Knives have always played a prominent role in human affairs. From the first flint knife blade to today’s carbon steel weapons, the knife has a long and illustrious history. However, few types of knives have ever matched the mystique, mystery and magic commanded by the Bowie knife. You’ll find that this legendary weapon has spawned numerous modern derivatives, some so altered that they can scarcely be recognized as Bowie knives. What qualifies a knife to claim such heritage? Actually, this can be a sticky question to answer.

Because of the intense popularity of Bowie knives, you’ll find a wide range of different styles. In fact, there are so many different types, that it can be hard to tell what is real and what is not. For instance, you’ll find knives from the Rambo movies that are derivatives of the Bowie knife, but feature a serrated back (spine). You’ll find “Bowie” style machetes, as well. The real determining factor in the equation is your own personal tastes. For instance, if you are a purist, then the Rambo and Predator editions are certainly out of the running for true Bowie status.

The blade should be at least six inches long. It can exceed this length, though. You’ll find Bowie knives with blades as long as twelve inches, or even longer. The blade should be at least one inch wide, though longer knives might be up to two inches in width. The blade should only have a single edge, running along the bottom of the edge. These may or may not have a Spanish Notch – an area supposedly designed to trap an enemy’s knife blade, but more likely used in a utilitarian manner.

The tip of a Bowie knife is a special case. All knives tied to this particular heritage should have a clipped point. That is, the point of the knife should be located well below the spine of the blade and should connect with the spine via a curve that runs back toward the hilt and up to the spine. Any knife that does not have a clipped point should not be considered a Bowie knife (even though some very early versions of the original did not have this feature). The false edge of the tip can be sharpened or left blunt (sharpened edges indicate that the knife is a Sheffield Bowie).

Obviously, determining what is a real Bowie and what is not can be a complicated process; however, let your own preferences be your guide. If you purchase a Rambo-style knife and feel that it qualifies, then that should be good enough.

Dylan Sabot is the owner of an online bowie hunting knife store featuring the Cold Steel jim bowie knife. Additionally, Dylan is also the President of a specialty lighters store.