Variations of the Bowie Knife

Folding Bowie Knife

• Folding outdoor Bowie Knives offer a compact alternative to the traditional Bowie Knife. When fully extended, they measure 12 inches in length, which is the same length as the traditional Bowie Knife. But folding Bowie Knives come equipped with a joint at the base of the blade that allows these knives to be folded in half. When folded, they measure only 9 inches in length. Once folded, these knives can be contained in a sleek leather sheath and can be transported safely without the risks that an exposed blade would entail.

Lengthened-Blade Bowie Knife

• Traditional Bowie Knives measure 12 inches in length. But certain alternative Bowie Knife models come equipped with lengthened blades. These blades can be as long as 7-1/4 inches. The total length of lengthened-blade Bowie Knives can exceed 12-1/2 inches. They are designed for practical use and are made of stainless steel, but they are also popular as collector's items.

Australian Bowie Knife

• Australian Bowie Knives offer a fresh interpretation of the traditional American design. The knives' sheaths are made of faux crocodile skin to invoke the Australian bush. Though these unique Bowie Knife alternatives are often collector's items, their real-world testing in the Australian Outback has prepared them for a life of active outdoor use. Alterations to the knives' design have resulted from this testing. The back of an Australian Bowie Knifes' blade is soft and springy to absorb impact. The front edge of the blade is hardened and can withstand thousands of cuts without dulling.

Double Edged Bowie Knife

• Double edged Bowie Knives have two sharp, symmetrical edges. This differs from the traditional Bowie Knife design, which includes one sharp edge and a dull back. The double edge makes these Bowie Knifes capable of both the traditional Bowie Knife function of hacking through underbrush as well as the additional function of carving hunted game. They are heavy and extremely durable. They weigh as much as 1-1/2 pounds and are made of stainless steel.