Tested: The Best Bowie Knives You Can Buy

Dating back to the 1800s, Bowie knives were once the blade of choice for pioneers and frontiersman in early America. And though several centuries have passed since their introduction, Bowie knives remain a go-to choice for outdoorsman and survivalists looking for a full-sized fixed blade that’s capable of balancing off-grid applications and combat readiness. Because these knives have existed for such a long time and remain popular today, there are now hundreds and hundreds of different available models to pick from, which can make shopping in the space a daunting task. Well aware of this reality, we’ve scoured the segment in order to deliver this guide to and hands-on review of the best Bowie knives. 

Selection & Testing

We took a fairly straight-forward approach when attempting to round up today’s best Bowie knives, kicking off our search by first making a list of criteria that we’d use to judge each potential pick. This included scrutinizing criteria like blade steel, blade length, blade thickness, and handle material, just to name a few. We then used these factors to generate a shortlist of Bowie knives that we then proceeded to get hands-on with and subject to a series of tests. 

In a bid to get a more comprehensive sense of how these knives performed, we conducted log-splitting tests, feather-sticking tests, and rope-cutting tests. We also carried out a tip-retention test, as well as a followup test where we attempted to return any bent tips to their original shape. Additionally, we performed a paper-cutting test to judge each blade’s factory edge — a test that was performed both when each blade was new, and after each blade faced the previously mentioned tests. 

While the above tests helped us to get a sense of how each knife performed in outdoor applications, they didn’t provide much info on each Bowie’s combat readiness, which is why we also performed a cutting and slashing test using some stuffed cardboard boxes wrapped in an old jacket. This hands-on testing process also allowed us to gain firsthand insight into areas such as build quality and handle ergonomics. Once armed with the information from our testing process, we then narrowed our original shortlist down to a final list of hard selections — though there were also a we extremely close calls that received honorable mentions at the bottom of this writeup and review. 

Condor Operator Bowie

Best Value Bowie: The original Bowie knife was largely characterized by its size, combat-focused design, and ability to also lend itself to general survival, bushcraft, and outdoor tasks. And exceedingly few modern-day Bowies do as good of a job of carrying on these principles better than Condor Tool & Knife’s Operator Bowie. Not only does the thing tick just about every box one could hope for in a Bowie knife, but it also boasts a level of quality and craftsmanship that are typically reserved for blades costing two-to-four-times as much.

The Good

Sporting a traditional Bowie design with a few modern twists and some mild tactical influence, the Operator Bowie was penned by jungle guide, knife and tool designer, survival expert, and Bushcraft Global founder Joe Flowers (who has also designed knives for TOPS). Spanning 12.70” overall, the knife features a 0.20-inch-thick full-tang construction crafted from black traction powder-coated 1075 high-carbon steel, giving it immense strength and durability while still allowing it to be sold at an accessible price point. Paired with a custom-molded KYDEX sheath with a nylon MOLLE back, the Operator Bowie features a 7.60-inch blade with a Bowie profile with a full flat grind. 

The knife is helmed via a machined Micarta handle that’s fixed to the tang via a trio of hollow pins. The handle’s silhouette is super simple, though upon closer inspection it reveals itself to have a slight hourglass shape to it, which hugely improves grip and overall ergonomics. Likewise, its Micarta scales’ texturing is just perfect, being grippy enough to noticeably bolster traction without being overly rough on your hands. The bottom of the handle comes capped off with a flat steel pommel that can double as a hammer or a tent stake-driver (or a particularly effective impromptu striking weapon), while the top of the handle is fitted with an oversized finger guard. 

Like every other axe, machete, and knife that I’ve tested from Condor, the brand’s Operator Bowie benefits from a level of top-notch craftsmanship that can only be achieved when a knife is produced in small batches and finished by hand — making its price point that much more impressive. From the blade’s perfectly-applied coating to its razor-sharp hand-finished edge to the way the knife’s tang also aligns perfectly with its overlying Micarta scales, every detail on the thing is just perfect. I also really appreciate how the black traction powder coating on the blade has also been bestowed onto the knife’s pommel and finger guard, as these kind of minute details are a lot rarer on blades at this price. 

Supplementary Strengths 

Though the swedge at the front of the blade’s spine isn’t sharpened, it does boast a bevel that allows it to pierce and puncture with a bit more efficiency — plus adds a few style points as well. In our pierce and stab test it performed at the very head of the pack, being bested only by Spartan’s KA-BAR knife. What’s more, other than Case’s Sasquatch Bowie, I found Condor’s Operator Bowie to offer the best chopping power of all the Bowies I tested. Even after being hammered through numerous logs, stabbed through an ammo can, and subjected to a myriad of other abuse, the handle and blade remained tightly together and didn’t rattle or show any signs of loosening. 

The Operator Bowie also felt the most like a traditional Bowie knife out of every model I tested. With the exception of the Spartan-KA-BAR, the Operator Bowie’s factory edge was just as sharp as every other Bowie I tested, despite being a literal fraction of the price. The blade was noticeably duller after a few days of field testing, though its 1075 construction made it particularly easy to return to its factory edge. Its tip retention was simply off-the-charts, remaining perfectly straight even after being stabbed into a log and torqued repeatedly. 

It’s not just the knife’s premium construction, performance, and stellar build quality that make it so special, but also the fact that it’s sold at such an affordable price, as I’d have guessed it costs at least double its actual MSRP just based on materials and craftsmanship alone. As such, it pretty much goes without saying that the Operator Bowie delivers some of the best bang-for-your-buck of any modern-day Bowie knife, while still being rugged and robust enough that you can legitimately trust it with your life when off-grid. 

The Not So Good

While I was more-than-impressed with the Operator Bowie and definitely give it my stamp of approval overall, there were a few very minor areas that did bug me when testing it. Though it provides plenty of toughness, more-than-satisfactory edge retention, and pretty extraordinary top retention, the use of 1075 steel does mean that the construction is a bit more prone to rust. This issue can be remedied by simply cleaning it and drying it after use, though I still felt like I had to deduct a few points here either way.

Additionally, at nearly 18oz, the thing is for sure on the heavier side, but it’s not unreasonably hefty considering its overall length and the fact its full-tang construction clocks in a fifth-of-an-inch-thick. Lastly, unlike knife itself and its accompanying KYDEX sheath, the MOLLE backing feels decidedly cheap and is the only aspect of the Operator Bowie that I’d instantly changed if I purchased one. 

Verdict: The Condor Operator Bowie is a tough-as-nails, tactically-inspired take on the segment that offers excellent performance, durability, and craftsmanship while still coming at an exceedingly fair price. If you’re on a tight budget but still want a high-quality Bowie knife that won’t let you down in the field, this is a very clear go-to choice. 

Case Sasquatch Bowie

Best Hunting Bowie: Founded in 1889 and still going strong today, W. R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co. — now better known simply as “Case Knives” — unquestionably produces some of the finest traditionally-styled fixed blades and pocket knives in existence. So, with a knack for classic styling and an overall level of quality that’s earned it the trust of countess generations of outdoorsman and adventurers, it’s frankly unsurprising that Case also happens to make one of the best Bowie knives that money can currently buy.

The Good

Measuring 12.88” from tip-to-tip, Case’s Sasquatch Bowie features a 0.18-inch-thick 1095 carbon steel full-tang construction that culminates in a 7.63” recurve Bowie blade with a pronounced belly and a matte black Caswell finish. Thanks to that pronounced belly, the blade’s slicing abilities trumped most of the other knives I tested for this piece. Like any decent Bowie knife, this model’s blade shape allows it to do a fantastic job of balancing CQC-readiness and general outdoor utility. Though 1095 steel is susceptible to rust, the blade’s Caswell finish helps to mitigate corrosion a bit, and it’s generally pretty easy to prevent with routine cleaning and oiling. 

The Laramy Miller-designed Bowie also came straight from Case with a super-sharp factory edge that diced through paper better than some pocket knives I’ve used — despite having such a thick blade. The super beefy nature of the blade also results in the thing offering some pretty excellent tip retention. It also chopped through wood with incredible efficacy and the extended overall length of the knife made it ridiculously easy to hammer the thing through logs. And, while I didn’t get the opportunity to put this to the test, I’m nonetheless extremely confident in saying this knife would lend itself particularly well to skinning game. 

With the blade’s tang being nearly-a-fifth-of-an-inch-thick, the thing had no problem standing up to ultra-hard-use tasks. At the end of my testing period there was no wobble or rattle at the handle or anywhere else on the knife. It’s also worth mentioning that, in addition to being made in America, the knife also comes backed by a lifetime warranty. Case’s willingness to stand behind the product speaks volumes about its long-term quality and durability in my opinion — which tracks considering the company’s long-running history of producing heirloom-quality knives that are also fully-functional tools. 

Supplementary Strengths

Weighing roughly 14.5oz, the knife comes fitted with a set of Micarta handle scales pinned to the tang. The texture of the handle is just perfect, with the Micarta providing plenty of traction and grip without being overly rough on the hands. The handle also sports a shape that swoops down from the finger guard before cresting back up halfway through the handle before terminating in an end-knob-like profile that provides a bit of extra leverage when chopping — not unlike the base of a lot of axes and hatchets. 

Rather than designing its own Bowie from the ground up, Case into tasked hunter, trapper, outdoorsman, survivalist, and “last of a dying breed” Laramy “Sasquatch” Miller with the job, which ultimately gave way to the 6’7” mountain man’s namesake Bowie knife. Far more than just its connection to a notable name, this is significant because it practically guaranteed that the knife would be extremely capable, ridiculously tough, and immensely utilitarian — which I can say from firsthand experience, it’s very much all three of those things. Its appearance wasn’t penned to merely look cool or aggressive and is instead a Bowie designed with a function-leads-to-form approach. Its immense conduciveness to bushcraft and survival applications made themselves abundantly clear within only minutes of testing. 

I also really liked the Sasquatch Bowie’s sheath. Equipped with a belt loop attachment, this plain-looking leather sheath features a stitched construction supplemented via a series of rivets at key stress points, plus the inside of the sheath is lined with a hard KYDEX insert that not only protects the sheath’s interior, but it also affords it with enough retention that the knife can be oriented in any direction without it falling from the sheath. Sadly, with just a belt loop attachment, your carrying options are pretty limited — at least without modifying the thing yourself. 

The Not So Good

Because of the way the handle curves out as it nears the base of the blade, I found my hand naturally wanted to slide down when cutting and chopping. This same curved section does provide some extra leverage for chopping while also acting as something of a finger guard, so there’s a bit of a tradeoff here, but I still wanted to mention it as I found it annoying at times as I constantly had to reposition my grip and choke down on the handle when performing certain tasks. I also found that the blade’s pronounced belly made it a little more difficult to sharpen than the other Bowie knives I tested. 

While its build quality was generally solid, I did find one of the handle pins to be a tiny bit off-center, not being entirely flush with the Micarta scales, poking out a bit on one side and a tiny bit sunken in on the other. This wasn’t to an extent that it compromised performance, but it was still noticeable when closely examining the thing — and I generally expect these details to be symmetrical on USA-made knives at this price point. What’s more, while it was only off by maybe a fraction of a millimeter, the handle scales didn’t perfectly align with the knife’s tang. It’s extremely close, but the tang sits just above the handle at certain points and just below it at others — unlike the handle of Condor’s Operator Bowie which is perfect all the way around. 

Verdict: Designed by outdoor legend Laramy “Sasquatch” Miller, the Case Sasquatch Bowie is an ultra-tough and incredibly utilitarian outdoor fixed blade that excels at bushcraft and survival tasks while still making for a deadly fighting knife. Though its build quality leaves a little to be desired, its performance and durability more than make up for it. 

Acta Non Verba M73 Kontos

Best Modern Bowie: It was originally the Acta Non Verba M73 Kontos’s specs, materials, and, if I’m being honest, appearance that initially drew me to it as a candidate for testing, though it wasn’t until sitting down and researching the thing a bit that I realized it actually has a really cool backstory — and a pretty unique feature hiding in plain sight. The knife was designed by a pair of Tank Battalion sergeants and takes inspiration in several areas from the T-72 battle tank, and manages to up-cycle a component from the Soviet-era tank and integrate it into its construction. 

The Good

The M73 Kontos is pieced together around a 10.43-inch-long, 0.157-inch-thick full-tang construction brought to life in Uddeholm’s Sleipner steel. Almost 5.0” of its length is comprised of a razor-sharp blade sporting a modern take on traditional Bowie silhouettes. There’s a bit of recurve it the profile as well. Mated to the tang via trio of hex hardware on either side is a set of Micarta scales with a deep machining pattern. It also ships with a custom-formed KYDEX sheath. 

The swedge at the front of the blade takes inspiration from the front armor of the tank, and the finger guard’s profile is modeled after the tank’s turret. Another cool detail is the actual length of the blade which is 4.921” — or 125mm, a direct nod to the tank’s 125mm cannon. The handle is also capped off with a hexagonally-shaped pommel that’s actually made from genuine pins from the tank’s treads. 

Made in Prague, the M73’s build quality is fantastic and it’s clear the thing benefitted from some stringent quality control standards. Even the way the knife fits into the KYDEX sheath has clearly been dialed-in and fine-tuned as it’s got the perfect amount of retention. The sheath also offers an enormous amount of carrying options, as it can be fitted with pretty much any type of clip or attachment, and can be oriented in any direction — meaning you can put it pretty much anywhere you want, from vertical blade-up carry on a vest or backpack strap to scout carrying on a belt. 

Supplementary Strengths

Like the machining on the handle, the jimping at the base of the blade’s spine offers a ton of grip, but feels pretty rough on the hands. It’s also impressively lightweight at only 8oz — an area made all the more impressive considering its roughly 0.15-inch thick blade, its beefy handles, and approximately 10.5-inch length. In addition to being pretty svelte, it’s also ridiculously well balanced. The finger guard in the tang works exactly as intended and does a terrific job of preventing your finger from slipping onto the cutting edge during hard-use tasks. 

The M73 Kontos proved itself to have some of the best tip retention of not just every Bowie knife I tested, but of quite possibly any knife I’ve ever used. And, while it’s a small detail, I nonetheless really appreciate how Acta Non Verba has opted to include a set of MOLLE clips with its KYDEX sheath  It was a bit lacking in stabbing and piercing power compared to the more clippy Bowie profile blades I tested, but the blade also offers much better structural integrity and a much more reinforced tip.  

The Not So Good

My issues with ANV’s M73 Kontos were few and far between, but there were a few, For starters, the milled pattern adorning the handle provides a substantial amount of grip, though is pretty rough on the hands — though It did feel perfect when wearing tactical gloves. This brings me to my much more subjective gripe — and one that has no impact on performance either way. 

While the knife’s show side simply sports an ANV logo and a signature detail on the finger guard, the opposite side of the blade’s markings are noticeably less tasteful, reading “M73 | Kontos | Sleipner | Made In Czech Republic.” The spine of the blade also reads “Acta Non Verba.” The blade markings in no way impact or hinder performance, though they take away for the otherwise super clean design and aesthetic in my opinion. 

Verdict: Taking inspiration from a Soviet-era battle tank — and using actual up-cycled pieces from one in its construction — the Acta Non Verba M73 Kontos is a modern-day interpretation of a Bowie knife with a decidedly tactical design and a serious ability to balance survival and CQC readiness. Though it comes at a slightly steeper price point, it’s one of the very few Bowie knives that can serve as a true do-it-all workhorse (and weapon). 

CIVIVI Teton Tickler

Best Classically-Styled Bowie: CIVIVI is far better known for producing value-laden EDC folders than it is classically-styled fixed blades, though that hasn’t stopped it from churning out one of the best Bowie knives out there at the moment. CIVIVI’s entry to the Bowie segment seems the brand take a traditional approach to its design before bringing it to fruition using contemporary, high-end materials. And while there was a small part of me that worried it might just to a good-looking show piece that’s lacking in functionality, my testing quickly proved this wasn’t the case — far from it in fact as the thing cuts, slices, chops, and stabs as good as it looks, and it’s one fine-looking knife. 

The Good

The Teton Tickler is brought to life using an amalgamation of G-10 and D2 tool steel. This allows the knife to offer something of the best of both worlds in terms of a genuine vintage appearance and thoroughly modern performance. This modern material selection also makes for a super durable knife as well. The full-tang D2 construction and its G-10 handle have also been supplemented nickel silver at the bolster and hand guard — both of which sport a polished finish. Clocking in at 10.16” overall, this mid-sized Bowie boasts a 0.18-inch tang thickness yet still weighs less than 10oz in total. 

Its beefy blade construction also plays a massive role in this knife’s performance, as this one metric gives it the heft needed to excel at chopping and the strength needed to hammer-split logs. The roughly 5.5-inch D2 blade also proved to boast excellent tip retention. The use of D2 tool steel is also a great choice for the knife, as it offers solid toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance while still being fairly easy to sharpen. One minor downside to the use of D2 is that this air hardening, chromium-rich high-carbon tool steel isn’t stainless, making it more prone to rust if not routinely cleaned and oiled after being used, though this isn’t remotely difficult to do. 

Despite its more traditional-looking design, the Teton Tickler’s ergonomics are surprisingly on-point, with a slightly-curved silhouette that sits between a dual finger guard and a lipped pommel. And though it’s made in China, the Teton Tickler’s build quality is excellent. So much so in fact, that I’m a little confused as to why it was released as a CIVIVI product and not under the WE Knife Co. banner, as its more premium nature definitely better aligns with WE — as does its nearly $300 MSRP. 

Supplementary Strengths

Also like every WE knife I’ve tested, CIVIVI’s Teton Tickler ships from the factory with what can only be described as a razor-sharp edge. Even after being hammered through a few logs its edge showed very little glinting and it was still able to clearly slice through paper after the fact. And, while I didn’t get the opportunity to process an animal with it, I’m still confident the Teton Tickler would be an excellent skinner and hunting knife. 

I also applaud CIVIVI for not plastering the thing in text or logos. Markings and branding on the knife are super minimal, consisting of only a tiny D2 stamp at the base of the blade and a “C” logo milled into the handle’s pommel You really have to be looking for it to spot the D2 stamp too. This furthers the Teton Tickler’s old-school feel. Overall it’s just a really nice modern take on a traditional bowie design that manages to elevate the performance of classically-styled Bowies through the use of contemporary constructions. 

The Not So Good

While all-in-all CIVIVI has delivered an exceptional knife, there were a few minor issues with it that revealed themselves during testing. The strap that secures the handle in the sheath is susceptible to getting cut because of how it’s positioned relative to the blade and where it enters. And, while the G-10 looks great, it could definitely benefit from a bit more texturing as it doesn’t offer much in the way of grip. A slightly bigger finger guard would be appreciated as well. I also wished the handle pins sported the same finish as the gold-color nickel silver used on the finger guard and pommel. 

Verdict: The CIVIVI Teton Tickler is a classically-styled Bowie knife that’s crafted from premium, hardwearing, modern materials. While it isn’t without its issues here and there, it’s still unquestionably one of, if not the single best vintage-style Bowie knives being made today. It’s build quality is top-notch, too. 

Spartan-KA-BAR

Best Combat Bowie: The KA-BAR USMC Fighting Knife first debuted during WW2 and has remained the United States Marine Corps standard-issue blade ever since. While its material selection is a little dated, its rugged and versatile design still holds up remarkably well. And after releasing the more modern D2 Extreme version of the knife, KA-BAR decided it wanted to deliver an even more premium variant of its flagship knife, this time turning to Spartan Blades and tasking the boutique American brand with delivering a hand-crafted, spare-no-expense version of the mighty USMC Fighting Knife. 

The Good

The Spartan-KA-BAR maintains the same dimensions as the regular version of the knife, with a 12.0-inch overall length, a 0.165-inch blade thickness, and a 7.0-inch blade length — though the Spartan version has an ever-so-slightly-shorter cutting edge. The Spartan-KA-BAR jettisons the normal knife’s 1095 Cro-Van steel construction in favor of Crucible Industries’ revolutionary CPM MagnaCut, which offers an unparalleled combination of toughness and edge retention while still being relatively easy to sharpen. 

Fortified via a matte black tungsten PVD coating, the blade sports a flat saber grind that’s ridiculously sharp. Unlike the original version of the fixed blade — which has a decent factory edge but is noticeably less sharp towards the tip of the blade — the Spartan-built model is razor-sharp and perfectly uniform across the entirety of the cutting edge. The MagnaCut steel has also been treated to a double deep cryo heat treatment. Despite the beefy 0.165-inch thickness of the blade, it cuts incredibly well. The knife is also made entirely in America, by hand, and in small batches. 

In place of the traditional epoxied stacked leather washer handle is a new unit composed of Kraton G polymer. Though its handle is comprised of a single piece of black Kraton G, it nonetheless mimics the motif and design of the original knife’s epoxied stacked leather washer handle setup. This modernized take on what’s almost certainly the most iconic American fighting knife of all time is sold with a black leather replica of the original KA-BAR’s cowhide construction sheath, though can also be optioned with a more modern KYDEX hard sheath. 

Supplementary Strengths

Both the finger guard and pommel are crafted from rugged 301 stainless steel, plus both have been further fortified via a black tungsten PVD coating — a major step-up from the commercial-grade 12-gauge carbon steel found on the regular USMC Fighting Knife. And, unlike KA-BAR, which produces thousands of USMC Fighting Knives annually, Spartan’s MagnaCut-steeled version of the knife is made by hand in small batches, and as such exhibits markedly better build quality and craftsmanship. 

This semi-custom knife essentially offers the same performance as the original KA-BAR USMC Fighting Knife in many ways, being concussive to both combat and general outdoor use, though with its markedly more premium and modern material selection, it’s able to offer far better durability and substantially better edge retention. The knife felt right at home being hammered through logs, and thanks to its MagnaCut construction, it was able to keep a sharp edge even after being subjected to log-hammer-splitting. It also did the best job of penetrating a steel ammo can out of all the knives I tested. 

The Not So Good

I did have a few gripes when testing the Spartan-KA-BAR, but most of them stem from shortcomings of the original USMC Fighting Knife’s design. Setting those aside, my only problems with Spartan’s version of the knife is that it’s a bit heavier than the original (granted only by 0.6oz) and that it comes at an objectively steep price. Not a justifiable one, but an exorbitant one nonetheless. Another minor downside is that, like the original USMC Fighting Knife, Spartan’s modernized take on the iconic edge weapon utilizes a rat tail tang rather than a more robust full tang construction. These issues are obviously massively outweighed by this knife’s many, many strengths — hence why it’s on this best-of list in the first place. 

Verdict: The ultimate version of the USMC Fighting Knife, the Spartan-KA-BAR is a handcrafted, top-shelf fixed blade that’s brought to life using MagnaCut and Kraton G — a material selection that affords it with immense toughness and off-the-charts edge retention while still being relatively easy to sharpen. Sure, it does come at a steep price, but this heirloom-grade knife is worth every penny. 

Bowie Knives Comparison Chart

What Is A Bowie Knife?

A Bowie knife is a traditional type of fixed blade knife that dates back to the early 1800s. Originally designed by Rezin Bowie, the Bowie knife is actually named after Rezin’s more famous brother — and frontiersman and all-around legend — Jim Bowie, who popularized the style of knife after the Mississippi Vidalia Sandbar Duel against rival Major Norris Wright in 1827 (granted that knife had less of a clip point profile). Bowie also fought and died at the Alamo, but that’s a story for another day. 

Anyway, though they were primarily designed as combat weapons, these large fixed-blades were also engineered to be ultra-tough all-arounders that were just as conducive to hunting, outdoor, and bushcraft applications as they were to hand-to-hand combat. Pretty much always of the fixed-blade variety, Bowie knives are largely characterized by their full-grip handles and unique blade shapes, which are essentially modified clip point profiles. 

What To Consider When Shopping?

Considering the Bowie knife was originally designed close to 200 years ago, it can admittedly be a bit tricky knowing what to look for when shopping for one in the modern age. As such, we’ve pieced together this condensed primer on what to look for when shopping around for a new Bowie knife. 

Size & Shape: Traditionally, Bowie knives are rather large, even for outdoor fixed blades. With that said, these blades can still vary in length — typically clocking in at around 10” to 15” overall. Additionally, by their very definition, practically all Bowie knives boast a clip point blade profile, though these silhouettes can still boast some minor variations, with some being slimmer or beefier than others. 

Blade Steel: As the backbone and main element of the knife, the type of steel used to construct a Bowie knife’s tang and blade are of extreme importance. Like most outdoor-leaning knives, Bowies are mostly commonly composed of 1095, 420, and other high-carbon steels, as well as sometimes cheaper tool steels like D2 and AUS-8. There are also some premium Bowies that boast more top-shelf blade steels like CPM S35VN or MagnaCut. 

Blade Thickness: On top of the type of blade steel used, one should also review how thick a blade’s construction is, as this will play a massive role in how the knife performs — especially under hard uses. Blade thickness is especially important if you plan on using a Bowie for self-defense applications, as thin blades are markedly more prone to bending or snapping off in CQC situations. 

Handle: After the blade steel, the next most important element to review on a Bowie knife is undoubtedly the handle. This includes exploring the type of primary material used for the handle, as well as secondary constructions such as the material used for items such as a handle’s hilt or pommel. When coupled with the material used, how the handle is shaped (i.e. its ergonomics) will ultimately determine a knife’s level of grip. There are also some modern Bowie knives that have been bestowed with finger guards and/or integrated knucks. 

Build Quality: The materials used to craft a Bowie knife’s blade and handle play a crucial role in its overall quality, but so too does how well said Bowie was pieced together. With these knives boasting long blade lengths and large and heavy components, the level of craftsmanship on display will play an enormous role in a knife’s overall longevity and performance. 

Sheath: Considering the immense size of a Bowie knife, it’s crucial to be able to easily carry the thing, which is why a Bowie knife’s sheath is of such importance. While these items pretty much all do the same job, they can vary in terms of performance — an area that largely boils down to whether the sheath is a modern, hard plastic or KYDEX item, or crafted from more old-school constructions like leather.

Honorable Mentions

Because they need to be able to withstand the rigors of survival applications and self-defense use, we tend to veer from Bowie knives at the more budget end of the spectrum, though one exception to this rule is undoubtedly Boker Magnum’s Safari Mate XD. Available for well-under-$100, the Safari Mate XD spans just under 11” overall and features a 6.0-inch 440A blade paired with an ultra-ergonomic pakka wood handle. And, while it’s a great knife, it just doesn’t quite measure up to any of our main picks in terms of performance and build quality — though it does blow them out of the water when it comes to bang-for-your-buck, earning this Boker Magnum Bowie an honorable mention. 

Proudly made in America, the Buck 119 Special Pro is a modernized take on the brand’s original 119 fixed blade knife that was first released in 1942. Though it maintains the original ’42 knife’s silhouette and dimensions, the more contemporary and premium Special Pro variant sees its material selection massively upgraded, gaining a top-shelf CPM S35VN blade construction and a Micarta handle. While it’s a fantastic Bowie, its design did feel a little dated, prompting us to make Buck’s 119 Special Pro a particularly honorable mention. It’s also worth mentioning that this Bowie is also offered in more budget-friendly versions with a 420HC blade and phenolic handle, or a D2 blade construction paired with a DymaLux cocobolo heritage handle.

The SOG Super SOG Bowie is another modernized take on an iconic knife — and a redux of SOG’s first-ever blade. Made in America, the Super SOG Bowie features a quarter-inch-thick full-tang construction that’s brought to life in AUS-8 steel and culminates in a 7.50” Bowie profile with a razor-sharp factory edge. Fortified via a hardcased black TiNi coating, the blade comes paired with an epoxied stacked leather washer handle — not unlike the famous KA-BAR USMC Fighting Knife. Though I was impressed with how SOG’s Super SOG Bowie performed, the thing is seriously lacking in value when you consider its AUS-8 and epoxied leather construction and $250 MSRP. Because of this, we’ve opted to relegate this pick to an honorable mention slot.

The aptly-named TOPS Knives Prather War Bowie is a tough-as-nails interpretation of a Bowie knife that boasts a quarter-inch-thick 1095 full-tang construction with a uniquely-shaped 7.25-inch blade. With a traditional Bowie sweep and forward balance point, this knife excels at cutting and chopping, making it perfect for survival and bushcraft applications and other around-camp tasks, plus, as its name suggests, it also makes for a phenomenal combat weapon — thereby offering what I’d consider to be the best of both worlds. Because of its more-than-$300 price point and its MSRP’s lack of value, we’ve decided this knife should only be included as an honorable mention. Having said that, if cost or bang-for-your-buck aren’t major concerns for you, we’d highly recommend giving the Prather War Bowie a look when shopping for a Bowie. 

Designed by Spyderco founder, industry legend, and all-around badass Sal Glesser, the Spyderco Respect Bowie is an iconic full-size fixed blade that epitomizes everything that a good Bowie knife should be, being super well-crafted, ridiculously sharp, and extremely robust with its 0.30-inch-thick CPM 154 full-tang construction — plus it boasts Spyderco’s signature use of black G-10 for its handle construction. Originally designed in the 1980s before later being released as a production knife in 2015, this American-made Bowie is wildly popular and immensely sought-after. As a result, it tends to get snapped up quickly when new batches are produced and often sells out in little time. Unfortunately, we were unable to get our hands on a unit for testing, forcing us to make Spyderco’s iconic Respect Bowie a particularly honorable mention, though it almost certainly would have earned a main pick slot had we been able to source a sample for hands-on testing. 

Tested: The Best Survival Knives for Off-Grid Living

If you’ve got a proclivity for Bowies, there’s a pretty decent chance that you’ll also appreciate the fixed blades comprising our list of the best survival knives for off-grid living.