Spyderco Bow River: Canoe Knife Perfection

Published on November 24, 2019
Duration: 21:32

This video reviews the Spyderco Bow River fixed blade knife, comparing it extensively to its predecessor, the Spyderco South Fork. The reviewer highlights the Bow River's affordability ($33) and practical design, making it an excellent camp and canoe knife. While praising its ergonomics and value, minor critiques include the lack of jimping and a basic leather sheath compared to the South Fork's premium Kydex. The video also touches on the collectibility of discontinued knives like the South Fork.

Quick Summary

The Spyderco Bow River is an exceptional value at $33, serving as a practical and well-designed canoe and camp knife. It shares design elements with the collectible Spyderco South Fork but offers a more robust handle and a significantly lower price point. While lacking jimping and featuring a basic leather sheath, its overall functionality and ergonomics make it a highly recommended purchase for outdoor enthusiasts.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Knife Design Management
  2. 01:41Introducing the Spyderco Bow River
  3. 01:54Comparison: Spyderco South Fork
  4. 05:51Spyderco Bow River Tabletop Review
  5. 06:41Size Comparison: Bow River vs. South Fork
  6. 07:01Phil Wilson Design Influence
  7. 07:49Practical Uses for the Bow River
  8. 08:54Weight and Portability
  9. 09:20Handle Design Comparison
  10. 09:55Bow River Handle Variants
  11. 10:43Bow River Blade Steel (8Cr13MoV)
  12. 11:35Bow River Price Point ($33)
  13. 11:52Spidey Hole and Signature
  14. 12:08Sharpness Test
  15. 13:09Downsides: Lack of Jimping
  16. 14:07Sheath Comparison: Bow River vs. South Fork
  17. 14:18Bow River Leather Sheath Review
  18. 15:27Competitive Options: SOG Field Pup 2
  19. 16:40Competitive Options: ANZUS Lot
  20. 17:33Competitive Options: Cold Steel Mini Pendleton Hunter
  21. 18:37Competitive Options: ESEE Bushcraft Knife
  22. 19:29Conclusion: Buy the Bow River
  23. 19:34Bow River vs. South Fork Recap
  24. 19:58Minor Quibbles and Overall Impression

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Spyderco Bow River a good canoe knife?

The Spyderco Bow River is considered an excellent canoe knife due to its practical design, featuring a trailing point blade with a curved edge that is ideal for camp tasks, food preparation, and general woods crafting. Its lightweight and ergonomic handle further enhance its usability in outdoor settings.

How does the Spyderco Bow River compare in price and value to the Spyderco South Fork?

The Spyderco Bow River is significantly more affordable at $33, offering exceptional value. In contrast, the Spyderco South Fork, originally around $280, has become a collectible item selling for $400-$425 on the secondary market, making the Bow River the practical choice for everyday use.

What are the main criticisms of the Spyderco Bow River?

The primary criticisms of the Spyderco Bow River are the lack of jimping on the thumb ramp for enhanced grip and control, and the inclusion of a basic leather pouch sheath. This sheath is functional but less premium and secure than the Kydex sheath that came with the more expensive Spyderco South Fork.

What steel is used in the Spyderco Bow River, and what are its maintenance requirements?

The Spyderco Bow River features a blade made from 8Cr13MoV steel. This stainless steel requires regular oiling to prevent rust, especially when used in outdoor or humid environments, to maintain its condition and performance.

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