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Searching for the best bowie knife is really hectic. The market is full of different types of knives. You can choose any bowie knife according to your job. But the best choice is another task.
One month ago I was searching for the best budget bowie knife. I was not willing for a huge collection of unnecessary knives in my kitchen.
But the searching was not an easy task for me. I went to my friend for the best solution, because he has good experience in the field of knives.
He provided me with a list of the top 10 best bowie knives and advised me to try these knives according to need. Now, I have enough confidence in my collection.
What Are Bowie Knives Used For?
The usage of this knife revolves around all tasks. Having this knife could help for getting rid of all unnecessary knives. You don’t need a big collection for your kitchen.
You can use this knife as a cutting, chopping, slicing, cleaning, fighting, and survival tool. One blade is capable of dealing with all tasks with full security.
Top 13 Best Bowie Knives Reviewed By Experts’ Opinions
1. KA-BAR Full Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife
KA-BAR Fighting knives come with a blade angle of 20 degrees. According to many experts’ opinion, it is amongst the best designs of fixed blades.
Its blade is composed of 1095 Cro-van steel that satisfied me to great extent. The length of 11.8 inches fixed into my hand with great comfort.
According to many users, a leather handle provides enough friction between the handle and hand. Many reviews provide evidence about the comfortability of 7-inch blades.
The stronger structure of the blade is enough for giving high professionalism against tough surfaces.
Its handle structure makes this tool easy to hold in a hand’s grip, according to many users. Their comments also showed its effortless usage during fighting, cutting, chopping, and survival purpose.
Let’s talk about what makes it different. The fixed handle makes this a different tool for kitchen usage. I have experienced many knives as a professional.
Thus the sturdiness of this KA-BAR product makes it a useful thing during various field and kitchen tasks. Plus, the protective leather sheets provide protection to the users against sharp blades.
One of the positive reviews pays attention to its similarity with the knife structure that was used in the Second World War.
2. Ontario Spec Plus Marine Raider Bowie Knife
According to my experience, Ontario spec comes under the high quality bowie knife. Its length fits perfectly into my hand. The rough surface of the handle gives maximum friction against sudden slipping. So, there is no chance of damage.
The epoxy powder coating on the blade gives perfection to my task of cutting. This speed is a gift that is given by the strong structure of this blade.
Many users are satisfied by its stainless steel and titanium nitride blade edge. This edge is specifically instrumental for cutting with the least effort.
The molded plastic handle gives a high level of friction between the hands and handles surface during your job. Its secured grip gives confidence to the users; it ensures high performance.
Its comfortable folding structure makes this tool unique and different from the remaining knives. One of the best qualities is the carbon composition of the blade. It uses carbon of 5160 or 1095, which makes the blade an extraordinarily strong structure.
3. Timber Rattler Western Outlaw Bowie Knife
Timber rattler is the best hunting bowie knife. My experience is fantastic with its strong stainless steel blade. It provides high protection during the fighting.
The sharper and stronger blade makes cutting fast. Plus, the clip-shaped blade edge is perfect for fighting and hunting purposes.
The wooden handle of the blade fixed into my hand without any effort. The lightweight and user-friendly design makes easy movement in the air while fighting. The brass-plated guard makes stainless steel blades extremely protected.
Another reason for my priority is the high safety that is given by genuine leather sheath. Many users suggested its usage for shaving nuts. For this purpose, you have to sharpen the blade with a high-quality knife sharpener.
Its clip-shaped edge makes this tool different from the others. The fixed blade is strong and comfortable for all tasks including kitchen jobs. The handle is different from other knives by its effortless style of gripping. The smooth knife structure makes effective angles when you are fighting.
4. Buck Knives 119 Special Fixed Blade Knife
The users of this particular Buck knife are comfortable with the tough stainless steel blade. The sharpened edge gives a perfect cut without any effort. The weight of the knife is best for high performance. You can use it for survival purposes easily.
Don’t worry about the corrosion of the blade. The stainless steel material is highly protective against rust or corrosion. The perfect edge of the blade gives high retention while fighting.
The handle of the knife allows users to develop high compatibility with its unique design. Its unique material is best for completing the job without any slipping. The streamlined body design makes friction the least for ensuring high performance.
The highly protective leather sheath gives necessary protection according to many users. The rough sheath is here for sudden cuts while in storage.
The clip-shaped edge is different from others. It’s comfortable to handle and makes your fighting fantastic due to its fatigue-less style. Plus, the lifetime warranty makes this knife in high demand.
5. Cold Steel Marauder Bowie Knife
A cold steel knife comes under a large bowie knife. My experience is good because of its unique blade size.
The extra-wide blade provides sufficient contact area with the target. In other words, you can say that a greater contact area increases the speed of accomplishing the task.
The curved edge of the blade is compatible with my task in the field of hunting. While the clip point gives survival services during the fighting.
This is also suitable for military, fighting, and survival purposes. Plus, this shape has the best combination for various kitchen purposes. The planning surface supports the kitchen tasks easily.
One of the most important features that attract me is its Japanese stainless steel blade with 4.7 mm thickness and 9-inch length. The handle of the knife provided perfect fitting in my hand with the help of its user-friendly design. The comfortable handle ensures fatigue-less cutting in the kitchen.
The high security given by the synthetic ex sheath makes this tool unique. This provides protection against cuts when you are not fighting. The specific curved shape makes this knife a comprehensive tool.
6. United Cutlery UC2863 Marine Force Recon
The United cutlery tool is beautiful and it’s a big bowie knife. I have tested it against durability many times. It’s tough and a strong blade can compete with the toughest situations.
I observed its safety measures during the field task. It is safe and secure to use in all conditions. Another good thing is its good material used in handles and blades. The rubber handle could be helpful in high performance.
This perfect handle can create the best fitting for ensuring no chance of slipping. You can continue your fight without any fatigue.
On the other hand, stainless steel blades can overcome the hardest situations by their strong and tough manufacturing style. The nylon sheath makes the blade protective during storage. There comes no chance of blade damage by external shocks.
The curved shape along with the tough blade edge makes this tool unique and fantastic. The smart gripping handle makes fitting perfect. They can avail all features along with the cheapest price.
7. Ka-Bar Becker BK9 Combat Bowie Knife
The Ka-Bar Becker tool is one of the best bowie knives that are available in the market. Many reviews confirm its ergonomic handle style that is one of the useful and attractive designs.
The traditional style blades are another contributing factor that makes this knife a tool without any fatigue. I used this tool for a long time for high performance in the field of hunting as well.
I really enjoyed its fixed blade style without any fear of slipping. The composition of the blade contains 1095 Cro-van steel as a strengthening material. I maintained the blade edge with greater ease.
Plus, the handle has added nylon composition with grivory for strengthening purposes. The handle style had the best chemistry with my hand.
The clip point shape of the blade is best for giving various tasks in the field like skinning, butchering, and slicing. Plus, one pound is acceptable for smooth performance like a professional.
Its unique handle makes this knife a different tool. The working style of the knife is unique as compared to the others. The widened blade is sufficient for high leveled performance.
8. ESEE Junglas Bowie Knife
The ESEE Bowie knife is different from the other knives due to its grey micarta handle. The longer blade makes this tool unique and useful. The streamlined body design makes task accomplishment easy.
This is a high carbon steel bowie knife with great performance. My experience is good with the stronger blade.
The manufacturing of blades is unique due to the presence of 1095 carbon components with steel. As a professional, I choose this knife because it can overcome harder tasks easily.
This bowie knife is made in the USA with an efficient handle design for effortless fighting. The weight of the tool matches best according to the task. There is no need for extra energy for gaining benefits from this knife.
The sharpened edge is specifically made for fighting or other survival tasks. Moreover, this knife performed very well against various jobs in my kitchen.
The protective sheath makes the best protection against jerks and shocks. The shape of the blade performs well as a survival tool in the field.
9. SOG Super Bowie Knife
SOG super knife is the survival bowie knife with surprisingly exact grid lines. The clip point blade shape matches best with my daily tasks. Furthermore, the black TiNi finish enhances the cutting capacity of the blade.
The handle construction fits perfectly into my hand with sufficient friction. Additionally, the leather washer gives a beautiful appearance to the handle. You can use the handle without any effort.
The straight edge gives support during all kitchen jobs. I accomplished various kitchen tasks with full confidence by this straight edge knife. On the other side, the clip-shaped edge provides quicker accomplishment of tasks in a field job.
Black Leather sheath fulfilled my all demands of safety. This tough material can save from any sudden cut during storage. Plus, the length of 12.8 inches is good for performing all functions.
The blade length is best according to my style of slicing or skinning. It demands less effort in the field.
This specific length makes this tool different and advanced as compared to the others. Its clip shape is specific for easier and quicker job accomplishment.
10. Schrade Stainless Steel Full Tang Bowie Knife
Schrade stainless steel bowie knife could be used easily as a combat bowie knife. You can get satisfaction from users’ reviews. According to the reviews, the blade gives very precise cutting by its perfect-shaped sharp cutting edge. It gives the high speed of fulfilling tasks.
The handle has saved me from fatigue and extra effort by its comfortable and lightweight manufacturing. I am really glad about its easy carrying facility.
The durability of the blade made my task easy by the sharpened edge. I handled the toughest tasks with the stronger blade made. This blade is made of carbon-containing stainless steel with titanium coating on it.
It comes under the list of bowie knives with finger loops. The thermally stable handle can block heat against any damage.
Furthermore, finger guards locked the position of my fingers at a fixed position for giving confidence like a professional. I was able to continue my work with full confidence.
The lightweight body makes this knife unique from other knives. The handle has a guard lock for figures. This composition makes it a unique tool without any chance of slipping; when you are cutting the vegetables or fruit.
11. Cold Steel Black Bear Bowie Machete Blade
Cold steel black knife is one of the classic bowie knives. The blade of this knife is composed of alloyed steel which gave a perfect angle to the fighting style.
The sharper edge fulfilled my kitchen needs. On the other hand, the handle material is made of polypropylene which is highly protective from slipping or sudden damage.
My experience is good with the extra widen blade style. This width has a good combination with my various tasks in the field. The length of 13 inches is best for completing all hunting tasks. In the kitchen, this tool can help in cutting, chopping, or slicing.
Plus, the black powdered coating performs as a protector against corrosion. The high strength is another factor that is given by dull black powder.
The unique handle material is highly specific against weather and temperature. The protective sheath is best for giving protection from sudden shocks.
I used this knife in the field at full speed because of its least weight. The user-friendly handle keeps the movement smooth and efficient. Therefore, this feature makes this tool unique and different.
12. Timber Rattler Sinful Spiked Bowie Knife
This is one of the authentic bowie knives that may have the best use in the field. The evil-shaped blade proved to be perfect during fighting competition.
It could be used in the kitchen by its plan side while the other side has spick shape. You can use the wavy side in fieldwork as a professional.
I am comfortable with this wooden handle. Its smooth and lightweight design fits perfectly into the hand. I can continue my task for a long time. The wooden stuff gives high friction between hand and handle. There is no chance of slipping out because of the high grip.
The structure of the blade is more than a knife. It is a perfect tool for fighting compilation. Its small cut is enough against the competitor.
The double shaped blade is one of the unique properties of this knife. Its grip given by the wooden handle is different from the others. The safety cover uniquely gives protection.
13. Kershaw Stainless Steel Full Tang Bowie Knife
Kershaw stainless steel knife is a long bowie knife. I have personal experience with this knife and fond of its value and durability.
The unique blade shape has the best chemistry with all tasks. You can deal slicing, cutting, chopping, and hunting with this instrument easily.
The carbon steel blade made my work easy by its sharper edge. Moreover, black powder coating is a gift that protects the shining surface from rusting or corrosion.
Another good thing is the glass-filled nylon handle, which makes the grip high and comfortable. I accomplished my fighting job without any difficulty. The glass-filled nylon sheath is a good protective cover for high-quality safety.
The lightweight body structure is sufficient for high tasks. I experienced this tool as a survival instrument with a smooth movement for a long time.
Its blade has a different shape that is approved to be useful and fantastic. Handle style is smart and highly fit into the hand.
Best Bowie Knives – Ultimate Buying Guide
We are all aware of the higher number of bowie knives in the market. Many companies claim to give the best results; however, when you buy the product and use it, they fail to deliver the expected results.
This buying guide is specially designed by experts to help you buy the best bowie knife according to your requirements.
Before thinking about buying a bowie knife, you must consider the following things in mind.
Design
The design of a bowie knife is also something you should consider. You obviously want a knife which makes you want to use it. Something that actually looks good in the hands and while using.
Look for a bowie knife with a goof and presentable design. See if its something that suits your style as well.
Grip
The grip of a bowie knife matters a lot. So consider this before you buy one.
Check if the grip of the knife you are buying is according to your hands and how you would want a knife to be.
Hold it in your hand and see.
If you are selecting online, do check the reviews about the handle of the knife before making a purchase. Also, check its shape.
Durability
Before buying a bowie knife, remember that its durability is something you must look at.
Ideally, you want a knife that will go for at least five years for you smoothly.
It must be able to overcome any harsh cutting or pressure.
Also, remember that you need a durable bowie knife. So choose a bowie knife based more on durability than the design.
Size
The size of a bowie knife is an important thing to consider when you wish to buy a bowie knife. However, it totally depends on your needs.
There are different sizes of bowie knives available. Some can be used for hunting, and others are as camp knives or survival knives, some are even made extra long in size for professionals (like fishermen, who use this knife to cut the fish).
Weight
The weight of a bowie knife greatly matters. The weight of a bowie knife is something that greatly determines its performance.
Ideally, the lesser the weight of your bowie knife, the better your bowie knife will be.
This means that if your bowie knife is light in weight, It will be more swift to operate. The lighter the weight, the better the performance of your bowie knife will be.
Sharpness
The sharpness of any knife matters a lot. You need to have a very sharp knife to do the job quickly and easily.
The sharper your bowie knife is, the sharper you will be able to cut things, and the lesser time it will take. So make sure you are looking for a sharper blade in this regard.
Different blade materials of a bowie knife also require sharpening at different intervals. Make sure to choose one with optimal sharpening time.
Handle Material
The handle material of a bowie knife also matters. There are different materials for different types of handles when it comes to bowie knives.
However, only some of those handles are quality handles, and you should opt for them more than you opt for others because of the durability they provide.
The handle of a bowie knife should ideally bring you convenience
It should be comfortable and made in a way best suited to your requirements. A handle is supposed to make the job very easy. Remember that!
Try to look for material that is durable because mostly the handles might just break.
In this regard, wooden handles, ceramic mix handles, canvas Micarta, linen Micarta, G10, Zytel, Hypalon, and Kraton, etc. are great!
Blade Material
When it comes to the material of the blade for your bowie knife, you need to be extra careful in what you want.
Generally, there are two main types of blades out there. The first type of blade is the one made with high carbon steel.
High carbon steel is often looked to as an amazing material for making the blades of knives. They have excellent durability and longevity. However, as we keep going down the line, you will find these blades quite corrosive.
Also, these blades are too sharp, and because they are way too sharp, they tend to lose edges at times. One thing we love about them is that they do not need to be sharpened every now and then, they can go a long way.
The second type of material for the best bowie knives is stainless steel. Now the stainless steel blades are not only easy to maintain, but they also have a lightweight. These blades are actually easy to clean, and they resist corrosion. In this way, you can get the most out of them.
One thing which may be catchy with these blades is that they can lose their sharpness quite easily, you may need to sharpen them after some time.
Blade Size And Length
Blade size is one of the most important factors when looking for a bowie knife. The size of the blade for a bowie knife may differ.
Ideally, a blade with 6 inches is good.
Normally, bowie knives are known for their sharpness as well as cutting power. Their blade length differs between 5 to 20inches.
Now, if you are just an ordinary person, you will not need to do any special things with this knife. It should do its job right for you in about 5 inches or a little more.
But if you are a specialist, let’s say a fisherman, who needs to pull out knives every now and then to cut things out, then it is the bowie knives with a large blade which will actually help you in doing that. Small blades help in increasing the accuracy, and for this reason, a blade of 5-10 inches is good.
Portability
The portability of a bowie knife greatly matters. Talking about the portability, you should be able to carry your knife anywhere and everywhere.
Your best bowie knife must have a lightweight. It must be easy to carry from here to there. It should have an ideal weight, which makes cutting easy.
In case you are interested in bowie knives with small inches of blade, you must then be able to see if the knife can go for your pocket, purse, etc.
Bowie Knife Uses
Bowie knives are one of the oldest knives; they were originally made as a weapon, more like for safety, but slowly and gradually, bowie knives became a thing, and everyone started using them for different purposes.
In today’s era, bowie knives have a variety of uses. They can not only be found in homes for cutting, but they can also be found in the pockets of many people who camp out, people who wish to hunt, and so on.
While buying a bowie knife for a specific purpose is useful, there are many other uses of the knife that you should know. This will help you get the maximum value from your knife.
Here are a few uses of the bowie knives that you must know.
It Can Be Used As A Hunter’s Knife
Bowie knives can be used as a hunter’s knife. This means that hunters can use this knife when they hunt.
Not only can this knife help them in skinning the animals. This knife helps them slice all food times. It is quite durable which makes it a perfect catch
More importantly, it also acts as a great survival tool when you’re out in the wild.
It Can Be Used As A Survivor’s Knife
When you’re out in the wild and having an adventure, you will need a knife. This knife can do multiple tasks; for this reason, it’s just perfect even if you are lost in the wild somehow. This knife will be your best friend.
It can help you do anything you like in case you are on your own with nowhere to go, because of its diverse uses.
Can Be Used As A Camping Knife
Last but not least, bowie knives can be used as camping knives. You can use this knife for all your camp journeys. Because it is so durable, you can easily carry it with no regard to the space issue.
Bowie knives, while camping, can help you cut ropes, cut branches, cut out the harshest of plants. It can help you skin prey, you can even skin with this knife.
Cut your favorite fruits from these knives, cut meat, and all the items you wish to. It works really well while you’re camping out.
In case you have no survival weapon when camping, this knife can be your best survival option.
Conclusion
This is the most important part of our discussion. We have a great understanding of the chemistry of each product. Still, you must have proper guidelines for purchasing the best tool according to your task.
I am here to help you choose the best tool. One best choice can give you all functions along with Marine Corps bowie knife qualities. In addition to long, the market is full of the small bowie knife.
If you are a professional then go for SOG Super Bowie Knife. Its strong structure can bear a high load of work. The sharper blade only needed small pressure. Furthermore, a comfortable handle design gives sufficient friction with a strong grip. It comes in the class of full tang bowie knife.
On the other hand, as a domestic user choose the KA-BAR knife as a serrated blade bowie knife. Its tough blade can overcome all tasks related to the field and kitchen. The rough handle surface enhances the speed with no chance of slipping out. The sharper edge can fulfill all tasks easily.