Can I Use My Bowie Knife as a Screwdriver?

In the face of such a question, the only answer possible is a resounding "NO!" However, why is "no" the only answer here? Why can't you use your bowie knife as a screwdriver? Why can't you chisel or punch with the blade? What happens if you attempt to use your knife as a pry bar? In short, each of these uses, while seemingly innocent enough, can lead to serious damage to your blade and may even lead to injuries.

Many people make the mistake of using bowie knives for purposes for which they are unsuited. For instance, if you choose to use your knife as a screwdriver, you'll encounter some problems. This will likely lead to a bent tip, or might even snap the tip off your knife altogether. If this happens, you will either need to repair the blade, take it to a professional cutler for repairs, or reshape the blade as is.

Another mistake that people make when using bowie knives is mistaking them for pry bars. While these knives are undoubtedly sturdy and the thickness of the blade might make you believe that it would make an ideal tool for prying, this is actually not the case. Prying with that blade can lead to severe bending, or even breakage, should you exert too much pressure against significant amounts of weight. Once the blade is bent, your only hope is a professional cutler, though even these professionals might have a hard time making the needed repairs. You can be certain that you'll pay a pretty penny, as well.

In addition you should never use your bowie knife as a chisel or a punch. Both of these uses require specialized tools to accomplish, and bowie knives are not such tools. While they might be used in an extreme emergency, do not expect your knife blade to hold up well under this type of mistreatment. In fact, you can bend or break the blade quite easily doing this. You can also injure yourself severely if the blade were to slip.

As you can see, bowie knives, while ideal tools for a wide range of different uses, are not designed for some purposes. The basic rule of thumb should be that if another type of knife wouldn't be right, then bowie knives would likely not be a good fit, either.