Add Your Survival Equipment with a Versatile Bowie Knife: Best Choices Explained
Searching for an ideal Bowie Knife? This is the right place. People perceive the Bowie knife as the ideal survival tool. However, there are multiple types and designs in the market today.
Too many choices cause uncertainty in the selection process, leaving you confused about what type is the best for you.
This is the main purpose of this article is to help you choose the Best Bowie Knife that is ideal for hunting, self-defense, camping, survival, etc.
#1. Mossy Oak Fixed Blade Hunting Bowie Knife with Sharpener and Fire Starter
This knife has a total length of 15 inches, a blade length of 10 inches, and a thickness of 5/32 inches.
Also, it consists of a 440C stainless steel that resists rust and corrosion. It features a classic engineered handle with soft rubber for a comfortable, non-slip grip.
Moreover, it comes with a sharpener and fire starter, packaged below the plastic box in the paper box alongside a Nylon sheath which is durable, easy to carry, and safe. The fire starter and the sharpener can be used outdoors.
If you want an ideal survival knife that is perfect for hunting, camping, or outdoors, then this knife is right for you.
Pros
- A multi-purpose hunting survival knife that works great in a variety of applications.
- Features an excellent construction that is strong, durable, and delivers great cutting performance.
- Consists of a blade with a partially, serrated spine for lasting durability as well as edge retention.
- The heavy-duty nylon sheath allows the user to quickly take the knife off the pocket.
- Contains a fire-starter and sharpener which ease outdoor activities.
Cons
- Requires honing and sharpening
#2. Timber Rattler Western Outlaw Bowie Knife
The Timber Rattler Bowie Knife is a stunner for its unique great looks. There are many uses for this full tang blade. One of the benefits is that it is a good hiking companion.
The 11-3/8” blade is bulky but feels solid in your hand like a quality Bowie knife needs to feel.
The gray hardwood grip appears stylish. Also, it has a finger guard which helps with the sure grip to keep the knife on your hand. The guard is made from brass and contains incredible aesthetic appeal.
The blade and the handle sizes ensure good balance. It is furthermore well-balanced and each swing is properly controlled.
This knife comes with a premium leather sheath and also comes sharp out of the box.
Pros
- Counteracts rust and corrosion
- Comes with a protective guard
- Contains a beautiful handle that is made of wood
Cons
- It may be heavy in use, for some
#3. MOSSY OAK Bowie Knife with Leather Handle
This knife has a versatile clip point blade that is designed to deliver excellent cuts and can manage all of your chopping, cutting, and slicing tasks adequately. It has an ergonomically developed leather handle with finger grooves added to enhance comfort-ability.
Moreover, it is versatile to perform several tasks including hunting, fishing, and other forms of outdoor plus survival activities.
What’s more, it is equipped with a steel bolster, a sheath, and a handle which ensures that it remains intact and maintains balance.
Additionally, it is fully tang constructed to provide the required strength and reliability.
Pros
- The blade features a wide resistance to wear, corrosion, and damage.
- A full tang knife with a handle that has grip ridges for control and comfort.
- Contains a nylon sheath for safe and easy access carry alongside storage.
- It is great for activities like hunting, military, survival, tactical, industrial, and other outdoor needs.
Cons
- The handle may not offer the expected comfort for people with big hands
#4. Ontario Knife Company 8684 SP10 Spec Plus Marine Raider
The Ontario Spec plus Marine Raider Bowie has a 9.75-inch blade and is made of 1095 carbon.
It is clear that the knife was created for sturdy, heavy-duty use as the edge blade of the Raider is one of the most versatile blades.
It has a full tang, so it won’t break easily. Besides, it is built for all sorts of tasks like chopping, camping, hiking, survival, and tactical needs. The blade is resistant to corrosion; you don’t have to worry about how its use and cleaning.
The knife weighs 22.4 more than a typical Bowie. This knife is not the lightest, but it will get the job done.
Pros:
- Full tang blade that can hardly crack
- Properly-Balanced.
- Comfortable handle
Cons:
- It may become dull
#5. MOSSY OAK 14-inch Bowie Knife Full Tang Handle
This knife measures a length of 14 inches, blade length of 220 mm, and a handle length of 135 mm, with a blade thickness of 4 mm and a weight of 0.54kgs
The 3CR13 blade can be used for a variety of cutting functions. It counteracts rust, lasts long, and contains good edge retention. The grip is classically designed: Besides, it is non-slip, and it comes with a guard.
Furthermore, this tool has a leather sheath plus a snap fastener for a guaranteed high quality, safe and secure carry, plus easy accessibility.
It can be utilized for military, hunting, survival, tactical, industrial, and outdoor situations.
Pros
- Ships with leather and a finger guard.
- Full-tang builds provide excellent strength during utilization.
- Decorative smooth molded handle provides a non-slip, comfortable grip
- High carbon blade for excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance.
Cons
- It may be heavy to carry, due to the full tang
#6. MOSSY OAK with Sheath 2 Pieces Drop Point Bowie Knife
This item consists of a large knife with an overall length of 10.5″, Blade Length of 6 inches, Thickness of 0.15″, and weighs 0.4.
Also, it contains a small knife which measures 7.5 inches overall with a blade length of 4 inches and 0.1 inches thick, and a weight of 0.18 lbs.
The blades are made of 3Cr13 stainless steel which provides an outstanding balance, strength, and performance.
The ergonomic and non-slip leather handle enhances the user’s experience, while the laser-engraved pattern provides a nice, sleek appearance.
The matching oxford sheath with a belt and pocket clip will keep the knife secured and easily accessible.
Appropriate for survival, camping, hunting, tactical, industrial, and other outdoor uses. This attractive knife would also be a perfect gift for people with an interest in knives.
Pros
- Consists of both a large and a small knife
- Has sharp blades to get work done in no time
- Its handle is sturdy and comfortable during use
- Can be used multi purposely
Cons
- Requires proper maintenance
#7. Bobcat Knives Hunting, Bowie Knife Walnut Wood with Sheath
The material used to forge this knife is 15N25 and 1080, and it is engineered with 288 layers which enables it to retain its sharpened edge for maximum reliability.
The overall length of the knife is 10 inches, and its blade length is 4.80 inches approximately. Additionally, the weight of the knife is 8.2 ounces or 235 grams
It has a sheath and belt loops which are of the highest quality to serve you well for a long time plus to provide easy access and security.
Suitable for diverse uses including hunting, camping, survival, tactical, military, and other outdoor activities.
What’s more, this knife is good at handling almost any kind of task. The pointed tip unique shape, ergonomic handle, and comfortable-to-use components ensure that you can rely upon it for a long time.
Pros
- The blade is given an excellent heat treatment
- Contains an excellent edge retention
- Comes with a high-grade leather sheath and belt loop.
Cons
- The wooden handle may break after a while
#8. REG-BH-83, Handmade Bowie Knife – Buffalo Horn Handle
A REG-BH-83 Handmade Damascus Steel 13.60 inch Bowie Knife with an incredibly thick blade.
The Overall length is 13.60 inches, the handle length measures 05.20 Inches, and the Blade length is 08.40 inches. The blade is made of 1095/15N20 Alloy Steel with 176 true Layers.
It is hand-forged to beautifully twist Damascus patterns and designed to give an excellent edge alongside sharp cuts.
The hardness of this knife’s blade is HRC 58-60, and it is hand sharpened to a sharp edge.
Pros
- Consists of a handmade durable leather sheath
- Its sharp-edged blade quickens your work
- Contains a remarkable blade pattern
- Engineered sturdily to last long
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
#9. REG-BH-82, Bowie Knife – Leather Sheath
A REG-BH-82, Handmade Damascus steel 13.60 Inches, Bowie Knife.
It contains a leather sheath and a steel guard to protect the knife and a thick blade with a beautifully-designed handle. Its overall length is 13.60 inches, the handle length is 05.20 inches, and a blade length is 08.40 inches.
Furthermore, the blade is made of 1095/15n20 alloy steels (176 true layers), and hand forged to form a beautiful pattern
This knife is of high quality with a Damascus steel to ensure a good edge alongside sharp cutting abilities.
Also, it is sharpened by hand, with a durable leather sheath added.
Pros
- A beautifully handcrafted knife.
- Contains a leather handle that comes with a Damascus steel guard.
- Contains a sharp edge that cuts with ease.
- The blade is engineered with a beautiful pattern.
Cons
- Can hurt the user if not responsibly used
#10. Tactical Hunting Rambo Full Tang Fixed Blade Knife Machete Bowie w/Sheath
A simple to use, yet affordable knife that comes with a finger guard to keep you safe from cuts. It is designed with two different pieces of metal between the blade and the handle.
The knife measures about 16.5 inches in length. Its serrated blade measures 11.5 inches and it is made from stainless steel to resist rust and corrosion, which may compromise the knife’s hygiene and durability.
Moreover, the handle is 5 inches and rubberized to keep your hands safe from blisters that may arise from friction.
What’s more, this knife comes with a nylon sheath to give you an easy storage that keeps it secure to prevent damage, and also protects you and your family in case of accidental falls.
Pros
- A sturdy, strong knife.
- Contains stainless steel blade with serrations.
- Its grip is a 5-inch handle that is comfortable in use
- Comes with a nylon sheath
Cons
- Not appropriate for self-defense
FAQs
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What is a Bowie Knife?
Bowie knives have been prominently displayed in several action movies
A Bowie knife is a fighting knife with a large, heavy blade. Its blades can be 5-12 inches long and can reach up to 18 inches with the handle included. This is a short knife that is still also amazingly strong.
The blade has a unique clip-point pattern and can be either full-tang or partial-tang.
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What is a Bowie Knife Used For?
A great tool for hiking, hunting, camping, and tactical use. The long length makes it a butcher knife; useful for cleaning and skinning. The flat blade can be used to chop food, cut wood, and wires.
The blades are perfect for fighting and stabbing. These knives were made for fighting, and they are still used in the military.
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Why are Bowie knives illegal?
Specific kinds of knives are forbidden for ownership because they are regarded as weapons, due to this reason; Bowie knives have been banned in some countries.
However, specific countries particular laws regarding the use, sale, possession, and transportation of this knife and other potential weapons. Consider checking your countries regulations.
Factors to consider when buying a Bowie
It is necessary to find out what features are essential for your survival knife to avoid disappointments. These features include:
- High-Quality Steel
It should be manufactured using high-quality materials that can retain a fine edge while remaining sharp for long.
Most Bowie knives are manufactured using high carbon steel blade because it provides excellent edge retention, durability, and sharpness.
Stainless steel is also not bad because it can rarely rust or stain, however it is challenging to sharpen.
- Blade Design
Most Bowie knives feature a long, sharp blade for slicing and carving needs. Others contain a concave shape to ease chopping.
One with a long pointed end allows you to defend yourself easily during danger. Long blades also provide a longer cutting edge.
- The Tang Type
A full tang knife is not necessary, but it is more durable, while a half tang is easy to carry as well as adjustable.
- The Grip
A Bowie knife should contain a blade guard and a strong grip. With its main role as safety, it should remain intact especially during tasks that involve high impact, like stabbing.
- Size
A Bowie knife measures approximately between 4 and 18 inches long. Most people prefer a blade length between 7 and 9 inches.
A reasonable size gives a good balance. It should be long enough to cut firewood, small enough to manage, maneuver, and carry in the boot, pocket, belt, bag etc.
- Does it contain a sheath?
The sheath is a portable safety item for all Bowie knives. When your knife is in a sheath, you can hardly get hurt.
Most sheaths are usually equipped with a pant or a belt loop. Look out for sheaths that can safeguard the blade and maintain its sharpness. A real leather sheath costs more but lasts much longer than the nylon knife sheath variety.
Final thoughts:
There is no better feeling than obtaining something that performs as anticipated. Never overlook the frustration which always emerges when you cannot utilize your product after a few days of purchasing, because of choosing wrong.
The top choices in this review should assist you to get a Bowie knife that is perfect for you.
