12 Dec 09 What Are Bowie Knife Handles Made Out Of?

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?

First, you will find that wood is one of the dominant choices on the market today. These handles can be utilitarian, but they can also be beautiful. Some bowie knives feature solid wood handles, but most make use of a two-part handle, made of wooden scales held together by rivets run through the wood and through the tang of the knife. Knives that make use of wooden scales are usually "full tang," while those with a solid wood handle use what's called a "rattail" tang. Full tangs are preferable to rattails, as they provide better stability and longevity in your knife.

Another type of material that you can choose for your bowie knife handle is wood. This is probably the most popular type of material used, as it's inexpensive, widely available and stunningly beautiful. Wood can be carved and shaped, patterned, stained any number of colors and can provide a unique handle for your bowie knife. You will also find any number of different types of wood available in these knives, giving you the greatest range of options possible.

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.

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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