The Arkansas Toothpick: A Forgotten Rival to the Bowie Knife
A Forgotten Rival
From the late 1830s until the years immediately following the Civil War, the Bowie knife was not the only formidable blade in the American frontier. It faced stiff competition from a lesser-known but equally lethal weapon: the Arkansas Toothpick.
Origins and Design
The Arkansas Toothpick originated in the backwoods of Arkansas and was primarily used by hunters, trappers, and frontiersmen. It was a long, slender knife with a double-edged blade that was typically between 12 and 18 inches in length. The blade was made from high-carbon steel and was often honed to a razor's edge. The handle was usually made of wood or bone and was often carved with intricate designs.
Use and Effectiveness
The Arkansas Toothpick was a versatile weapon that could be used for both fighting and hunting. Its long, thin blade was ideal for thrusting and stabbing, making it a formidable weapon in close combat. It was also a highly effective hunting knife, as its sharp blade could easily pierce the hide and flesh of animals.
Period Accounts
Newspaper accounts from the period provide vivid descriptions of the Arkansas Toothpick and its use in fights and duels. One account from the Arkansas Gazette in 1843 describes a barroom brawl in which a man armed with an Arkansas Toothpick "ran his adversary through the heart." Another account from the Memphis Daily Appeal in 1859 tells of a duel between two men, one of whom was armed with an Arkansas Toothpick and the other with a Bowie knife. The man with the Arkansas Toothpick reportedly "disarmed his opponent and inflicted a mortal wound upon him."
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