A Bowie knife is a specific thing, even though the term is loosely applied to most any large hunting knife. A Bowie knife has distinguishing features that make it very specialized in certain ways and very versatile in others. The principal difference between a Bowie and most hunting knives is that a Bowie was designed to be a dual-purpose device in a specific regard: It was designed both for utility and as an implement of self-defense. The design carries the name of its original carrier, Jim Bowie, a legendary frontiersman and one of the fighters at the Alamo.

A Bowie knife always has a single edge. Sometimes, the false edge at the end of the blade is sharpened, but this is not traditional. This single edge makes the knife more practical for myriad activities, including skinning, cleaning game and chopping. The powerful blade is what makes chopping possible and is another defining characteristic. In a pinch, these blades could serve as tools that could be used for many different survival needs.

Bowie knives without the characteristic hand guards do not deserve the name. The hand guard is angled down on the bottom and up on the top. In romantic assessments, this was used by the wielder to trap the blade of another fighter. In reality, this is a popular guard design on many fighting knives as it easily deflects, not traps, the blade of an opponent. This design is also seen on some swords. The downward-pointing lower hand guard ensures that blades are safely deflected away from the user’s hand, which is a primary target in any fight with bladed weapons.

The Bowie knife always has a single edge. This is where it really blends a tool with a weapon. For obvious reasons, double-edges are preferred on many fighting knives. The single edge on a Bowie makes it more practical for the user and lends strength to the blade. The blade is also very thick and wide. In a camping situation, this makes it ideal for chopping and hacking.

Bowie knives are useful tools but, in many jurisdictions, they are illegal to carry. These knives, after all, are weapons and are designed to be lethal. Before heading out of the house with one’s Bowie strapped to one’s leg, check local laws to make sure carrying such a fearsome knife is legal.

Dave is the owner of an online bowie knife and glock grip extension store.

When it comes time to purchase a new bowie knife, you most likely have a specific size range in mind. However, you will find that these knives come in a surprising number of different sizes, from the smallest four-inch bowie knife to enormous machetes that feature the same blade design, but span more than two full feet. Which size is right for your needs? What makes one blade size better than another? Actually, you will find that each size blade is ideal for some rather specific things.

You will find that bowie knives come in blade sizes ranging from a compact six inches all the way up to a full two feet. This tremendous range of sizes is testament to the wide range of uses this blade design can be put to without damaging the knife. However, what size is right for you? In order to answer this question successfully, you will need to know more about your intended uses. While bowie knives are well known for their versatile nature, different blade lengths are more suited to different tasks. How do you determine what’s right?

First, consider the shorter blades. These are generally between six and eight inches in length. These are ideal for any number of tasks. You’ll find that the shorter blades offer benefits if you need to clean and gut a fish, as well as if you need to skin a deer, moose or elk. Because the blades are shorter, you have greater control over the blade’s direction and movement. You will not find this control with larger blades, so you should certainly opt for a smaller blade if you anticipate performing these types of tasks.

Twelve to Fourteen Inches – These are enormous blades. You’ll find that a bowie knife with a blade in this size range is truly formidable. Whether used for clearing brush or for personal protection, these knives are more than handy. However, you will find that jobs requiring precision cutting are not so easily accomplished and that you might need to carry more than one knife with you for the different tasks that you will encounter. However, bowie knife blades in this size range are quite sturdy and provide tremendous resilience for hard use.

Blades larger than about twelve inches are a bit more unwieldy than smaller blades are. However, they are ideal for heavy chopping and can even be used to clear brush in a pinch. However, because of their immense size, carrying these blades can be a bit difficult though you will find that they are more than eye-catching when worn.

Dave is the owner of an online bowie knives and glock grip extensions store.