What Makes a Knife to Be a Bowie Knife?
Saturday, 21 November 2009 09:31 | 
Written by Dylan Sabot |
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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