Böker Fuses an Iconic Fighting Knife and Famed Jungle-Clearing Blade Into a Formidable Chopper

This gorgeous, intimidating outdoor tool is the brainchild of a three-decade veteran of the knifemaking industry.

Closeup of Böker Plus Northwood Bowie chopping tree branch

Published March 4, 2025

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Bowie knives, first popularized by American military legend James Bowie, are as iconic as fixed-blade fighting knives get. Machetes are unmatched in their jungle- and forest-clearing survival capabilities.

So, what happens when you combine them? In the hands of three-decade knifemaking design veteran Dave Wenger, you get the Böker Plus Northwood Bowie — a veritable best of both worlds.

Böker Plus Northwood Bowie in front of hiking pack and canteen in forest — The 10.71-inch blade is made from hard-working 1095 carbon steel and boasts an even more durable coating.

Hack ‘n’ slash

The clip-point blade and handle of the Northwood are all Bowie. However, the machete’s influence can be found in its size — an intimidating 17.40 inches overall.

While Bowie knives are undeniably beefy and big (most of the time), this one’s overall silhouette, especially regarding the cutting edge of its 10.71-inch blade, is far more machete-like. That size makes for excellent chopping power and is ideal for cleaning thick brush or jungle vines.

However, unlike machetes (and more like Bowies), the blade appears slightly thicker than usual. While that will undoubtedly make the knife heavier and more unwieldy overall, it is more formidable. It allows for greater power behind the cuts and chops.

The unique two-part grind of the edge — thinner toward the top of the knife and thicker near its base — furthers that. The thicker edge toward the handle allows this knife to be operated more like an axe or hatchet and is suitable for thicker wood. The thinner top two-thirds is better for twigs, weeds and brush.

Closup of Böker Plus Northwood Bowie handle in hand outdoors — The Northwood Bowie’s ergonomic Micarta handle is surprisingly premium.

Surprisingly premium

As mentioned, the intimidating blade measures 10.71 inches. It’s also made from durable, hard-working 1095 carbon steel — a rugged yet affordable material favored in outdoor cutting tools.

Better still, its black coating is corrosion-resistant. This is especially handy, considering the steel lacks chromium (the element that makes stainless steel rust-resistant).

The handle is perhaps more surprising. The knife’s handle, which makes up its other 6.69 inches, is crafted from Micarta — a material often found in mid- and high-grade EDC knives.

This material is known for its resistance to moisture and temperature changes. It also offers excellent durability, grip, and lightness making it ideal for outdoor usage.