A Bowie Knife is a fighting knife that was created by James Black for Jim Bowie in the 19th century.
I was not aware that James Black created the knife. I always though Bowie created it. 
Jim Bowie designed the knife and James black made the improvements.
So it was a collaborative effort to create the knife. I feel that the Bowie knife is one of the most iconic knifes in history.
The knife pattern is still very popular with collectors and is often replicated.