When James Black made his first Bowie knife for the legendary frontiersman in the early 1800s, he likely had no idea that he was creating a legend. This knife is renowned for its utility, its durability and, when self-defense is the issue, its lethality. This knife was designed to be an all-purpose tool and a deadly weapon. Since it was first designed, it has famously served both roles. This knife design went into battle with US troops from the Civil War on. It also was used widely by those heading into the unknown frontier of the nation.
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.
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 generally has a distinctive hand guard, which is swept up toward the tip on the top and down toward the hilt on the edge-side of the blade. This protects the user's hand. It is useful for fighting but also prevents the user's hand from sliding up the blade. On the base of the blade, owners will find a small cutout called a "Spanish notch". This was often used to cut sinew and cord.
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.
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 generally has a distinctive hand guard, which is swept up toward the tip on the top and down toward the hilt on the edge-side of the blade. This protects the user's hand. It is useful for fighting but also prevents the user's hand from sliding up the blade. On the base of the blade, owners will find a small cutout called a "Spanish notch". This was often used to cut sinew and cord.
About the Author:
Dylan Sabot is the owner of an online bowie knife store featuring Cold Steel bowie knives for sale as well as humidors for storage.
No comments:
Post a Comment