| Bowie knives have a rich and colorful role in | | | | who actually designed it, and there does not |
| American history; they are associated with some | | | | seem to be a definitive answer. It is likely that Jim |
| of the most epic moments, ranging from the | | | | Bowie was involved in designing it, and it is quite |
| Alamo to the Civil War. Let's separate fact from | | | | certain that Jim Bowie was the one who made it |
| fiction and discover the history of the bowie knife. | | | | famous. |
| What is a bowie knife? | | | | What is certain is that Jim Bowie's knife design |
| The bowie is believed to be originally a series of | | | | became popular after the sandbar duel of 1827. |
| designs created by Jim Bowie over a number of | | | | Jim Bowie was supporting one of the duelers |
| years. The "standard" historical bowie knife can be | | | | when he was attacked by the opposition. Despite |
| considered to meet these specs: | | | | being shot and stabbed, Jim killed his primary |
| Blade Length: 6-12 inches | | | | attacker with his knife. After this incident, Jim |
| Blade width: 1.5-2 inches | | | | Bowie became known as one of the best knife |
| Blade thickness: ~1/4 inch | | | | fighters in the world, and others began to want |
| False edge (or sharpened edge) along backside of | | | | copies of his knife. |
| blade | | | | Modern Times |
| Large quillon or guard | | | | Currently, the term bowie knife can be used to |
| Jim Bowie | | | | refer to any large sheath knife. However, true |
| James Bowie was a pioneer and soldier best | | | | bowie knives are still being made. SOG Knives and |
| known for being among the soldiers who died | | | | Cold Steel Knives are two companies that make |
| defending the Alamo. There is debate over who | | | | several modern bowie knives. |
| actually made the first bowie knife, as well as | | | | |