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?
First, unlike many other types of knives in the world, the Bowie knife is a single edged implement. Any knife with two sharpened edges is immediately disqualified from consideration. In addition, the blade is at least six inches in length, though they are often quite a bit longer than this, particularly in the case of modern day reproductions. The blade of a Bowie knife is usually at least an inch in width, though these can be up to two inches wide, as well (longer blades are proportionately wider).
The blade tip is yet another defining feature of Bowie knives. While the majority of knives, whether modern or antique in origin, have a tip in line with the spine or back of the blade, the Bowie knife does not. In fact, the point is considerably lower than the spine, for several reasons. First, this provides better control of the knife tip during use. Second, it offers better penetration, because the tip is considerably smaller than it would be if it had a traditional design. Of course, you will also find that some of these clipped tips actually have the curved (or clipped) portion of the blade sharpened, which results in better penetration (called a Sheffield Bowie).
In terms of guard shape, bowie knives are well known for having a double guard (that is, an upper and lower guard). However, the upper guard did not jut straight out, like the lower one. The upper guard is angled outward, toward the tip of the knife. This is a special feature, purportedly created to help the wielder trap an opponent's knife in the case of a fight.
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.
