What's the Best Metal for a Bowie Knife Blade?

By Dylan Sabot

Are you searching the bowie knives market for a new blade? If so, you'll find that you have an amazing array of options available to you. You can choose a traditional style knife, or you can opt for something a bit more modern. You will even find options that are derived from popular films of the modern day, such as Rambo and Predator. Of course, if you're more of a purist, you'll find detailed replicas of Bowie's first knife that can be purchased. However, what sort of metal do you want in that blade?

The choice of blade material is never one that should be made hastily. Different types of metals have very different properties. Even the many varieties of steel out there provide very different benefits and drawbacks that will play a significant role in how that metal performs for your specific needs. What's this all about? For instance, you'll find stainless steel, high carbon steel and surgical steel on the market. Each of these is a type of steel, but they are very different. For instance, stainless steel is well known for its stain and rust resistance. However, high carbon steel holds a better edge for a longer period of time. Surgical steel has a number of benefits, as well.

In addition, the question of metal type for your bowie knife blade will hinge on how long the blade will be. Some metals are very brittle though they hold a good edge. These are ideal for shorter blades, but make poor choices for a bowie knife with a long blade. You will also find that metals ideal for longer blades might not be able to hold that edge for quite as long, though the blade might be more than resilient and springy.

So, do you want stainless, high carbon or surgical steel in that blade? Stainless steel offers significant benefits if rust is a concern. However, high carbon steel comes in a lot of different varieties that are almost as rust resistant as stainless steel. Surgical steel offers an excellent edge, as well as a lower price point than stainless or high carbon metals.

Determine what you need from the blade and then compare the benefits and drawbacks offered by the different types of steel out there. You'll even find user forums online that can help you decide which bowie knives are right for your needs. - 31499

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