If you have just purchased your first bowie knife, or even if you have been an avid collector of these blades for a number of years, it can be difficult to determine exactly what all the different parts of the blade are supposed to be used for. Part of this confusion stems from the myriad different styles of blade out there. For instance, you’ll find modern bowies that have saw-tooth edging on the spine, while historically accurate models do not include this feature. What are the different parts supposed to do?

Blood Groove – A deep (relatively) groove that runs from near the back end of the blade to near the point, the blood groove serves a very specific purpose. This groove is used to allow blood to flow out from a stab, ensuring that the blade does not become trapped by suction. However, not all bowie knife models feature this groove, as it is a recent, modern development.

Another element of bowie knife design is the clipped point. In fact, if a knife claims to be a bowie, but does not have this distinctive feature, it is not a bowie knife. The clipped point was one of the original innovations that helped to cement this knife’s reputation in the Western world. It allows immense control of the point during general use or during combat, and provides greater penetration when using the knife for stabbing. A sharpened false edge on the clipped point offers extra cutting power, as well.

Your bowie knife might also include a runnel or blood groove. These are not found on all bowies, but serve a purpose nonetheless. The runnel, or blood groove, serves to release blood pressure from around the blade of the knife when the knife is inserted into an animal. This ensures that the blade does not become trapped and can be easily free on the reverse motion of the stroke.

The Tip – The tip of bowie knives is quite unique. Called a clipped point, it provides better punch-through power in stabbing motions, but also provides better tip control, as well. You will find that this unique tip is actually one of the defining elements that sets bowie knives apart from other large, fixed blade sheath knives on the market today. If a knife does not have such a tip, it is not a bowie knife.

Dylan Sabot is the owner of an online bowie knife store featuring the jim bowie knife as well as lighters for camping.

Never have Cuba holidays been so popular among holiday makers until recent years, especially after its government opened its doors to tourism and foreign investment. For some this amazing Caribbean island is a must in the agenda of most interesting places in the world.

Cuba, being the largest of the Caribbean Island it is favourite over other Caribbean destinations. The fact is that there is so much to do and see that even 2 week holidays are not enough to get to know the Island.

Lets look at places like Varadero, Jibacoa, Guardalavaca, cayo Coco, Cayo Largo, Cayo Santa Maria and so many other beach destinations with white sandy beaches and turquoise color waters. To chose among all of them could be a difficult task. Some places like Varadero are better in terms of infrastructure and things you can do out side your hotel while the rest are more for the purpose of pure relaxation.

Interested in Nature? Well then you have to explore the mountains, valleys and rivers of Cuba. Pinar del Rio area, Escambray Mountain and Sierra Maestra are the richest in terms of natural attributes.

Baracoa in the eastern most part of Cuba is one of the most charismatic villages in Cuba from the Spanish Colonial Times. Its mountainous surroundings make it also ideal for those who enjoy direct contact with nature.

Havana without a doubt should not be left out in your visit. This city represents the main interaction with the Cuban culture. Havana?s Old Town is one of its best assets. You can find life music almost in every corner and every square.

You can combine as many places as your time and budget allows. Bear in mind that traveling around the island will increase the cost of your holidays since you will have to afford the transportation which is mainly by taxis and in some cases you could spend up to 6 hours on the road.

Things might change in Cuba pretty soon and there is so much to see before it happens. My recommendation is not to delay your plans to travel to Cuba or you might miss the last 50 years of history and culture.