Since they made their way into popular imagination in the nineteenth century, bowie knives have undergone considerable re-inventions. However, the fascination and mystique they hold have never waned. Whether you are a martial arts expert or you would love to have one as a memento, here are our 10 best bowie knife reviews for 2014.
Contents
- 0.1 1. MOSSY OAK 14-inch Bowie Knife
- 0.2 2. Timber Rattler Western Outlaw Bowie Knife
- 0.3 3. Zero Tolerance (0450); With 3.25” DLC-Coated S35VN Stainless Steel Blade, All-Black Carbon Fiber and Titanium Handle Scales, KVT Ball-Bearing Opening, Frame Lock and Reversible Pocketclip; 2.45 OZ.
- 0.4 4. Mossy Oak Survival Hunting Knife
- 0.5 5. Wild Turkey Handmade Full Tang Primitive Collector Bowie Knife
- 0.6 6. KA-BAR Full-Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife, Straight
- 0.7 7. Zero Tolerance 0609 Pocketknife; 3.4-inch CPM 20CV Drop Point Blade with Two-Toned Finish; 3D Textured Titanium Handle, Anodized Bronze; KVT Ball Bearing Manual Open; Reversible Pocketclip; 3.3 oz, Silver/Titanium
- 0.8 8. CRKT M21-14SFG EDC Folding Pocket Knife: Special Forces Everyday Carry, Black Serrated Edge Blade, Veff Serrations, Automated Liner Safety, Dual Hilt, G10 Handle, Reversible Pocket Clip
- 0.9 9. Smith & Wesson CKSUR1 Bullseye Search and Rescue Fixed Blade Knife
- 0.10 10. FH KNIVES 10-inch Handmade Damascus hunting knife
- 1 Final Thought
1. MOSSY OAK 14-inch Bowie Knife
The 3CR13 blade is very strong, retains an edge well, and is corrosion resistant, making it suitable for piercing, precision work, and cutting in small spaces.
Use with confidence thanks to the rosewood handle’s classic design, which has a brass pommel/guard and a non-slip finish.
Superior quality sheath with belt loop for hassle-free, concealed transport
Appropriate for use in a variety of battlefield, hunting, survival, tactical, industrial, and outdoor settings. It is not what we recommend for chopping or batoning.
Pros
- To the brim
- Superior mass
- The right proportions
- Excellent length
Cons
- Likely to contain minor flaws straight from the factory
2. Timber Rattler Western Outlaw Bowie Knife
This is a knife worth having whether you are a rank amateur adventurer or a dyed-in-the-wool thrill seeker. Quite lengthy at 11 inches from the top of the handle to blade tip, you will find it equal to the task for any challenge. It would however help if the handle was designed more ergonomically.
Pros
- The Full Tang Concept – It’s possible to see the blade’s steel all the way through the handle.
- 11 3/8-inch length and 6 mm (.236-inch) thick blade
- The blade’s choil is just the right size for my index finger.
- The fuller (the blade’s grooves) is aesthetically pleasing, but it throws off the blade’s balance.
- Oversized brass pummel with a large, ergonomic grip.
- The wooden grip and brass fastener are well made.
Cons
- The knife’s blade is made of stainless steel, albeit the quality is left unstated.
- Dull blade prevents precise cutting. Sharpen now.
- Protective barrier made of brass (good size, but the plating may discolor)
- The sheath may need some work.
3. Zero Tolerance (0450); With 3.25” DLC-Coated S35VN Stainless Steel Blade, All-Black Carbon Fiber and Titanium Handle Scales, KVT Ball-Bearing Opening, Frame Lock and Reversible Pocketclip; 2.45 OZ.
This bowie knife is built to be compact and handy. Its 6 and 2/8 inch blade is as low as you can go when it comes to bowie blades. The faux ivory handle is however very well fitted and features some intricate artwork to delight any collector.
Pros
- An everyday carry knife of superb quality that more than holds its own in terms of cost-effectiveness and visual appeal.
Cons
- Minor defects in quality are possible (blade not being centered or an extremely stiff detent being the most common issues).
4. Mossy Oak Survival Hunting Knife
Every day, we put our lifetime of commitment to work by developing fresh approaches to communicating our interests and skills with others. MOSSY OAK is a company that promotes the outdoors, from the soil to animal foods and beyond.
This all-purpose hunting survival knife was designed for ease of use and accuracy in cutting. Adaptable to many outdoor uses.
Pros
- Definitely effective; the length and edge are just what I was looking for.
- Incredibly sturdy knife
Cons
- Weak construction characterizes the sheath.
5. Wild Turkey Handmade Full Tang Primitive Collector Bowie Knife
Built for the rugged jungle adventurer, this bowie knife is as imposing as it is intuitive to handle. The unique design includes a sawback blade edge on top and a razor-sharp lower edge to help you see your way or cut yourself away from any tricky situation. The cord-wrapped handle is as grippy as they come and did I mention that on top of the handle there is a handy compass?
Pros
- Despite its low weight, it has a blade that seems strong enough for casual use.
Cons
- The Blade Is Not Even
6. KA-BAR Full-Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife, Straight
Made of 440C grade steel, this bowie knife gives an imposing appearance with its black rubberized handle designed to give the best grip. At just one foot entire length, the bowie knife can never seem too unwieldy or cumbersome even when you want to travel light or prefer a level of concealment. You are also going to be delighted with the hard sheath for safety as well as a conveniently placed lanyard hole.
Pros
- Top-notch blades that can’t be matched.
- Combat-tested blade shape that excels in close quarters.
- The pounding equivalent of a sturdy metal butt (pommel).
- Blade safety crossguard.
- Blade has a rat’s tail full tang for extra durability.
Cons
- Because it is not made of stainless steel, the blade is more likely to rust if it gets wet.
7. Zero Tolerance 0609 Pocketknife; 3.4-inch CPM 20CV Drop Point Blade with Two-Toned Finish; 3D Textured Titanium Handle, Anodized Bronze; KVT Ball Bearing Manual Open; Reversible Pocketclip; 3.3 oz, Silver/Titanium
This USMC bowie knife comes with a respectable 9 and 1/4 inch steel blade with USMC etching. However, the most notable feature is the stacked leather handle which suggests a good grip for easy drawing and accuracy in thrusts. The handle is also embellished with a brass guard and pommel to add to the knife’s attractive features.
Pros
- The steel is delivered razor sharp and maintains its edge admirably.
- The Grip has exceptional tackiness and the form is ergonomic.
- When opened, the blade is centered and flips open swiftly and easily, as is typical of ZT knives.
Cons
- A little pricey
8. CRKT M21-14SFG EDC Folding Pocket Knife: Special Forces Everyday Carry, Black Serrated Edge Blade, Veff Serrations, Automated Liner Safety, Dual Hilt, G10 Handle, Reversible Pocket Clip
As the name suggests, this bowie knife is big but that should not be construed to mean it is cumbersome or difficult to handle. The knife bears a made-to-fit dark wood handle with appropriate firmly-fixed metal accents blending into the 12 and a quarter inch blade for a massive 18 and three quarter inch bowie knife. The knife bespeaks adventure and you will feel incomplete if you ever leave on a mountain or jungle excursion without packing it along.
Pros
- Extremely big and sharp blade.
- With a G-10 grip, you can do anything.
- Auto-Lawks.
- Appears to hold up well.
Cons
- The form of the handle is a little awkward.
- Auto-Lawks
9. Smith & Wesson CKSUR1 Bullseye Search and Rescue Fixed Blade Knife
As with all Smith & Wesson products, this bowie knife is designed with durability and ease of handling in mind. The grooved glade with a nonreflective black coating on the underlying 440-grade stainless steel is designed for adaptive concealment and stealth. The rubberized aluminum handle will also delight many combat bowie knife enthusiasts. As with all genuine Smith & Wesson products, this bowie knife is sold with a limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.
Pros
- Excellent harmony.
- Inconspicuous in weight
- The knife blade and the handle fit together well.
- Solid scabbard. Holds knife securely and seems nicely crafted for just $21. Extremely inexpensive.
- Proves to be rather astute right out of the box.
- Features a sharpening stone for the included knife.
Cons
- This seems a little too flimsy. Seems like it was created on the cheap.
- Not a fan of the blade’s black coating, which extends to and completely covers the blade except for the very edge.
10. FH KNIVES 10-inch Handmade Damascus hunting knife
The blade of this heavy-duty survival knife is hand-forged from Damascus steel, which consists of 1080 and 15N20 high carbon steel folded five times, from a total of 288 individual layers, beginning with 9 layers. Designed to resist the rigors of a high-performance hunting environment, these items are indestructible.
A Damascus blade, crafted by hand from 1080 and 15N20 high carbon steel and folded five times from a beginning thickness of 9 layers into a final thickness of 288 layers, is the result. Designed to resist the rigors of a high-performance hunting environment, these items are inde
This exotic tool’s Black Pakka wood handle was thoughtfully crafted to provide a firm grip and precise control, making even the most laborious tasks a breeze. A wooden grip not only looks classic, but also prevents the user from slipping.
Throw away that dull, rusty knife. The blade of this camping knife is razor sharp, making it ideal for a wide range of demanding jobs. Any task from hunting predators to chopping wood or conducting military maneuvers may be accomplished with a swift motion of the hand.
This high-end Damascus hunting knife will last for generations without showing any signs of wear. Trustworthy and useful, our Bushcraft knife is a great present for any man in your life, whether he’s your father, brother, son, son-in-law, or student.
Indeed, each of our men’s hunting knives is a work of art crafted by a master bladesmith. Features a leather sheath that can be worn securely thanks to its belt loop and snap closure.
Pros
- The handle (or “haft”) of the knife is ergonomically designed.
- All of the phrases ring true and are well written.
Cons
- There’s a lot to be desired from the sheath. It’s a synthetic leather composite material.
Final Thought
To be certain that your bowie knife is just the right fit, look for a sizable handle that is easy to grip. The blade should also be lengthy and sharp enough to cut through just about any material. For convenience and safety purposes, a bowie knife should ideally be sold alongside a sheath and a lanyard hole somewhere on the handle.