What Material Are Bowie Knife Handles?
Thursday, 10 December 2009 09:29 | 
Written by Dylan Sabot |
Choosing a bowie knife will require that you make several choices. You'll have the choice of blade length, and even blade style. For instance, you might opt for the classic style blade, or you might go for an option that is derived from modern military designs. You will also need to choose from a wide selection of handle materials. What are bowie knife handles made of? What options do you have in the market? You'll find that quite a few different materials are used for this purpose.
Choosing a bowie knife will require that you make several choices. You'll have the choice of blade length, and even blade style. For instance, you might opt for the classic style blade, or you might go for an option that is derived from modern military designs. You will also need to choose from a wide selection of handle materials. What are bowie knife handles made of? What options do you have in the market? You'll find that quite a few different materials are used for this purpose.
First, you will find that wood is one of the dominant choices on the market today. These handles can be utilitarian, but they can also be beautiful. Some bowie knives feature solid wood handles, but most make use of a two-part handle, made of wooden scales held together by rivets run through the wood and through the tang of the knife. Knives that make use of wooden scales are usually "full tang," while those with a solid wood handle use what's called a "rattail" tang. Full tangs are preferable to rattails, as they provide better stability and longevity in your knife.
Metal - Metal is a popular choice for bowie knife handles, particularly for those based on militaristic themes. You will find metal handles offer excellent grip, thanks the patterning they bear. You will also find them available in a wide range of colors, from black to silver, blue and many other colors, as well. Of course, the metal used in the handles varies from knife to knife, ranging from steel to stainless steel and other options.
Yet another material used for bowie knife handles is bone. You'll find antler and other bones used to create these handles, though these are often very decorative. While bone handles are quite functional, you might find that you don't want to take the knife out to use it. As a note, some bone is unsuitable for handle construction, though antler is often a great choice that will provide years of use, as well as considerable good looks.
You should ensure that the knife you purchase has a full tang, rather than a rattail tang, as this provides better durability and solidity for your knife. You should also ensure that the bowie knife that you choose features a good grip - slick handles will betray you in the end and can lead to injury quite easily.
Choosing a bowie knife will require that you make several choices. You'll have the choice of blade length, and even blade style. For instance, you might opt for the classic style blade, or you might go for an option that is derived from modern military designs. You will also need to choose from a wide selection of handle materials. What are bowie knife handles made of? What options do you have in the market? You'll find that quite a few different materials are used for this purpose.
First, you will find that wood is one of the dominant choices on the market today. These handles can be utilitarian, but they can also be beautiful. Some bowie knives feature solid wood handles, but most make use of a two-part handle, made of wooden scales held together by rivets run through the wood and through the tang of the knife. Knives that make use of wooden scales are usually "full tang," while those with a solid wood handle use what's called a "rattail" tang. Full tangs are preferable to rattails, as they provide better stability and longevity in your knife.
Metal - Metal is a popular choice for bowie knife handles, particularly for those based on militaristic themes. You will find metal handles offer excellent grip, thanks the patterning they bear. You will also find them available in a wide range of colors, from black to silver, blue and many other colors, as well. Of course, the metal used in the handles varies from knife to knife, ranging from steel to stainless steel and other options.
Yet another material used for bowie knife handles is bone. You'll find antler and other bones used to create these handles, though these are often very decorative. While bone handles are quite functional, you might find that you don't want to take the knife out to use it. As a note, some bone is unsuitable for handle construction, though antler is often a great choice that will provide years of use, as well as considerable good looks.
You should ensure that the knife you purchase has a full tang, rather than a rattail tang, as this provides better durability and solidity for your knife. You should also ensure that the bowie knife that you choose features a good grip - slick handles will betray you in the end and can lead to injury quite easily.
About the Author:
Dylan Sabot is the owner of an online bowie knifes store featuring the Cold Steel rubber training knife.