Bow River Modified

[Dodge]

Ever since I saw the prototype photos I have always wondered why they dropped the index dimple off the production knife? After some thought and an inventory of my diamond burrs. I decided to put my Bow River “under the knife” to make closer to the way Mr. Wilson intended.

.250” diamond round burr on a pin vice for about 5 mins of sanding and then a quick wash and wax. It’s perfect for a pinch grip index and to help you safely locate the edge in the dark. Though I doubt that was the reason it was added in the first place.

[clinton1]

I love this mod! The Bow River is an incredible value, but while processing deer found that the edge is a little too easy to find. Haha. This looks like it really solves that issue. Thanks for posting.

[Bemo]

Interesting. Guess I'm not familiar with the original design. If Mr. Wilson's intent wasn't for indexing, then I wonder why he included that dimple. Indexing certainly makes sense as there's really nothing tactile to tell you how close to the blade you are. I wonder where he located the original dimple? Like how far back from the edge.

[jwbnyc]

Good practical mod. Thanks for sharing.

[Dodge]

Interesting. Guess I'm not familiar with the original design. If Mr. Wilson's intent wasn't for indexing, then I wonder why he included that dimple. Indexing certainly makes sense as there's really nothing tactile to tell you how close to the blade you are. I wonder where he located the original dimple? Like how far back from the edge.

You can see the original in the current Spyderco catalog. It appears they used the old prototype photo from the previous catalogs.

[zhyla]

The Bow River is one of the coolest Spydies I have but sadly the least used. I just don’t have many times where a folder won’t do. I made a cool kydex sheath and strapped it on my hiking backpack strap. Looks cool!

[mokele]

I wish it was released with an upgraded steel.

[Enactive]

Interesting. Guess I'm not familiar with the original design. If Mr. Wilson's intent wasn't for indexing, then I wonder why he included that dimple. Indexing certainly makes sense as there's really nothing tactile to tell you how close to the blade you are. I wonder where he located the original dimple? Like how far back from the edge.

You can see the original in the current Spyderco catalog. It appears they used the old prototype photo from the previous catalogs.

Is it a dimple or foreward lanyard hole in that pic? It's hard to make out the details in the pic i saw.

[BornIn1500]

Is it a dimple or foreward lanyard hole in that pic? It's hard to make out the details in the pic i saw.

dimple. You can see it clearly in the 2018 video starting at 0:34. Eric calls it a "divot". I assume it would've cost too much for the price point they wanted to hit.

[Enactive]

Is it a dimple or foreward lanyard hole in that pic? It's hard to make out the details in the pic i saw.

dimple. You can see it clearly in the 2018 video starting at 0:34. Eric calls it a "divot". I assume it would've cost too much for the price point they wanted to hit.

Cool. Thanks.

[Dodge]

The Bow River is one of the coolest Spydies I have but sadly the least used. I just don’t have many times where a folder won’t do. I made a cool kydex sheath and strapped it on my hiking backpack strap. Looks cool!

Pull it out and cook with it. They also make great steak knives!

[Phil Wilson]

The divot was part of the original design and I sometimes use it on other designs as well. It is used to add additional retention with a kydex sheath. The sheath would have an --opposite-- to the divot dimple that snaps into the sheath when closed. The Bow River ended up with a nice leather sheath so the divot was not needed. It could be useful for locating the knife in the hand but I can't take credit for that idea. Phil

[zhyla]

The Bow River is one of the coolest Spydies I have but sadly the least used. I just don’t have many times where a folder won’t do. I made a cool kydex sheath and strapped it on my hiking backpack strap. Looks cool!

Pull it out and cook with it. They also make great steak knives!

It’s got too much belly to be useful on a cutting board. Would work fine as a steak knife though.

[BornIn1500]

The divot was part of the original design and I sometimes use it on other designs as well. It is used to add additional retention with a kydex sheath. The sheath would have an --opposite-- to the divot dimple that snaps into the sheath when closed. The Bow River ended up with a nice leather sheath so the divot was not needed. It could be useful for locating the knife in the hand but I can't take credit for that idea. Phil

I'm really happy they chose the leather sheath. It gives the whole package of feeling of both classic and modern with the leather sheath mixed with the layered g10 handle.

[Dodge]

The divot was part of the original design and I sometimes use it on other designs as well. It is used to add additional retention with a kydex sheath. The sheath would have an --opposite-- to the divot dimple that snaps into the sheath when closed. The Bow River ended up with a nice leather sheath so the divot was not needed. It could be useful for locating the knife in the hand but I can't take credit for that idea. Phil

Thank you for your insight on my question. This is a very refined design for the price point.

[skeeg11]

Confession time. Initially a Boltaron sheath was advertised to be available for the Bow River. It never materialized so I didn't purchase the Bow River. Even knowing that the optional Boltaron sheath would probably cost as much as the knife I would have purchase the combo. Kept waiting for the sheath to drop, but it didn't happen.

[BornIn1500]

Confession time. Initially a Boltaron sheath was advertised to be available for the Bow River. It never materialized so I didn't purchase the Bow River. Even knowing that the optional Boltaron sheath would probably cost as much as the knife I would have purchase the combo. Kept waiting for the sheath to drop, but it didn't happen.

They used to have them in stock.

https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/FB46SH/1805

There is an option to "add to cart", but that $70 price seems high. I thought they used to be around $25 or $30. But even if Spyderco doesn't have any in stock, they have said in the past that you can order directly from SheathPro, which is the company who makes them.