Spyderco Bow River / best EDC fixed blade ???? Poor steel choice !!!

[johndohe]

You have the Southfork as the US made, highend steel (CPM S90V) brother to the Bowriver. This model was made as a possibility to get the Willson design at a better pricepoint while retaining the overall design and feel of the Southfork.

[imankhandaker]

The most beautiful thing about it is the price. Performance you cannot afford - is no use.

[GuyInAHotdogSuit]

Making it in America out of Cru-wear or M4 would drive the price up to over $250 at least (as you can see from other Spyderco fixed blades matching this description). Having such a nice design at an affordable price-point is much better than having it in needlessly overpriced steel that only a few people are willing to pay for. 8Cr is fine, it's perfectly functional, anyone who's used it knows that, and in many destruction tests that I've seen of 8Cr knives they greatly outperform higher end steels in every factor other than raw edge retention during light-duty use. This knife being the way it is is the best possible scenario for the end user. We don't need another $400 boutique Spyderco fixed blade that only 500 people will buy.

[flashforce]

It would be nice if an American design could get American steel, LET'S GO BRANDON

[moderntentcamping]

I agree that this is a very good mid-size food prep knife. I used it in our home kitchen almost every day for a couple of months and now I have packed it with our camping kitchen utensils. My main (and only substantive complaint) is the handle is too short - even with the extra Ricasso choil. When cutting a lot of meat and vegetables for beef stew, my hand got tired and started to cramp. Good video. Keep them coming.

[ShieldArms]

Beautiful knife brother 🔥 I got to get you to start carrying an extra mag. ✊🏻love ya brother

[johnsanford]

They should just do it in VG-10 or CPM-154, either Japan or Taiwan. I'd pay $10-$15 more for that. Between the steel upgrade and not sending money to commies (yes, yes, I know, the knife factory Red China may be private, but the TAXES on that knife factory and all the employees are still going to commies) is worth it to me. Hell, the steel and COO have conspired to block me multiple times from buying it. Also, it's a SPYDERCO. I've purchased 5 Spydies so far, never one from China. Too many established American brands have blown themselves apart chasing the cheap manufacturing in China, I don't want to see Spyderco do that.

[isaacs_knives_and_knowledge]

I've looked at the Bow River many times. Love the design, but definitely could use a steel upgrade although in reality 8cr13mov is probably just fine for tasks for most people. I can definitely see it performing great in the kitchen. I'm sure it's a great for processing game too.

[edcfun]

Yes, having fun is important! I’ve always loved the look and handles of the bow river, but have held off for another steel option. We’ll see..

[LegionTacticoolCutlery]

I love this knife! I been wanting the green/black handle version.

[CClifton]

Its designed to be a game processing knife. Not for use as a EDC or bushcraft knife.

[jeffaschbacher]

Yeah, that's a nice one. Agree with what you said. Have a good afternoon SRC 🇺🇸

[slkknifelover]

You aren't getting a super steel for 40 bucks😆

[nmhvactech]

Made in Japan with VG10 and a little more flex

[clintashmead]

Not micarta. G10. It feels like polished micarta though.

[mybaddadventures]

Definitely on the steel upgrade needs to be a stainless I used it a couple years back as a kayak stainless knife but got rid of it cause of the slickness of the handle, love the design not so much the materials

[wanderingghost]

It'd be nice in VG10. I just bought one and I'm going to use it for everything.

[christopher_lp]

While the 8cr13MOV isn't an absolute deal-breaker for me, I'd be happy with an upgrade to even something in the range of Sanvik 14C27 or 28.

[DirtyDickson]

Thanks for the great review.
It’s my go to e.d.c. However, I totally agree with the blade upgrade.
No troubles from the wife using it either, which is is a great bonus!

[johnsmithfakename]

From a chemical standpoint I really like 8Cr13MoV steel. It is not the best steel but it is not the worst. It seems to be a middle of the road knife stainless steel.
I consider 0.8% carbon steels to be the sweet spot for blade steel. Chromium in steel can make it brittle, and 13% chromium is on the low end for stainless steels.
Knives are made or broken in the heat treatment, Spycerco is one of the best when it comes to heat treating 8Cr13MoV steel.