Bowie knives come in several different options where handles are concerned. Some of these materials are designed to invoke the frontier heritage of these knives. Others are designed to provide an elegant and eye-catching feature to the knife. The most practical handles are designed with durability, grip characteristics and balance in mind. One’s hand size will affect which handle is appropriate, as will the uses toward which the knife is put.

Many handles are made out of wood. Wood is durable, it can be easily crafted into different designs and is relatively inexpensive. Walnut, Oak and other hardwoods represent some of the most popular choices where knife handles are concerned. Wood handles are usually fastened to the tang of the blade with rivets or bolts. Either way, they provide very reliable and long service to their users. Wood handles need to be protected against moisture and dryness. For knives used for hunting, wood handles may present a danger of slippage when they become wet.

Metals are also very popular options for Bowie knife handles. There are a variety of metals employed for this purpose, from steel to brass to various modern alloys. Metal offers great strength relative to its weight and is oftentimes made safer by the inclusion of patterns which afford a firmer grip on the knife. They are also extremely durable and, provided that they are protected from moisture, are resistant to most damage.

A composite handle is essentially a handle that is made out of multiple materials. On a Bowie knife, a composite handle is oftentimes used to reduce the overall weight of the knife. These materials are typically very durable and can provide years of reliable service. They are also usually designed to be easy to grip, even when the knife becomes wet. They are among the most popular handle materials for high-end Bowie knives.

Bowie knife handles are sometimes of the leather-wrapped variety. This is among the oldest techniques for creating durable and safe handles for bladed implements. The World War 2 Bowies used by the Marines have leather-wrapped handles of a brown color which provided both a secure grip and which blended with the environment. Other colors are certainly available. Oftentimes, good-quality Bowies have leather-wrapped handles. The surface is both easy to grip and comfortable for the hands. These handles must be protected against moisture.

Dylan is a business consultant for an online bowie knives store featuring combat knives.