Pros: Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Materials, Finish
Cons: Blade Sharpness
Nice 4 Price
I have knives that cost 10X’s the price, which came with sheaths half as good as Bow River’s. Thanks for the rivets. Now, if we could get a thermo plastic liner we could move beyond the 20th Century. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Nice budget priced, entry level fixed blade. I’ve heard folks already complaining about the 8Cr13MoV steel. Hey, there are plenty of premium steel fixed blades from Spyderco: Zoomer, Junction, Bill Moran, Province, Proficient, Serrata, Street Bowie, Sustain, to name a few (all available @ KnifeCenter.com). I think Bow River is meant to attract buyers who wouldn’t usually spend Spyderco prices for a fixed blade. But, once they go Spyderco, they’ll never go back. Once they use a knife built for performance that actually slices and cuts; instead of some tatic-cool hand-held log splitting wedge that Rambo cleans his toe nails with, they will be compelled to gravitate towards premium Spyderco Knives. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Handle is comfortable and fairly grippy, although minimal in length, at 3.74 inches. But, the pinky finger of my large hands fits on the handle. Bow River could use a lanyard with large bead choked-up to end of handle to aid retention in the hand, and drawing from sheath. Handle heavy balance on this knife, but it’s not like you’re going to juggle with it. The blade is about 5/32” thick, with a slight flex to it. Nice flat grind to a thin edge on this trailing point blade (a mini 19th Century scalping knife). Slight discomfort to index finger noted when choking up to the choil, with the thin steel there. Could’a used a guard. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> My Bow River didn’t arrive razor sharp. Not a big deal. It is not far from sharp. A session on the Sharpmaker, or a stropping on a leather stropping board, and it’s there. My theory is they left it not quite sharp, so you stick it in the sheath a few times before you sharpen it and stick it in the sheath slightly cockeyed, and slice through the side of the sheath. Send it back to Spyderco when you do, and maybe we can get a Boltron, or Kydex sheath next time. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Although, everyday utility is perhaps the best purpose for Bow River, it would make a fine Bird ‘n’ Trout knife. In fact, with mourning dove season just around the corner, this knife is almost made to order for processing Dove Poppers (jerked, bacon/jalapeño wrapped dove breasts). Just set up the Sharpmaker next to the cutting board and go to town on a flock. The most fun you can have with a shotgun, and these grain-fed Midwestern doves are tastier than fillet mignon. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>, For all my whining, I sure can’t deduct any stars from Bow River at this price. With trade tariff threats still on the table, you may want to hop on this. I guarantee the price will only go up. At this price, buy 2 Bow Rivers and keep one by the Sharpmaker, and you’ll always have a fresh edge. Bow River makes a great gift that won’t break the bank, too.
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