The best Bowie knife is generally known for its amazing and high-quality properties and functions. These incredible features and their versatility have made Bowie knives extremely popular since the 19th century.
The purpose of this article is to analyze the basic features of the selected best bowie knives and how they perform their functions.
Hopefully, the following guide to buying the best bowie knife will definitely help you in making your decision to buy the most suitable one.
All right, let’s get started!
12 Best Bowie Knife | A Comprehensive Guide 2023
Talking about these best bowie knives under $100, $200 and $300; you’ll find numerous options to choose from such devices.
You can also find affordable and cheap but of very high quality & value knives under the price ranges of $50, $40 and even $30.
Here we’ll discussion about the 12 best bowie knives that can be used for all types of activities that you must be enjoying in daily routine life.
Top 3 Picks:
9.7
- Handle Material Plastic
- Blade Edge Plain/Serrated
- Blade Shape Clip Point
9.3
- Handle Material Micarta
- Blade Material High Carbon Stainless Steel
- Style American
8.5
- Handle Material Molded Plastic
- Blade Material 1075 Carbon Steel
- Blade Length 9.8 Inches
1. Buck Knives 124 Frontiersman | Best Balanced Bowie Knife
Buck Knives 124 Frontiersman Fixed Blade Knife
Specifications:
- Brand: Buck Knives
- Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
- Style: American
An American Icon…Buck Knives, a family owned business with 4 generations of Buck leadership.
This knife has a 6.25-inch blade made from 420HC steel, and a beautiful black Micarta handle. It is well-balanced and easy to handle, making it an excellent choice for hunting and outdoor activities.
Just like all other premium knives, these knife products are also made from high-quality steel materials which are composed in a great balance. For us, such knives are one of the most comfortable products in this field.
- High-quality blade steel
- Good balance
- Comfortable handle
- Maybe a bit heavy for some users.
2. Gerber StrongArm | Best Fixed Blade Combat & Survival Bowie Knife
GERBER StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife
Specifications:
- Special Feature: Full Tang
- Blade Material: High Carbon Steel
- Style: Fine Edge
Gerber has been making survival knives for the US Military since 1968. The Strong-arm Fixed Blade carries on our legacy of tough-as-hell fixed blade knives for combat and survival applications.
This knife has a 4.8-inch blade made from 420HC steel and a diamond-texture rubber handle. It is lightweight and easy to handle, making it a great option for hiking and camping. Also, considered a good choice for indoor activities.
The overall construction of these knives makes them easy for users to handle such knives. Nevertheless, their steel is not as durable as it should be compared to all other bowie knives and their alternatives.
- Lightweight
- Easy to handle
- Versatile
- Blade steel may not be as durable as some other knives
3. Cold Steel Trail Master Bowie | Best Sharp Bowie Knife
Cold Steel Trail Master Fixed Blade Bowie Knife
Specifications:
- Special Feature: Manual
- Handle Material: Alloy Steel
- Weight: 2.1kg
The Bowie Knife is well known for it’s performance in the situation where other knives failed to perform the respective function of cutting. The excellent grip and amazing functions are the reason why it should be preferable for every Bowie lover.
The Cold Steel Trail Master Bowie is another amazing and versatile Bowie knife on this list mainly constructed for Heavy-Duty tasks. These knives have a sharp and durable 9-inch blade which is specially made from VG-1 San Mai III steel which is compact and rust-free.
Moreover, talking about another feature of these knives is that they have an exceptional grip for easy and comfortable usage. However, these knives are pretty heavy and can be used for cutting small items. Plus, they have a difficult maintenance but, it can be done in case you are a professional in this knife field.
- High-quality steel
- Easy and comfortable usage
- Incredible versatility
- Difficult maintenance
- Multiple slipping conditions
4. KA-BAR USMC | Best Historical & Antique Bowie Knife
Ka-Bar Full-Size U.S.M.C. Serrated Edge Knife
Specifications:
- Handle Material: Plastic
- Blade Material: Carbon Steel
- Blade Edge: Plain/Serrated
The most famous knife in the world gets updated with a serrated edge to better cut synthetic and looped materials. Tang stamped USMC. Hard plastic MOLLE compatible sheath included.
This classic knife features a 7-inch blade made from 1095 Cro-Van steel and a leather handle. Its design is based on the knives used by the US Marine Corps during World War II, and it is an excellent choice for survival situations.
These knives are sharp, durable, compact, and easy to handle. Thus, their overall performance is quite impressive which allows users to use such knives for multiple high-quality tasks.
- Durable
- Versatile
- Classic designs
- May require sharpening more frequently than some other knives
5. Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter | Best Bowie Hunting Knife
Benchmade – 15017 Hidden Canyon Hunter Knife
Specifications:
- Handle Material: Wood
- Blade Material: Alloy Steel
- Blade Shape: Drop Point
Despite it’s compact profile, this knife provides ample real estate throughout the handle and cutting edge, making it just as effective on big game as it is on smaller species.
This knife has a 2.67-inch blade made from CPM-S30V steel, and a Dymondwood handle. It is a compact and lightweight option that is ideal for hunting and outdoor activities. However, their blade size is limited to a certain size and it might be a problem for several users.
Moreover, these knives are made in such a way that they support the users by providing them comfort to use such knives. So, make sure to purchase these amazing knives as soon as possible.
- High-quality blade steel
- Comfortable handle
- Compact size
- The blade may be too short for some users
6. ESEE Knives 6P-B | Best Looking Bowie Knife
ESEE Knives 6P Fixed Blade Knife
Specifications:
- Blade Material: High Carbon Steel
- Blade Shape: Straight Back
- Blade Edge: Flat
Overall Length: 11.75″ , Blade Length: 6.50″. Includes a high quality protective polymer sheath with clip plate attachment and lanyard hole.
This knife has a 6.5-inch blade made from 1095 carbon steel, and a Micarta handle. It is a durable and versatile option that is great for survival situations. However, these knives are also quite good for indoor activities.
But, due to the design and manufacture of these special knives, they are pretty hard to sharpen with regular pieces of equipment. Therefore, it would be best to avoid such knives in case you are looking to use them for a long time.
- Durable
- Versatile
- Comfortable handle
- May require frequent sharpening
7. Ontario Knife Company SP10 Marine Raider | Best Full Tang Bowie Knife for Military, Sporting & Rescue
Spec Plus Marine Raider
Specifications:
- Handle Material: Molded Plastic
- Blade Material: 1075 Carbon Steel
- Feature: Full Tang
Spec plus Series knives are designed for military, sporting and rescue use. The spec plus products are a diverse mix of top-selling and innovative knife and tool patterns designed for military, sporting and first responder purposes.
This knife has a 10-inch blade made from 1095 carbon steel, and a Kraton handle. It is a heavy-duty option that is ideal for outdoor activities like camping and hunting. These knives are not recommended for kitchen tasks due to their heavy weight.
However, still, these knives are still considered good options for fast and accurate knife usage purposes. All these knives make such knives one of the best products in this field for accurate and versatile functions.
- Durable
- Sturdy, versatile
- May be too heavy for some users
8. Spyderco Street Bowie | Best Bowie Knife for Self Defense & Every Day Carry
Spyderco Perrin Street Bowie Fixed Blade
Specifications:
- Handle Material: Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Style: Street Bowie Fixed Blade
Reliable High Performance – Spyderco fixed blade knives offer the same performance you expect from our ground-breaking folding knives. Proudly Crafted for Life with highly evolved Ergonomics to minimize fatigue and increase cutting power.
This knife has a 5.1-inch blade made from VG-10 steel, and a G-10 handle. It is a versatile option that is great for self-defense, every day carry (EDC) and outdoor activities. However, these knives are not impressive in terms of performing heavy-duty tasks due to their normal composition.
The handles and sheath of such Bowie knives are made in such a way that they provide full comfort to the users. So, make sure to get these special Bowie knives as soon as possible for the best output results.
- High-quality blade steel
- Comfortable handle
- Versatile
- May not be ideal for heavy-duty tasks
9. SOG Specialty Knives & Tools S1T-L | Best Bowie Knife for Camping & Outdoor Activities
SOG Bowie 2.0
Specifications:
- Handle Material: Brown Leather
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Style: Bowie 2.0 Fixed Blade
The Bowie 2.0 fixed blade knife is a faithful, flawless tribute to the Vietnam-era Bowie knife with sheath; measures 11 inches in overall length
This knife has a 5-inch blade made from VG-10 steel, and a Kraton handle. It is a versatile option that is ideal for outdoor activities like camping and hunting. These knives are also made from heavy materials and their alternatives.
Therefore, these bowie knives are limited to some specific functions. So, make sure to get these knives in case you are only willing to use products for outdoor tasks.
- High-quality blade steel
- Comfortable handle
- Versatile
- May be too heavy for some users
10. Buck Knives 119 Special | Best Fixed Blade Bowie Knife for Combat
Buck Knives 119 Special Fixed Blade Hunting Knife
Specifications:
- Handle Material: Black Phenolic
- Blade Material: High Carbon Steel
- Style: Fixed Blade
6″ 420HC steel blade has excellent strength, edge retention, and corrosion resistance for lasting durability. The blade is good for piercing, detail work, and cutting in tight places.
This knife has a 6-inch blade made from 420HC steel, and a beautiful black Phenolic handle. It is a classic option that is great for hunting and outdoor activities.
Buck knives are well known for their popular knives with comfortable handles. So, make sure to try them once for fast and accurate indoor and outdoor knife activities.
- Classic design
- Durable blade steel
- Comfortable handle
- May require frequent sharpening
11. Kershaw Camp 10 | Best Bowie Knife with Sheath
Kershaw Camp 10 (1077)
Specifications:
- Handle Material: Full tang, glass-filled nylon
- Blade Material: 65Mn
- Brand: Kershaw
10” blade made of 65Mn carbon tool steel is finished with a black powdercoat for added toughness and easier blade maintenance
Kershaw Camp 10 is a versatile and durable outdoor knife with a 10-inch blade made of high-carbon steel.
The blade is coated with a black oxide finish, which protects it from rust and wears. The handle is made of glass-filled nylon with a rubber over-mold, providing a secure and comfortable grip even in wet conditions.
The knife also comes with a durable sheath for safe storage and transportation. One of the main advantages of the Kershaw Camp 10 is its size and weight, making it suitable for heavy-duty outdoor tasks such as chopping and batoning.
- High-quality steel
- Easy maintenance
- Affordable
- The large size makes it difficult for their usage
12. Timber Rattler Western Outlaw | Best High Quality Bowie Knife
Timber Rattler Western Outlaw Bowie Knife
Specifications:
- Handle Material: Wood
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Style: Outlaw
One powerful beast of a blade that stands up to harsh use in harsh environments, backing you up time and time again.
The Timber Rattler Bowie knife is a classic and rugged fixed-blade knife with a 10-inch blade made of stainless steel. The blade is full tang and features a brass guard and pommel for added durability and aesthetic appeal. The handle is made of hardwood and provides a comfortable grip.
The knife also comes with a leather sheath for safe storage and transportation. One of the main advantages of the Timber Rattler Bowie knife is its classic design and durability, making it a great option for outdoor enthusiasts and collectors alike. The stainless steel blade is also resistant to rust and corrosion, making it easy to maintain.
- Highly durable
- Versatile
- Easily maintenance
- Not for heavy-duty tasks
- Uncomfortable grips
Detailed Features of Best Bowie Knife
Are you looking forward to knowing what is bowie knife?
Well, the Bowie knife is a type of large sheath knife with curved blades, sharp edges, a prominent cross guard, and a fixed blade. Their incredible features have made them an essential product for outdoor purposes.
Therefore, people love to take these strong and compact knives with them to certain places for Hiking, hunting, and camping. Nevertheless, we will review the properties and functions that enable them to be used in such a way here.
Features of the Best Bowie Knife:
Some distinct features of the bowie knife are discussed as follows:
- Blade Quality
One of the most beneficial features of these Bowie knives is their amazing and compact blade quality. All types of these knives are made from stainless carbon steel that is highly compact and rigid.
Moreover, this blade is razor-sharp and made from the best-coated materials that prevent rust and corrosion. As a result, these knives last for a much longer time and perform high-quality multiple tasks.
- Gripped Handles
Besides the amazing construction of the blades, the handles used in these Bowie knives have their class. The materials used to make the handles of such knives include wooden products, rubber or leather materials, special G-10 composite, and Kraton components.
These brilliant manufacturing materials make it easy for users to maintain a perfect grip on such handles. Moreover, these unique materials absorb sweat and water-like materials greatly to provide great support to the users.
- Knife Size
As we all know that the Bowie knives are the largest knives that are only for outdoor tasks. All of their major products are composed of a highly adjustable size of 4–12 inches. This length is quite flexible and allows users to use such knives with pace and accuracy.
A major advantage of this large and best Bowie knife is that it can slice multiple materials with speed and precision. Moreover, their lower ends create a certain angle to slice hard and compact products with efficiency.
Design & Style
One of the best things about Bowie knives is that their designs and handle styles have remained the same throughout the years. This is the main reason that such knives have a great demand in the whole knife market.
With their curved blades and small dotted details, their shiny blades have a unique appearance. Meanwhile, their handles coated with leather materials and multiple accessories allow them to look more decent and attractive.
- Sheath & Cross Guard
Last but not the least, a best traditional Bowie knife has the best-quality sheaths and cross guards made from the finest materials. Such materials for sheaths include leather, nylon, polyester, and other synthetic fibers.
Moreover, for cross guards, rubber protection is used to keep the blades in their specific place. If the user slips while cutting a particular material, they are protected from suffering damage.
Functions of the Bowie Knife:
The Bowie knives are highly versatile and durable, thus they are responsible for performing multiple tasks.
Here are some of the best functions that these knives allow users to perform.
Outdoor Activities
The biggest function that the Bowie knife performs is its major assistance in the user’s outdoor activities. Therefore, from hunting to fishing and from camping to survival, such knives play an essential role.
This makes these knives highly useful depending on their ability to perform such versatile tasks. So, make sure to buy and use them to overcome all your outdoor knife usage problems with pace and perfection.
Self-defense
These special knives are mainly manufactured for self-defense purposes. People from all over the world have taken a keen interest in the composition and defensive uses of these authentic knives.
Usually, the militant forces include using such knives for surviving in hard outdoor conditions.
Display & Collection
Lastly, due to the historical importance of these Bowie knives, they are equipped by numerous museums for display purposes. These amazing 19th-century old knives draw visitors from all over the world, allowing them to think back to the time of the older fighting wars.
Furthermore, people who own these Bowie knives also display them at various events to sell them for a profit. The display of these amazing gadgets also holds a great deal of importance in the minds of people from around the world, despite their amazing functions and features.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Damascus Bowie knives are said to be the most expensive knives that belong to this category. Price ranges vary depending on the brand, model, and features of these knives. Prices start at $100 and go up to $1000.
These custom-made Bowie knives are available at every online and local market shop. But, it would be best to buy them from Amazon along with their specification lists to properly use their incredible functions accurately.
When it comes to the best Bowie knife and machetes, carbon steel is a popular choice.
It is more advantageous to use 0.30%-0.60% carbon steel because it is sufficiently hard without becoming too brittle during processing. This type of blade would be well suited to C1045 steel.
The blade shape and overall shape allow it to be perfect for fighting while protecting the user’s hand at the same time.
Hunting, fishing, survival, and preparation are all practical uses for the Bowie.
Originally, the Bowie knife had a thin blade and no silver mounts, similar to a butcher knife. A silver sheath mounted on black leather was worn by Bowie.
On September 19, 1827, near Natchez, the Sandbar Fight made the Bowie knife famous.
Final Verdict
The best Bowie knife has numerous high-quality features and versatile functions that make them extremely popular. The blade and handle composition of such knives is fantastic that supports their cross guard and the users in cutting or scaling multiple materials with pace and perfection.
Moreover, talking about the functionality of these amazing knives, we concluded that they are used only for outdoor purposes. The militant people use these Bowie knives for survival purposes in hard conditions.
So, it would be perfect for you to buy and use these knives for outdoor purposes like hiking, hunting, or camping. In the end, we hope that you would like the information that we have provided you through this article.