Recommendation? Slysz bowie or shiro neon

G

greyling

Joined
Dec 26, 2006
Messages
94
I have the opportunity to spoil myself with a trade. I can get either a minty spyderco slysz bowie or a used but still nice shirogiriv neon ultralite (and I'd have to add just a little cash). I haven't handled either one of them as they are out of state, The closest things to them I have are a I have are a real steel eclipse, a zt0450cf and a sage 5. {I'm trading away a spare AR upper on a gun forum. Either way I'm coming out ahead on the trade}

So which one would you go for and why? Lets focus on teh knife and not the value or collectability. I use all my knives, but I don't use them hard. no batonning or chopping down trees. Nick shabazz loves the slysz, I've handled a shiro f95 (wow) and both have flat grinds and titanium scales and fit within my size preferences. should I be concerned about the lack of steel insert in the lockbar of the bowie?

ps: I am aware there are clones of both these knives out there, but I trust this guy. He has a stellar rep and he has receipts.
 
I have a Neon UL, a ZT 0450 and a small CRK Sebenza. The 0450 has a superior flipping action and deploys noticeably more easily and smoothly than the Neon UL.

Let your own preference be your guide but if size matters to you, be aware that the Neon UL is a small knife. It’s very close to the same exact size/weight as the ZT 0450. The Neon UL blade length and handle length are only ~1/4” longer than the BM Mini-Grip or the CRK Small Sebenza and the Neon UL overall length is only ~1/2” longer than the Mini-Grip or Small Sebenza. If you want a small knife that’ll disappear in your pocket and be good for very discreet concealed carry, the Neon UL will be good for you. If you want a robust workhorse that’ll tackle a steady diet of cutting jobs like a hungry teenager hitting a pizza buffet, the Neon UL may not be the ideal tool for you. Good luck with your research and choice.
 
Yes, Nick loves the Slysz Bowie but he continues to remind us that it's not a $400 knife.

Unless there's an issue with size, the Shiro should be a better knife in most ways.
 
The Shiro. I find the Slyz bowie aesthetically unappealing and I don't care for the blade shape. I think the Shiro is small, but I would pick a small knife over something that looks like a brick.
 
Be honest with yourself, is a "good" knife a fun knife? Flips like a dream, falls shut, etc. Or is a "good" knife one that performs better? The Slysz will perform better as a knife. The Shiro will likely bring more fun. The Slysz is still a fun knife and the Shiro will still cut. No foul in either option just a big fork in the road IMO.
 
I like both a lot. Ones a flipper the other isn't. What do you prefer..

I think I'd take the Shiro. But I dunno for sure. I really like the dual row bearings and the action alot. Plus Shiro does the heat treatment above what most manufacturers do.

The slyz is great manual knife. I think I'd take the sebenza or inkosi over it. But still like the bowie alot.
 
Last edited:
What a great predicament to be in.... I'd have a hard time choosing but would probably go shiro because of their high regard and trade into a slysz if you don't like it down the line.
 
greyling,
If you are someone who takes apart your knives to clean one thing to consider is the shirogiriv has a ton of loose bearings so will take a little more care not to loose any.(you can see it on Nicks review). May not be a big deal to you but its worth looking at.
 
I do tend to prefer flippers to other styles. Loose bearing is aren't a big issue. Just need to put the knife in a plate when disassembling. I do love a good fidgety knife, and I like a drop point better than a clip point. Sounds like the shiro would be the winner. Thanks guys.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top