10Best.Guide

Bowie Knife

Top Picks

Last Updated: January, 2024
Pros
  • Great fit, finish, design, and feel.
  • Rugged and ready for hard work.
  • Sharp and even grind lines and angles.
  • Comfortable handle.
  • Versatile for camp prep, fire prep, and food prep.
Cons
  • Poor quality sheath.
  • Lanyard not included.
Bottom Line
This knife is a great choice for those looking for a versatile and durable tool for hard work, camp prep, hunting, and survival. However, the sheath quality and packaging could be improved.
Pros
  • Grippy handle for secure grip
  • Slim and narrow design for easy carrying
  • Reasonable price for the quality
  • Versatile for utility and personal defense
  • Excellent grip for long fingers
Cons
  • Too big to be a necklace
  • Sheath has no mounting option
Bottom Line
This Bowie style necklace knife offers a slim and narrow design with a substantial grip. It is versatile, durable, and reasonably priced, making it a great option for utility and personal defense. However, it may be too big for a necklace and the sheath lacks a mounting option.
Pros
  • High-quality steel with excellent edge retention.
  • Well-balanced and versatile sheath.
  • Impressive manufacturing and quality control.
  • Great value for the price.
  • Symmetrical and straight knife with a tight hilt.
Cons
  • Some issues with blade grind line and geometry.
  • Loose guard and retaining piece after light usage.
Bottom Line
The Cold Steel Tai Pan dagger offers high-quality steel, impressive manufacturing, and good value for the price. However, some knives may have issues with blade grind, loose parts, or dull edges. Overall, it is a well-balanced and versatile knife suitable for self-defense purposes.
Pros
  • Durable and designed for outdoor use
  • Incredibly sharp out of the box
  • Made with high-quality VG-1 San Mai III layered steel
  • Perfect size for a bowie knife
  • Excellent and fast delivery
Cons
  • Package mix-up with a different knife
  • Metal not as durable as expected
Bottom Line
The Cold Steel San Mai Trail Master is a durable and sharp knife, perfect for outdoor use. However, buyers should be cautious of potential package mix-ups and the quality of the sheath.
Pros
  • High-quality and well-made knife
  • Versatile - can be used as a collector's item, utility knife, or fighting knife
  • Excellent grips for a secure hold
  • Comes with a nice colorful box and certificate of authenticity
  • Great replica for the Rambo series
Cons
  • Sheath material is a bit too hard, which may affect safety
Bottom Line
This Rambo Last Blood knife is a high-quality and versatile collector's item that can also be used as a utility or fighting knife. It comes with excellent grips and is well-made, making it a great replica for fans of the Rambo series. Despite the slightly hard sheath material, this knife is a practical and functional option. It also comes with a nice box and certificate of authenticity, making it a great gift.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Bowie Knives

Overview

When it comes to versatile and iconic knives, the Bowie knife stands out. With its distinctive design and rich history, the Bowie knife is a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts, collectors, and even self-defense purposes. In this buying guide, we will explore the different types of Bowie knives, key considerations to keep in mind, essential features to look for, pricing ranges, helpful tips, and frequently asked questions.

Types

1. Traditional Bowie Knife: This is the classic design that originated in the 19th century. It typically features a large clip point blade, a crossguard, and a comfortable handle.

2. Modern Bowie Knife: This type combines traditional elements with contemporary features. It may have a more ergonomic handle, different blade shapes, and improved materials.

3. Tactical Bowie Knife: Designed for survival and self-defense situations, these knives often have serrated edges, reinforced tips, and durable construction materials.

Key Considerations

1. Intended Use: Determine whether you need a Bowie knife for hunting, camping, self-defense, or collection purposes.

2. Blade Material: Consider the pros and cons of different blade materials like stainless steel, carbon steel, or Damascus steel, based on your preferences for durability, sharpness, and ease of maintenance.

3. Blade Length: Choose a blade length that suits your specific needs, keeping in mind local laws and regulations.

4. Handle Material: Look for a comfortable, non-slip handle material like wood, G-10, or micarta, depending on your grip preferences and durability requirements.

Features

1. Blade Design: Consider blade shapes like clip point, spear point, or trailing point, depending on your intended use and cutting tasks.

2. Blade Edge: Decide between a plain edge or a serrated edge, based on your preference for versatility or specialized tasks.

3. Tang Type: Full tang knives offer superior strength and durability, while partial tang knives may be lighter and more compact.

4. Sheath Quality: Look for a sturdy and reliable sheath that securely holds the knife and allows for easy access and carrying.

Prices

Bowie knives are available at various price points, ranging from budget-friendly options to high-end collectibles. Prices can vary based on factors such as brand reputation, materials used, craftsmanship, and additional features. Set a budget that aligns with your needs and expectations.

Tips

1. Research reputable brands known for their quality Bowie knives.

2. Read customer reviews and expert opinions to gather insights.

3. Consider visiting physical stores to handle and test different Bowie knives before making a purchase.

4. Take proper care of your Bowie knife to ensure longevity and performance.

FAQs

Q: Are Bowie knives legal to carry?

Q: How do I sharpen a Bowie knife?

Q: Can I use a Bowie knife for survival purposes?

Q: What is the origin of the Bowie knife?

Q: How do I choose the right size Bowie knife for my hand?

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Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Compact size for unobtrusive belt carry
  • Ergonomic scales for comfortable grip
  • Sharp edge out of the box
  • Great sheath quality
  • Unique and well-built design
Cons
  • Smaller than expected for those with big hands
  • Design issue with the Kydex sheath for horizontal carry
Bottom Line
The Backpacker's Bowie is a compact and versatile fixed blade knife with excellent ergonomics, sharpness, and sheath quality. While it may be smaller than expected for some users, it offers a comfortable grip and sturdy construction, making it a great choice for backpacking, camping, and everyday carry.
Pros
  • Lightweight due to AUS8A steel
  • Terrific value for the working man
  • Double-edged with a long blade
  • Strong metal, fully tanged, and double rivets
  • Very sharp out of the box
Cons
  • Blade edge grind was rough and not as sharp as expected
  • Nylon part of the sheath is not great
Bottom Line
The Cold Steel Double Agent II is a lightweight, double-edged knife with a long blade that is a great value for the working man. However, the blade edge grind may be rough, and the nylon part of the sheath is not great. The handle and guard are not superior, and the knife that arrives may not be the same as pictured.
Pros
  • Secure grip with finger holes
  • Sturdy and sharp blade
  • Comfortable grip for most users
  • Ambidextrous design
  • Good self-defense and rope cutting capabilities
Cons
  • Plastic sheath is delicate and not secure
  • Finger holes may be uncomfortable for some users
Bottom Line
The Cold Steel Double Agent 3" Fixed Blade Knife is a sturdy and sharp knife with a secure grip and versatile design. However, the plastic sheath is not secure and the finger holes may be uncomfortable for some users. It is a good option for tactical or survival use, but not suitable for everyday carry.
Pros
  • Blade is of high quality and worth more than the cost of the knife.
  • Solid and durable construction.
  • Razor sharp out of the box.
  • Good value for the price.
  • Large handle that fits well in the hand.
Cons
  • Handle slabs are not properly lined up.
  • Cheap plastic scales.
Bottom Line
This knife offers a high-quality blade at an affordable price, but it has some flaws in terms of handle construction and sheath quality. It is a good option for those looking for a budget-friendly knife with customization potential.
Pros
  • Thick slab of carbon steel
  • Indestructible
  • Comes with a sheath and fire starter
  • Good for camping and outdoor activities
  • Affordable price
Cons
  • Not sharp out of the box
  • Coating on the knife comes off easily
Bottom Line
The Schrade SCHF36 is an affordable and durable bushcraft knife that is suitable for camping and outdoor activities. However, it may require sharpening out of the box and the coating on the knife may come off easily.
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