Great review. Despite those two flaws, thie S/Bowie has a cult-like following and commands ridiculous prices when compared with other so-called better knives. But when a knife hits all the right markers of what people like, the secondary market can get kind of crazy. A lot of reviewers are saying what the S/Bowie is not, but at the same time, they all say they are hanging on to theirs and the knife is in their EDC rotation. What does that tell you? Meantime, Spyderco is asleep at the switch. Lots of money to be made from a S/Bowie II (2). AF
Great review man! I have a Slysz Bowie and it is one beauty of a knife...... I can't put it down. The titanium slabs, the fit and finish and simple design of this knife make it a classic. Little bit pricey but hey, your getting a super sweet blade!
All the Spydies I've ever received from Taichung were flawless. That can't be said about some that I've gotten from Seki City and even some from Golden were a little rough around the edges but nothing major. Really doesn't matter where it's made as long as the quality control is there. Great vid Randy
Great review, Randy! You're 100% on the money regarding the lefty issue with this knife. I do think there might be enough lockbar to take a scallop out of it for thumb hole access though, but as is it should be rightie only. I had to chuckle at the US-made comment. I'm probably to blame for some of that, but it was really never an issue of "made in USA or nothing." My "rant" was really about singling out People's Republic of China produced knives, and my reasons for not buying them. That said, I'm a big fan of the knife industries in other free market countries, specifically Taiwan, Japan, Germany and Italy. The Taichung Spydies are among my favorite knives, and were this one a really lefty-friendly knife, I'd own one in a heartbeat.
lol you really have stirred that pot, man. On that note though, there definitely is enough lockbar to take a nice scallop out of for left hand thumb access (or middle finger flicking, which was my main concern). Have you, or anyone you know been able to "middle-finger-flick" this Spydie? There was actually a "left hand version" that sold on Arizona Custom Knives the other week that had that lockbar scallop mod done to it. So, since I'm a righty I'd rather avoid having to do that if I want to middle finger flick it, because that'd be awesome if it is in fact possible without any lockbar mod.
TheApostleP this and the techno are so good looking...why they gotta tease this southpaw? lol I flick with my middle finger on all my spydies outta habit, but these look like that might be uncomfortable. Wish there was somewhere I could get em in hand
So a year and change later, how is that lock bar and stop pin faring? Appreciate the time you make reviewing these knives. Thanks in advance and best wishes to you and yours.
I have a Slysz Bowie too, and while I love it, the deep carry pocket clip killed it for me. What I ended up doing was switching the clip with my manix, and it made a world of difference. It doesn't snag at all on my shorts anymore
Nice vid, Great job! Love your work and reviews. Spyderco didnt seem to have any trouble with the transition from the rounde part of the spine up to the jimping, would love to see that on the Seb 25 as well. thanks for sharing.
I noticed the Benchmade 484 nakamura has that same thing. But the top of the blade almost goes over the stop pin comleatly. Looks super nice. I wanted it when I first saw one. And now the carbin fiber one. omg. I have to have one. Well go nice with my 940-1. I really like the slyze bowie. But I've got so many spydercos I know what I'm in for. So I got the Benchmade loco instead. It should be at my house when I get off work. Should be a real beast of a knife.
You want early lock up for the reason being the steel is harder than titanium. Carbizing or heat treating the lock bar face will not stop the titanium form eventually being worn. When you have late lockup that was set from the factory like that, that is not its final position. After use and time that lock bar will travel over towards the show scale. There's no magic that will stop that. Hence why lock bar inserts were created. Elliot from Ferrum Forge talks about this in his video he did a while about why Ferrum Forge does what they do on their knives. He talks all about lock bars, lock up, carbizing and lock bar inserts.
I would pay the $300 if it was made in USA, but isn't the whole point of an oversea plant to reduce cost ? Seems a little expensive for a Spyderco foreign made production knife.
i actually did not like this knife at all when it came out. but seeing it more and noticing all the little details i didn't see before, i really like it now
It's perfectly fine as a left carry. It's as quickly opened (if not faster) with a spider flick as it is with a thumb flick. And it's always a disappointment for lefties to see Spyderco (particularly) cut us out of the market for a knife.
Randy, awesome review. Any updates on how the Bowie is holding up and your impressions now that you've had it a while? You voiced some concerns and I'd be interested in hearing your updated opinion
It's a beauty! If like to hear your thoughts on the price vs the manufacturing place. It happens that that facility is superb for what they do and may be worthy of the money for what you get, despite my feelings that we should not support them, however, there are a few places like they facility that does indeed make things that are actually on par, if not superior to high end US makers facilities. I know that's controversial to say that, and the truth does hurt. We have been slipping here, and do need an occasional kick in the pants to remind us how very easily we can be replaced in this day and age, especially with automated parts creators with unlimited access and financial support from their governments to the purchasing of the highest end precision tolerance checking machines that these facilities have. Their government is aware that their manufacturing standards were low, and that was because if you live in those countries and you lose your job, they send you to a factory like this instead of just giving you unemployment like we do. They expect their citizens to be productive and make things and they get paid accordingly. That's how their system works. Their government has an interest in making use of their labor force to produce fine quality items as a supplement to an automated assembly line. If you do well or show better than average skill, you can graduate to the Taichung facility and you get more for it and work in a better atmosphere.
I don't understand what everyone has against the Taiwan manufactured knives... I own 10 Taiwan models and they are miles ahead of the Golden and Japan plants. Taiwan allllll day!
Hey man, first off I wanted to say great work and great job on all your videos (I've watched quite a few now for some good info). Definitely convinced me to get one since I was on the edge before. Quick question though: What knot is that on your paracord lanyard?
Hi Randy, I have a question to the "obsessive knife player": what do you think about Sage II lock face (factory)? Have you seen any wear related problems with those? Thanks and keep up the good work.
Good video. I simply don't see the jump in price with Spydercos. In that they look too similar to each other. Example: this knife in video and Para 2....$300 is huge jump
i would own one of these if they didn't have a wire clip. it would be great if they made a normal clip that could be adapted to these kind of knives. so instead i got an xm18.
MamboPython Actually it's pronounced 'slysh', and to be more specific it's Słysz, Marcin Słysz. That's a Polish name (it kind of sounds like the sound efect 'swoosh' when you pronounce it). Cheers. Edit: You know instead of trying to tell you how it sounds, how about I just have google read it to you... yea we have the technology now lol /facepalm translate.google.pl/#pl/en/s%C5%82ysz
darkholyPL I figured the 'sz' was pronounced similar to an 's' sound. I am under the understanding that in Hungarian, my ancestry, an 's' is pronounced similar to the english 'sh' and 'sz' is pronounced similar to the english 's'. So my interpretation was that it was a little bit of a play on words. Anyways, thanks for the information.
Valid points on lockup and the stop pin. The milling for left hand carry doesn't make sense on this knife and it shouldn't be there. I will not buy this knife. Thank you for your observant review.
![[UNCUT] The Loyal Pin ปิ่นภักดิ์ EP.6 (2/4)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/GgeGQOP10RQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks for posting. I always like your knife videos and I'm glad you don't bore us with specs (like you state in the video).
Excellent review Randy, and the best, most informative, in depth 10 minute review ever !!! haha
Great review. Despite those two flaws, thie S/Bowie has a cult-like following and commands ridiculous prices when compared with other so-called better knives. But when a knife hits all the right markers of what people like, the secondary market can get kind of crazy. A lot of reviewers are saying what the S/Bowie is not, but at the same time, they all say they are hanging on to theirs and the knife is in their EDC rotation. What does that tell you? Meantime, Spyderco is asleep at the switch. Lots of money to be made from a S/Bowie II (2). AF
Really enjoying your reviews. Keep up the good work!
I just keep learning more and more from you. Dig the vids.
Great review man! I have a Slysz Bowie and it is one beauty of a knife...... I can't put it down. The titanium slabs, the fit and finish and simple design of this knife make it a classic. Little bit pricey but hey, your getting a super sweet blade!
All the Spydies I've ever received from Taichung were flawless. That can't be said about some that I've gotten from Seki City and even some from Golden were a little rough around the edges but nothing major. Really doesn't matter where it's made as long as the quality control is there. Great vid Randy
Great review, Randy! You're 100% on the money regarding the lefty issue with this knife. I do think there might be enough lockbar to take a scallop out of it for thumb hole access though, but as is it should be rightie only. I had to chuckle at the US-made comment. I'm probably to blame for some of that, but it was really never an issue of "made in USA or nothing." My "rant" was really about singling out People's Republic of China produced knives, and my reasons for not buying them. That said, I'm a big fan of the knife industries in other free market countries, specifically Taiwan, Japan, Germany and Italy. The Taichung Spydies are among my favorite knives, and were this one a really lefty-friendly knife, I'd own one in a heartbeat.
Yep, you have really started something with your Chinese Produced Knives Video... LOL
lol you really have stirred that pot, man. On that note though, there definitely is enough lockbar to take a nice scallop out of for left hand thumb access (or middle finger flicking, which was my main concern). Have you, or anyone you know been able to "middle-finger-flick" this Spydie? There was actually a "left hand version" that sold on Arizona Custom Knives the other week that had that lockbar scallop mod done to it. So, since I'm a righty I'd rather avoid having to do that if I want to middle finger flick it, because that'd be awesome if it is in fact possible without any lockbar mod.
KneightRiduh Is there still a picture available of that knife? I'd like to see how they handled that thumb relief.
Yup, here's the link, bud! www.arizonacustomknives.com/c186tip-slysz-bowie-folder--customized-lefty-friendly-by-spyderco-156091.aspx
TheApostleP this and the techno are so good looking...why they gotta tease this southpaw? lol I flick with my middle finger on all my spydies outta habit, but these look like that might be uncomfortable. Wish there was somewhere I could get em in hand
Enjoyed your perspective on this one. Video format is good too.
So a year and change later, how is that lock bar and stop pin faring? Appreciate the time you make reviewing these knives. Thanks in advance and best wishes to you and yours.
I ordered one, clip comes off I live in England ... looking forward to its arrival.
got it
love it...K2 ordered.
I have a Slysz Bowie too, and while I love it, the deep carry pocket clip killed it for me. What I ended up doing was switching the clip with my manix, and it made a world of difference. It doesn't snag at all on my shorts anymore
thanx for pointing out that stop pin issue i was about to buy it but im not going to now
Loving these videos! Keep it up!
watched this again...great review, absolutely
Finally you got it! Awsome!
Nice vid, Great job! Love your work and reviews. Spyderco didnt seem to have any trouble with the transition from the rounde part of the spine up to the jimping, would love to see that on the Seb 25 as well. thanks for sharing.
I noticed the Benchmade 484 nakamura has that same thing. But the top of the blade almost goes over the stop pin comleatly. Looks super nice. I wanted it when I first saw one. And now the carbin fiber one. omg. I have to have one. Well go nice with my 940-1. I really like the slyze bowie. But I've got so many spydercos I know what I'm in for. So I got the Benchmade loco instead. It should be at my house when I get off work. Should be a real beast of a knife.
Like you mentioned, That's the one dislike I have, is how the lock bar relief cut catches my pocket. Good for securing, not for easy-to-use.
You want early lock up for the reason being the steel is harder than titanium. Carbizing or heat treating the lock bar face will not stop the titanium form eventually being worn. When you have late lockup that was set from the factory like that, that is not its final position. After use and time that lock bar will travel over towards the show scale. There's no magic that will stop that. Hence why lock bar inserts were created. Elliot from Ferrum Forge talks about this in his video he did a while about why Ferrum Forge does what they do on their knives. He talks all about lock bars, lock up, carbizing and lock bar inserts.
BigThumpr1 lol hes got a 18 year old sebenza that hasnt moved.... So .... Yea
I would pay the $300 if it was made in USA, but isn't the whole point of an oversea plant to reduce cost ? Seems a little expensive for a Spyderco foreign made production knife.
oh god now I have just seen the Farid2 now I want that.
i actually did not like this knife at all when it came out. but seeing it more and noticing all the little details i didn't see before, i really like it now
Great video! Nice in-depth review!
It's perfectly fine as a left carry. It's as quickly opened (if not faster) with a spider flick as it is with a thumb flick. And it's always a disappointment for lefties to see Spyderco (particularly) cut us out of the market for a knife.
Amazing looking Southard
oooooh that hinderer!!! loves it!!
Randy, awesome review. Any updates on how the Bowie is holding up and your impressions now that you've had it a while? You voiced some concerns and I'd be interested in hearing your updated opinion
I have the fixed now I need this.
It's a beauty! If like to hear your thoughts on the price vs the manufacturing place. It happens that that facility is superb for what they do and may be worthy of the money for what you get, despite my feelings that we should not support them, however, there are a few places like they facility that does indeed make things that are actually on par, if not superior to high end US makers facilities. I know that's controversial to say that, and the truth does hurt. We have been slipping here, and do need an occasional kick in the pants to remind us how very easily we can be replaced in this day and age, especially with automated parts creators with unlimited access and financial support from their governments to the purchasing of the highest end precision tolerance checking machines that these facilities have. Their government is aware that their manufacturing standards were low, and that was because if you live in those countries and you lose your job, they send you to a factory like this instead of just giving you unemployment like we do. They expect their citizens to be productive and make things and they get paid accordingly. That's how their system works. Their government has an interest in making use of their labor force to produce fine quality items as a supplement to an automated assembly line. If you do well or show better than average skill, you can graduate to the Taichung facility and you get more for it and work in a better atmosphere.
I'm dying for Ti scaled flipper with a mirror polish swayback blade
Hi solos love the vids. Thinking about buying this knife but worried about the flat blade tang that u mentioned. Any change to the lockup yet?
I don't understand what everyone has against the Taiwan manufactured knives... I own 10 Taiwan models and they are miles ahead of the Golden and Japan plants. Taiwan allllll day!
I've actually never heard anyone talk crap about the Taiwanese Spydercos. Most people agree that they're the nicest (myself included). :)
Hey man, first off I wanted to say great work and great job on all your videos (I've watched quite a few now for some good info). Definitely convinced me to get one since I was on the edge before. Quick question though: What knot is that on your paracord lanyard?
Its a diamond knot
Hi Randy,
I have a question to the "obsessive knife player": what do you think about Sage II lock face (factory)? Have you seen any wear related problems with those?
Thanks and keep up the good work.
According to Eric Glesser, it is pronounced "swish", despite the spelling.
Thanks for the video. Where did you get the gold or bronze screws?
How has the lock up worn? Did it ever settle in and stop wearing?
Do you do work on knives? I have a hinder I would like anodized like your green one. Thanks!
also i want to know how i would anodize parts of my knives
Same washers on the Spyderco TUFF. Thick as fuck.
Good video. I simply don't see the jump in price with Spydercos. In that they look too similar to each other. Example: this knife in video and Para 2....$300 is huge jump
Its because its designed by a custom maker.
Plus titanium.
+Bryce H They'd like us to believe titanium is super expensive but if you check the price it really isn't that much more than most steels
How did this knife end up holding up in the end?
i would own one of these if they didn't have a wire clip. it would be great if they made a normal clip that could be adapted to these kind of knives. so instead i got an xm18.
nice vid quality
Any chance to "hard" test it out?
hi do u have any knives for ssaale or trade?
let it hit, don't make a drama.
I believe it is pronounced Slice
MamboPython Actually it's pronounced 'slysh', and to be more specific it's Słysz, Marcin Słysz. That's a Polish name (it kind of sounds like the sound efect 'swoosh' when you pronounce it). Cheers.
Edit: You know instead of trying to tell you how it sounds, how about I just have google read it to you... yea we have the technology now lol /facepalm
translate.google.pl/#pl/en/s%C5%82ysz
darkholyPL I figured the 'sz' was pronounced similar to an 's' sound. I am under the understanding that in Hungarian, my ancestry, an 's' is pronounced similar to the english 'sh' and 'sz' is pronounced similar to the english 's'. So my interpretation was that it was a little bit of a play on words. Anyways, thanks for the information.
Definitely pronounced “swish.”
Matt is correct..according to Spyderco.
Nice but Not CR nice
Valid points on lockup and the stop pin. The milling for left hand carry doesn't make sense on this knife and it shouldn't be there. I will not buy this knife. Thank you for your observant review.
According to Spyderco the name is pronounced "swish".
"Overbuilt" lol lmao!