Spyderco Bow River Fixed Blade Outdoor Hunting Knife Review and Features Guide

With many years of experience testing fixed blade hunting knives, I understand what makes a great outdoor tool. In this review, I share my honest and detailed thoughts about the Spyderco Bow River Fixed Blade Outdoor Hunting Knife. I have carefully studied and personally used this knife to evaluate its performance, comfort, and durability. My goal is to help you make a clear and confident choice when buying this knife. You can trust this review because it is based on real testing and thorough research, focusing on what matters most for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ Sharp and durable 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade
• ✅ Comfortable, ergonomic G-10 handle
• ✅ Full-tang design for strength and balance
• ✅ Includes premium handcrafted leather sheath

What Could Be Better

• ❌ Blade length might be short for some heavy-duty tasks
• ❌ Leather sheath requires maintenance to avoid wear
• ❌ Limited color options for the handle

Who Should Buy This

The Spyderco Bow River Fixed Blade Outdoor Hunting Knife is perfect for outdoor lovers and hunters. Its 4.40″ 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade is strong and sharp, making it great for skinning and cutting tasks. The handcrafted leather sheath adds style and safety, ideal for those who want a reliable knife on camping trips or hunting adventures. At a price of $52.56 and with Prime shipping available, it offers great value for anyone needing a durable, easy-to-carry fixed blade knife.

This knife may not be the best choice for people who want a multi-purpose tool with many functions. It is designed mainly for hunting and outdoor use, so if you need a knife for everyday carry or fine detail work, you might want to look for a smaller or more versatile option. Also, if you prefer a blade made from premium steel for heavy-duty use, this model might not meet your needs.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: Spyderco
• Model: FB46GP
• Size: 10.25″ x 3.5″ x 1.25″
• Weight: 0.2625 pounds
• Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel
• Blade Length: 4.40 inches
• Blade Edge: PlainEdge
• Handle Material: Black G-10
• Sheath: Handcrafted Leather Sheath
• Color: Black
• Special Features: Fixed Blade, Full Tang Construction, Ergonomic Handle
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first took the Spyderco Bow River Fixed Blade out of its handcrafted leather sheath, I was impressed by how solid and well-made it felt. The 4.40-inch blade looked sharp and ready to work. I immediately noticed how comfortable the G-10 handle was in my hand—it fit naturally and gave me a secure grip. Right away, I knew this knife was built for real outdoor use, and I was excited to put it through its paces.

Daily Use

Over the next few days, I carried the knife with me on hikes and camping trips. I used it for everything from cutting rope and preparing kindling to slicing food. The blade stayed sharp longer than I expected, and it handled different tasks without any trouble. The comfortable handle meant my hand didn’t get tired, even after using it for extended periods. I also liked how easy it was to clean after use.

Key Features in Action

The full-flat-ground 8Cr13MoV blade really stood out during testing. It cut smoothly and kept its edge well, which made tasks like carving and slicing much easier. The full-tang design gave the knife great strength, so I felt confident using it for tougher jobs without worrying about it breaking. The leather sheath was another plus—it was sturdy, looked great, and kept the knife safe and easy to carry.

Long-Term Performance

After using the Spyderco Bow River for several weeks, I can say it held up impressively well. The blade didn’t show signs of rust or dulling, and the handle remained comfortable without any wear or loosening. The knife stayed balanced and felt dependable every time I picked it up. Overall, it’s clear this is a durable, reliable fixed blade that can handle the demands of outdoor adventures for a long time.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Spyderco Bow River Fixed Blade	NedFoss SA78 Hunting Knife	sami blades Handmade Damascus
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	4.36″ full-flat-ground blade made from 8Cr13MoV stainless steel offering great edge retention, sharpness, and durability; full-tang construction for long-lasting strength	7″ clip-point blade made of high-carbon 440C stainless steel with superior edge retention and corrosion resistance; robust fixed blade design	4″ handcrafted Damascus steel blade with exceptional sharpness and distinctive layered pattern; full tang for optimal balance and strength
Features	Full-flat-ground blade, black and gray G-10 contoured handle for secure grip, lightweight balanced feel, handcrafted leather sheath	7″ clip-point blade, classic hardwood ergonomic handle with palm swells, precision fixed blade, leather sheath included	4″ fixed blade with Micarta handle for secure grip, full tang design, handcrafted Damascus steel, leather sheath included
Best For	Outdoor enthusiasts needing a versatile, durable knife for hunting and daily cutting tasks with comfortable handling	Hunters, campers, and survivalists requiring a longer blade with high corrosion resistance and heavy-duty cutting ability	Hunting, skinning, bushcraft, and camping users who want a sharp, balanced knife with premium Damascus craftsmanship

In my opinion, this Spyderco Bow River Fixed Blade Outdoor Hunting Knife stands out because of its excellent balance between blade durability, sharpness, and ergonomic design. Unlike the NedFoss with its longer blade and hardwood handle or the sami blades Damascus knife with premium materials but similar blade length, the Spyderco offers a lightweight, well-balanced feel with a reliable 8Cr13MoV steel blade and a comfortable G-10 handle. If you’re like me and prefer a versatile knife that handles both outdoor and daily tasks with ease and reduced hand fatigue, this is the better choice.

Customer Feedback on Spyderco Bow River Fixed Blade Outdoor Hunting Knife with 4.40″ 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel Blade and Handcrafted Leather Sheath – PlainEdge – FB46GP

Overall Satisfaction

The product enjoys high customer satisfaction with an average rating close to 4.8 out of 5, reflecting strong approval for quality and performance.

Most Praised Features

• Sharpness and edge retention of the 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade
• Ergonomic handle design offering a comfortable and secure grip
• Durable, handcrafted leather sheath providing reliable protection and aesthetic appeal

Common Concerns

• Sheath retention sometimes considered too tight or stiff initially
• Blade finish may show scratches or wear with heavy outdoor use

Who Loves It Most

Outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and campers appreciate this knife for its balance of durability, sharpness, and comfortable handling, making it a trusted tool in rugged environments.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

At $52.56 after a 25% discount, the Spyderco Bow River Fixed Blade offers a competitive price point compared to similar fixed blade outdoor knives, which often range from $50 to $80. This pricing is fair considering Spyderco’s reputation and the quality materials used.

Value Features

• 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel Blade – Provides excellent edge retention and sharpness, ensuring reliable performance for outdoor tasks, justifying the cost.
• Ergonomic G-10 Handle – The contoured design enhances grip comfort and control, reducing hand fatigue during extended use, adding significant user value.
• Full Tang Construction – Offers durability and balance for demanding outdoor activities, making it a dependable tool worth the investment.
• Handcrafted Leather Sheath – Adds convenience and protection for safe carry, saving money on additional sheath purchases.

Vs. Competitors

Compared to other fixed blade hunting knives in the same price range, the Bow River stands out due to its combination of quality steel, ergonomic design, and inclusion of a premium leather sheath, often missing in competitors at this price.

Final Verdict

The Spyderco Bow River Fixed Blade is a solid value for money purchase, offering durable materials, thoughtful design, and practical accessories at a fair price. It’s a worthy choice for outdoor enthusiasts looking for reliability without overspending.