Spyderco Watu is the answer to my quest

Discuss Spyderco's products and history.
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elena86
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Spyderco Watu is the answer to my quest

#1

Post by elena86 »

I found the needed peace of mind after my forever quest for the perfect edc folder. It might not be the ''perfect'' edc spydie( there is no such thing) but for me it has all the right attributes. Awesome thin blade , very thin behind that slightly modified wharncliffy edge, 20 CV steel, neutral ergonomic handle, wire pocket clip, fast in hand, you name it. I even like the fact that it looks kinda...out there. It might look funky but it's functionally funky so to speak. Those natives from central Africa know their stuff. It's a mistery to me why the Watu didn't get more love from the Spyderco aficionados. I was expecting a few sprints or exclusives by now. Most are drawn back by the looks of it but hey... I thought we value function over form here. Great job Sal ! You did it again sir !

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Marius

" A mind all logic is like a knife all blade. It makes the hand bleed that uses it "
( Rabindranath Tagore )

Proud member of the old school spyderedge nation :bug-white-red
Sumdumguy
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Re: Spyderco Watu is the answer to my quest

#2

Post by Sumdumguy »

Excellent choice!
"If a law is unjust, a man is not only right to disobey it, he is obligated to do so."

-Thomas Jefferson
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Sharp Guy
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Re: Spyderco Watu is the answer to my quest

#3

Post by Sharp Guy »

I still need to get a Watu. It looks like it has a lot of features I like
Of all the things I've lost I miss my mind the most!
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VooDooChild
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Re: Spyderco Watu is the answer to my quest

#4

Post by VooDooChild »

Id rather see a sprint or exclusive of the Chokwe. My only issue with the watu is I would like it to be bigger. Im fine with the frame lock as opposed to the comp lock.

I guess I just want its big brother. But yes the watu is awesome. Very slicey.
"Rome's greatest contribution to mathematics was the killing of Archimedes."
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Holland
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Re: Spyderco Watu is the answer to my quest

#5

Post by Holland »

I NEED to try this knife. Been obsessively looking at it since it came out. Only thing holding me back is it is the same size as the Mantra, and I don't think it will kick the Mantra out of my pocket over the long term.

For a sprint, the steel is already a "sprint" type steel, so maybe handle material? I think wood is a natural choice, but people can just buy custom scales. I doubt we will see a sprint Watu, but never know.
-Spencer

Rotation:
Gayle Bradley 2 | Mantra 1 | Watu | Chaparral 1 | Dragonfly 2 Salt SE
TomAiello
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Re: Spyderco Watu is the answer to my quest

#6

Post by TomAiello »

I love the Watu. It's the perfect "office" EDC. I don't have an office job, but I still carry it as often as I can.

I particularly like the upgraded scale availability from Trifect Custom.

I don't think it needs a sprint. It's great as is, and scale swaps make it easy to customize into your own personal 'sprint'.
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curlyhairedboy
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Re: Spyderco Watu is the answer to my quest

#7

Post by curlyhairedboy »

I should buy another :)
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!
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TkoK83Spy
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Re: Spyderco Watu is the answer to my quest

#8

Post by TkoK83Spy »

It's definitely a very unique knife. One I never would have bought myself, but really enjoy and appreciate that I have it. Not much more to add than what's already been said. Nice and slicey, long cutting edge, neutral handle for grip. My only knock is the lack of jimping on the ramp and choil.
15 :bug-red 's in 10 different steels
1 - Bradford Guardian 3 / Vanadis 4E Wharnie
1 - Monterey Bay Knives Slayback Flipper / ZDP 189
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31/Macassar Ebony Inlays
1 - CRK Large Inkosi Insingo/ Black Micarta Inlays
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31 Insingo/Magnacut

-Rick
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Airlsee
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Re: Spyderco Watu is the answer to my quest

#9

Post by Airlsee »

This is one that I still need to pick up.

Initially I was thrown off by the look of it, it looks blocky and like there is excess material that still needs to be removed. Also I thought it was a much smaller knife than it actually is. When I saw one in person I was really surprised that it was a full size pocket knife.

I've heard nothing but rave reviews it seems, I'll get one eventually but probably at a discount...it seems like a blade that will be unappreciated and pretty easy to pick up over the next couple of years.
So it goes.
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Holland
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Re: Spyderco Watu is the answer to my quest

#10

Post by Holland »

I was gonna wait for a discount as well, but I think I'm gonna sell off a couple NIB knives and buy it.

Have BNIB hap40 delica and dragonflys that I have only taken out of the box a handful of time in the last 5 years. Time for these to go
-Spencer

Rotation:
Gayle Bradley 2 | Mantra 1 | Watu | Chaparral 1 | Dragonfly 2 Salt SE
Road Tripper
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Re: Spyderco Watu is the answer to my quest

#11

Post by Road Tripper »

Glad you like it! I'm carrying my Watu today. I posted a few thoughts last month.
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kennethsime
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Re: Spyderco Watu is the answer to my quest

#12

Post by kennethsime »

The more I see it, the more I think the Watu is a fantastic knife. Glad you found one!
I'm happiest with Micarta and Tool Steel.

Top four in rotation: K390 + GCM PM2, ZCarta Shaman, Crucarta PM2, K390 + GCM Straight Spine Stretch.
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bbturbodad
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Re: Spyderco Watu is the answer to my quest

#13

Post by bbturbodad »

Definitely one of the best! I almost didn't get one because I thought CF was an odd choice for the knife considering the inspiration but the blade shape and coffin handle were too much to resist.
-Turbo
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Brock O Lee
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Re: Spyderco Watu is the answer to my quest

#14

Post by Brock O Lee »

This knife checks most of the boxes for me, and is on my shortlist. I missed out on the Chokwe years ago.

I was born and raised in Africa, so I feel kinda obligated to buy one!
Hans

Favourite Spydies: Military, PM2, Shaman, UKPK
Others: Victorinox Pioneer, CRK L Sebenza 31, CRK L Inkosi
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brj
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Re: Spyderco Watu is the answer to my quest

#15

Post by brj »

The Watu is one of the (very few) folders I've felt compelled to buy a duplicate, you know, just in case :winking-tongue
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elena86
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Re: Spyderco Watu is the answer to my quest

#16

Post by elena86 »

brj wrote:
Mon Sep 06, 2021 11:22 pm
The Watu is one of the (very few) folders I've felt compelled to buy a duplicate, you know, just in case :winking-tongue
I purchased five of them by now ... just in case :winking-tongue
Marius

" A mind all logic is like a knife all blade. It makes the hand bleed that uses it "
( Rabindranath Tagore )

Proud member of the old school spyderedge nation :bug-white-red
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brj
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Re: Spyderco Watu is the answer to my quest

#17

Post by brj »

Ha, well done Marius
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elena86
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Re: Spyderco Watu is the answer to my quest

#18

Post by elena86 »

TkoK83Spy wrote:
Mon Sep 06, 2021 1:59 pm
It's definitely a very unique knife. One I never would have bought myself, but really enjoy and appreciate that I have it. Not much more to add than what's already been said. Nice and slicey, long cutting edge, neutral handle for grip. My only knock is the lack of jimping on the ramp and choil.

It has jimping on the ricasso(not choil).
Marius

" A mind all logic is like a knife all blade. It makes the hand bleed that uses it "
( Rabindranath Tagore )

Proud member of the old school spyderedge nation :bug-white-red
Geo-Ozeki
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Re: Spyderco Watu is the answer to my quest

#19

Post by Geo-Ozeki »

bbturbodad wrote:
Mon Sep 06, 2021 4:59 pm
Definitely one of the best! I almost didn't get one because I thought CF was an odd choice for the knife considering the inspiration but the blade shape and coffin handle were too much to resist.
Yes, the handle and blade shape make it. I also like the CF.

It is so perfect in the hand too - one of my favourite knives ever (along with Manix).
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TkoK83Spy
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Re: Spyderco Watu is the answer to my quest

#20

Post by TkoK83Spy »

elena86 wrote:
Tue Sep 07, 2021 1:15 am
TkoK83Spy wrote:
Mon Sep 06, 2021 1:59 pm
It's definitely a very unique knife. One I never would have bought myself, but really enjoy and appreciate that I have it. Not much more to add than what's already been said. Nice and slicey, long cutting edge, neutral handle for grip. My only knock is the lack of jimping on the ramp and choil.

It has jimping on the ricasso(not choil).
Oh shoot, I stand corrected! I had to go and check mine quick before leaving the house. I guess I've always been so focused on the lack of jimping on the ramp, I assumed none there either.

Guess this shows I need more time with the model!
15 :bug-red 's in 10 different steels
1 - Bradford Guardian 3 / Vanadis 4E Wharnie
1 - Monterey Bay Knives Slayback Flipper / ZDP 189
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31/Macassar Ebony Inlays
1 - CRK Large Inkosi Insingo/ Black Micarta Inlays
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31 Insingo/Magnacut

-Rick
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