Determining what style of Bowie knife suits you best can take some time. There are numerous styles from which to choose – the popularity of the knife has spawned change after change, modification after modification. One of those that you will find most commonly is a drop point blade. What is this blade design and what does it offer? Would it be better to choose a knife with a clip point, or perhaps a spear point? Actually, a drop point does offer some significant benefits.
A drop point is similar in design to a clip point, with a few differences. On a clip point, the spine of the blade drops down well before the point, giving it its distinctive clipped appearance. On a drop point Bowie knife, the spine continues almost all the way to the point. This offers a number of advantages to users. For instance, because the spine (the thicker part of the blade) extends farther, the blade is stronger. It can handle heavier tasks than can thinner blades.
Bowie knives with drop point blades have the advantage of being very sturdy. There’s more metal at the end of the blade and, thus, the blade is capable of taking more abuse. The drop point is also usually preferred by hunters, as it offers more control and a less severe point than do clipped point blades. That last reason is important to understanding those Bowie knives with clipped points.
Another advantage of drop point Bowie knives is the fact that the spine technically continues almost all the way to the tip. This increases the strength and resilience of the blade. Therefore, it can be used in more heavy-duty cutting situations than can some other knives, without the fear that the blade will snap. As you might imagine, most hunting knives manufactured today make use of a drop point, rather than a clip point, spear point or other types of blade design.
Should you choose Bowie knives with a drop point to add to your collection? That question must be answered by your own usage needs. Do you need a strong knife with considerable cutting ability? Are you willing to sacrifice much of the stabbing power of the blade for greater cutting strength? Choosing any particular knife style over another is always a series of tradeoffs. However, when you choose a knife with a drop point, you are getting the best of many worlds, unlike some other knives that offer you only limited benefits due to the design of their blades. Take your time and choose a knife that fits your needs.
Blake is a business consultant for an online bowie knifes store featuring survival knives.
