The Bowie knife is one of the most remarkable tools to ever be created. This knife serves equally well during camping, fishing, hunting or as a form of personal protection. While most people are familiar with the general shape and form of a Bowie knife, understanding what actually qualifies a knife to claim that particular name can be a little difficult.
Actually, Bowie knives got started in Louisiana. The first one was actually commissioned by James Bowie's brother, Rezin. The original knife was a little over 9 inches long (blade length), had no cross guards and did not have the clipped point that is such a hallmark of Bowie knives today. The next version of the knife differed slightly. In fact, the number of versions between the knife commissioned by Rezin and what you would recognize today as a Bowie knife are truly not known. What is know is that James Bowie eventually commissioned a blacksmith by the name of James Black to create a knife based off a wooden version that Bowie had made. The result was unique.
This begs the question, what will a purist accept as a Bowie knife? The answer is actually pretty simple. The blade should be at least six inches in length, though they can be 12 or more inches long, as well. The blade should also be single-edged, with no serrations along the blade's spine. The tip of the blade should also be clipped; that is, the tip should be lower than the spine (this is a trademark feature of Bowie knives). In addition, the knife should have an S shaped cross guard, with the upper guard tilted toward the point of the knife and the lower guard angled toward the butt of the knife.
The classic look is what most purists accept as a true Bowie knife, though even here, there is much disparity. Some collectors even accept Sheffield Bowies as true Bowie knives (these feature a sharpened back curve on the point, where the clipped portion curves up to meet the knife's spine).
Of course, purists will dispute some of these elements, as well as modern innovations. For instance, most collectors and purists will not consider a folding blade Bowie knife as authentic, as the original was a fixed blade style. In addition, most collectors frown on "Bowie" knives with two edges, as the original and all early reproductions featured only a single edge. However, remember that the true value and "qualifications" of a knife lie with their owner, not with anyone else, or even any knife guide that you might find.
Actually, Bowie knives got started in Louisiana. The first one was actually commissioned by James Bowie's brother, Rezin. The original knife was a little over 9 inches long (blade length), had no cross guards and did not have the clipped point that is such a hallmark of Bowie knives today. The next version of the knife differed slightly. In fact, the number of versions between the knife commissioned by Rezin and what you would recognize today as a Bowie knife are truly not known. What is know is that James Bowie eventually commissioned a blacksmith by the name of James Black to create a knife based off a wooden version that Bowie had made. The result was unique.
This begs the question, what will a purist accept as a Bowie knife? The answer is actually pretty simple. The blade should be at least six inches in length, though they can be 12 or more inches long, as well. The blade should also be single-edged, with no serrations along the blade's spine. The tip of the blade should also be clipped; that is, the tip should be lower than the spine (this is a trademark feature of Bowie knives). In addition, the knife should have an S shaped cross guard, with the upper guard tilted toward the point of the knife and the lower guard angled toward the butt of the knife.
The classic look is what most purists accept as a true Bowie knife, though even here, there is much disparity. Some collectors even accept Sheffield Bowies as true Bowie knives (these feature a sharpened back curve on the point, where the clipped portion curves up to meet the knife's spine).
Of course, purists will dispute some of these elements, as well as modern innovations. For instance, most collectors and purists will not consider a folding blade Bowie knife as authentic, as the original was a fixed blade style. In addition, most collectors frown on "Bowie" knives with two edges, as the original and all early reproductions featured only a single edge. However, remember that the true value and "qualifications" of a knife lie with their owner, not with anyone else, or even any knife guide that you might find.
About the Author:
Blake is a business consultant for an online store featuringbowie knives for sale and survival bowie knives.
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