The C186 is an amazing visual design, it just clicks on almost every level. The blade to handle ratio, the blade with, the grinds and handle texture (or lack thereof), it just works. Furthermore, the Slysz Bowie also features such production features such as a crowned spine, contoured titanium handle scales and really nice blade geometry executed in CTS-XHP steel. The action is smooth and the fit and finish is reminiscent of 90s-era Moki made spydies. It’s probably the reason so many people hunt after one of these for their collection.
Apart from its good looks and production quality, the Slysz Bowie a very practical design that works nicely. Of course, it doesn’t get much of a workout in my suburban life, but it’s nice to be able to do some grocery shopping, right? The C186 does have one big flaw, however. And that concerns the fold-over wire clip. That clip contacts the handle just behind the scallop in the locking side of the handle in such a way, that it locks in the seam of a pocket. The knife binds or gets stuck on your pocket when you try to deploy it. I get it, many afi’s love the more ‘discreet’ fold-over clip design, but that also offers you less real estate for your grip on the draw. There is a simple solution to this problem, in the shape of the clip taken from a C101 Manix Lightweight; it fits the C186 perfectly and the way the clip interacts with the handle offers both good grip to keep the knife in place, while making it oh so easy to deploy from your pocket or waistband. And, yes, for collection and possible resale purposes, I did save the original clip.
I remember when this came out, but I didn’t pay close attention to it. Nice review.
Spyderco C186 Slysz Bowie
Read the full article here
