Description
Sixty people have bought the Yakushima, which makes it our reference point whenever someone asks what a full-size clip point bowie should cost.
| Overall length | 12 inches |
| Blade length | 7 inches |
| Handle length | 5 inches |
| Handle | Rosewood with a polished steel guard and pommel |
| Steel | 1095 + 15N20 Damascus, 352 layers |
| Hardness | 58–60 HRC, oil tempered |
| Weight | 11.2 oz |
| Included | Hand-stitched leather sheath |
Chosen by: first-time buyers of a serious fixed blade, more often than any other knife we make. Twelve inches with a seven inch blade is where a bowie turns properly capable without becoming something you leave at home, and 11.2 oz is heavy enough to work and light enough to wear all day.
The clip point, in the size that works
The long clip along the top of this blade is the defining bowie feature and it does two jobs at once. It drops the tip below the line of the spine, so the point goes in cleanly and steers from the wrist. And it takes weight off the front, which is why a seven inch bowie handles more nimbly than a drop point of the same thickness. Behind the clip the belly sweeps far enough to skin comfortably, and the straight run near the guard takes anything needing a push cut. It is the profile most people picture at the word bowie, and this is the length to learn it on. Our Damascus care and sharpening guide works through maintaining exactly this kind of edge.
Polished steel fittings
Guard and pommel are polished steel rather than brass, which gives a colder, more restrained look than the brass-fitted bowies in the range and means the fittings never need polishing to stay matched to the blade. The pommel cap earns its place: it shields the butt of the tang if you tap something with the handle, and puts a little counterweight behind your hand, which is why the balance sits close to the guard.
What 11.2 ounces feels like
Weight tells you more about how a knife behaves than any other number, and 11.2 oz across twelve inches is a genuinely balanced figure. It is enough mass to carry a cut through hide and light branches unforced, and little enough that an hour of detail work does not wreck your wrist. Heavier bowies chop better and tire you sooner. If you want to see the difference, the eight inch California King Snake at 5.6 oz is what the same construction feels like at half the mass.
Care for this knife
Both alloys in this blade rust, and the acid etch that reveals the pattern leaves more texture than a polished surface for moisture to sit in. Dry it every time. A film of mineral oil across both flats, renewed every few weeks, is all it needs indoors. The one thing that ruins these knives is storage inside the leather sheath — tanned hide holds moisture and the tannins are mildly acidic. Keep the blade out of it. Sharpen on a whetstone at a consistent angle, and expect the etch to fade along the very edge as you go.
Questions buyers ask
Will it rust if I hunt in the rain? Not if you dry it that evening — our page on whether Damascus rusts goes into detail.
Is the tang full length? Yes, with the handle scales pinned to it and the pommel capping the end.
Why is it cheaper than similar bowies here? Simpler fittings, plainer handle. The blade work is identical.
Model: BMK-808
Darren Webster’s (verified owner) –
i couldn’t be more pleased with my Black Mamba knife. It is a masterpiece and completely flawless. Finding a quality, hand made in the USA with pride product at a great price with good customer service is almost impossible. I feel very lucky to have stumbled onto Mark’s shop, and we will be customers for as long as he keeps hammering them out. Mark is very personable and communicative throughout the whole process until the product gets to your door. Thanks again Mark, and please don’t retire for a while we have more work for you!
Jackson (store manager) –
I received my Bowie knife today and from the time i open the box was impressed. Your packaging and letters for care of my knife and the thank you letter impressed me. The communication was flawless just like the quality of the knife. Black Mamba and mark made this the easiest and best purchase i have ever made. I will be back for more.
P/S if your looking dont go past these knifes the are well priced and quality is way above price buy a Black mamba you won’t be unhappy.
Erin M
Ken Martin –
I have now purchased my sixth Black Mamba knife- 5 Persian Yumas/ 1 Kabar and more planned in the future. As a collector, I can appreciate a high quality, well constructed knife. These knives have these qualities but along with it beauty as well. If you are a hunter, these knives are extremely sharp and most likely be great for skinning. If you are a collector, just looking at these knives brings to mind works of art. The Damascus is flawless. The spacers in the handles are perfectly matched and are absolutely flawless along with the stag. The knives fit perfectly in your hand- buy one and you can easily see this. They would also make an impressive side arm as the sheaths are high quality as well. Contact Mark- you can’t go wrong buying one of these beauties.
Jamie R. (verified owner) –
Beautiful knife! Feels great in my hand and will be with me when I’m hunting next season! Excellent quality knife!
Roy P. (verified owner) –
The workmanship was beyond my expectations. Will certainly purchase from this store again in the future.
Aaron L. (verified owner) –
Amazing craftsmanship! Was just what I was looking for. It will cut!
scott B. (verified owner) –
Great looking work can’t wait to see it in person!
Diane F. (verified owner) –
Beautiful workmanship and customer service was very helpful
Erika R. (verified owner) –
Very communicative and thorough customer service.
Jeffrey K. (verified owner) –
Looking forward to my first knife from you. It’s a gift for my wife.
James S. (verified owner) –
Very insightful and helpful with all of my questions and concerns cannot wait to get my knife
James K. (verified owner) –
Great job. Great knife. Will buy again.
Tracey G. (verified owner) –
Love the chat box! Answered quickly.
Darren Hack (verified owner) –
It is now one of my most favorite knives.
Rick C. (verified owner) –