What Material Are Bowie Knife Handles?

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.

You’ll find that steel is one of the most commonly used materials for bowie knife handles. While metal handles are frequently added to “modern” evolutions of the bowie knife, you’ll find some knives based on the original design that feature these types of handles. Metal is a good choice for excellent grip, for durability and for longevity. However, be aware that improper storage of bowie knives with metal handles can lead to rust in some cases.

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.

Other options for handle material include plastics, composites, bone and even linen (hardened with a special manufacturing process). Each of these offers unique benefits, whether that be cost reduction, lighter weight or even longer lasting durability. Bone, in particular, is ideal for any bowie knife that you might want to display, as well as for those knives that will actually see use in the real world. However, before you can choose any of these materials, you should know what you want in a handle, as well as what to look for under the handle.

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.

Dylan Sabot is the owner of an online bowie knifes store featuring the Cold Steel rubber training knife.

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