Mysteries and Controversies of the Legendary Bowie Knife.

by historian Rick J. Baer
One of the greatest mysteries and controversies involves the "Bowie" knife.  As we examine this issue first we must begin with; What is the Bowie knife?  "We will define the Bowie knife as a knife owned or carried by James Bowie."  "The" Bowie knife has nothing to do with Rezin Bowie, Jim's brother, what knives he made, bought or carried.

Some historians may disagree but Jim Bowie's contemporaries were only concerned with the knife used in a duel on the Vidalia Sandbar in 1827 and or whatever knife Jim may have carried at different times in his life.

James Bowie became famous after dispatching a foe with his knife after receiving numerous wounds during the Sandbar duel.  Jim went on to add to his fame with many exploits and culminating with his heroic death at the Alamo.  Along the way Jim was somehow credited with designing some feature or addition to the knife.
(1). Evidence points to the large sharpened clip which has always been synonymous with a Bowie knife.  Some have claimed he added the pronounced guard, although there were many contemporary blades with guards.
(2). The clip on a knife been around long before Jim Bowie came along but during his day was nor prominent on most hunting knives.
Whatever the feature he supposedly added, those who knew or heard of him were fascinated by both his fame and his knife.

In conjunction with Generation 2, I have designed a series of knives based on the originals which are in private collections.  This series will bring to you the knives which historians are constantly arguing about and, each are, in their own way associated with James Bowie.
(Each is a limited edition and comes with an authentic styled sheath)

The first in the series is a knife that is referred to as a "primitive" bowie by most custom knife makers.  The original of this knife is owned by Joe Musso who has submitted it for numerous test to at least determine its age if not its authenticity as well.  The knife, which dates to the 1830's has the distinction of having the letters "JB" on the guard.
Whether this stands for James Bowie or for an Arkansas blacksmith names James Black may never be proven for certain.

Black was reputed to have made a knife for Jim Bowie around 1830 - 1831.

It is possible that this is the knife Bowie carried for the rest of his life and is the knife he used in his defense of the Alamo.  One important note about this knife is that it certainly has all the features of a legendary knife and would surely have impressed all those who met Bowie, and were fortunate enough to view his knife.

On a historical note:  In all the antiques I have viewed, even in photos, none have similarities with this knife enough to be considered as being made by the same smith.  This is quite unusual.  Most makers of the day had signature trademarks that make their knives easy to recognize.  The fact that this knife has no cousins (if you will) leans strongly to suggest it was custom made on the submitter's specifications and may have no other counterparts.

I sincerely hope that when you purchase these knives you will not only enjoy its unique relation to the history and legend of James Bowie but also its functional ability.
I have designed a very strong, tough knife and Generation 2 has constructed it well with tight tolerances.  From a hefty tang to the flat ground blade and beautiful Mahogany handle, each customer should feel free to carry and use the knife as Bowie would have intended.

From Rick J. Baer, Owner of the Baer Edge Company in Virginia.  Designer and Bowie historian.

Specifications:

This knife it made from 10/60 carbon steel, all hand hammer and hand ground, then highly polished, with a full tang and this blade comes with a sharp (workable) edge.
The handle is made from an exotic hardwood that will last.  The scabbard is wood that has been wrapped in leather with brass accents.

Order now!  Remember there will only be 200 made.  Limited Supplies!
Toll free ordering 888-407-0296

Blade Length: 11 3/8"
Blade Width: 2 1/2"
Overall Length:  16 5/8"
Handle Material:  Exotic Hardwood
Weight:  1 lb 7 oz.


**You must be 18 yrs. old to purchase any item that has a blade.  It's the Law!**

Model Price
IP-202 The Iron Mistress Bowie

Read how the Generation2 Knives are Made Click Here!
Read on the care of your Generation 2 blade Click Here!

Price: $199.00 (Retired)
Optional Belt Frog
Add a Redwood Display Stand
for only $15.95
Regular price $19.95
Knife Stand
Qty: Price: $15.95

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