Ideal specs for a bowie

[golok]

I have seen specifications for bowies that vary by a large margin.

For example, the length of a bowie is anything from 9inches to 12inches. What would be the ideal length?

What about the thickness of the blade? Should it be 0.2 of an inch of 0.33inch?

And how broad should the blade be? Some bowies are pretty broad, breadth-wise. So what is the ideal breadth of thw bowie?

Or is there an ideal length and breadth?

Next, the handle. Some recommend 6inches, some 5inches.

I understand that every half-inch, depending on the maker and material, determines the balance of the entire bowie. How do these statistics measure up in the end?

 

[callahwj]

Based on what I've seen on keatings ABC videos, I'd say 11-12 inch blade, and with a trapping guard. That would be good as a pure fighter, and I think balance is more important than actual weight. So, the broadest blade that you could have that would still be ballanced right (so that it would move quickly in the hand). Just my opinion.

 

[glockman99]

If you can find a picture of a Bagwell Hells Bell, look at it. THAT is the "ideal" fighting-Bowie knife, IMHO.

 

[Mike Hull]

IMO, the ideal Bowie, Like the ideal man or woman, does not exist, it is all in the eye or mind of the beholder.