Bowie Knife Maintenance
March 1st, 2010 at 19:43A Bowie knife needs to be kept sharp and dry, free of corrosives and in a stable storage environment. If all of these conditions are met, these knives can last for many years. A very high-quality knife can easily last generations. Caring for these blades is generally quite simple, given the quality of steel available today.
Part of what has made Bowie knives so popular is the legendary durability of the blade. This stems partially from the design and partially from high-quality materials. The best knife metals all have different characteristics that demand different types and levels of attention. Depending on what type of knife one has, maintenance requirements may vary.
For a very high-end knife, high-carbon steel or high-carbon stainless steel is usually used in the construction. The former was more common in the past but has been superseded in popularity by stainless steel knives. High-carbon steel is particularly vulnerable to rust and corrosion. All knives should always be kept dry, but this is particularly important in cases where the knife is made of a material with a low resistance to environmental damage. Stainless steel knives need the same attention given to them, but not nearly to the degree that non-stainless knives require.
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A Bowie knife should be kept in its sheath most of the time. Most Bowies come with a leather sheath and, so long as the knife is taken out every so often, this should suffice. For long-term storage, however, and especially in humid environments, leather attracts moisture. This can corrode the blade over time, even if it happens to be a stainless steel model. Knives which are made of non-stainless, high-carbon steel will be especially susceptible to moisture-related corrosion while they’re kept in storage. A good case will provide adequate protection from the elements for long term storage needs.
Without maintenance, the investment one places in a Bowie knife is forfeit. These knives have endured so long because of their durability, in great part. The heavy blade, sharp edge and no-nonsense, practical design betray a great deal of thought having been put into making these knives last. A good Bowie can be sharpened and cleaned over and over again, and always be ready for the next adventure, no matter what that may bring.
Brian is a business consultant for an online bowie knifes store featuring survival knives.
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