| An incredible diversity of knives can be found on | | | | this famed knife is usually labeled under that |
| the market today, as well as in the annals of | | | | particular moniker. Generally, these knives have a |
| history. | | | | blade length of at least six inches, though longer |
| You'll find that almost every culture around the | | | | blades are available, as well. Bowie knives also |
| world has some sort of knife style that is | | | | usually have an upper guard, that is bent forward. |
| indicative of their culture and history. For instance, | | | | This was used to catch and deflect an opponent's |
| the kukri knife is unmistakable, while the Scottish | | | | knife during a fight. |
| dirk is synonymous with their history. In America, | | | | One of the most notable features of these |
| few knives can claim this particular status, though | | | | knives is the clipped point. While most knives |
| the Bowie knife might be the closest thing to it. | | | | feature a point that is directly in line with the spine |
| What is a Bowie knife? | | | | of the blade, Bowie knives have a point that is |
| First, unlike many other types of knives in the | | | | lower than the spine. This offers several benefits. |
| world, the Bowie knife is a single edged | | | | First, it provides the knife with better penetrative |
| implement. Any knife with two sharpened edges | | | | abilities. In a knife fight, for instance, the Bowie is |
| is immediately disqualified from consideration. In | | | | much better at penetrating an opponent's flesh |
| addition, the blade is at least six inches in length, | | | | than traditional knife models are, thanks to the |
| though they are often quite a bit longer than this, | | | | unique design of the blade's tip. |
| particularly in the case of modern day | | | | Today, Bowie knives are found throughout the |
| reproductions. The blade of a Bowie knife is | | | | world, but you'll find the widest selection and the |
| usually at least an inch in width, though these can | | | | most derivatives of these knives in the US. |
| be up to two inches wide, as well (longer blades | | | | However, carrying such a knife in public might not |
| are proportionately wider). | | | | be a good idea, as many states still have a ban |
| What makes a knife a Bowie knife, though? Most | | | | on them. |
| people today will find that only the last version of | | | | |