The Bowie knife is one of the most remarkable tools to ever be created. This knife serves equally well during camping, fishing, hunting or as a form of personal protection. While most people are familiar with the general shape and form of a Bowie knife, understanding what actually qualifies a knife to claim that particular name can be a little difficult.
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?
This begs the question, what will a purist accept as a Bowie knife? The answer is actually pretty simple. The blade should be at least six inches in length, though they can be 12 or more inches long, as well. The blade should also be single-edged, with no serrations along the blade's spine. The tip of the blade should also be clipped; that is, the tip should be lower than the spine (this is a trademark feature of Bowie knives). In addition, the knife should have an S shaped cross guard, with the upper guard tilted toward the point of the knife and the lower guard angled toward the butt of the knife.
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.
Of course, purists will dispute some of these elements, as well as modern innovations. For instance, most collectors and purists will not consider a folding blade Bowie knife as authentic, as the original was a fixed blade style. In addition, most collectors frown on "Bowie" knives with two edges, as the original and all early reproductions featured only a single edge. However, remember that the true value and "qualifications" of a knife lie with their owner, not with anyone else, or even any knife guide that you might find.
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?
This begs the question, what will a purist accept as a Bowie knife? The answer is actually pretty simple. The blade should be at least six inches in length, though they can be 12 or more inches long, as well. The blade should also be single-edged, with no serrations along the blade's spine. The tip of the blade should also be clipped; that is, the tip should be lower than the spine (this is a trademark feature of Bowie knives). In addition, the knife should have an S shaped cross guard, with the upper guard tilted toward the point of the knife and the lower guard angled toward the butt of the knife.
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.
Of course, purists will dispute some of these elements, as well as modern innovations. For instance, most collectors and purists will not consider a folding blade Bowie knife as authentic, as the original was a fixed blade style. In addition, most collectors frown on "Bowie" knives with two edges, as the original and all early reproductions featured only a single edge. However, remember that the true value and "qualifications" of a knife lie with their owner, not with anyone else, or even any knife guide that you might find.
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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