| A Bowie knife today refers to almost any large, | | | | not double-sided provides for more safety in |
| wide-bladed knife with a curved and sharpened tip. | | | | carrying and using the knife. |
| The fancy presentation blades often carry some | | | | Another positive feature of today's Bowie knives, |
| reference to Jim Bowie who was famous as the | | | | just as in the originals made during the 1800s is |
| designer of the original knife. Not only are such | | | | the quality of the steel used in the blade. These |
| knives decorative in nature and appearance | | | | knives typically use a high carbon steel that |
| today, but they are an efficient and | | | | provides both the ability to not require repeated |
| comprehensive tool for the outdoorsman, hiker, | | | | sharpening in order to maintain the cutting edge |
| camper or anyone who hunts recreationally or for | | | | and the flexibility to not snap with the stress of |
| food. | | | | everyday use. |
| A number of features help to make this knife | | | | While the qualities of the steel are critical in the |
| style perhaps the most famous of any type of | | | | reputation of the Bowie knives throughout their |
| knife in the history of the United States, at least. | | | | history, this is one area where modern science |
| The first element is the size of the knife. It | | | | has not yet caught up with the secrets of the |
| typically has a blade that is at least six inches in | | | | original makers. Black, the blacksmith who is |
| length and may extend to a foot or more in | | | | credited with producing the original knife carried |
| length. In fact, at this size, it resembled a short | | | | by Bowie and made famous during his lifetime, |
| sword more than a knife. The length of the knife | | | | died before sharing his secrets for the blade |
| is matched by the width of the blade - usually | | | | strength, and his process has not been duplicated |
| from one and a half inches to two inches in width. | | | | even with modern means. |
| The wide blade makes it usable as a small hatchet | | | | Today's Bowie knives tend to have more |
| or machete for the hunter who needs to chop | | | | elaborate handles and decorative touches, but the |
| some wood to get a fire going or to clear a spot | | | | balance and clean lines have not changed much |
| for a tent or other shelter for the night. | | | | since the originals. High carbon stainless steel |
| For those who hunt, a Bowie knife's curved tip is | | | | blades are joined with composition handles, or |
| ideal for the more delicate work of skinning out | | | | sometimes bone, wood or metal handles in order |
| the animal while the guard protects the hands. | | | | to create a beautiful and utilitarian product. Handles |
| Anglers use the curved tip for cleaning fish and | | | | are even embellished with brass, silver or gold |
| preparing the fillets for a quick dinner over a | | | | decorative elements. |
| campfire. Hiker's and backpackers appreciate the | | | | There are several companies out there who |
| fact that the Bowie knife is multidimensional in its | | | | produce both inexpensive and high-end bowie |
| uses so that additional tools are unnecessary, thus | | | | knives for collectors and users alike. Bowie is a |
| reducing the weight of the backpack or hiking | | | | name outdoorsmen can count on for quality and |
| pack. At the same time, the fact that the knife is | | | | usefulness no matter what the need. |