When it comes time to choose a new option from several bowie knives, you will need to know how to choose the right size. It's no secret that bowie knives are available in an incredible range of sizes. In fact, it can seem like the larger the blade is, the more popular that particular model will be. However, size is not everything. How do you know what you should look for in bowie knives? What makes one knife better for you than another one?
The key here is size - the size of the blade (length, width and thickness) will determine just how useful bowie knives are to you. In order to determine what size is appropriate for you, you'll need to take a look at your intended usage. For instance, do you plan to chop with the knife? This might be anything from vegetables to brush, but if you will use your blade for chopping, a longer, thicker blade is better.
Shorter blades, on the other hand, are a different matter all together. You wouldn't want to use a six-inch blade for hacking through underbrush. You would, however, want such a smaller blade if you were doing something that required precise control, such as cleaning a freshly caught fish or skinning that stag that you just brought down. Larger blades can damage whatever you're cleaning or skinning, simply because you cannot control them as well. Shorter blades offer better precision and better control, at the cost of brute power, though.
Of course, there is the converse of this. If you intend to use your bowie knife for chopping or hacking, then a longer blade is a good thing. The extra length of the blade will help keep your hands clear of whatever it might be that you're chopping.
Very large bowie knives can be quite uncomfortable to carry and unwieldy, to boot. These are best left in your vehicle or in your pack, unless you are actively using them. Shorter blades, though, are ideal for wearing and will not hinder your movements unduly. They are also less attention grabbing than their larger brethren. - 31499
The key here is size - the size of the blade (length, width and thickness) will determine just how useful bowie knives are to you. In order to determine what size is appropriate for you, you'll need to take a look at your intended usage. For instance, do you plan to chop with the knife? This might be anything from vegetables to brush, but if you will use your blade for chopping, a longer, thicker blade is better.
Shorter blades, on the other hand, are a different matter all together. You wouldn't want to use a six-inch blade for hacking through underbrush. You would, however, want such a smaller blade if you were doing something that required precise control, such as cleaning a freshly caught fish or skinning that stag that you just brought down. Larger blades can damage whatever you're cleaning or skinning, simply because you cannot control them as well. Shorter blades offer better precision and better control, at the cost of brute power, though.
Of course, there is the converse of this. If you intend to use your bowie knife for chopping or hacking, then a longer blade is a good thing. The extra length of the blade will help keep your hands clear of whatever it might be that you're chopping.
Very large bowie knives can be quite uncomfortable to carry and unwieldy, to boot. These are best left in your vehicle or in your pack, unless you are actively using them. Shorter blades, though, are ideal for wearing and will not hinder your movements unduly. They are also less attention grabbing than their larger brethren. - 31499
About the Author:
Dylan Sabot is the owner of an online bowie knife store featuring the Cold Steel bowie knive.
