In modern terminology, the Arkansas toothpick is a heavy dagger with a 12-to-20-inch (30 to 51 cm) pointed, straight blade. [1] The knife can be used for thrusting and slashing. James Black , known for improving the Bowie knife , [ 2 ] is credited with inventing the Arkansas toothpick.

Classic Early America Arkansas Toothpick Knife Authentic Reproductions of 18th & 19th Century American Frontier Knives. The Arkansas Toothpick knife was named as reference to the rough nature associated with those occupying the lowlands of Arkansas and the Mississippi delta in the mid-19th century.

The Arkansas Toothpick is essentially a long, heavy, balanced dagger, slung in a holster across the back, drawn over the shoulder and flung optimistically at a distant enemy. When I say long, I mean a blade of fifteen to twenty-three inches.

Travelling journalists from Europe often made up stories about how they commonly saw men and old boys picking their teeth with giant knives that they dubbed Arkansas Toothpicks. Like the Bowie it was frequently a large knife almost always double edged with a sharp acute point.

A deadly reimagining of the Bowie knife, some soldiers used this dangerous dagger as a toothpick during the Civil War. See more in this clip from Season 8, E...

The name "Arkansas Toothpick" come from a popular myth of using the blade to pick clean one's teeth, as well as being invented in the State of Arkansas. Some of these blade would be seen in several future American conflicts (as personal battlefield weapons).

Cartoon showing Confederate president Jefferson Davis wearing a jacket and long skirt and holding a Bowie knife, labeled "Arkansas tooth-pick"; circa 1860s. ...

Arkansas Toothpick Brass Fittings - Coffin shaped hardwood handle is accented with solid brass furniture. Arkansas Bowie - This is a classic toothpick/bowie design that is as functional as it is good looking.

In modern terminology, the Arkansas toothpick is a heavy dagger with a 12-to-20-inch (30 to 51 cm) pointed, straight blade. The knife can be used for thrusting and slashing. James Black, known for improving the Bowie knife, is credited with inventing the Arkansas toothpick.