Best Tactical Bowie Knife: 15 Worth Carrying
Don’t settle for a subpar knife when it comes to your safety and preparedness. Invest in the best tactical bowie knife and always be ready for whatever comes your way.
But what makes one bowie knife better than another?
Well, there are many factors, but generally, they have to do with the weight, length of the blade, edge sharpness and materials.
And tactical knives are not just for military personnel and law enforcement officers anymore. They’re also popular among hunters, campers, and survivalists.
What Is a Bowie Knife?
The Bowie knife originated in the American South in the early 1800’s and gained wider fame through its use by James “Jim” Bowie.
Bowie was attacked while witnessing a duel in 1827. The incident became known as the Vidalia Sandbar Fight. He successfully defended himself using this style of knife.
So it became associated with him, but also had been called “the Arkansas Toothpick” and “the Texas Toothpick”. Bowie knives quickly became the must-have tool for self defense in the American frontier.
As revolvers improved throughout the latter half of the 1800’s and especially after the American civil war, they became the mainstay for self protection. And the Bowie knife slowly lost its prominence.
Nowadays, Bowie knives are mainly used for hunting. The blades typically range from 8 to 18 inches in length, and have a clip or false edge on one side of the blade. They are usually carried in a sheath hung from a belt.
Are Bowie knives illegal?
The Bowie knife has evolved over the years to become a hunting and general utility knife.
But because of its historical reputation and its larger size, some states have maintained restrictions on this type of knife.
Check your state and local laws regarding Bowie knives.
What Defines a Bowie Knife?
Bowie knives are a type of large, heavy knife that is typically used as a hunting or combat knife.
They have a triangular-shaped blade with a clip point (some have a spear-point shape), and can have a pronounced belly.
The bowie knife is often compared to the saber sword and the cutlass.
Above all, its shape gives it good piercing capability for a larger knife.
What Is The Best Tactical Bowie Knife?
Let’s take a look at 15 of the best you’ll find on the market today.
Ontario Knife Co. Marine Raider Bowie Knife – Top Pick
Ontario Knife Company is an expert knife company that makes a range of lightweight, tough and versatile knives. They’ve been designing knives for 125 years and build dependable blades for our military and police forces.
Their SP10 Marine Raider Bowie knife has the strength and durability to stand up to whatever you throw at it, making it one of the best tactical bowie knives on the market.
This knife is a perfect choice for any outdoorsman or survivalist who want a great big knife. It’s got a modern design with an old school feel to it, and it has just about every blade known to man: a blade for cutting, a blade for skinning, and a very effective tool for self-defense.
The Marine Raider Bowie Knife is 15-1/8 inches long with an 9-3/4 inch blade made from high carbon 1095 steel and coated in black oxide finish to protect against rusting.
The handle is made from Kraton G thermoplastic rubber that offers superior grip even when wet – making it perfect for fishing or working in wet conditions.
You get a leather and Cordura sheath to carry this tool, and they offer a limited lifetime warranty for any defects in manufacturing or parts. The fact that it’s made in the USA is good to know.
Ka-Bar U.S. Marine Corps Fighting Knife – Runner Up
The Ka-Bar U.S. Marine Corps Fighting Knife was created for the Marines in World War I and became an icon of World War II.
It is a long blade with a clip point that makes it perfect for combat, hunting, wilderness survival and general outdoor use.
And yes, it fits right into the general description of a tactical bowie knife.
Its unique blade shape, large finger guard, and rugged design all contribute to its effectiveness as an outdoor survival knife.
The knife has a 14″ overall length with a blade length of 7″. Its blade thickness is 0.188″.
They are designed to hold an edge, resist corrosion, and withstand abuse in the field or on the job site.
The knife’s blade is made from 1095 carbon steel and features a clip-point shape with a straight edge. The blade can be sharpened easily, and it comes pre-sharpened from the manufacturer. The powder coat finish on the knife prevents corrosion in moist conditions.
It features its iconic stacked leather handle that is sturdy enough to stand up against the wear and tear of any battlefield.
The Ka-Bar Fighting Knife’s leather sheath is made out of top grain leather which is durable, rugged, and strong. This makes it great for carrying this product around with you without the worry of it cracking like other plastic sheaths.
Made in America, it will last you for years to come.
The Ka-Bar U.S. Marine Corps Fighting Knife is one tough bastard that was designed to be carried by Marines in combat.
Ontario Knife Company SP-5 Tactical Bowie Knife
Back by popular demand, the Ontario Knife Company 8681 SP-5 Tactical Bowie Knife is designed for combat use.
This knife has an outstanding balance of weight, blade design, and handle design. The long blade on the bowie knife is excellent for combat applications or cutting through brush. This icon is a blade that is ready for any outdoor situation.
It has an overall length of 15 inches with a blade length of 10 inches and weighs 1.25 pounds. The ¼ inch thick, full tang blade is made from 1095 carbon steel with a hardness rating of 57-59 HRC. It comes with a tough black powder coating for corrosion protection.
The handle is molded Kraton with grooves for excellent grip.
The sheath for the Ontario Knife Company SP-5 Tactical Bowie Knife is made of quality nylon that is strong enough to hold up under tough use. It also has an attachment loop at the top of the sheath, which makes it easy to attach to your belt or gear with a carabiner or small piece of cord.
This American made knife has many uses for outdoor enthusiasts such as hunting, fishing or camping trips.
Spyderco Bradley Bowie Fixed Blade Knife
Known for their high quality knives, Spyderco has designed a modern take on the bowie knife.
And… it is impressive.
If you are a prepper, chances are you want to be prepared for the worst. And if you are looking for an all-around knife that can get the job done, this Spyderco Bradley Bowie Fixed Blade Knife is the one.
This knife has everything preppers love about it – versatility and durability.
First of all, it’s made of PSF27, a premium powdered metal tool steel (similar to D2) which means that this blade will hardly ever get dull. And it is a borderline stainless steel with a high chromium content so it is significantly corrosion resistant.
Second, it’s got a slimmer profile which makes this knife perfect for both everyday carry and wilderness survival situations.
Third, because of its design features like blunt tip and deep belly, this knife can tackle just about any task with ease.
Lastly but not least – its got a great design.
The blade is a flat-ground, full-tang design with a clip point. Combine that with that deep belly and you get the classic bowie knife profile.
Measuring 9.93 inches long overall with a 5.125 inch blade, and a 0.156 inch blade thickness, the Bradley weighs 7.7 ounces.
If you want a bowie style knife but don’t want to carry a heavy knife with a huge blade, then the Spyderco Bradley Bowie Knife is what you are looking for.
Its handle is made from G-10, a composite material consisting of fiberglass cloth impregnated with an epoxy resin binder.
The handle also has a textured pattern on it to improve grip. G-10 material makes the knife very durable and lightweight, while also adding to its aesthetics.
The sheath is made out of molded plastic (they call Boltaron), which is the most common material for knife sheaths. It has a plastic clip that can be attached to a belt and it locks the blade in place until the user releases it.
The Spyderco Bradley Bowie Fixed Blade Knife is a great buy for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to be prepared for anything.
Ka-Bar Becker BK9 Combat Bowie Knife
The Ka-Bar Becker BK9 Combat Bowie Knife is a good example of how a well-designed knife can save lives.
This large tactical bowie knife is one of the best military knives on the market and is not only used by members of the armed forces, but also civilians who want to protect themselves in extreme situations.
The knife can be used for self defense, but it does not have any serration on it for cutting through ropes or other materials.
The handle is made out of Ultramid and has a hole in the end for tying paracord through to create a lanyard. It also features an ambidextrous sheath that can be worn horizontally or vertically on your belt or gear.
The full tang blade of the knife is made out of 1095 Cro-Van steel and comes with a black epoxy powder coating. The edge is really sharp and durable, which makes this item perfect for any outdoor activities, like camping or hiking.
With a 9.25 inch long blade with a thickness of 0.188 inches, the knife has a total length of 14.75 inches. It weighs just over 1 pound.
The sheath is constructed out of heavy duty polyester and attaches to your belt loop with Velcro straps for easy access. It comes with a snap button at the top so you can securely keep your knife in the sheath.
If you are looking for a beefy tactical bowie knife that can withstand the toughest of jobs, then the Ka-Bar Becker BK9 Combat Bowie Knife is perfect for you.
Timber Rattler Western Outlaw Bowie Knife
The Timber Rattler Western Outlaw Bowie Knife is a good-looking, high-quality product that can be used for any outdoor activity. It offers excellent durability and performance, making it a great choice for an authentic bowie knife.
Not exactly having the tactical flavor, but it’s hard to talk about bowie knives without including a classic looking blade like this.
The Timber Rattler Western Outlaw Bowie Knife measures 16-½” and has an 11-3/8” long full tang, ¼” thick stainless steel blade with a satin finish that will not rust or corrode.
This knife is great for sporting events, camping trips, hunting expeditions, or just everyday use.
To make it easy to control the knife even when your hands are wet or bloody, it has a brass-plated guard that’s 3/8 inches long and also protects the hand from sliding onto the blade during use.
The handle is made of gray hardwood and has classic styling. This knife has been designed to be comfortable, easy to use, and durable for long-term use.
Comes with a genuine leather sheath that can be secured to your belt and will allow you to carry this knife with ease.
The Timber Rattler Western Outlaw Bowie Knife is a beautiful knife with a classic bowie knife style.
Buck Knives 119 Special Bowie Knife
Buck Knives 119 Special Bowie Knife is an all-purpose knife that can be used for hunting, skinning, and as a self-defense weapon. Less tactical and more hunter, it is the perfect tool for any outdoor enthusiast.
The blade is sharp enough to cut through thick hides and meat easily.
It has a solid steel clip point blade with a plain edge and satin finish, which means it won’t show scratches as easily as other blades. It is made of 420 HC steel, which ensures that it retains its sharpness over long periods of time.
The curved cutting edge allows it to cut deeper and stay sharp longer. This is the perfect survival hunting or fishing knife for any occasion.
The 119 Special Bowie knife from Buck knives has a traditional black phenolic handle.
Buck Knives 119 Special Bowie Knife is a knife that is comfortable and balanced with an overall length of 10-1/2″, and weighing 7.5 oz.
It has a 6” long, 0.175” thick blade made of 420HC stainless steel which is great for maintaining a sharp edge.
It has a genuine high quality protective leather sheath with belt loop.
What makes this knife is made in the United States.
The Buck 119 Special Bowie Knife was first produced in 1965, has become one of Buck’s top selling knives.
Cold Steel Leatherneck Sf Tool Knife
Cold Steel Leatherneck Sf Tool Knife is an excellent knife with a great design, similar to the Ka-Bar. It has a high-quality German D2 tool steel blade which will last for many years to come.
This is a full tang knife that can be used for general purposes such as hunting, camping, fishing etc. The blade is saber ground clip point, perfect for piercing and slicing tasks.
This is a great knife and it is a steal at this price.
I really like the balance of this knife. It’s got a great weight to it (11.7 oz), and I mean that in terms of how heavy or light the blade feels in my hand. I also love the clip point blade shape, which is perfect for precision cuts and carving.
It measures 11-¾” overall with a 6-¾” blade, and a 0.197” (5mm) blade thickness.
The steel holds an edge well and has a razor sharp edge out of the box (and I know that’s not always the case with knives). Plus, as with all Cold Steel products, you can tell just by looking at it that this knife was designed to last.
It comes with a non-reflective black powder coat finish and is made from D2 steel which is an air-hardening tool steel.
It also has double quillon guards that provide excellent protection from slippage when holding the knife at different angles.
It features an all-black, Kray-Ex handle that provides excellent grip, making it easier to hold on to this sharp blade.
The Sf Knife’s handle is capped with a machined steel butt cap that means it can double up as a hammer, and you don’t have to worry about it breaking.
Cold Steel Leatherneck SF Tool Knife is equipped with an ambidextrous Secure-Ex sheath that can be worn on your belt horizontally or vertically. This sheath is designed for greater flexibility in carry positions.
The Leatherneck SF knife by Cold Steel is an excellent choice for people who need an all-purpose knife and want a tactical edge.
ESEE Junglas Bowie Knife
The Junglas is a big knife, but in the hand it feels like a natural extension of your arm. Made from some of the toughest steel on earth, its cutting ability goes unmatched.
The Bowie style blade is an excellent slicing and piercing tool that also excels at chopping.
If you want a tactical bowie knife that acts much like a machete, then the Junglas is the knife for you.
And, if you have a survival kit for dense forest or jungle, then the Junglas should be at the top of your survival gear list.
This is a full tang knife that has a blade length of 10-3/8 inches long and a handle length of six inches, for an overall length of 16-½ inches.
The ESEE Junglas Bowie Knife’s flat grind blade is best for rough processing of game, shelter building, and self-defense.
It is made from 3/16 inch thick 1095 Cro-Van steel that provides enough hardness to resist breakage without being brittle. Because this steel doesn’t have much corrosion resistance, the blade comes with a black powder coat finish.
The removable handles are made from Micarta. They have a textured surface to make it more ergonomic and comfortable to hold.
This model has a hammer pommel with lanyard hole for added utility.
The knife weighs 23 ounces, so it can be used for all types of tasks, like chopping your way through a jungle, or tackling smaller jobs around the campsite.
It comes with a perfectly fitting Kydex and heavy-duty black nylon sheath. Integrated MOLLE attachments make it easy to attach to your pack or your belt.
Knife enthusiasts who are looking for something different will enjoy the blade of this knife. They will also like that it comes with a sheath and lanyard hole in the handle.
Buck Knives 124 Frontiersman Fixed Blade Knife
The Buck Knives 124 Frontiersman Fixed Blade Knife is a classic hunting bowie knife that performs without compromise.
It’s designed with an ergonomic handle and features a 6-1/4 inch blade made of stainless steel.
This knife can be used for various tasks including chopping, cutting, or slicing meat. With that, the Frontiersman is a great choice for any hunter or outdoorsman.
It also features a full-tang design and an aluminum pommel to balance the weight of the blade.
The blade is 6-1/4 inches long with an overall length of 11-3/4 inches which will be perfect for any outdoorsman.
Made from 420HC stainless steel, it is corrosion resistant, easy to re-sharpen and tough enough to withstand any challenge you throw at it.
It has a black Micarta handle which offers durability and longevity while also looking sleek at the same time.
The Buck Knives 124 Frontiersman Fixed Blade Knife is a workhorse of a fixed blade knife with an excellent design that will make your everyday tasks easier. It may not be flashy or fancy, but it gets the job done with style.
SOG Super SOG Bowie Knife
The Super SOG Bowie Knife can take on anything from game to camp tasks with ease.
It can also be used as a defensive knife in addition to its hunting uses.
The Super SOG Bowie Knife has a large clip point blade that can be used for skinning, chopping, and more. Overall length of this knife is 12.88 inch, with a plain edge 7.5 inch blade. It has a 1/4 inch blade thickness and a weight of 17.4 ounces.
The blade is made of AUS 8 stainless steel which makes it tough and you can sharpen to a razor edge. It also features a black titanium nitride finish.
The handle is made of compressed leather washers which provides a very comfortable grip.
SOG supplies this knife with a black leather sheath. It is a simple, practical way to carry and store your knife. It comes with a snap looped closure and a belt loop so you can keep the Super SOG Bowie close to you at all times.
Use the included sharpening stone when necessary to keep the blade sharp.
The Super SOG Bowie Knife is an all-rounder and should be in every hunter’s kit.
Condor Undertaker Bowie Knife
Joe Flower designed the Undertaker Bowie Knife to handle the conditions he found in the amazon rain forest.
He wanted an intimidating weapon that was tough as nails.
So he designed it with a heavy and thick carbon steel blade and a comfortable handle that wasn’t going to slip in wet conditions.
The Condor Undertaker Bowie Knife ended up as a large-sized clip point knife with a blade length of 10.5 inches (9 inch cutting edge) and an overall length of 15.5 inches.
It has a curved blade which makes it perfect for slashing and chopping with heavy-duty tasks.
It has a lanyard hole for easy carrying, and the handle is made from walnut which is attached with brass rivets and ensures that it will not slip out of your hands.
The Condor Bowie Knife is a large knife that is made for hunting and self defense.
Made from 0.197 inch (5mm) thick 1075 carbon steel, this blade is very durable and sharp as well. It is also very easy to sharpen in the field.
The knife comes with a premium leather sheath that has a belt loop.
Condor’s Undertaker Bowie Knife has that classic large bowie knife profile that says loud and clear, “don’t mess with me.”
Ka-Bar 1278 KA Bar Heavy-Duty Warthog
The Ka-Bar 1278 KA Bar Heavy-Duty Warthog is a full tang knife that is designed to perform in extreme conditions.
It is made from heavy duty materials that are designed to withstand hard use.
The drop point blade is made of ¼” thick 1085 carbon steel that has been powder coated for corrosion resistance and durability. It measures 12-¼ inches overall with a 6-¾ inch long blade.
Its girthy blade width measures almost 2-½ inches.
This knife is made in Taiwan and features a large, thick blade with a hollow grind that stays perfectly sharp through some rugged conditions. The blade coating is insanely tough – even after years of heavy use, the protective coatings will remain intact.
The knife features a deeply grooved textured Kraton G handle, which let’s you keep a solid grip with wet or bloody hands. It also has finger choils on both the spine as well as the blade so you can really choke up on the blade for increased control.
It comes with a pretty heavy duty sheath. The front of the sheath is made from some heavy-duty black canvas and the back of the sheath is made using a thick slab of black leather.
The sheath has a belt strap that runs the length of the handle with a strap that wraps around the top of the handle and uses a snap button to keep it closed and the knife secured.
Ka-Bar’s Heavy-Duty Warthog is a rugged fixed blade knife that is designed for military personnel and outdoorsman alike.
Schrade SCHF45 Leroy Bowie Knife
This is a simple, beautiful bowie knife with a 16.5 in stainless steel blade.
The blade has a satin finish and is made of strong high carbon stainless steel that can be sharpened on both sides.
The handle is constructed from black non-slip Kraton, giving the knife an ergonomic design with finger grooves to prevent slippage when cutting.
Schrade’s SCHF45 Leroy Bowie Knife is a decent quality knife for the price, and it is made in the United States (using Chinese steel to keep the price down). The heavy duty 10.35” long blade comes very sharp and is durable, as are the handle and sheath.
It has a comfortable handle that’s shaped to fit your hand and optimize grip. The thermoplastic elastomer construction is durable and built for longevity.
The Leroy Knife’s thermoplastic belt sheath features loops for tying it to your bag, which will allow you to quickly draw your knife if needed.
This is the perfect knife for any outdoorsman. Knife enthusiasts and survivalists alike will appreciate this knife’s beefy design and durable, high-quality construction.
But at an affordable price point.
It’s versatile enough to be used as a hunting or fishing knife, but also has the bowie pedigree for tough situations like survival or self defense.
Cold Steel Mini Tac Bowie Neck Knife
The Mini Tac Bowie Neck Knife was designed by Cold Steel to be the perfect companion for the outdoorsman who needs a lightweight, compact, and extremely durable fixed blade knife with an ultra-fine edge for detail work.
This knife is the perfect size for concealed or open carrying (where permissible).
The blade length of 3-5/8″ offers you a useful cutting edge, while the overall length of 6-7/8″ makes it easy to handle this knife with precision and accuracy in any situation.
Made from 0.11 inch thick 8Cr13MoV high carbon stainless steel (similar to AUS 8), this material is incredibly easy to sharpen, resistant to corrosion, and retains an edge better than other stainless steels.
And it provides all this at a much lower price point than other higher end steels, making it an increasingly popular steel choice for budget knives.
The blade has G-10 scales on it for an excellent grip, which will not slip even if your hands are wet or sweating.
This neck knife also comes with a custom sheath that can be worn on the neck or clipped onto your belt loop for convenience when carrying it in public places.
The Mini Tac Bowie Neck Knife has proven over time to be one of the most popular knives ever released by Cold Steel. It’s not surprising because it excels at what it does – handling small tasks in any situation!
This knife is a good choice for those who want to carry a knife for self-defense or as an edc fixed blade knife.
The key takeaways with this knife: lightweight and durable.
