An incredible diversity of knives can be found on the market today, as well as in the annals of history. You'll find that almost every culture around the world has some sort of knife style that is indicative of their culture and history. For instance, the kukri knife is unmistakable, while the Scottish dirk is synonymous with their history. In America, few knives can claim this particular status, though the Bowie knife might be the closest thing to it. What is a Bowie knife?
Regarding blade length, of course, knives can have almost any blade length possible, from miniature penknives to survival knives and those that should probably be classified as short swords. However, Bowie knives have to have a blade of at least six inches in length in order to be considered actual "Bowie" knives. That said, you'll find derivatives with blades far in excess of six inches.
The blade tip is yet another defining feature of Bowie knives. While the majority of knives, whether modern or antique in origin, have a tip in line with the spine or back of the blade, the Bowie knife does not. In fact, the point is considerably lower than the spine, for several reasons. First, this provides better control of the knife tip during use. Second, it offers better penetration, because the tip is considerably smaller than it would be if it had a traditional design. Of course, you will also find that some of these clipped tips actually have the curved (or clipped) portion of the blade sharpened, which results in better penetration (called a Sheffield Bowie).
The typical design of Bowie knives was created by knife maker James Black. This knife had a somewhat blunter clipped tip, unlike the swooping curve of some later models. It also featured an S shaped guard, with the lower guard angled back toward the butt of the handle and the upper guard bent forward toward the tip of the knife (to help catch and block an opponent's blade in a knife fight).
These are only three of the features that define Bowie knives. Of course, the single edge of the blade is yet another defining characteristic, as is the Spanish Notch that many of these blades feature. Yet another feature is the upward sweeping curve of the blade tip, designed to provide better performance and handling when butchering or skinning a carcass. If your knife has these characteristics, it is a good bet that you are holding a Bowie knife, or a derivative of that famed knife style. Before venturing out with your knife strapped on, though, you'll need to check your state's laws regarding these blades. - 31499
Regarding blade length, of course, knives can have almost any blade length possible, from miniature penknives to survival knives and those that should probably be classified as short swords. However, Bowie knives have to have a blade of at least six inches in length in order to be considered actual "Bowie" knives. That said, you'll find derivatives with blades far in excess of six inches.
The blade tip is yet another defining feature of Bowie knives. While the majority of knives, whether modern or antique in origin, have a tip in line with the spine or back of the blade, the Bowie knife does not. In fact, the point is considerably lower than the spine, for several reasons. First, this provides better control of the knife tip during use. Second, it offers better penetration, because the tip is considerably smaller than it would be if it had a traditional design. Of course, you will also find that some of these clipped tips actually have the curved (or clipped) portion of the blade sharpened, which results in better penetration (called a Sheffield Bowie).
The typical design of Bowie knives was created by knife maker James Black. This knife had a somewhat blunter clipped tip, unlike the swooping curve of some later models. It also featured an S shaped guard, with the lower guard angled back toward the butt of the handle and the upper guard bent forward toward the tip of the knife (to help catch and block an opponent's blade in a knife fight).
These are only three of the features that define Bowie knives. Of course, the single edge of the blade is yet another defining characteristic, as is the Spanish Notch that many of these blades feature. Yet another feature is the upward sweeping curve of the blade tip, designed to provide better performance and handling when butchering or skinning a carcass. If your knife has these characteristics, it is a good bet that you are holding a Bowie knife, or a derivative of that famed knife style. Before venturing out with your knife strapped on, though, you'll need to check your state's laws regarding these blades. - 31499
About the Author:
Dylan Sabot is the owner of an online bowie knives store featuring cold steel bowie knives. Additionally, Dylan is also the President of a specialty cigar lighters store.
