Spyderco Black Blade Subway Bowie Knife Review

First Impressions of Spyderco Black Blade Subway Bowie Knife

The Spyderco Black Blade Subway Bowie Knife is a compact fixed blade that immediately piqued my interest. Coming from Spyderco, a manufacturer renowned for quality and innovation, this knife presents a unique take on the classic Bowie design. Its small size, coupled with the sleek black ceramic blade, sets it apart from traditional, larger Bowie knives.

I was searching for a lightweight, easily concealable fixed blade for everyday carry that could also handle more demanding tasks when needed. Something more substantial than a folder, but without the bulk of a full-sized survival knife. The Spyderco Black Blade Subway Bowie Knife appeared to fit this niche perfectly.

Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was how light it felt. The FRN (Fiberglass-Reinforced Nylon) handle contributed to this, making it remarkably comfortable in the hand, despite its compact size. The black ceramic coating on the blade gives it a tactical, non-reflective appearance. The Boltaron sheath feels secure and well-made.

I considered the ESEE Izula and the Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter before settling on the Spyderco Black Blade Subway Bowie Knife. The Izula, while popular, felt a bit too small for my intended uses, while the Benchmade was a bit too focused on hunting applications. The Spyderco, with its Bowie blade shape, felt like a good compromise between utility and cutting power.

My initial impression was one of excitement. The knife feels well-built and has a unique blend of compact size and functional design. I was eager to put it through its paces and see how it performs in real-world scenarios.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Spyderco Black Blade Subway Bowie Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Spyderco Black Blade Subway Bowie Knife on a weekend camping trip, using it for various tasks around the campsite. These tasks ranged from food preparation to processing small firewood. The ergonomic handle provided a comfortable and secure grip. This allowed for precise control during delicate cutting tasks.

The knife performed admirably in dry conditions, slicing through rope and cardboard with ease. However, when the handle got wet, it became slightly slippery. This required a firmer grip to maintain control. No major issues arose during the first use. I did notice that the black ceramic coating seemed susceptible to minor scratches.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Spyderco Black Blade Subway Bowie Knife has proven to be a reliable and capable tool. The LC200N blade steel has held its edge well. This only required occasional stropping to maintain sharpness. The black ceramic coating, while prone to minor scratches, hasn’t chipped or flaked.

The FRN handle has shown no signs of cracking or damage, even after being subjected to impacts and temperature changes. Cleaning the knife is simple. A quick wash with soap and water is all it takes to remove dirt and debris. I find the Boltaron sheath retains the knife securely. The retention has not loosened over time.

Compared to my previous EDC fixed blade (a Bark River Bravo Necker II), the Spyderco Black Blade Subway Bowie Knife offers a more compact and discreet package. While the Bark River boasts superior edge retention, the Spyderco‘s lightweight design and corrosion resistance make it a more practical option for everyday carry. The LC200N steel is a standout feature.

Breaking Down the Features of Spyderco Black Blade Subway Bowie Knife

Specifications

• Blade Length: 2.8 inches. This compact blade length makes the knife easily manageable for detail work. At the same time, it’s long enough for more substantial cutting tasks.
• Overall Length: 5.11 inches. The short overall length contributes to the knife’s concealability and ease of carry. It minimizes its footprint on your belt or in your pack.
• Blade Material: LC200N. LC200N is a nitrogen-enriched alloy steel renowned for its exceptional corrosion resistance. This is especially useful in humid environments or when processing food.
• Blade Shape: Bowie. The Bowie blade shape provides a generous belly for slicing. The pronounced clip point enhances piercing capabilities.
• Blade Finish: Black Ceramic. The black ceramic coating reduces glare and adds a layer of protection to the blade. However, it’s more prone to cosmetic scratches than some other finishes.
• Handle Material: FRN (Fiberglass-Reinforced Nylon). FRN is a lightweight and durable polymer that offers excellent grip. It’s also resistant to temperature changes and chemicals.
• Weight: 2.3 oz. The incredibly light weight makes the knife comfortable to carry all day. It adds minimal bulk to your EDC setup.
• Sheath Material: Boltaron. Boltaron is a thermoplastic material similar to Kydex. It provides a secure and durable sheath with good retention.
• Blade Grind: Saber. The saber grind provides a good balance between strength and cutting performance. This makes it suitable for a variety of tasks.
• Blade Thickness: 3 mm. This thickness provides sufficient strength for most cutting tasks. Yet, it maintains a good level of slicing performance.

These specifications combine to create a highly practical and versatile knife. It’s well-suited for everyday carry and outdoor use.

Performance & Functionality

The Spyderco Black Blade Subway Bowie Knife excels at slicing and piercing tasks. It is well-suited for food preparation, opening packages, and performing detailed cuts. The Bowie blade shape allows for smooth, controlled slicing. The clip point enhances its ability to penetrate materials.

The knife’s primary strength lies in its compact size and corrosion resistance. These attributes make it an ideal choice for everyday carry in various environments. A minor weakness is the handle can become slippery when wet.

The knife exceeds expectations in terms of its lightweight design and corrosion resistance. However, the black ceramic coating could be more durable.

Design & Ergonomics

The Spyderco Black Blade Subway Bowie Knife features a simple, yet effective design. The FRN handle is comfortable to grip. The knife is lightweight, minimizing fatigue during extended use.

The knife is exceptionally user-friendly, requiring no learning curve. The sheath provides secure retention. It also allows for easy access to the blade.

Durability & Maintenance

The LC200N blade offers excellent corrosion resistance, requiring minimal maintenance. The FRN handle is highly durable and resistant to impacts. The knife is easy to clean with soap and water.

With proper care, the Spyderco Black Blade Subway Bowie Knife should provide years of reliable service. The edge retention of the LC200N steel is adequate, requiring occasional sharpening.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Spyderco Black Blade Subway Bowie Knife comes with a Boltaron sheath. This offers multiple carry options. The sheath can be attached to a belt or MOLLE webbing.

There are limited customization options available for this knife. Aftermarket scales may be available from third-party manufacturers.

Pros and Cons of Spyderco Black Blade Subway Bowie Knife