Eagle Bowie Many legends surround the origin of the Texas Bowie and the man who made it famous, Jim Bowie. One story says Jim originated the concept and then had it made by a blacksmith, ironically by the name of Black. Another says the Bowie was designed and made by Jims brother. However, the knife was born and Jim Bowie made it famous. The knife was at his side or in his hand at all times. He carried it from the man to man battle at the Vidalia Sand Bar to the ill fated Alamo. Guns of the time often misfired, but the Bowie never did. The truth may be hard to distinguish from the legends, but one thing is certain, the Bowie is one of historys most famous knives as well as an American original.