The Cutting Properties of a Bowie Knife

The literal answer to this question is: anything softer than the blade. A better question is: What can Bowie knives cut without damaging the knife or the user? This question requires a complex answer that reveals the incredible variety of Bowie designs available on the market. The size of the knife, the style of the blade and the materials of which it is manufactured are the most significant factors in answering this question.

Smaller Bowie knives are the most practical for actual precision cutting tasks. Not only are these knives much more agile and precise, they're usually made of better materials and are much easier to sharpen. Bowies of between 6 and 10 inches are excellent for most outdoor sports. They even make fine cooking knives, though they are a bit thick of blade for very precise, gourmet cooking. The clipped point adds an even more agile section to the blade which is great for dealing with fish and game.

Larger Bowie knives are great tools for very rugged work. Provided they're made out of a very durable metal, such as straight stainless steel, they can provide years of use, laugh off the worst of tasks and keep on going. These knives will not take as precise an edge as will the higher quality, generally smaller blades. Purchasing these knives in high-carbon and other expensive steels will generally be very expensive, as one might expect when purchasing 12 inches or more of expensive metal.

Remember that using a knife outside of its strengths is an invitation to disaster. Bowie knives which are small should not be used for hacking, chopping or for dealing with bone when cleaning an animal. The blade will invariably be damaged and, given the extreme use, it may slip or break. Such accidents can cause very serious injury, especially if one has a very sharp, very high-end knife in their hands.

Remember that safe cutting requires a sharp and clean edge. A Bowie knife should always be maintained to a sharp edge and protected against corrosion. No matter what type of blade one has or how expensive, it will become little more than a shiny stick without proper maintenance. Always keep Bowies in their sheaths when not in use, to protect both the knife and those around it!