Man vs. History Season 1 Episode 6 Secret History of the Bowie Knife

In season 1 episode 6 of Man vs. History, viewers are taken on a journey to uncover the secret history of the Bowie Knife. The Bowie Knife has become an iconic tool in the history of the American West, but few people know the true story behind its creation.

The episode starts with host Adam Mastrelli meeting with Doug Kidd, a collector and historian, to learn about the origins of the Bowie Knife. They discuss the life of Jim Bowie, who the knife is named after, and his role in the Texas Revolution.

Next, Mastrelli travels to Washington, D.C. to visit the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. There, he meets with Steve Turner, a curator of the museum's collection of Bowie Knives. Turner shares with Mastrelli some of the rare and unique Bowie Knives in the collection and the stories behind each one.

Mastrelli then heads to New Orleans to learn about the city's role in the history of the Bowie Knife. He visits the Historic New Orleans Collection, where he meets with curator Erin Greenwald. Greenwald shares with Mastrelli some of the records and documents that show the Bowie Knife was originally designed and created in the city of New Orleans.

The episode also covers the controversy surrounding the true design of the Bowie Knife. Some historians argue that the knife was actually created by blacksmith Jesse Clifft, while others believe it was a joint effort between Bowie and Clifft.

Throughout the episode, Mastrelli and Kidd meet with various experts and scholars to uncover the truth about the Bowie Knife. They explore the various theories about its design and creation, as well as its significance in American history.

In the end, viewers are left with a newfound appreciation for the Bowie Knife and its important place in American history. The episode serves as an educational and entertaining exploration of one of the most iconic tools of the American West.