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What Qualifies a Knife to Be a Bowie Knife?

November 21, 2009

Knives have always played a prominent role in human affairs. From the first flint knife blade to today’s carbon steel weapons, the knife has a long and illustrious history. However, few types of knives have ever matched the mystique, mystery and magic commanded by the Bowie knife. You’ll find that this legendary weapon has spawned numerous modern derivatives, some so altered that they can scarcely be recognized as Bowie knives. What qualifies a knife to claim such heritage? Actually, this can be a sticky question to answer.

Because of the intense popularity of Bowie knives, you’ll find a wide range of different styles. In fact, there are so many different types, that it can be hard to tell what is real and what is not. For instance, you’ll find knives from the Rambo movies that are derivatives of the Bowie knife, but feature a serrated back (spine). You’ll find “Bowie” style machetes, as well. The real determining factor in the equation is your own personal tastes. For instance, if you are a purist, then the Rambo and Predator editions are certainly out of the running for true Bowie status.

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).

So, what qualifies a knife for true Bowie status? The blade should be at least six inches in length, though these can be twelve or more inches long, as well. The blade must also be between one and two inches in width. The point of the blade must be clipped – knives without this feature cannot be construed as a Bowie knife in any way.

Finally, the knife should have only a single edge, though some versions with saw-teeth on the spine have been produced, based on a military design that saw use during the Vietnam war (and featured in films such as the Rambo series). Of course, the status of a particular knife will vary with each person, depending on whether they are purists or just knife lovers.

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.

Written by Dylan Sabot · Filed Under Education