Old Mexican Knife?

Lew · 8th November 2011, 06:11 PM

Hi all

just won this on ebay the other day. I think it's an old Mexican Bowie knife?

David · 8th November 2011, 07:20 PM

What exactly defines a knife as a "Bowie"? The Bowie knife itself (ones designed by Bowie) changed in style somewhat from what basically looked like a butcher knife to the clip point most are probably familar with today. Is it far to assume that any large N. American knife created after Bowie was a take on their design?

Lew · 8th November 2011, 09:55 PM

David

A Bowie is a generic term for any large North American knife with either a clip point or straight back profile.

http://harveydean.com/antique_reproductions.htm

Atlantia · 8th November 2011, 10:39 PM

Nice big piece Lew!
I've seen a Brazillian bowie with a horn disk handle. I'm not familiar with Mexican knife types TBH, you could PM Gonzalo, I'm sure he'll know more?

Jim McDougall · 8th November 2011, 11:05 PM

Looks like a Canary Islands 'Bowie/punal'

Actually influences of the Iberian Peninsula pretty well known in Mexico and the 'Spanish Main'. Truly an attractive and heavy item of the type which do seem to colloquially fall into the collective heading 'Bowie' though of course not technically. I like it !!! Love those wide heavy blades.

Atlantia · 9th November 2011, 12:03 AM

I know it's a different kettle of fish....

8th November 2011, 06:11 PM	#1
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	Old Mexican Knife? Hi all just won this on ebay the other day. I think it's an old Mexican Bowie knife? Attached Images

8th November 2011, 09:55 PM	#3
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	David A Bowie is a generic term for any large North American knife with either a clip point or straight back profile. http://harveydean.com/antique_reproductions.htm Last edited by Lew; 8th November 2011 at 10:17 PM.

8th November 2011, 11:05 PM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,670	Looks like a Canary Islands 'Bowie/punal' Actually influences of the Iberian Peninsula pretty well known in Mexico and the 'Spanish Main'. Truly an attractive and heavy item of the type which do seem to colloquially fall into the collective heading 'Bowie' though of course not technically. I like it !!! Love those wide heavy blades. Attached Images

9th November 2011, 12:03 AM	#6
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	I know it's a different kettle of fish.... Attached Images

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8th November 2011, 07:20 PM	#2
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,250	What exactly defines a knife as a "Bowie"? The Bowie knife itself (ones designed by Bowie) changed in style somewhat from what basically looked like a butcher knife to the clip point most are probably familar with today. Is it far to assume that any large N. American knife created after Bowie was a take on their design?

8th November 2011, 10:39 PM	#4
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	Nice big piece Lew! I've seen a Brazillian bowie with a horn disk handle. I'm not familiar with Mexican knife types TBH, you could PM Gonzalo, I'm sure he'll know more?