The history of the Bowie knife began in the 19th century in the United States. For almost 200 years, its design and functions have remained virtually unchanged. The Bowie knife is an iconic bladed weapon named after James Bowie, a hero of the Texas Revolution. The first Bowie knife was designed in the 1830s specifically for James Bowie by his brother Rezin. Modern versions have the same basic characteristics as the first models.
The classic Bowie knife has a clip point blade between 7 and 12 inches long with a thick spine and, as a rule, a double-sided guard to protect the hand. This geometry makes it a popular knife for survival and various heavy tasks.
Today, Bowie knives are produced by leading brands, including Cold Steel, Buck, Böker, Fox, Extrema Ratio and Ka-Bar. Popular models include the Cold Steel Trail Master, Ka-Bar Bowie, Fox Combat Jungle and Böker Magnum Bowie. Some companies offer tactical variations with modern materials, while others make more classic versions with wood or horn handles.
