Ebbtide
Gold Member
- Joined
- Aug 20, 1999
- Messages
- 7,954
Let's not forget the role that the repeating firearm (especially pistol) played in the bowie's evolution. Muzzleloaders were slow to reload, so the bowie or tomahawk was the standard back up. After repeating arms, especially the Colt Peacemaker, were generally accepted the bowies became smaller and more (dare I say?) utilitarian.
The knives were smaller, easier to carry & sometimes ornate, since the balance of their role shifted from weapon to tool.
Why were they still called Bowies?
Heck, everybody wants a blade like Bowie's!
I've got one or two too
It is a continuing design evolution. From Rezin, to Black, to Price, to Sheffield and on up to Fisk, Fitch, Evans & Hossom.
Would Mr. Hossom's bowie look like the one Ol' Jim carried?
I doubt it, but the key elements (& spirit?) are there.
And that is what makes it a Bowie
The knives were smaller, easier to carry & sometimes ornate, since the balance of their role shifted from weapon to tool.
Why were they still called Bowies?
Heck, everybody wants a blade like Bowie's!
I've got one or two too

It is a continuing design evolution. From Rezin, to Black, to Price, to Sheffield and on up to Fisk, Fitch, Evans & Hossom.
Would Mr. Hossom's bowie look like the one Ol' Jim carried?
I doubt it, but the key elements (& spirit?) are there.
And that is what makes it a Bowie
