Civil War D-Guard Chopper

This commanding Civil War D-Guard Bowie Knife recreates one of the most rugged field blades carried by soldiers in the American South. Whether you’re a reenactor, collector, or history enthusiast, this hefty chopper delivers the bold presence and battlefield functionality that made D-Guard knives so feared. Solid, weighty, and made to work, this reproduction captures the raw character of a blade forged for survival in the most unforgiving conditions.

A Confederate-Era Original Reborn

This piece is faithfully copied from a surviving knife featured on page 451 of The Antique Bowie Knife Book (1990), one of the earliest major publications to showcase rare historic Bowies. The original, believed to be Confederate, was a true blacksmith’s hybrid—combining the familiar D-Guard fighting grip with a bolo-influenced chopping blade. This practical design reflected the needs of soldiers who required a weapon that could also function as a short machete in camp and on the march. Its cylindrical wood grip, dark stain, heavy weight, and robust D-shaped guard were hallmarks of workmanlike blades made across the South during the war.

Recreated With Authentic Detail

Windlass Steelcrafts has reproduced this formidable knife with care, retaining the details that made the original such a distinctive battlefield tool. The blade carries a slight distal taper for improved handling while keeping tremendous power near the hilt. Hollow-ground lower bevels and a rounded tip echo the period workmanship. The dark-stained, cylindrical wooden grip reflects common Civil War styling, while the steel D-Guard provides authoritative hand protection and that unmistakable Confederate silhouette. Unlike the original, which lacked a surviving sheath, this replica includes a black leather sheath with a ring-mounted belt loop, retaining strap, and lanyard for secure carry. The chopper arrives sharpened from the factory and ready for display or field use.