Popular in the Confederacy during the Civil War for its all-purpose capabilities, the D-Guard bowie chopped branches, split logs, sliced saplings and even had its way with a Yankee or two. Reenactors use it to dig cannon emplacements! The steel guard can withstand punishment and the massive, high carbon steel blade holds an edge well. A soldier on the move soon learns to travel light (ours is 1 lb. 5 oz.), so a handmade bowie was often treasured as a backup weapon when the entire cavalry were "under the guns." Grip is contoured wood with light stain. 23" overall. 18" blade, 1 5/8" wide, 3/16" thick.