Caring for Bowie Knives

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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 The former was more common in the past but has been superseded in popularity by stainless steel knives.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.

The parts of the Bowie knife other than the blade also need proper care. Wooden handles need to be kept at a good moisture balance to avoid swelling or cracking. Brass parts may need to be cleaned to avoid tarnish. If the knife has special blade features, such as a modified spine or a sharpened false edge, these parts will require additional maintenance. Good Bowies can last a long time, but only with the proper care and attention.