Arkansas toothpick
A long fighting knife, often tied to Bowie knives.
Also called Arkansas tooth-pick.
Updated September 21, 2026
Arkansas toothpick pronunciation
/AR-kin-saw TOOTH-pick/
Meaning
A big, serious blade, not something for picnic apples. In the 1800s the name often overlapped with bowie knife. Today many folks picture a long, straight, pointed dagger meant for thrusting. Either way, it means a knife built for trouble, told with a dry joke in the name.
How folks use it
- “He kept an Arkansas toothpick sheathed on his belt.”
- “That Arkansas toothpick looked longer than my forearm.”
Origin and etymology
Frontier nickname from the early-to-mid 1800s, when Arkansas got a reputation for big knives and rough justice. James Black of Washington, Arkansas, is often linked to the style through bowie-knife lore, though inventors and exact designs stay disputed. Period writing used Arkansas toothpick and bowie knife almost interchangeably.
Frequently asked questions
Is an Arkansas toothpick the same as a Bowie knife?
Historically they were often the same nickname. Modern knife talk sometimes splits them: toothpick for a straight dagger point, Bowie for a clipped-point fighting knife.