Blade Design On A Bowie Knife

A Bowie knife was always intended to be a multipurpose tool. To that end, these knives oftentimes have special modifications on their blades, intended to provide additional usefulness. Some of the purposes of these modifications are obvious and some of them are more legend than fact. These knives, however, oftentimes have some of the most innovative and stylish features seen on any knives.

The clip point of the Bowie knife is one of the most distinctive features. One may recognize this blade design from certain sabers. The intent is largely the same. In battle, a Bowie becomes a fearsome weapon. The clipped point increases the amount of pressure exerted on the blade when a stabbing motion is made by reducing the surface area. This means better penetration. Jim Bowie famously used this knife to defend himself and the point design proved to be a very lethal one, indeed. Today, it is favored because it makes the end of the knife better-suited for fine work.

Bowie knives also tend to have a Spanish notch near the end. Some claim that this was used by master knife fighters to trap the blades of attackers. This is probably legend as the notch is so small that it makes this scenario very doubtful. In reality, the notch is excellent for cutting cord and sinew and provides a handy guide as to where the blade begins.

The blood groove is a modern feature. This is probably most associated with the Bowie knives manufactured for the US Marine Corps in World War 2. This adaptation quickly proved its usefulness as a technology of war. The blood groove prevents the knife from creating a vacuum when a stab wound is made. It allows the knife to be withdrawn easily and prevents the blade from stopping blood loss.

There is a saw on the back, or spine, of many a Bowie knife. In the past, this area sometimes was occupied by a ridge of bronze or copper. Today's saw has obvious applications. The past incarnation was actually to strengthen the blade against blows-steel was weaker then-and to provide a place to catch incoming blades. Today, this feature is used to handle cutting tasks too rugged for a blade.