How To Care For A Bowie Knife

Bowie knives are some of the most popular blades on the market. These knives have been around for almost 200 years and during that time, they've gained a well-earned reputation for quality, durability, ruggedness and much more. However, all that ruggedness and durability goes out the window if you do not maintain your blade correctly. What should you do about maintaining that blade? How do you know if you're doing it right or not?

First, you should make sure that your knife blade stays clean and dry as much as possible. This will be impossible to do all the time, as quite a few uses require that the blade gets wet or dirty. Whether you're skinning a deer, cleaning a fish or just setting up camp, you will find that the blade encounters moisture and dirt on a regular basis. However, if you take the time to clean and dry the blade after every use, it will hold up for a far longer period. A simple wipe down with a clean dry cloth will suffice for this.

You will also need to make sure that you clean that blade after every use. Whether you choose to use that bowie knife to gut a fish or skin larger game, you'll find that the blade can quickly become fouled with dirt, waste and liquid. The unfortunate side effect of this is that the knife blade will start to rust or corrode. You'll also find that a dirty, rusty blade does not slide free form the sheath or scabbard very easily, which can lead to accidents and injuries. Therefore, make sure that the blade is clean and dry after every use.

If you're tempted to put that knife in the dishwasher - don't! The dishwasher should only be used for dishes and common utensils. Your knife should never enter that particular machine, as you'll find that this can pit and corrode the blade and even lead to discoloration and deterioration of the handle. When you clean the blade, use warm water and gentle soap - never use harsh chemicals or abrasives, as these will damage the blade's finish and lead to corrosion, discoloration and degradation of your bowie knife.

You should also watch out for temperature fluctuations. While the blade of your bowie knife is quite resilient, extreme temperatures can damage the temper of the blade. Therefore, never leave it out in the sun, never expose it to salt water (unless cleaned properly afterward) and make sure that you always keep the knife stored away properly, whether it's at your side, or stored in the top of your closet.