What Size of Bowie Knife Is Best for Me?

When it comes time to choose a new option from several bowie knives, you will need to know how to choose the right size. It's no secret that bowie knives are available in an incredible range of sizes. In fact, it can seem like the larger the blade is, the more popular that particular model will be. However, size is not everything. How do you know what you should look for in bowie knives? What makes one knife better for you than another one?

There is no secret formula to determining what size bowie knife is right for you. You will have to take a long, hard look at how you intend to use the knife. For instance, do you just want something impressive that you can hang on a wall or mount under glass? If so, then the larger, the better! However, if you actually intend to put that knife to use, you'll find that enormous size is not always better.

Do you plan to skin game with your knife? Bowie knives are well known for their ability to help hunters skin their kills with ease. However, if this is your intended use, you don't want a large blade. In fact, six inches is likely all you will need to get the job done correctly.
Actually, if you chose to go with a longer blade, you might find that it was harder to control. Control is vital when working with animal skins, as one wrong move with the knife can ruin that pelt. Bowie knives can puncture holes in the hide very easily if you are not careful, so exercise care when choosing your new knife.

As another example of the need for a specific size, you'll need to determine if you actually want to carry that knife with you when you go out. While a lot of states allow fixed blades of up to five or six inches in length to be carried openly, many states prohibit anything larger. You will also need to consider your own comfort when carrying your knife. Longer blades tend to be less comfortable when strapped to your hip.

You will also find that longer blades are thicker and hold up to the abuse better. Thicker, longer knife blades are perfect for tasks that do not require precise control, but do require considerable durability and resilience. So, your intended use will determine just how long that bowie knife actually is.