A Bowie knife is a specific thing, even though the term is loosely applied to most any large hunting knife. A Bowie knife has distinguishing features that make it very specialized in certain ways and very versatile in others. The principal difference between a Bowie and most hunting knives is that a Bowie was designed to be a dual-purpose device in a specific regard: It was designed both for utility and as an implement of self-defense. The design carries the name of its original carrier, Jim Bowie, a legendary frontiersman and one of the fighters at the Alamo.
A Bowie knife always has a single edge. Sometimes, the false edge at the end of the blade is sharpened, but this is not traditional. This single edge makes the knife more practical for myriad activities, including skinning, cleaning game and chopping. The powerful blade is what makes chopping possible and is another defining characteristic. In a pinch, these blades could serve as tools that could be used for many different survival needs.
Unlike most hunting knives, a Bowie knife has a wide and angled hand guard. This is also principally designed for its utility when fighting. The hand guard can deflect other weapons away from the user’s hands-hands and arms are major targets in knife fights-and also prevents the user’s hand from sliding up the blade if it meets heavy resistance from a thrust. As much as a Bowie is a tool of the frontier, it is also a weapon of war and its namesake owner was legendary for his skill with this particular weapon.
The end of a Bowie knife has a blade where the tip falls below the spine. This is a rare feature, sometimes seen on cutlasses and swords. It is principally designed to provide penetration when the knife is used for fighting. It also has the effect of making the knife lighter and more agile, which is as useful at camp as it is in a fight. When cleaning animals, the lighter portion of the blade at the end provides excellent control characteristics.
Bowie knives are useful tools but, in many jurisdictions, they are illegal to carry. These knives, after all, are weapons and are designed to be lethal. Before heading out of the house with one’s Bowie strapped to one’s leg, check local laws to make sure carrying such a fearsome knife is legal.
Dave is the owner of an online bowie knife and glock grip extension store.
