Edged Weapons

Edged Weapons

Bayonets, Sabers, Swords, Short Swords, Cutless, Bowie Knifes,Pikes, and Lances appeared in considerable profusion during the Civil War.

[Coffee]

In 1834, James Bowie's famous "Bowie Knife" was made at Black's Blacksmith Shop in Washington Arkansas . The Arkansas toothpicks were also made there during the civil war. In 1861, my great grandfather was detailed as an overseer in that shop for eight months after he enlisted . My great grandfather was an experienced overseer for a few years on a large plantation near Washington in Hempstead County Arkansas prior to the war and had influence with the enrolling officer.

The shop quit making knives in mid-war because distribution of the weapons was a problem and most of the soldiers did not want to carry the extra weight.