Crocodile Dundee Knife The Iconic Australian Survival Blade Guide

The Crocodile Dundee knife is a large Bowie-style hunting knife made for the 1986 film by Australian armourer John Bowring. It isn't sold today as an official product, so buyers choose replicas. The closest widely sold homage is the Down Under Knives Outback Bowie, with a 280 mm (about 11 inch) blade.

What Knife Did Crocodile Dundee Use?

The knife Mick Dundee (played by Paul Hogan) carries is a big fixed-blade Bowie-style hunting knife. It shows up in the first film and again in Crocodile Dundee II (1988), including the subway scene.

In one sentence: it's a long, heavy, single-edged blade with a crossguard and a simple handle, built to look tough on screen as much as to work outdoors.

Note what it is not. It is not a folding knife, a survival tool with a hollow handle, or a modern tactical blade. It's a classic frontier shape with an Australian twist.

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Who Made the Original Crocodile Dundee Knife?

The film's knife was created by John Bowring, an Australian film armourer. The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia holds an oral history in which Bowring describes making it. Blade Magazine also credits him with the design.

A few facts worth knowing:

• Only two originals. Blade Magazine reports that Bowring made just two original models, plus replicas.

• Hogan reportedly kept one. That claim is widely repeated but hard to confirm, so treat it as "reportedly."

• Different movies, different knives. The small knife Mick calls his "pocket knife" in the third film appears to be a different custom piece. Forum researchers haven't found a named maker, so don't state one.

Editor note: if you can interview a knife historian or cite Bowring directly, add it here. First-hand sourcing is your biggest authority boost on this section.

Is It a True Bowie Knife?

Mostly yes, with a twist. Knife experts today would class the Dundee knife as a Bowie type. But "Bowie" is a loose label, and many very different knives wear it.

A classic Bowie usually has:

• A long, wide blade (often 8 to 12 inches)

• A clipped or curved tip for piercing

• A crossguard to protect the hand

• A thick spine for strength

The movie knife follows that pattern but has small changes that give it its own look. That's why replica makers call their versions "homages" and not copies.

Why it matters to you: if a product says "Bowie" but doesn't say how close it is to the movie knife, you can't tell what you're getting. That's the problem the next section solves.

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Original Framework: The Dundee Match Score

Most product pages say "inspired by Crocodile Dundee" and stop there. So here's a simple way to judge any replica yourself.

Score each knife from 0 to 2 on five points, for a maximum of 10:

Applied to the two replicas below (editorial estimate from published specs, not hands-on testing):

• Down Under Knives Outback Bowie: about 8 to 9 out of 10. The seller's listings say it follows the film knife's shape and dimensions, with a brass guard and leather sheath.

• White Hills 15" D2 Bowie: about 5 to 6 out of 10. Good value and solid materials, but its page doesn't say how close it is to the film knife.

Editor note: replace these estimates with your own hands-on scores, measurements, and photos if you can. That's the single best way to add original information here.

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Best Crocodile Dundee Knife Replicas

Here's how the two replicas we could verify compare. Prices and stock change, so check before you buy.

Where to look in the US: White Hills ships from California and lists free USA shipping over $150. For the Outback Bowie, check current US retailers, because the European store we checked had all three versions out of stock.

A note on production country: Collini's product pages list the Outback's blade as made in Taiwan, while some of its category filters mention the USA. Confirm the origin with the seller before you buy.

Read More: Crocodile Dundee Knife Size Explained Like a Pro

Steel and Materials in Plain English

You don't need a metallurgy degree. Here's what the labels mean.

• 440C stainless steel: resists rust well and is easy to look after. A good all-round choice for a display or occasional-use knife.

• 1095 carbon steel: takes a sharp edge and is tough, but it rusts if you leave it wet. Wipe and oil it.

• D2 tool steel: very wear-resistant and holds an edge a long time, but it can stain if neglected. It's often called "semi-stainless."

• HRC number: hardness. Higher is harder to dull, but harder to sharpen and a little more brittle. Your 57 to 59 range is a normal, usable hardness.

Quick tip: don't buy "Damascus care" advice for a D2 knife. One seller's page includes long Damascus instructions on a non-Damascus blade. Always follow care steps for the actual steel.

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Is a Crocodile Dundee Knife Legal in the US?

It depends on where you live and how you carry it. There is no single national rule for carrying a fixed-blade knife. States, counties, and cities set their own limits on blade length, concealed carry, and carrying in public.

What that means in practice:

• Owning one at home is generally treated differently from carrying one in public.

• A 10- to 11-inch fixed blade is much more likely to draw attention than a pocket knife.

• Rules can change by city, school, airport, and vehicle.

• Shipping rules can also differ by state, and some sellers state the buyer is responsible for knowing local law.

Do this before you buy: check your state statute and your local ordinance, and read the seller's legal notice.

Editor note: this section needs a verified source before publishing, for example your state's official statute site or a recognised knife-law resource. I have not cited a specific law here on purpose, so please add one for the states you target.

Is It Actually Useful, or Just a Prop?

Honest answer: it's more of a showpiece than a daily tool.

• At about 800 g, the Outback Bowie is heavy for its size.

• The thick 6 mm blade is strong, but it's awkward for fine cutting.

• A big Bowie is great for chopping, camp work, and looks. It's poor for kitchen prep or carving.

If you want a working outdoors knife, a shorter fixed blade will serve you better. If you want the Dundee look, a replica does that job well.

Buy Now: Crocodile Dundee "The Legacy Knife" Replica - Custom Made D2 Steel Bowie Knife

How to Spot a Poor-Quality Replica

Be careful. Many cheap listings use "Crocodile Dundee" as a search word only.

Watch for these red flags:

• No blade length or steel type listed. Real makers list both.

• Stock photos only, or photos that don't match the description.

• A big price drop with no brand name. Sub-$60 eBay-style listings exist, and quality varies widely.

• Reviews that mention damage or a poor sheath. One White Hills buyer noted a scratched handle and another criticised the sheath leather.

• No stated return policy.

Safer approach: buy from a seller that lists full specs, a clear return policy, and real customer reviews.

Buy Now: Modern Bowie Knife - Crocodile Dundee Knife Replica – 16-Inch D2 Steel Blade

Conclusion

The Crocodile Dundee knife remains one of the most recognizable movie knives, thanks to its distinctive design and memorable role in the film. When comparing the original screen-used style with modern replicas, pay attention to blade shape, materials, handle details, construction, and overall authenticity. Whether you're interested in the movie history or collecting a replica, understanding these features can help you make a more informed choice.

FAQs

What kind of knife did Crocodile Dundee use? 

A large Bowie-style hunting knife made for the 1986 film. It appears again in the 1988 sequel.

Who made the Crocodile Dundee knife? 

Australian film armourer John Bowring made the original. Reports say he produced only two originals, along with replicas.

Can you buy the actual Crocodile Dundee knife? 

No. The originals aren't sold. You can buy replicas and homages, such as the Down Under Knives Outback Bowie.

How long is the Crocodile Dundee knife? 

The closest widely sold homage has a 280 mm (about 11 in.) blade and 405 mm (about 16 in.) overall length. Exact movie dimensions vary by source, so check before quoting.

Is the Crocodile Dundee knife a Bowie knife? 

It's a Bowie-type knife with small design changes that give it its own look.

Is a Crocodile Dundee knife legal to own in the US? 

It depends on your state and city, especially for carrying it in public. Check local laws before you buy or carry.