Handled the Slysz Bowie last week..

My Camo/DLC Millie is my #1 user, don't see that changing any time soon! It's been re profiled and then re sharpened numerous times, I love that blade!
 
Surfingringo said:
Man that thing is nice. The only thing about the knife that wasn't perfect for me was that it had a bit too much belly up near the tip. I use the tip on my knives a lot and all that curve up there makes it a bit tougher to use the tip than it is on something like the military. .
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That's the biggest issue that's kept me from pulling the trigger on one as well.
 
3rdGenRigger said:
I was really looking forward to the Slysz Bowie and was 100% sure I wanted one, but I held one in my local store a few weeks ago and now I'm on the fence. It is a truly beautiful and exceptionally well crafted knife...truly a gem, but the handle felt cramped to my hands and I found that my pinky was uncomfortable to the point where I question whether I'd carry it regularly. My local store also has it priced way too high, and I may still pick one up eventually anyways, but I found it a little cramped feeling...I'll need to handle it again at least once more to be sure. I so wanted to be 100% sold on it too.
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Glad to know I'm not the only one who had this experience. I really, really, REALLY wanted to like the Bowie. The knife itself is a masterpiece. I just couldn't get comfortable with how it fit in my hand.
 
That knife has been on my list for quite some time, unfortunately it's quite expensive. Glad to hear it handled well, it seems like it's very well made. Hopefully you get one in the future and love it :)
 
the Nirvana will be a great alternative when it comes out, both for handle comfort and less belly. I like the Slysz but not enough to buy it for those reasons.
 
fishface5 said:
the Nirvana will be a great alternative when it comes out, both for handle comfort and less belly. I like the Slysz but not enough to buy it for those reasons.
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Yep...
Although it's currently pretty common to compare the Slysz Bowie and the 761 based on size and similarity, I think the Nirvana is actually going to take over all of the 761 comparisons when it comes out. The Slysz and the 761 clearly have different blades that have different strengths and weaknesses. The Nirvana looks like a it may be intended to be a Spyderco version of the 761 with a stronger frame and tip up carry. The blades and frame shapes are remarkably similar. You can bet I'll be getting one and comparing it with my 761 and my Slysz as soon as they are available. Unfortunately I have a feeling we might have to wait until deep into 2016...hope not, but we'll see.
 
Yeah it took 2 years from when I first saw the Slysz bowie in Eugene until it became available so I'm resigned to a long wait for the Nirvana but it will be worth it.
 
TheGearGuy said:
Yep...
Although it's currently pretty common to compare the Slysz Bowie and the 761 based on size and similarity, I think the Nirvana is actually going to take over all of the 761 comparisons when it comes out. The Slysz and the 761 clearly have different blades that have different strengths and weaknesses. The Nirvana looks like a it may be intended to be a Spyderco version of the 761 with a stronger frame and tip up carry. The blades and frame shapes are remarkably similar. You can bet I'll be getting one and comparing it with my 761 and my Slysz as soon as they are available. Unfortunately I have a feeling we might have to wait until deep into 2016...hope not, but we'll see.
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Or it could be a Spyderco version of the custom Peter Rassenti Nirvana, since it's a collaboration piece, and not Spyderco's version of a Benchmade. Give me a break. :rolleyes:
 
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blade man said:
Or it could be a Spyderco version of the custom Peter Rassenti Nirvana, since it's a collaboration piece, and not Spyderco's version of a Benchmade. Give me a break. :rolleyes:
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Give you a break? Hmmm nice guy. Of course it's their collaboration of the Rassenti Nirvana, thank you for your wisdom Captain Obvious. :rolleyes:

I thought anyone paying attention understands that as a given. I was referring to the Spyderco Nirvana taking the same exact place in the knife market as the 761, appealing to the very same customers, without spelling out every detailed nuance of my thought. If you think it's purely coincidence that Spyderco is looking to collaborate on the Nirvana after the introduction of the 761, you don't understand business or the competitiveness that exists between Sal and Les.

Enjoy your day. And hey go ahead...take a break.
 
I love both designs, just wish the nirvana would come drilled and tapped for lefty carry. The Slysz looks to be drilled for lefty carry, but the lack of a thumb relief cut for the opening hole makes me wonder. If any Slysz owners can advise on how it is for lefty carry I would be grateful.

Thanks,

Chris
 
I ordered the Slysz Bowie a few hrs ago, and will be happy to check it out.
I have great expectations for that fine Taiwan knife.
 
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6734 said:
I love both designs, just wish the nirvana would come drilled and tapped for lefty carry. The Slysz looks to be drilled for lefty carry, but the lack of a thumb relief cut for the opening hole makes me wonder. If any Slysz owners can advise on how it is for lefty carry I would be grateful.

Thanks,

Chris
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You won't be able to thumb it open with your left hand, but I can flick it with my middle finger on my left hand suuuuuper easy. That cutout is perfect for it!
 
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TheGearGuy said:
Give you a break? Hmmm nice guy. Of course it's their collaboration of the Rassenti Nirvana, thank you for your wisdom Captain Obvious. :rolleyes:

I thought anyone paying attention understands that as a given. I was referring to the Spyderco Nirvana taking the same exact place in the knife market as the 761, appealing to the very same customers, without spelling out every detailed nuance of my thought. If you think it's purely coincidence that Spyderco is looking to collaborate on the Nirvana after the introduction of the 761, you don't understand business or the competitiveness that exists between Sal and Les.

Enjoy your day. And hey go ahead...take a break.
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I was unnecessarily rude. :o

Back on point, I'm nearly positive the Nirvana was in the works before the 761 came out. I guess I can see the overall shape being similar, but no, I don't think it has anything to do with the 761, especially since Rassenti's version was out so long (years) before the Benchmade. I think there's plenty of other stuff to compete in that market slot. My point is that I don't think Spyderco is trying to respond to this one model of Benchmade's.
 
Personally, Slysz Bowie is the best Spyderco I've ever had.

It's plenty big enough with a 3.4" blade and 4.4" handle. It's not as wide as some Spyderco folders because the hole is somewhat flush.

Fits the hand very nicely and the stonewashing gives good traction. Well-balanced with a weight of 4.28 ounces. The jimping on the spine and backspacer are just right. No sharp edges and nicely rounded.

Very smooth operation.

The blade is crowned which is another nice touch.

Excellent fit & finish. Even the screws & clip have the stonewashed look.

Although there's no lock bar insert there's no sticky lock issue. Lockup on mine is at about 60%.

A few things I would do differently knowing that it would add to the cost:

  • CTS-204P instead of CTS-XHP
  • Titanium backspacer
  • Full titanium clip instead of wire
 
If I thought I could sell off most of my other knives and earn enough to buy one of these, I'd do it in a second.
 
RamZar said:
Personally, Slysz Bowie is the best Spyderco I've ever had.

It's plenty big enough with a 3.4" blade and 4.4" handle. It's not as wide as some Spyderco folders because the hole is somewhat flush.

Fits the hand very nicely and the stonewashing gives good traction. Well-balanced with a weight of 4.28 ounces. The jimping on the spine and backspacer are just right. No sharp edges and nicely rounded.

Very smooth operation.

The blade is crowned which is another nice touch.

Excellent fit & finish. Even the screws & clip have the stonewashed look.

Although there's no lock bar insert there's no sticky lock issue. Lockup on mine is at about 60%.

A few things I would do differently knowing that it would add to the cost:

  • CTS-204P instead of CTS-XHP
  • Titanium backspacer
  • Full titanium clip instead of wire
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Ram, you're hitting on all cylinders. I completely agree. While this knife is near perfection, your posited changes would be welcomed by me as well.

The size is perfect IMO. Big enough to be capable, small enough that I don't hesitate to whip it out and use it no matter the company.
 
I know it's usable for lefties, and the market probably wouldn't support a dedicated lefty version, but... I can't help wishing these fine new designs were available in lefty versions or at least somewhat more ambidexterous.
 
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