Hand Forged Feather Damascus Bowie Knife with Rosewood Handle and Leather Sheath

A bowie that looks like it was plucked from a hawk's wing. The 8.6 inch blade is forged in feather pattern Damascus, then shaped into the outline of a feather, so the steel and the silhouette tell the same story. A contoured rosewood handle with a finger choil and a brown leather sheath with a hair-on cowhide panel complete a 14.6 inch statement piece built for the collector's shelf.

What Is Feather Pattern Damascus?

Feather is one of the most demanding Damascus patterns a smith can forge. A layered billet is built up, then split lengthwise with a hot cutting wedge and welded back together while still hot. The wedge drags the layers into a chevron, so the pattern mirrors itself along a central line, much like the quill and vanes of a real feather.

The hot cut puts enormous stress on every forge weld, and the billet can only be worked a little after splitting without distorting the pattern. That is why feather Damascus is prized by collectors and rarely seen on large blades. Explore more patterns in our Damascus bowie knives collection.

Why Shape the Blade Like a Feather?

Most feather Damascus knives use a standard blade outline. Here the profile itself follows the feather, with a tapered quill-like spine and notched cuts that echo the barbs of a real plume. Pattern and shape work together, making this one of the most distinctive bowies in our range.

Because the notches and profile are decorative, this knife is first and foremost a collector and display piece. It will slice cleanly, but for heavy chopping and hard camp work, a classic clip point from our bowie knives range is the better tool.

Why Choose a Rosewood Handle for a Damascus Bowie?

Rosewood is a dense, naturally oily hardwood with rich brown tones and figure that deepens with age and handling. Its natural oils help it resist moisture, and its warmth pairs perfectly with the grey and silver of Damascus steel. The handle is contoured with a finger choil for a secure grip and finished with contrasting spacers at the butt.

Curious how rosewood compares with Micarta, horn and other grips? Read our knife handle materials guide.

Who Is This Feather Damascus Bowie For?

• Collectors: a rare pattern on a large blade, with a profile that matches the steel.
• Gift givers: a striking piece for birthdays, retirements, groomsmen and milestone occasions.
• Display: the feather silhouette and hair-on sheath look as good on a wall or in a cabinet as they do on the belt.

Looking for more show-stopping blades? See our best bowie knives or our copper Damascus bowie knives.

What Sheath Comes With the Knife?

The knife ships in a hand stitched brown leather sheath with a hair-on cowhide front panel and a snap retention strap. Contrast stitching runs the full outline, and the natural hide panel means each sheath is as unique as the blade it carries.

Feather Damascus Bowie Specifications

How Do You Care for a Feather Damascus Knife?

Damascus contains high carbon steel, so it can rust if neglected. Wipe the blade clean and dry after handling, since fingerprints alone can mark the steel, and keep a thin coat of mineral oil or Renaissance Wax on it. Clean around the feather notches with a soft brush. Rub a little oil into the rosewood a few times a year, and store the knife out of the sheath long term so leather does not hold moisture against the steel. Our Damascus knife care guide covers oiling, storage and re-etching.

Can You Own a Bowie Knife in Canada?

Bowie knives are legal to own across Canada and most of the United States, including as collector and display pieces. Carry rules vary by province, state and city, so check local regulations before taking any large fixed blade out in public. Our guide to bowie knife laws in Canada covers the details.