Updated steel for The Bow River

[Flash]

Great knife; it’s proportions and design lend itself well for most general tasks but I feel like the current steel option can be improved upon…

So can we get an updated steel for the Bow River please?

I’ve noticed CPM M4 is available for the China factory to use on its Tenacious…. Just an observation…

[RugerNurse]

Other people have commented on this and I’m patiently waiting. A salt version in either LC200N or Magnacut would be amazing

[Wright.88]

It seems like the interest is there for an upgraded steel for the Bow River. I would love Magnacut, S90V, M390. But would also take S30V, Cruwear, or something similar. Not sure which steels are available from the Chinese factory but like Flash said we know M4 is available given the recent Ti Tenacious models.

[VandymanG]

M4 please

[8th_Note]

It seems like the interest is there for an upgraded steel for the Bow River. I would love Magnacut, S90V, M390. But would also take S30V, Cruwear, or something similar. Not sure which steels are available from the Chinese factory but like Flash said we know M4 is available given the recent Ti Tenacious models.

The Chinese folders are available in S35VN also

[Coastal]

I'm all for a steel upgrade. And as long as we're making requests, I'd like a handle upgrade as well. I'm not picky, just something not slippery.

[Coastal]

.

[yablanowitz]

It seems like the interest is there for an upgraded steel for the Bow River. I would love Magnacut, S90V, M390. But would also take S30V, Cruwear, or something similar. Not sure which steels are available from the Chinese factory but like Flash said we know M4 is available given the recent Ti Tenacious models.

The Chinese folders are available in S35VN also

The question is, is that the same factory that makes the Bow River?

[zhyla]

I'd like a handle upgrade as well. I'm not picky, just something not slippery.

It’s a G10 handle. You can use a checkering file etc to add some texture if you need it.

In my opinion the smoothness of the handle makes you think the handle is slippery, but the geometry locks into your hand far better than a folding knife that we’re used to. Get it wet and play with it. It stays put. Primarily because the handle swells towards the butt end.

[BornIn1500]

I don't think the 8cr should be replaced. But if it's only an addition, then I'm sure some people would like it. The price will go way up, though, and the current low price is part of the appeal for the Bow River. Lets look at the current Tenacious line-up for a comparison. The Tenacious in 8cr is $64.50. The Tenacious in M4 is $142.50. That's an increase of $78 for the steel. Now, the current price of the Bow River is $52.50 MAP. Add around $78 to that for the M4 upgrade you are suggesting. So it'll probably be around $130.50 for your M4 Bow River. Would that sell? Also keep in mind that it is full tang, so it'll be using a larger piece of M4 than it takes for a Tenacious blade.


As for me, 8cr works just fine.

[zhyla]

Oh the real solution to the steel issue for this knife is D2. Not quite as stainless but higher edge retention and most importantly, cheap and readily available in China.

[Manixguy@1994]

I like the Bow River and it’s nice to have an entry level model in lineup. Personally just a 9CR upgrade would work for me . MG2

[GT99]

14c would be nice and its readily available in china

[blueblur]

I’d love to see this model get a decent steel. I use my bow river almost every day in the kitchen and the standard steel just can’t handle a lower angle. Anything different would be a welcomed upgrade IMO.

[Wartstein]

I’d love to see this model get a decent steel. I use my bow river almost every day in the kitchen and the standard steel just can’t handle a lower angle. Anything different would be a welcomed upgrade IMO.

There are SOME aspects / similar specs that could make me think "why would I need a "better steel Bow River" since I already have my Waterway", but cutting on a board / surface is one of the things where the Bow River layout just has to be better...

[jasonstone20]

I like 8Cr13MoV, it is almost perfect for a knife steel. it is just a Chinese version of AUS-8, and that used to be considered an excellent steel for a knife, and I'd have to agree.

[VandymanG]

A Bow River with CPM 3V would be amazing.

[olywa]

3V would be great. That and a taco kydex sheath...

[BornIn1500]

3V would be great. That and a taco kydex sheath...

Well, you're in luck. There's already one being made. Looks like they have it in stock. $77. Seems expensive for just a sheath, though. Their Boltaron sheaths for the Mules are only $40.

https://spyderco.com/products/bow-river ... %AE-sheath

[olywa]

Thanks for the link, nice looking sheath. But dang, that's more than I want to spend just to hold some 8CR steel.