Civil War D-Guard Chopper | Confederate Style Bowie & Camp Knife
Are you looking for a weapon with character, raw power, and a story to tell? Forget polished noble swords. This is a tool for the trenches and the wilderness. This unique piece is a replica of an original knife from the American Civil War, featured on page 451 of "The Antique Bowie Knife Book" (1990). We present to you a weapon likely forged by a Confederate blacksmith who, out of necessity, combined the best of two worlds: the massive grip of a D-Guard Bowie and the heavy blade of a Bolo knife. Further product information ...
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Civil War D-Guard Chopper | Confederate Style Bowie & Camp Knife
The result is a "Chopper" – an uncompromising short machete and fighting knife in one. It’s exactly the kind of gear you’d want at your side when hacking through dense undergrowth, setting up camp, or in close-quarters combat when muskets have failed. Although the blade features a slight distal taper to improve balance, it remains a tool with serious heft and impact power.
Construction and Materials
The core is a blade made from 1075 High Carbon Steel. It features a rounded tip and hollow ground lower bevels, giving it excellent cutting properties. The grip is typical of big knives from that era – a simple, turned cylinder of dark stained wood. What catches the eye immediately, however, is the steel D-Guard knuckle bow. This feature, originally designed to protect the hand in combat, gives the knife its distinctive, rugged appearance.
The original likely parted ways with its sheath over the centuries (or perhaps never had one), but we supply this reproduction with a stylish black leather sheath. It comes equipped with a ring-mounted belt loop, a retaining strap, and a lanyard, just as a Confederate soldier would have appreciated on a long march.
Specifications
| Overall Length: | 16-1/4" (41.3 cm) |
| Blade Length: | 11-11/16" (29.7 cm) |
| Blade Thickness: | 3/16" (approx. 4.8 mm) |
| Weight: | 1 lb 4.4 oz (approx. 580 g) |
| Blade Material: | 1075 High Carbon Steel |
| Grip Material: | Hardwood, dark stain |
Usage and Care
This knife is a fully functional replica. Thanks to its construction, it can withstand rough handling, but please keep the following in mind:
- Maintenance: The blade is made of carbon steel, which is prone to rust. Wipe it dry after every use and oil it (e.g., with WD-40, Ballistol, or gun oil). Do not leave the knife in the leather sheath for long periods, as leather absorbs moisture.
- Safety: The knife arrives sharp. Exercise extreme caution when handling. Although it is a historical weapon, it is not a blunt prop for stage combat, but a functional tool.
Who is this knife for?
It is ideal for American Civil War reenactors (especially for portraying Confederate soldiers), for Bowie knife collectors, and also for outdoorsmen looking for a stylish and functional camp tool with a historical soul.
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