Article by D Sabot
Knives have played a role in human affairs for millennia, dating all the way back to the Stone Age and before. Throughout its long history, the knife has gone through repeated evolutions and refinements, becoming more and more an ideal tool. Today, you'll find knives specifically designed for many different tasks, from the humble butter knife to modern military knives such as those used by the Navy Seals. However, in all of history, few knives have attained the fame (or infamy) as the Bowie knife. What is a Bowie knife?
In essence, this is a style of knife made famous by Jim Bowie, that great American pioneer. In actuality, there are a number of different styles that can be claimed to be "Bowie knives," as Bowie requested several different revisions to the original style, in order to create the most efficient and effective knife possible.
What makes a knife a Bowie knife, though? Most people today will find that only the last version of this famed knife is usually labeled under that particular moniker. Generally, these knives have a blade length of at least six inches, though longer blades are available, as well. Bowie knives also usually have an upper guard, that is bent forward. This was used to catch and deflect an opponent's knife during a fight.
One of the most notable features of these knives is the clipped point. While most knives feature a point that is directly in line with the spine of the blade, Bowie knives have a point that is lower than the spine. This offers several benefits. First, it provides the knife with better penetrative abilities. In a knife fight, for instance, the Bowie is much better at penetrating an opponent's flesh than traditional knife models are, thanks to the unique design of the blade's tip.
Today, Bowie knives are found throughout the world, but you'll find the widest selection and the most derivatives of these knives in the US. However, carrying such a knife in public might not be a good idea, as many states still have a ban on them.