Identifying Bowie Knives

Not all knives sold as Bowie knives really meet the standards for this legendary weapon and tool

. There are distinguishing characteristics that make this knife what it is and which give it its characteristic durability, utility and, when necessary, lethality. This knife design is born of the American Frontier when people needed tools that were as versatile and durable as possible.

Bowie knives always have clipped points. This feature is the end part of the blade where the center of the blade dips below the spine. Though this feature is attractive, it offers far more than looks. In a fight, this narrow portion of the blade is lethal in its ability to penetrate deep into the body with little effort. This creates what is called a false edge along the back of the blade. Some users sharpen this edge. Outside of fighting, however, this modification has little practical usage and may make the knife more dangerous to the user.

Unlike most hunting knives, a Bowie knife has a wide and angled hand guard. This is also principally designed for its utility when fighting. The hand guard can deflect other weapons away from the user's hands-hands and arms are major targets in knife fights-and also prevents the user's hand from sliding up the blade if it meets heavy resistance from a thrust. As much as a Bowie is a tool of the frontier, it is also a weapon of war and its namesake owner was legendary for his skill with this particular weapon.

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.

A Bowie knife is generally a very large knife, being anywhere between 6 and 12 inches long. While there are longer models made, they are essentially novelty items. A real Bowie is as precise as it is large and deadly.

by: Dave Sabot

POST COMMENT

Fours Way To Ensure Your Flyers Are As Successful As Possible Lucknow As A City Of Splendor Vancouver Canucks Tickets - Canucks Top Capitals 3-2 Nfl Tickets - Week 15 Observations Great Easy To Grow Perennials Nfl Tickets - The Best Of Week 15 Nfl Tickets - Power Rankings Nfl Tickets - League Upsets In Week 15 How To Build A Trailer Boston Bruins Tickets - Bruins Shutout Senators 2-0 How To Build A Wall Beat The Carb Cravings Easy Steps To Pickle Okra