Top 10 Picks for the Best Bowie Knife – Comparison
Are you looking for the best bowie knife and cannot decide which one to buy?
Well that’s what this guide is going to do for you, as we have compiled the top bowie knives for your perusal. We have included the pros, cons, and major features of each knife on the list so you can easily compare them and make your pick.
Table of Contents
- 10 Best Bowie Knives - Comparisons
- 10 Best Bowie Knives - Reviews
- 1. Fallkniven NL4 Fine Edge Fixed Blade Knife
- 2. Smith & Wesson Extract & Evasion Bowie Fix BLD
- 3. Timber Rattler Western Outlaw Damascus Bowie Knife
- 4. Case Bowie Fixed Knives
- 5. Cold Steel 39lswb Marauder Knife
- 6. Ontario Spec Plus Marine Raider Bowie
- 7. Buck Knives 124 Frontiersman Fixed Blade Knife with Leather Sheath
- 8. Ka-Bar Becker BK9 Combat Bowie Fixed Blade Knife
- 9. Schrade SCHF45 Leroy 16.5in High Carbon S.S. Full Tang Fixed Blade Knife
- 10. SOG Super Bowie Fixed Blade SB1T-L - Black Tini 7.5" Aus-8 Blade
- Final Verdict
10 Best Bowie Knives - Comparisons
Image | Product Name | Blade Material | Blade Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | lam.VG10 Steel | 5.11" | ||
 | 1070 Carbon Steel | 4" | ||
 | Steel | 8" | ||
 | Stainless Steel | 9.5" | ||
 | Steel: Japanese Aus 8A | 9" | ||
 | 1095 Carbon Steel | 9.75" | ||
 | 420HC Steel | 6-1/4" | ||
 | 1095 Cro-Van steel | 9" | ||
 | 8Cr13MoV Steel | 10.35" | ||
 | AUS-8 steel | 7.5" |
10 Best Bowie Knives - Reviews
The NL4 is a bona fide bowie knife built for survivalists, hikers, campers, and backpackers. Its 5.2-inch blade is made of tough VG-10 steel which allows for use in various situations.
The NL4 feels solid and has an ideal edge for cutting, chopping, and hacking. The tip has a good amount of sharpness too.
The NL4’s oxhide handle is comfortable and ergonomic, both of which are essential for skinning and cutting tasks. The handle is also non-slip to ensure you won’t lose your grip even when your hands are wet. Apart from being well-balanced, the blade also has a durable spine that adds to the toughness of this knife.
The NL4 is a powerful bowie knife that is designed for hunters, campers, survivalists, and outdoor enthusiasts of varying skills. With its durable blade and comfortable handle, you’ll be able to use the NL4 for long stretches without having to worry about its longevity or damaging it.
What we liked
- The knife’s handle is made of durable oxhide that is very comfortable to hold.
- The blade has a very sharp edge, making it suitable for extensive cutting and camping chores.
- The blade’s edge retention is excellent.
- The tip is not only sharp but durable too, not one to break easily even when force is applied.
- It has a non-slip handle that provides a rugged grip even if your hands are wet.
- The NL4 has a thick spine that enhances its durability. This makes it an excellent choice for frequent survivalists.
What we didn't like
- The sheath design could be better.
- The steel blade is durable and gets things done, but needs frequent sharpening.
Smith & Wesson may not be the first name you think of when it comes to bowie knives, but the fact is it’s one of the better bowie knives that you can buy. The durable blade, sharpness, and ergonomic handle make for an attractive bowie knife.
This Smith & Wesson knife is shorter than average bowie knives at 11.7 inches. It weighs just 10 oz so it’s not too heavy.
The blade is 6 inches long and it’s made of 7Cr17 high-carbon steel, just what a survivalist needs for creating makeshift shelters, hunting, self-defense, and so on.
The Extract & Evasion also has good ergonomics so it won't wear out your wrist—a common problem with lower-quality knives. The knife has been subjected to thorough testing to ensure quality, and based on our assessment it doesn’t disappoint.
What we liked
- The Extract & Evasion knife has a sharp tip that’s suitable for piercing tissue, hide, and other materials.
- Its blade is made from durable 1070 high carbon steel.
- The handle scales keep the handle comfortable and make sure it’s not going to slip from your hand even when it’s wet.
- The knife’s edge retention is one of the best we have come across.
- The knife’s overall quality is high and ideal for camping, hiking and emergency situations.
What we didn't like
- You will need to sharpen this knife often if you’re going to use it for heavy cutting and chopping.
- Its sheath is all right, but it could have used a better design.
The Western Outlaw is an excellent bowie knife, with a TR65 steel blade that’s suited for camping chores, skinning game, self-defense, and more.
This is a full-tang knife, so you can apply as much force as needed on the knife and it won’t snap in two. That’s always been a concern for a lot of survivalists, so the Western Outlaw’s durability is a strong point.
This one is billed as an all-around bowie knife, and it does not disappoint as far as performance goes. There is a lot of heavy competition yes, but with its reliable build this is a bowie knife that you can depend on when you’re out in the woods.
The blade of the Western Outlaw is durable and strong, and its handle is ergonomic. It is this combination that makes this knife an indispensable outdoor companion. Ordinary bowie knives are notorious for slippery handles, dull blades, or both. Fortunately this exquisite bowie knife does not suffer from any of those short comings.
What we liked
- This knife is solidly built and comparable to high-end bowie knives, testament to how well the blade and handle are made.
- It has a hefty feel to it. In this case it’s a good thing as it provides the stability needed for heavy-duty tasks.
- This knife is well-balanced and strong, and the blade isn’t going to come off even when subjected to a lot of force.
- The blade has a sharp tip that you can use for piercing and hunting.
- The knife has a non-slip ergonomic handle, so you won’t have to worry about the knife slipping from your hand.
- It is well-balanced, allowing you to use it for various tasks without requiring a lot of effort.
What we didn't like
- At 16.5 inches and 14 oz, this knife may be too heavy for some users.
- The blade is sharp, but it needs more frequent sharpening than other bowie knives.
This knife from Case is marketed as an all-around bowie knife and it delivers on all the essential elements. It is well-made and its Tru-Sharp blade is ideal for the most intense tasks like cutting thick material, chopping, slicing, etc.
The blade’s sharpness further adds to its strength, making this knife a great option for campers who don’t want to settle for low quality bowie knives.
This bowie knife has a stylish appearance and does what it’s supposed to do, it cuts and chops with ease. Its edge is sharp and retains its sharpness even when it is used extensively. The blade is 9 inches long and the knife is 14 inches overall, just the right size for most camping use and survival tasks. If you’re looking for a durable bowie knife, this is as good a choice as any.
What we liked
- This knife is one of the most versatile models we have tested. It is not just a survival knife, it’s also suitable for hunting, camping, backpacking, and so forth.
- Its blade is made from high quality steel, so it won’t dull as easily compared to others. It also retains its edge much better than some other bowie knives.
- Both the handle and blade are very durable—you will be able to rely on this knife for years to come.
- While it’s a fully functional bowie knife, it is also beautifully designed and stylish enough to display.
What we didn't like
- The blade is thinner than other bowie knives.
- Its sheath isn’t that great.
The Marauder has been designed as an outdoor utility bowie knife, and it succeeds. The AUS 9A stainless steel blade is sharp and durable, and its edge retention is one of the best we have seen.
Another thing going for it is the Kray-Ex handle that keeps the knife comfortable to hold and use even when doing complex tasks.
The Marauder’s blade has a clip point and curved cutting edge so you’ll be able to pierce, shear, cut, and chop without difficulty. As far as bowie knives go, the Marauder is without a doubt one of the most potent and reliable models available. A common problem with a lot of bowie knives is the lack of durability, but the Marauder is a notable exception.
What we liked
- The Marauder is very sharp, ideal for use for intense cutting and chopping in the woods.
- The AUS 8A stainless steel blade is more durable than regular stainless steel, which is why it’s perfect as an all-purpose knife.
- The blade has wide, deep bevels that make shearing, cutting, hacking, and chopping easier.
- It has an ergonomic Kray-Ex handle so cutting and slicing does not cause any stress.
- This knife is great for all-around use in the woods and when you’re camping due to its durability.
What we didn't like
- The sub-hilt is made from flexible rubber, which kind of defeats the purpose.
The 15.2-inch Marine Raider has a 9.75-inch blade designed for the serious survivalist. Weighing only 22.4 oz, the blade of the Marine Raider is made of 1095 carbon steel so it can handle just about anything you run into in the woods.
Compared to regular steel, the 1095 is more durable and provides the stability you need to perform heavy-duty tasks outdoors.
The Kraton handle is non-slip and provides an excellent grip, just what you need when dressing game, cutting rope, or doing intense work. The edge retention is exceptional, so there’s no need for frequent sharpening when you’re using it. There will be times when you’ll have to sharpen the blade, but you won’t need to be doing that often.
What we liked
- This one is a full-tang knife so it can take a lot of pounding and pressure without breaking down or dulling.
- The blade has excellent edge retention, not losing its edge even when you use it to cut hard textures and hides.
- The Marine Raider is equipped with a shock-absorbing handle so you’ll be more comfortable using it for heavy duty tasks.
- Both the handle and the blade are solidly built, designed for regular use in difficult environments.
- It has a sharp, pointed tip that allows you to use it as a makeshift spear. The powder coating of the blade enhances its durability.
What we didn't like
- Its leather sheath is just sufficient and could use a better design.
- While the handle does have a lanyard hole, it is too small and can be difficult to use.
Buck Knives are known for quality and the Frontiersman is a good example—its blade is sharp, durable, and corrosion-resistant. This one is an 11.75-inch knife, equipped with a 6.25-inch 420HC steel blade for heavy duty cutting. Its edge retention is excellent so you can push this to the limit when you’re in the woods.
This knife has a solid, ergonomic handle complete with a finger guard. The knife also has an aluminum pommel for crushing small rocks and food preparation.
The blade’s sharpness is exceptional, and its tip can pierce through thick hide and other materials. The knife has a well-balanced feel to it, and that’s a good thing since the blade is built for heavy-duty use.
What we liked
- This knife is versatile enough to be used for hunting, dressing game and survival tasks.
- Its blade is sharp and the pointed tip allows you to pierce hard fabrics and objects.
- It has an ergonomic handle so you can use it for long stretches at a time.
- The 124 Frontiersman has been built for extensive use outdoors and in various situations.
- Like all Buck knives, the Frontiersman is made from high quality materials.
What we didn't like
- This knife may be too large for some users.
- Some customers have complained about the leather sheath being poorly made.
The BK9 is a 14-inch bowie knife equipped with a 9-inch blade that’s optimized for cutting, piercing, and slicing. The blade is made of 1095 Cro-Van steel and is survival and combat-ready.
While this knife was originally built for military use, it is just as effective for camping, hiking, and survival. Its edge retention is excellent, and it comes with an ergonomic handle so it won’t wear out your wrist.
The knife weighs 16 oz, so it’s neither too heavy nor too light. It has a solid feel but not too heavy that it would slow you down.
What we liked
- This knife has been thoroughly tested for durability, proof being its use in various military agencies.
- It does an excellent job of retaining its edge even with heavy use, and it’s also easy to sharpen.
- Its 9-inch blade is suitable for cutting tough material without requiring frequent sharpening.
- The ergonomic Grivory handle makes it convenient to use and minimizes fatigue.
What we didn't like
- The handle isn’t as non-slip as other knives and could slip if it gets very wet.
- There are screws on the knife that could loosen if you tinker with it a lot.
The SCHF45 is constructed from titanium coated 8Cr13MoV high-carbon stainless steel, underscoring its durability. Complete with a lanyard hole, choil and finger grooves, this full-tang knife is for serious campers and survivalists only.
This knife has a solid, heavy feel, and the blade can take a lot of punishment. The handle is comfortable, and that’s a good thing as it counters the knife’s weight.
Besides cutting and chopping, this knife is also ideal for skinning and dressing game. The knife’s sharpness is another strong point.
What we liked
- The SCHF45 is constructed from heavy-duty materials, ensuring that it’s suited for heavy usage.
- Its 10-inch blade is sharp and durable, eliminating the need for frequent sharpening.
- It has an ergonomic handle so your hand won’t tire even when it’s held for a long time.
- This is a full-tang knife so there is no need to worry the blade will fly off if you apply too much pressure.
- The SCHF45 has finger grooves on its TPE handle slabs so you’ll be more comfortable holding it.
- The handle also has a lanyard hole so you can attach the knife to your belt or attach it to a pole for a makeshift spear.
What we didn't like
- At 16 inches overall, it’s bigger than other bowie knives.
- The tang and handle scales don’t match up, but this doesn’t affect the performance.
SOG is an established name in the business and it is due to products like this one. The Super SOG Bowie is an 11-inch knife with a 7.5-inch blade designed for a wide array of cutting and slicing tasks.
Like other SOG knives, this model is suitable for extended use in the jungle and other rugged environments.
Sporting a black TiNi finish, the Super SOG combines a sharp edge and tip so you’ll be able to use it for camping and survival—this is true not just for the blade but also its handle. If you have used a SOG product before, you know their products are high quality, and this knife is no exception.
What we liked
- Its blade is very sharp and well-suited for hunting, camping, and tasks related to survival in the wilderness.
- The knife’s size is just right for most of the tasks you’ll be using it for.
- Its ergonomic handle makes the Super SOG comfortable to hold even for extended periods.
- The blade is sharp out of the box and ready to use, and it’s also easy to sharpen unlike some other bowie knives.
- The clip point tip is durable and suitable for piercing sharp materials and objects.
- The knife has a straight edge that is ideal for slicing, cutting, dressing game, etc.
What we didn't like
- The sheath is tight fit, making it a bit difficult to put the knife in.
- Casual campers may find this knife a bit too heavy.
Final Verdict
When buying a product, it’s essential that you do a thorough review and learn as much as you can about it. This also applies to bowie knives, especially when you consider what they are for.
If you’re a camper or survivalist, the capabilities of the bowie knife you’re taking with you will make a huge difference.
A bowie knife has many uses, but its efficiency depends on the quality, built, longevity, and so on. With thousands of products to choose from, finding the best bowie knife can be difficult.
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