This is a beautiful marine version of the famous Bowie Knife with solid brass fittings that will not rust. The design was used by sailors at sea, and would take into port where firearms were not permitted. The black handle is made from polished Buffalo Horn. The Marine Bowie's blade is made of tempered carbon steel and is .210 inches (5.3 mm) thick and 1 7/8 inches (4.8 cm) wide. This knife is very large and measures 16 3/4 inches (42.5 cm) overall and weighs 1 pound 11 ounces (754 grams). The thick high quality top grain leather sheath weighs 5.6 ounces (159 grams). The blade is shipped unsharpened but can easily be sharpened to a razor sharp edge. The top edge can be left partially sharpened or fully sharpened for back slashing.