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Early American Fighting Arts – The Bowie Knife

ROOM: GVT Gymnasium

INSTRUCTOR: Steve Huff

DESCRIPTION:

Perhaps no other weapon in the history of the American fighting arts has inspired more interest, or more misconceptions, than the bowie knife. The very mentioning of the name “Bowie” conjures up images of the famed “frontier hero” hacking his way through history with his famous knife. Ironically, there is only one verified account of James Bowie ever being in a fight in which he relied on his knife. Still, this encounter was enough to create a myth out of a man and a legend out of a knife. The result was a widespread obsession with large fighting knives, particularly in the South, where gentleman and ruffian alike all wanted a “knife like Jim’s.”

The Golden Age of the “Bowie knife” (in recent years the capital “B” has been dropped, but both forms of spelling are generally accepted as correct. Similarly, the pronunciation of “BOO-ie” and “BOW-ie” are both considered correct) lasted from the 1840’s until after the Civil War, with thousands of knives of varying shapes and designs being manufactured in America as well as imported from European cutlers, particularly from Sheffield, England.

While the man who inspired the myth of the bowie may not have been the notorious duelist he was made out to be, the knife which bore his name became a favored weapon for this pastime, particularly in the South.

This class will examine the basics of the use of the bowie and similar large knives, including gripping the weapon, guards and “stances”, cutting and thrusting, as well as examining how these techniques evolved. Some time will also be devoted to discussing the development of the knife itself. Private lessons are available to cover the more advanced aspects of the weapon.

Students are required to bring some form of protective eyewear (a fencing mask is recommended) and it is recommended that they bring some form of padded hand and forearm protection. Participants need to bring a belt or sash or similar item in order to work on drawing skills.

Training weapons will be provided but any student who wishes to bring their own weapons may do so, however they must cover the edge.

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