Historically Accurate Vicksburg Bowie

Replica of an 1835 W. Butcher Bowie Knife

The original on which this knife was based was made about 1836 by the W. & S. Butcher company in Sheffield, England. Take a look at illustrations 5,7,8 and 9 in Robert Abel's Classic Bowie Knives (1967). The company's growth was based almost entirely on sales of its products into the American market. The blade style is typical of Bowies from this period including the "Spanish notch". The hilt style became known as a "dogbone" for obvious reasons.

The first documentary evidence of cutlery being produced in Sheffield dates back to the year 1297. Relying on the abundance of natural resources in the area, Sheffield flourished and became a world-renowned cutlery center. In the early 1800s, the cutlers of the city were quick to take advantage of the demand for Bowie knives in the American market and huge quantities made the trip across the Atlantic. Today, Sheffield Bowies are avidly collected worldwide. This Vicksburg Bowie is historically accurate, replicating an existing piece in a private collection.

The 8-3/4" x 1-5/16" wide flat ground blade is 65Mm high carbon steel with an edge at 52-56 Rc. The rosewood handle measures about 4" with a nickel ferrel and bar inlay and white brass double guard. Measures 14" from tip to butt and weighs 8.8 oz. Includes a leather scabbard with nickel silver tip and throat. Made by Hanwei in China.