The 20 Best Bowie Knives for Any Situation

Since the 19th century, when James Black invented the custom-made Bowie knife for Jim Bowie, this type of large sheathed knife has evolved in terms of features and uses. The Bowie knife has become a must-have for hunting, hiking, combat, survival, and other outdoor activities amongst many devotees. That said, the Bowie knife is no small EDC knife. It’s so large that many states outlaw the unauthorized carrying of a bowie knife, citing it as a deadly weapon. But, if you are either in a state that allows them or are licensed to use and carry the Bowie knife, what features should you look for when shopping?

Start by asking yourself; what is a bowie knife? Why do you need a Bowie knife? And how long will you use it? Today’s bowie knife is a fixed blade with features such as a carbon steel or stainless steel blade, ergonomic wooden, plastic, leather, or bone handle, leather, plastic, or nylon sheath. Each of these features is relevant in different situations.

For example, a Bowie knife using the stainless steel knife is less likely to corrode, giving you extended service over one with a carbon steel blade. The edge of one of these knives may serve as your fire starter when in a survival situation. Nevermind the fact that a sharp knife is paramount to include in your survival kit. Also, consider the grip of this type of knife. Indeed, an aesthetic handle may be cumbersome to use for skinning game meat. A handle that uses antler, stacked wood, or natural bone will be comfortable in colder winter months. Other considerations include the leather sheath to protect it from the elements, a full tang that strengthens the blade to the handle, and the overall blade size.

We’ve handpicked the 20 best Bowie knives for their qualities and purpose in this comprehensive shopping guide. Their varying price ranges reflect their originality, brand reputation, and popularity amongst current users. Let’s have a look, shall we?

1. KA-BAR Full-Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife

If you hunt game or take part in combat activities, you must know the KA-BAR fighting knives. Their KA-BAR Full-Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife is a world-renowned knife, a marines’ favourite choice since the 1940s. But, today, this combat knife is popular with hunters, thanks to its 7-inch fixed carbon steel blade, leather handle with five deep grooves, and a clip point shape. You can use the channels to lash it to a pole to make a spear. Combat fighters prefer the knife’s 2.5-inch fuller blade that makes it weigh less without compromising its strength.

2. Ka-Bar Becker BK9 Combat Bowie Fixed Blade Knife

The Ka-Bar Becker BK9 is the modern version of the original Bowie knife. When you invest in this knife, you’ll have a beast of a knife for life, quite literally. This 9-inch combat knife retains its sharpness and form despite using it for a massive variety of tough jobs. Its improved carbon steel will take a beating from chopping, batoning, slicing, smashing, prying, coming out sharper, sturdier, and corrosion-free. And the full tang construction ensures the knife retains its form for years to come.

3. SOG Super SOG Bowie Fixed Blade SB1T-L

When searching for a fixed blade bowie knife with an indescribable wow factor, consider picking up this SOG Bowie fixed-blade knife from Taiwan. This massive blade has all the sharpness, precision, and functionality you ever wanted in a bowie knife. Its stainless steel, clip point blade comes with a hard-cased black TiNi finish. You can use it to puncture or cut practically anything in the wilderness while handling the ergonomically contoured and well-balanced handle.

4. REG 215 – Handmade Damascus Steel Bowie Knife

Are you looking for an exotic Bowie knife, handmade to perfection? Then check out this offering from Poshland Knives. It’s a durable knife consisting of Damascus steel, known for its sharpness, hardness, and unique patterns of anding and mottling. There is an equally solid 5-inch exotic Marandi wood handle, all in a gorgeous brass finish. Poshland Knives has paid extra attention to each detail on this knife, hence assembling each part by hand.

5. Schrade SCHF45 Leroy Full Tang Bowie Fixed Blade Knife

The Schrade SCHF45 Leroy Full Tang Bowie Fixed Blade Knife is the longest full tang bowie knife on this list. It features a 10.35-inch titanium-coated blade useful for combat, tactical, survival, and military situations. The full tang design ensures this heavy-duty knife is balanced for optimal use. Besides, it has finger grooves, choil, and a lanyard hole integrated into the handle for multipurpose applications.

6. MOSSY OAK Rambo Survival Hunting Knife

If you plan to go camping, hunting, or are taking part in Spartan events, carry the MOSSY OAK Rambo Survival Hunting Knife in readiness for any challenge. This Rambo bowie knife features a 10-inch razor-sharp stainless steel blade with superior edge retention and rust-resistance capabilities. More so, it will retain its sharpness and lustre even in wet conditions. And, its soft rubber handle gives you a comfortable grip when using extra hand pressure.

7. Cold Steel Latin D-Guard Machete 18″

The Cold Steel Latin D-Guard Machete 18″ is an all-purpose tactical machete with sheath. It features an extended and extra-wide black-powder coated blade with a corrosion-resistant finish. For reinforcement, the blade uses a full tang construction and is held with steel guards and a high impact polypropylene handle. It will endure the challenges of clearing brush or cutting saplings and small vines. Hence, it is a favourite accessory for persons going on a backwoods adventure.

8. Condor Undertaker Bowie Fixed Blade Knife

When Joe Flower came up with the Condor Undertaker Bowie Fixed Blade Knife, he wanted an intimidating Bowie knife suitable for the deep Amazonian rain forest where he spends most of his time. That’s why this knife features a heavy-duty carbon steel blade on an impressive walnut world-renowned It is the type of knife you’d reach for when participating in knife throwing, hunting, fishing, perfecting your survival skills. It’s also the type of blade you can pull out if you want to imitate Crocodile Dundee.

9. Cold Steel Mini Tac Bowie Neck Knife G-10

The Cold Steel Mini Tac Bowie Neck Knife G-10 is a small fighting bowie knife from Taiwan. It features a lightweight clip point stainless steel blade on a black G-10 handle. This design is ideal for anyone who takes part in rescue missions. Here, you can use the razor-sharp heat-treated blade to pick up objects or aim at a short-range. Likewise, there is a convenient rugged sheath and a secure bead chain lanyard to expand your capabilities before help arrives.

10. Buck 120 General Bowie Knife Dymondwood

The Buck Knives brand is a world-renowned company for its commitment to making authentic bowie knives. Perhaps you’re searching for Bowie knife designs that you can keep as collectibles? This Buck 120 series knife is an original piece that features a fixed blade whose design dates back to 1902. The knife is a culmination of many small refinements to the previous Buck knives series. Hence, you can expect a solid, versatile bowie knife ideal for hunting, combat, and everyday use. Yet, if you are a collector, this Buck 120 is your great opportunity to have a piece of history in your home.

11. Ontario SPEC PLUS SP10 Marine Raider Bowie Knife

The Ontario SPEC PLUS SP10 Marine Raider Bowie Knife is a 15-inch military bowie knife ideal for search and rescue and other outdoor sports. It uses a carbon steel blade with an epoxy textured powder coat for durability. This blade connects to the Kraton handle via a full tang construction, remaining stable despite any harsh handling. The handle has convenient ridges and a lanyard hole necessary in a survival situation.

12. Ontario Knife Raider Bowie 9.75 in Plainedge with Nylon Sheath

The Ontario Knife 8684 SP-10 Raider Bowie 9.75 in Plainedge with Nylon Sheath is an original Bowie knife retailing with a convenient tactical sheath. It features a 3-inch wide carbon steel blade held on a super-comfortable Kraton handle with a full tang design. Manufactured in New York state, you can rely on its steady construction for short-range combat and survival situations. If you need a “do-it-all” camp/survival knife, this Bowie from Ontario Knife Company is a truly excellent choice.

13. Ontario Knife Co. 8668 Rat-7

The Ontario Knife Co. 8668 Rat-7 is one of Randall’s Adventure and Training Team (RAT) Series knives retailing as a tough, affordable, and high-performance Bowie knife. It uses durable carbon steel, powder-coated blade on an ergonomic Micarta handle. As a result, the fixed blade can withstand pressure from a myriad of tricky survival, tactical, or EDC situations. Being the seventh RAT series, it has a massive, more secure, and durable construction.

14. Schrade Full Tang High Carbon Fixed Blade Knife

This large fixed-blade bowie knife retails at a very competitive price. It features a 10.4-inch blade on a heavy Micarta handle, and its full tang design balances its weight nicely, resulting in a safe and sturdy knife. It also sports an ergonomic handle with a convenient finger guard and lanyard hole, giving you a steady grip and versatile uses as a utility knife. Plus, its ballistic sheath has a belt loop for everyday carrying applications.

15. Spartan Blades Horkos Fixed Blade Fighting Utility Knife

The Spartan Blades Horkos Fixed Blade Fighting Utility Knife is a 10 7/8″ bowie knife that was commissioned by the US Military Academy’s Combat Weapons Team as a way to honour its graduation class. Its Horkos name originates from a sacred oath, signifying the graduates’ pledge to the US constitution. This combat knife features a 3/16″ thick stainless steel blade on a 5-inch Micarta handle. It is all rounded with an aesthetic Black Tungsten DLC finish.

16. Ontario Knife 8684 SP-10 Raider Bowie 9.75 in

The Ontario Knife 8684 SP-10 Raider Bowie 9.75 in is a 15-inch fixed blade bowie knife meeting quality standards for use in the military, law enforcement, and as part of your survival gear. This knife includes a 9.75-inch full tang reinforced carbon steel blade. The blade is held in place by a 5.25-inch black grooved Kraton handle. Use the grooves to fasten the knife to a pole or the razor-sharp edge to clear vines. Better still; the clip point is excellent for throwing at targets, making it the best throwing Bowie knife on this list.

17. Buck Knives 0119

The Buck Knives 0119 is a 10.5-inch bowie knife, a part of the brand’s 75th-anniversary edition celebration. It features a 6-inch alloy steel blade in a black phenolic handle and a leather sheath. This design keeps the blade strong, retaining the edge and making it safe to use and transport in a bag or belt. Besides, its corrosion-resistant crescent tip blade is easy to control when paying attention to finer details. And, its forever warranty guarantees you of its ability to last for years to come.

18. ESEE ESJUNGLAS-BRK Junglas Knife, Black

The ESJUNGLAS-BRK Junglas Knife is a blend of a machete and a fixed blade Bowie knife, named after a famous Colombian police officer named “JUNGLAS”. It was essential to the local police force in its anti-narcotic operations. Today, this bowie knife is popular with woodcutters, adventurers, and those keen on collecting survival tools. The knife features a sharp, durable carbon steel blade with an ergonomic Micarta handle that is comfortable to wield. The final result is a low maintenance, aesthetic knife useful in professional cutlery or hacking a thicket.

19. Elite Forces Survival Bowie Knife

The Elite Forces Survival Bowie Knife is a decent knife for anyone who does lots of outdoor nature cutting. It features a sharp stainless steel blade, a reinforced plastic handle with a finger guard, and a durable sheath with detachable MOLLE belt straps. You can rely on the mounting holes and clasp system to attach the knife to your backpack or other survival gear. Its checkered grip handle, black pommel, and backguard are durable and comfortable. And its double row serration at the top of the blade comes in handy when cutting metal or wood surfaces.

20. Gerber-Fiskars Winchester Large Bowie Knife

If you hunt, take part in tactical or military tournaments, or travel in minimalist style, include the 14.25-inch Gerber-Fiskars Winchester Large Bowie Knife in your essential bug out bag. It features a fixed surgical stainless steel blade with a polished wooden handle. Two brass rivets attach the edge to the finger-grooved grip, keeping it firm despite harsh handling. This large and heavy Bowie knife will cut through thick cloth, thin wood, and rope. Hence, it retails at a budget-friendly price.

Whether you want your Bowie knife to be razor-sharp, paddle-wide, or heavy as a hatchet, the knife never comes cheap. Know what attributes you want in your choice blade by identifying your distinct needs. Then, use these 20 top picks to make your search for a functional, elegant, and durable Bowie knife easier. And once you get one, clean it, dry it, and sharpen it often. It will serve you for generations, just like the original Bowie knife.

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