KnifeCenter FAQ #75: What Is A Bowie Knife? Improvised Sharpening? Micarta Explained

Taking a look today at the surprising controversy surrounding bowie knives. Plus, we talk about all kinds of micarta, improvised sharpening techniques, and what it takes to design a knife. And what is David’s top pick for a bushcraft bowie?.

Featured Knives

0:00 Intro
0:47 All the Different Micarta Materials Explained
6:21 Improvised Sharpening Techniques
9:30 What Makes a Bowie Knife?
14:50 We’re Not Done with Lockback Safety
18:15 Can Anyone Design a Knife?
19:26 Big Bowies for Bushcraft
21:35 How to Maintain a Scandi Grind
23:03 The Shape of a Nessmuk

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[lanedexter]

David, I “met” Micarta long before I saw it used as a knife handle material. I’m recently retired from 45+ years operating hydro generators. In the electrical industry, linen Micarta is very common. It is valued for its dielectric qualities, stability and workability. I’ve seen (and even shared with a knifemaker) pale green high dielectric Micarta that appeared to be made with fine glass cloth. I believe Micarta was born in the electrical industry, has been around for a LONG time, and was discovered by knifemakers because of its great qualities. BTW it stinks when you work it, use ventilation.

[maxrez]

Just to set the record straight, the bottom rim of a mug is often not glazed because when the mug is fired the glaze liquifies. if the part touching the shelf in the kiln was glazed, it would get stuck.

[Pharto_Stinkus]

Regarding man-made items for emergency sharpening: I've seen people use denim blue jeans or Carhart's like a strop, especially the really thick, tough brands.
Also, according to several sources I've read, the original Bowie is more similar in shape to a modern chef knife than to what we generally think of as a Bowie today.

[ryana]

Ahh Saturday morning. Coffee and knives in hand and a new KnifeCenter FAQ to start the day.

[PeterMinearo]

After watching a video about Bowie knives on a different YouTube channel, I saw this one you made. The other video went into the history of the Bowie knife, and essentially a Bowie knife is any large blade American knife. They were originally used for bushcraft which is one reason why they were well suited for the American West (according to the video). This did bring up a question:

What is the difference between a Bowie knife and a Machete?

Loving all the work and great information you are putting into your videos! Keep up the good work!

Not to take away from your great content here, but the other video is on "The Knife Life" and it is called "The DREADED Bowie Knife! What You NEED to Know"

[killainmaccallan]

Serious question, what knife fits your personality. Not the one you like the most but simply what suits your demeanor. Are you a CRKT CEO or a Cold Steel Espada XL. A SAK SwissChamp or a Chris Reeve Sebenza.(or any other knife)
That goes for David, Seth and Thomas I asked about 5 times already. Make 5 times the charme. Love you guys

[ShidenByakko]

Hi David (and Seth),

My first question was answered brilliantly, so here I go again! Hope you can help me out with another one similar to my 1st question:

I'm looking for a folding knife, with the following features:
1) Flipper (that becomes a "guard")
2) Axis or Similar Cross-Bar Lock (**MUST** be bank-vault, bomb-proof strong)
3) Thumb Hole, either oval or round, doesn't matter, but **MUST** have it...
4) About 3" or more Blade Length
5) Pointy, not Wharncliffe, but needs some belly.
6) Optional, but would be game-winning: Full Flat Grind, finger choil, assist or bearings in the pivot and Deep Carry Pocket Clip
7) See if you can recommend me a budget and a premium version each.

Thanks so much!

[benbeattie]

Thank you very much indeed for including my question, an honour to be mentioned on the KnifeAQ!!
I’m ordering the BK9 now (I absolutely love Ethan Becker, I believe he is this generation’s ‘Nessmuk’!)
Thank you very much again for the privilege of being in the video!
Warmest regards to all
Ben

[joeisabella]

Great video. Just tried my hand at making micarta a couple days ago and it went better than expected.

[JPA]

Speaking of Micarta. I've just been introduced to Fireside Co. Scales and they use TeroTuf which is similar to micarta but a different resin. Can't wait for my scales to come I so I can experience the difference between regular maicarta ad TeroTuf

[leonxmontana]

Hey DCA. Love the content! Keep it coming. Q: My anniversary (+20) is coming up. What would you suggest for a great His n Hers set of EDC knives ($250 together) to celebrate with? Thanks again for all the great content.

[BlueOx]

I close my Buck 110 single hand by reversing my grip, (as if to stab) and I push down on the lock with my thumb. Once the lock releases the blade, it can be flicked closed or simply pushed closed with the back of the blade on your leg, a table, whatever is convenient. 👍🏻

[FriedPi-mcyt]

I’ve used cardboard and a boot to strop my knife on. It works.
It’s pronounced Boo-ee if you’re talking about the knife or it’s creator. It’s pronounced Boe-ee if you’re talking about the musician. I was raised in Texas, so I know.

[joshsha]

Don't know if any one mentioned already... But for lock backs I sometimes use the table, wall, or even my thigh to close it one handed. So press the lock in (while keeping fingers away) and guide the back edge with leg, table, wall, chair, shoe, the item I'm cutting, the ground... whatever's around. I think that's a safer alternative.

[warped]

I carried a Gerber Gator lock back folder for years and could run it open and closed one handed while keeping my important bits out of the blade path. Never had an issue with thousands of cycles. It depends on lock location as well as blade pivot drag, but most back locks are safely do-able one handed.

[John..]

The Browning Crowell Barker Competition knife, (now discontinued), is the knife which most resembles the original knife, which was given by Rezin, to his brother, and almost certainly used on the Sandbar, , ,

[vinceiopez]

Good morning Mr. Anderson! Could you show me a great selection of stag knives? I have an affinity for deer stag, especially on fixed blades. I'd love to see a few available at Knifecenter

[ralphdumond]

The Historic Arkansas Museum (HAM) in Little Rock has a Knife Gallery that contains an example of an early Bowie and an Arkansas Toothpick, among many other knives.

[stephangrobler]

Thanks for answering my question DCA. I really enjoy Knife FAQ !

[deceptivepanther]

When I was in university in the nineties, I recall an attempt to revise the pronunciation of Don Quixote to something like "quick-sot" because, supposedly that's how it was pronounced at the time. Needless to say, that didn't catch on. I pronounce Bowie like David Bowie - most people in Europe would do. I believe many period Bowies were actually made in Sheffield and shipped out to America.