When it comes time to choose that new bowie knife, you'll have quite a few things to consider. One of the most important is what type of handle material you want. While blade length and the actual style of the blade are certainly vital questions to answer, choosing the right handle is imperative. The right handle choice will give you a bowie knife that offers a great grip, the look and feel that you want, and will also play a role in the durability and longevity of your knife. What materials can you choose from?
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.
You will find that bowie knives can also feature handles made out of metal. Steel is the usual choice here. You will also find that these handles are usually joined to bowie knives that feature more modernistic designs, such as those with saw-tooth edges on the spine of the blade. Of course, one of the best things about metal handles is that you do not have to worry about the handle wearing out over time, though corrosion can be a problem in some rare cases.
Composite - Composite handles are interesting options for your bowie knife. One example is called micarta, which is a trademarked material that is actually a composite of paper, canvas, linen, carbon fiber and several other materials. This has the benefit of being extremely lightweight and durable, as well as providing protection against rust and corrosion. Another benefit of composite materials is that they can resemble other materials, such as metal, wood or even bone, without the cost.
Leather - Leather wrapped handles are also quite popular. Usually, a piece (or several pieces) of high quality leather will be wrapped over a wood or steel handle. The leather used might be any color, ranging from black to blue and all the colors in between. You will also find numerous different types of leather offered, from standard cowhide to more exotic options, as well.
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.
You will find that bowie knives can also feature handles made out of metal. Steel is the usual choice here. You will also find that these handles are usually joined to bowie knives that feature more modernistic designs, such as those with saw-tooth edges on the spine of the blade. Of course, one of the best things about metal handles is that you do not have to worry about the handle wearing out over time, though corrosion can be a problem in some rare cases.
Composite - Composite handles are interesting options for your bowie knife. One example is called micarta, which is a trademarked material that is actually a composite of paper, canvas, linen, carbon fiber and several other materials. This has the benefit of being extremely lightweight and durable, as well as providing protection against rust and corrosion. Another benefit of composite materials is that they can resemble other materials, such as metal, wood or even bone, without the cost.
Leather - Leather wrapped handles are also quite popular. Usually, a piece (or several pieces) of high quality leather will be wrapped over a wood or steel handle. The leather used might be any color, ranging from black to blue and all the colors in between. You will also find numerous different types of leather offered, from standard cowhide to more exotic options, as well.
About the Author:
Dylan Sabot is the owner of an online bowie knifes store featuring the Cold Steel rubber training knife.
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