include hook or material covering like rubber for more comfort. The New Collections of Bowie Knives are available at eSaleKnives to catch up for the Free Shipment and delivery.

The Bowie Knife’s Sheath

Sheath provides additional protection from the blade for the user while also helping for keeping the blade from hurting others as well. The sheath also provides a strap for easy attachment for belts or pants for better access.

Bowie knife can be a great companion for hunters, scavengers and outdoor persons as it proves to be a perfectly balanced blade that can carry out a variety of outdoor activities needed.