Watu...AKA Lil Chokwe
Re: Watu...AKA Lil Chokwe
Still waiting on mine. It was supposed to have been here yesterday... but USPS update shows it hasn't even left the distribution center. Can't wait to get this one. Surprisingly - they are still available at retailers. The Kapara, Smock and Ikuchi all sold out quickly as I recall.
- bbturbodad
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Re: Watu...AKA Lil Chokwe
I'm with you...I almost passed because I'm not a fan of the CF laminate on the Smock and Ikuchi but it's great on the Watu. Good thing the rest of the knife was so appealing that I had to give it a shot. :)
Last night
-Turbo
- Hank Scorpio
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Re: Watu...AKA Lil Chokwe
Mine finally arrived today after some of shipping delays. What a great knife. It’s everything I was hoping and expecting. Fit and finish is superb on mine; another knockout in that regard from Taichung. I remember when Sal was discussing bringing back the Chokwe in a smaller version, and I was all-in then. Fantastic to see it fully realized, so my thanks to Sal for a uniquely beautiful knife with a cool historical/cultural inspiration. This is why I like Spyderco. :spyder:
Currently enjoying the most pocket time:
:spyder: Sage 5 FRN, Watu :spyder:
:spyder: Sage 5 FRN, Watu :spyder:
- MichaelScott
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Re: Watu...AKA Lil Chokwe
For the past year or so I have been away from Spyderco and the new designs. Last month I was able to get more active on the forum and with Spyderco designs again. After much consideration and reflection on the Spydercos I have had in the past and looking for that one design that would actually fulfill my needs for a true ESC knife it came down to the Para 3 which I bought. A good decision.
After a short while I began to consider that perhaps I could use a second EDC. My needs are constrained these days as I use a walker or wheelchair to get around so small to medium knives are most useful to me. I was unaware of the Watu.
Chaparral? Too thin and I prefer the compression lock.
Lil’ Native? Great knife but too chunky for me.
Dragonfly? Been there. Too small. Wrong lock.
Delica? Kinda, sorta, but no.
I very much like the ethnic designs. I suspect they have evolved over long periods of use for general cutting tasks and their design reflects that and their unique cultural heritage. Being an anthropologist by education further increased my interest.
Frankly, until the latest SpiderByte arrived in my mailbox I was unaware of the Watu. After seeing it and reading the specs I knew it was for me and money going to a worthwhile African Children’s organization was icing on the cake. I ordered mine the next day. Today I found this thread.
I don’t get all of the nit-picking about CF laminate and compression lock but as these pages prove some folks’ inner critics are never satisfied.
Mine will hopefully be here Monday.
After a short while I began to consider that perhaps I could use a second EDC. My needs are constrained these days as I use a walker or wheelchair to get around so small to medium knives are most useful to me. I was unaware of the Watu.
Chaparral? Too thin and I prefer the compression lock.
Lil’ Native? Great knife but too chunky for me.
Dragonfly? Been there. Too small. Wrong lock.
Delica? Kinda, sorta, but no.
I very much like the ethnic designs. I suspect they have evolved over long periods of use for general cutting tasks and their design reflects that and their unique cultural heritage. Being an anthropologist by education further increased my interest.
Frankly, until the latest SpiderByte arrived in my mailbox I was unaware of the Watu. After seeing it and reading the specs I knew it was for me and money going to a worthwhile African Children’s organization was icing on the cake. I ordered mine the next day. Today I found this thread.
I don’t get all of the nit-picking about CF laminate and compression lock but as these pages prove some folks’ inner critics are never satisfied.
Mine will hopefully be here Monday.
Overheard at the end of the ice age, “We’ve been having such unnatural weather.”
http://acehotel.blog
Team Innovation
http://acehotel.blog
Team Innovation
Re: Watu...AKA Lil Chokwe
MichaelScott wrote: ↑Sat May 02, 2020 1:14 pmFor the past year or so I have been away from Spyderco and the new designs. Last month I was able to get more active on the forum and with Spyderco designs again. After much consideration and reflection on the Spydercos I have had in the past and looking for that one design that would actually fulfill my needs for a true ESC knife it came down to the Para 3 which I bought. A good decision.
After a short while I began to consider that perhaps I could use a second EDC. My needs are constrained these days as I use a walker or wheelchair to get around so small to medium knives are most useful to me. I was unaware of the Watu.
Chaparral? Too thin and I prefer the compression lock.
Lil’ Native? Great knife but too chunky for me.
Dragonfly? Been there. Too small. Wrong lock.
Delica? Kinda, sorta, but no.
I very much like the ethnic designs. I suspect they have evolved over long periods of use for general cutting tasks and their design reflects that and their unique cultural heritage. Being an anthropologist by education further increased my interest.
Frankly, until the latest SpiderByte arrived in my mailbox I was unaware of the Watu. After seeing it and reading the specs I knew it was for me and money going to a worthwhile African Children’s organization was icing on the cake. I ordered mine the next day. Today I found this thread.
I don’t get all of the nit-picking about CF laminate and compression lock but as these pages prove some folks’ inner critics are never satisfied.
Mine will hopefully be here Monday.
Congrats! From all I can see this knife is a great choice and something really special :)
But may I ask one thing (just courious):
You say:
"I don’t get all of the nit-picking about CF laminate and compression lock but as these pages prove some folks’ inner critics are never satisfied." (to be clear: I myself really like the comp. lock in a knife of Watu size and am ok with CF laminate!)
But in the same post you say also about yourself:
"Chaparral? Too thin and I prefer the compression lock.
Lil’ Native? Great knife but too chunky for me.
Dragonfly? Been there. Too small. Wrong lock.
Delica? Kinda, sorta, but no."
Whats the difference in "nitpickiness" here? (Again, no offense, just courios!)
Top three going by pocket-time (update March 24):
- EDC: Endura thin red line ffg combo edge (VG10); Wayne Goddard PE (4V), Endela SE (VG10)
-Mountains/outdoors: Pac.Salt 1 SE (H1), Salt 2 SE (LC200N), and also Wayne Goddard PE (4V)
- EDC: Endura thin red line ffg combo edge (VG10); Wayne Goddard PE (4V), Endela SE (VG10)
-Mountains/outdoors: Pac.Salt 1 SE (H1), Salt 2 SE (LC200N), and also Wayne Goddard PE (4V)
- MichaelScott
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Re: Watu...AKA Lil Chokwe
I’m guilty. But your nits are not my nits, so I get to pick the nits I want to pick. :D
Overheard at the end of the ice age, “We’ve been having such unnatural weather.”
http://acehotel.blog
Team Innovation
http://acehotel.blog
Team Innovation
Re: Watu...AKA Lil Chokwe
MichaelScott wrote: ↑Sat May 02, 2020 8:02 pmI’m guilty. But your nits are not my nits, so I get to pick the nits I want to pick. :D
:p :p
What counts is: You picked the WATU, and that's certainly a good pick...
Hope you'll report how you like it! I am really considering it myself.
Top three going by pocket-time (update March 24):
- EDC: Endura thin red line ffg combo edge (VG10); Wayne Goddard PE (4V), Endela SE (VG10)
-Mountains/outdoors: Pac.Salt 1 SE (H1), Salt 2 SE (LC200N), and also Wayne Goddard PE (4V)
- EDC: Endura thin red line ffg combo edge (VG10); Wayne Goddard PE (4V), Endela SE (VG10)
-Mountains/outdoors: Pac.Salt 1 SE (H1), Salt 2 SE (LC200N), and also Wayne Goddard PE (4V)
- RadioactiveSpyder
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Re: Watu...AKA Lil Chokwe
It's better to be good than evil, but one achieves goodness at a terrific cost. ––– Stephen King
- MichaelScott
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Re: Watu...AKA Lil Chokwe
Thanks for the photo. It’s good to see a comparison. I’m hoping mine arrives tomorrow or the next day. I have not looked forward to a Spyderco for quite some time but I am this one.
Overheard at the end of the ice age, “We’ve been having such unnatural weather.”
http://acehotel.blog
Team Innovation
http://acehotel.blog
Team Innovation
Re: Watu...AKA Lil Chokwe
Got mine, love the ergos.
- MichaelScott
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Re: Watu...AKA Lil Chokwe
I have to thank Sal for such a fantastic reimagining of this knife. I have been carrying and using mine constantly. I should sell my Para 3 and buy another, you know, just in case.
Overheard at the end of the ice age, “We’ve been having such unnatural weather.”
http://acehotel.blog
Team Innovation
http://acehotel.blog
Team Innovation
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Re: Watu...AKA Lil Chokwe
I've been more interested in FRN scaled models lately, but I have to admit this thread has brought the Watu to the top of my attention span. I love the handle and blade shape, and really like the fact it's basically the same size as the Delica.
It's interesting to me that the Watu design looks like it could be easily adapted for various lock types, from Compression to Liner lock. I bet it would work as a kickback or a slip joint too.
It's interesting to me that the Watu design looks like it could be easily adapted for various lock types, from Compression to Liner lock. I bet it would work as a kickback or a slip joint too.
Chris
Haves: Lava, Delica 4 Sante Fe Stoneworks, Spy-DK x2,
Just say NO to lined FRN
Haves: Lava, Delica 4 Sante Fe Stoneworks, Spy-DK x2,
Just say NO to lined FRN
- ChrisinHove
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Re: Watu...AKA Lil Chokwe
That good, eh? How is the handle size compared with the Para3? - I found the latter just a little cramped with the little finger nub.MichaelScott wrote: ↑Thu May 14, 2020 10:50 pmI have to thank Sal for such a fantastic reimagining of this knife. I have been carrying and using mine constantly. I should sell my Para 3 and buy another, you know, just in case.
- MichaelScott
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Re: Watu...AKA Lil Chokwe
Full four finger grip, no bumps.
Overheard at the end of the ice age, “We’ve been having such unnatural weather.”
http://acehotel.blog
Team Innovation
http://acehotel.blog
Team Innovation
Re: Watu...AKA Lil Chokwe
I couldn’t read all 11 pages and not order. For those that have a Watu, has it stayed in the pocket?
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Re: Watu...AKA Lil Chokwe
I was so excited when I saw that the Watu was coming out. I actually found a Chokwe at a store in Vallejo, CA last year but didn’t have the money to buy it at the time. I went back the next week but alas it was gone. So I feel like the Watu is my second chance at that missed opportunity :) I bought one on preorder as soon as they were available and have been loving it ever since.
- curlyhairedboy
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- Location: Southern New England
Re: Watu...AKA Lil Chokwe
Mine is a regular feature in my rotation!
EDC Rotation: PITS, Damasteel Urban, Shaman, Ikuchi, Amalgam, CruCarta Shaman, Sage 5 LW, Serrated Caribbean Sheepsfoot CQI, XHP Shaman, M4/Micarta Shaman, 15v Shaman
Fixed Blades: Proficient, Magnacut Mule
Special and Sentimental: Southard, Squarehead LW, Ouroboros, Calendar Para 3 LW, 40th Anniversary Native, Ti Native, Calendar Watu, Tanto PM2
Would like to own again: CQI Caribbean Sheepsfoot PE, Watu
Wishlist: Magnacut, Shaman Sprints!
Fixed Blades: Proficient, Magnacut Mule
Special and Sentimental: Southard, Squarehead LW, Ouroboros, Calendar Para 3 LW, 40th Anniversary Native, Ti Native, Calendar Watu, Tanto PM2
Would like to own again: CQI Caribbean Sheepsfoot PE, Watu
Wishlist: Magnacut, Shaman Sprints!
Re: Watu...AKA Lil Chokwe
I carry mine often. Almost wish there was an even smaller version
Spydergirl88
3 Nats, 1 Chap, 1 Sham, 1 Urb
3 Nats, 1 Chap, 1 Sham, 1 Urb
Re: Watu...AKA Lil Chokwe
I agree. I thought it was going to be a good bit smaller than it was.Spydergirl88 wrote: ↑Sun Jun 14, 2020 2:53 pmI carry mine often. Almost wish there was an even smaller version
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