Proper Care of a Bowie Knife
A Bowie knife needs to be kept sharp and dry, free of corrosives and in a stable storage environment. If all of these conditions are met, these knives can last for many years. A very high-quality knife can easily last generations. Caring for these blades is generally quite simple, given the quality of steel available today.
A high-end Bowie knife is usually forged out of high-carbon steel or high-carbon stainless steel. Some very exotic knives may incorporate metals such as titanium. Others even have brass accents along the blade. Any metal is best kept dry and cleaned off at all times. Ideally, the metal’s polish and luster should be maintained. Very exotic knives are sometimes made out of materials, such as non-stainless steels, which are very susceptible to damage from corrosion, rusting and foreign materials.
For a very high-end knife, high-carbon steel or high-carbon stainless steel is usually used in the construction. The former was more common in the past but has been superseded in popularity by stainless steel knives. High-carbon steel is particularly vulnerable to rust and corrosion. All knives should always be kept dry, but this is particularly important in cases where the knife is made of a material with a low resistance to environmental damage. Stainless steel knives need the same attention given to them, but not nearly to the degree that non-stainless knives require.
Bowie knives are rugged and capable of performing many different tasks by design. This means that they’ll come into contact with all manner of corrosives over the course of their lives. Before putting a knife away, and immediately after using it, wash down and dry the blade. Some materials may not seem damaging at first but, over time, the acidity of some materials can break down and tarnish the blade. The blade deserves some special attention in the way of sharpening. Oftentimes, this is a handy excuse to care for the rest of the knife.
Without maintenance, the investment one places in a Bowie knife is forfeit. These knives have endured so long because of their durability, in great part. The heavy blade, sharp edge and no-nonsense, practical design betray a great deal of thought having been put into making these knives last. A good Bowie can be sharpened and cleaned over and over again, and always be ready for the next adventure, no matter what that may bring.
Brian is a business consultant for an online bowie knifes store featuring survival knives.
