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Characteristics of Bowie Knives |
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Written by Dylan Sabot
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Saturday, 21 November 2009 09:22 |
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Bowie knives are some of the most sought after and prized knives in the world. Their rugged good looks, impressive size and incredible durability and usability make them ideal for numerous situations, from clearing brush to personal protection. However, what actually qualifies as a Bowie knife? To answer this question, you'll have to understand a little bit about the history of this popular knife. Where did the knife get its start? What did the first versions look like?
by DylanSabot
Bowie knives are some of the most sought after and prized knives in the world. Their rugged good looks, impressive size and incredible durability and usability make them ideal for numerous situations, from clearing brush to personal protection. However, what actually qualifies as a Bowie knife? To answer this question, you'll have to understand a little bit about the history of this popular knife. Where did the knife get its start? What did the first versions look like?
Why is this? First, it's because of the enormous popularity of these knives. Their widespread use and popularity has spawned any number of new designs and styles based off the "traditional" knife pattern. So, what qualifies a knife as a Bowie knife?
The "original" or "true" Bowie knife today is actually based on the "Sheffield" Bowie, which differs from the version used by James Bowie at the Alamo. Today's version has a much less pronounced clip at the front, with a longer, though shallower, curve leading from the tip of the point to the top of the spine. The knives are also usually thinner than the one that James Black produced and the false edge is usually sharpened (though not always).
The tip of a Bowie knife is a special case. All knives tied to this particular heritage should have a clipped point. That is, the point of the knife should be located well below the spine of the blade and should connect with the spine via a curve that runs back toward the hilt and up to the spine. Any knife that does not have a clipped point should not be considered a Bowie knife (even though some very early versions of the original did not have this feature). The false edge of the tip can be sharpened or left blunt (sharpened edges indicate that the knife is a Sheffield Bowie).
Obviously, determining what is a real Bowie and what is not can be a complicated process; however, let your own preferences be your guide. If you purchase a Rambo-style knife and feel that it qualifies, then that should be good enough.
About the Author:
Dylan Sabot is the owner of an online bowie hunting knife store featuring the Cold Steel jim bowie knife. Additionally, Dylan is also the President of a specialty lighters store. |
