Bowie knives have been around since the early 19th century, and they are one of the most popular kinds of knives today. I find the bowie knife fascinating; they are a marker of American history, as many of the modern knives still use authentic materials that were originally used. That way, we will still often find brass, wood, bone, and leather as the constituents of a bowie knife.
I’ve read many reviews of bowie knives, and I completely understand the popularity they get. If you’re looking for the best bowie knife possible, then I’ve done the legwork for you – I’ve gone through extensive lists of bowie knives online and found only the best bowie knives that you can choose from.
If you are in a hurry and want to find out the best Bowie Knife, I recommend the KA-BAR Full Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife as the best one.
Best Bowie Knives: Summary
- Timber Rattler Western Outlaw Full Tang Bowie Knife
- Winchester 22-41206 Large Bowie Knife
- Ka-Bar Full-Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife
- Schrade SCHF45 Leroy Full Tang Bowie Knife
- United Cutlery USMC Bowie Knife
- Gil Hibben Magnum Bowie Knife
- Honshu Conqueror Bowie Knife
- Buck Knives 120 General Fixed Blade Knife
- Tops Knives Prather War Bowie
- Uncle Henry 181UH Bowie Full Tang Fixed Blade
Last update on 2024-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What is a Bowie Knife?
The first bowie knife was designed in 1830 by James Black for James Bowie, who the knife is named after. At the start, bowie knives were not well defined, but they have a distinct look and feel today.
When the knife reached the height of popularity in the mid-19th century, almost every knife that was similar to the original was named a bowie knife. That’s what makes it slightly harder to trace the knife to its origins.
Originally, the bowie knife was a fighting knife designed for personal security and self-defense. James Bowie, who became something of a legend in American history as a famous knife fighter, used the knife for when the battles came up close and personal. The first bowie knife was similar to a butcher’s knife with a straight back and thick blade that was 9 ½ inches long.
Later on, when the knife became popular for personal defense and close combat, the design altered slightly. The back was still straight at the start but started to round at the end of the edge side. This rounding was also sharp, providing a cutting edge. And there was also a guard installed for easy use. This is how the bowie knife still looks like today.
My Recommendation For The Top 10 Best Bowie Knives
Here are the 10 best bowie knives that I found online through reviews. Pick the best ones for you and enjoy!
1. Timber Rattler Western Outlaw Full Tang Bowie Knife
Last update on 2024-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The bowie knife that I liked the most and I think is the best is the Timber Rattler western outlaw bowie knife. It features a strong and durable stainless steel blade that will withstand even the toughest of environments and will handle the pressure well.
The handle of this knife is made from gray hardwood, ensuring that the grip is strong and that the handle will stay together and strong for long. And at the end of the handle is the brass-plated guard, which ensures the knife is easy to hold and won’t just slip out of your hand. The build quality is very good, especially considering the price.
In addition, you will also receive a genuine leather sheath that was handmade. This cool-looking sheathe will make your knife stand out, but it will also protect it from the elements. Overall, this knife offers fantastic value for money in terms of the quality of both the build and the materials used to create this knife.
Features:
- Blade length: 11 3/8”
- Overall size: 17”
- Weight: 2.4lbs.
Read More Customer Reviews on Amazon
2. Winchester 22-41206 Large Bowie Knife
Last update on 2024-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re looking for a budget-conscious bowie knife that brings you a high level of quality, then you simply can’t go wrong with the Winchester 22-41206 large bowie knife.
Firstly, it features an 8.57-inch stainless steel fixed blade. It’s a full-tang construction that allows you a superior grip strength and increased usability. With the blade, you can perform all sorts of tasks in the wild – from fishing to skinning animals, and other uses. It’s also a great knife for self-defense, albeit a slightly heavier and bulkier one.
The blade is also corrosion and rust-resistant, allowing you to use the knife for longer. And with the durable wood and brass handle, you get a stylish and powerful knife that allows you to use the full capability of the knife. You’ll also get a nylon sheath in the package, completing the package. Overall, a great knife for the price.
Features:
- Blade length: 8.57”
- Overall size: 14.25”
- Weight: 1.4lbs.
Read More Customer Reviews on Amazon
3. Ka-Bar Full-Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife
Last update on 2024-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Ka-Bar full-size USMC fighting knife is famous for being one of the best, if not the best, fixed blade knife in the world. It’s a bowie knife in essence made for fighting and for self-defense primarily, but it can also handle a variety of different tasks that you throw at it.
The blade is made from the 1095 Cro-van steel, which allows for a durable and reliable performance in the long-term. While this one might be slightly different from other bowie knives, it’s this one that takes the crown in terms of durability, looks, performance, and quality.
This one reminds me of the original bowie knives with a straight back. You’ll also get a beautiful protective leather sheath so you can store the knife easily. Overall, I think that this knife represents the best option on this list.
Features:
- Blade length: 7”
- Overall size: 11.875”
- Weight: 1.2lbs.
Read More Customer Reviews on Amazon
4. Schrade SCHF45 Leroy Full Tang Bowie Knife
Last update on 2024-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Schrade Leroy full tang bowie knife brings you plenty of durability, comfort, and dependability when you use the knife. It’s a slightly different bowie knife without a handle guard, but it’s one that you should be looking at if you’re looking for reliable performance from your bowie knife.
The blade is made from titanium coated stainless steel, allowing for durable and strong performance. It makes for a reliable bowie knife. At the beginning of the blade, there is a finger guard, giving you some confidence and security when you use the knife. It’s a good substitute for the regular handle guard that we find on bowie knives.
This bowie knife is slightly more substantial and larger than most bowie knives on this list. That makes it even more dependable when it comes to versatile tasks outdoors. Overall, a worthy choice when it comes to bowie knives.
Features:
- Blade length: 10.4”
- Overall size: 16.5”
- Weight: 1.48lbs.
Read More Customer Reviews on Amazon
5. United Cutlery USMC Bowie Knife
Last update on 2024-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re looking for a slightly more military-like knife that looks the part, then you should seriously consider this bowie knife. The United Cutlery USMC bowie knife brings you plenty of durabily and versatility. While it is primarily designed as a fighting knife, it can handle a whole variety of tasks – from outdoor tasks like cutting and fishing to self-defense.
The blade of this knife is made from anodized stainless steel with a coating that makes the knife resistant to corrosion. And the rubber handle makes the knife a comfortable one to use and it allows you to use it for a variety of uses.
In the package, you’ll also get a nylon sheath so that you can store the knife and tuck it away safely. Overall, it’s a fantastic knife for the price asked; we can even consider it as a bargain knife.
Features:
- Blade length: 11.5”
- Overall size: 16.375”
- Weight: 1.4lbs.
Read More Customer Reviews on Amazon
6. Gil Hibben Magnum Bowie Knife
Last update on 2024-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Gil Hibben magnum bowie knife comes in a box, and you’ll receive everything you need to maintain and keep the knife. With the knife and sheath included, you’ll be able to start using the knife straight away.
And the quality of the knife and blade itself is on a very high level. The full tang blade is made from the 3CR13 rust-resistant stainless steel. And the blade itself is pretty large, allowing you to perform even the more heavy-duty tasks such as cutting and outdoor use.
For the money asked, there’s a lot to like about this package. With the sheath and box included, this nice-looking knife will bring you plenty of joy for the money.
Features:
- Blade length: 12 ½”
- Overall size: 19.5”
- Weight: 2.5lbs.
Read More Customer Reviews on Amazon
7. Honshu Conqueror Bowie Knife
Last update on 2024-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Honshu is known for bringing high-quality, modern knives for an affordable price tag. And this product is no different, really. You’ll get good quality for the price asked when it comes to blade quality and durability.
Made from stainless steel, the blade offers you a lot of versatility. And the stainless steel guard makes sure the use of the knife is safe and secure. The TPR injection handle is ergonomic and makes the usage of the knife easy.
There’s also a sheath included made from reinforced leather available in black color.
Features:
- Blade length: 10 7/8”
- Overall size: 16 ½”
- Weight: 1.8lbs.
Read More Customer Reviews on Amazon
8. Buck Knives 120 General Fixed Blade Knife
Last update on 2024-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Who could resist the classic look of this Buck Knives bowie knife? There are two main options to choose from when it comes to handle colors: the classic wood brass look and the black/silver look that is slightly more modern.
But with this knife, you can be completely sure about the performance. The corrosion-resistant 420HC blade allows you to use this knife without having to sharpen it constantly. Additionally, it allows a very strong and powerful use for even the hardest types of tasks.
It brands itself as a luxurious knife, and it certainly looks the part. And with the leather sheath included, the whole packaging is absolutely worth a look.
Features:
- Blade length: 7 3/8”
- Overall size: 12”
- Weight: 8.3oz.
Read More Customer Reviews on Amazon
9. Tops Knives Prather War Bowie
Last update on 2024-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Tops Knives Prather bowie knife is a top-quality knife that you should be looking at if you’re looking for a fixed blade knife. It’s a quality survival knife made from the 1095 RC 56-58 steel. Made for durability and quality, the knife brings you plenty of comforts when you use it, too.
You’ll also get a ballistic nylon sheath with the knife. The handle of the knife is made for combat primarily, but it’s also perfect for adverse weather conditions when your grip isn’t strong enough.
Overall, a very good knife that is worth your consideration for the price.
Features:
- Blade length: 7”
- Overall size: 12 5/8”
- Weight: 1.45lbs.
Read More Customer Reviews on Amazon
10. Uncle Henry 181UH Bowie Full Tang Fixed Blade
Last update on 2024-03-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Uncle Henry full tang bowie knife has a blade that’s made from 7CR17MOV high-carbon stainless steel. that makes it durable and strong enough to withstand pressure from even the most heavy-duty projects.
And the handle is also a joy to behold, both in terms of looks and quality. Made from straglon, the handle will support your grip for longer. And with the nickel silver guard, you’ll ensure that the use of the knife is safe.
You’ll also get a sheath with the knife. Overall, a handy knife that’s not too bulky for versatile use.
Features:
- Blade length: 10”
- Overall size: 15.37”
- Weight: 1.06lbs.
Read More Customer Reviews on Amazon
Conclusion
Bowie knives are some of the most popular knives out there. Choosing the right one may be hard, as there are many great choices. Hopefully, you’ll be able to make the right choice with this list.
