What Is A Bowie Knife?

Nov 7
11:30

2009

Dave Sabot

Dave Sabot

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An incredible diversity of knives can be found on the market today, as well as in the annals of history.

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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,What Is A Bowie Knife? Articles 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?

First, unlike many other types of knives in the world, the Bowie knife is a single edged implement. Any knife with two sharpened edges is immediately disqualified from consideration. In addition, the blade is at least six inches in length, though they are often quite a bit longer than this, particularly in the case of modern day reproductions. The blade of a Bowie knife is usually at least an inch in width, though these can be up to two inches wide, as well (longer blades are proportionately wider).

What makes a knife a Bowie knife, though? Most people today will find that only the last version of this famed knife is usually labeled under that particular moniker. Generally, these knives have a blade length of at least six inches, though longer blades are available, as well. Bowie knives also usually have an upper guard, that is bent forward. This was used to catch and deflect an opponent's knife during a fight.

One of the most notable features of these knives is the clipped point. While most knives feature a point that is directly in line with the spine of the blade, Bowie knives have a point that is lower than the spine. This offers several benefits. First, it provides the knife with better penetrative abilities. In a knife fight, for instance, the Bowie is much better at penetrating an opponent's flesh than traditional knife models are, thanks to the unique design of the blade's tip.

Today, Bowie knives are found throughout the world, but you'll find the widest selection and the most derivatives of these knives in the US. However, carrying such a knife in public might not be a good idea, as many states still have a ban on them.

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