This is a beautiful maritime version of the famous Bowie Knife with solid brass fittings. The stainless steel blade and brass fittings will not rust. The design was used by sailors at sea, and would take into port where firearms were not permitted. The white handle is made from polished camel bone. The Marine Bowie's blade is made of quality tempered stainless steel and is 0.19 inches (4.8 mm) thick and 1 3/4 inches (4.45 cm) wide. This knife is very large and measures 17 inches (43.2 cm) overall and weighs 1 pound 10.3 ounces (0.75 kilograms). The thick high quality top grain 100% leather sheath weighs 5 ounces (142 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.