New and Old Zowada knives

[freeman7]

My new CF Zowada arrived today. This model and the Horn(s) are my favorite Spydies. The new knife is heavier with more substantial liners than the old one. Also, it has a small lanyard hole and the tz on the blade is on the opposite side. I am actually not sure which handle material I like better. Both the micarta and CF are very comfortable. Since I already have an old Zowada "in use" I will probably keep the new CF in its box for now.
If you like sharp, pointy blades, try this one out.

[spoonrobot]

No pics?

[freeman7]

Sorry, I've got to learn to do pics.

[Chris_H]

I'm relieved to find out that I'm not the only one to think it's heavy. I don't have an original to compare to, so my perception was based on the other :spyder: s that I've still got around here at the moment.

I think I was disappointed when it first arrived. The Zowada is one of the "grail" type knives for me. Not that I was really searching for it, but it was gone before I got into Spyderco -- I just let it go. Because of this, I must have built it up in my own mind. When the sprint run arrived, it wasn;t what I envisioned.

I carried it for the first time today, and I thought it was alright. Certainly better than I would have thought after receiving it. I do think it will fit into my collection nicely, and get some carry time too.

Here's a link to my initial impression posting and some photos.
http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthre ... t=42323#10

[JD Spydo]

The original C-56 Zowada model came in 2 variants. The first one had AUS-8 blade steel and the proceeding run which did not have many units had VG-10 blade steel. That second VG-10 run was interesting because it also had a handle that you could disassemble whereas the first one was riveted.

This new Sprint run is truly a beauty. It makes me happy that they brought this model back because I do think it's important for all the relative newcomers to Spyderville to see some of the Spyders out of what I lovingly call the Golden Era Of Spyders i.e. 1998-2003.

Most of my very favorite models came forth from that era. To me this C-56 and the Centofante C-50 were 2 of the most elegant lost classics. This truly would be a splendid EDC

[Praxis]

I am really enjoying my CF Zowada so far. It's hard to explain, but there is just something really great about the older, small hole Spyderco designs. I'd love to see a sprint run of a Renegade or a Blackhawk. Now that would be cool.

The Zowada's weight isn't an issue for me, although I was definitely surprised by it. I find the knife disappears in my back pocket just like some of my smaller and lighter Spydercos. I think I am getting spoiled by all these nice CF models though. :D

[ABX2011]

What is the lock-up like on this model? I'd love to see a photo :) .

[oregon]

What is the lock-up like on this model? I'd love to see a photo :) .

The lock-up? The blade locks open solid as a railroad spike. The liners are both solid and not skeletonized.

Here you go:

Seen from underneath:





Seen from the spine:



The Zowada sprint tips the scales at 3.99 ounces (113 grams). The E4, with extensively skeletonized & abbreviated liners, weighs 3.78 oz. by comparison.

oregon

[ABX2011]

Thanks! Great pics.

[oregon]

Thanks! Great pics.

You are welcome. Thank you for the kind words. It is my pleasure.

The blade centering, when closed:

Seen from the belly:


oregon

[npueppke]

It's a Spyderco so it's nicely made I'm sure, and for you guys that like it it's awesome that Spyderco made a sprint run, but for me this is probably one of the ugliest knives Spyderco has produced. The handle reminds me of the way Benchmade does their handles-thick and chunky, and flaring out towards the blade. The blade shape is actually kind of interesting, but the aesthetics are just off. Just not my thing I guess.

[freeman7]

I seem to like handles that get smaller or taper toward the back of my grip.
The flare near the handle of the Zowada acts like an integral guard. But I can see why that configuration might be aesthetically displeasing to many.

[Johnny11758]

The lock-up? The blade locks open solid as a railroad spike. The liners are both solid and not skeletonized.

Here you go:

Seen from the spine:



The Zowada sprint tips the scales at 3.99 ounces (113 grams). The E4, with extensively skeletonized & abbreviated liners, weighs 3.78 oz. by comparison.

oregon

With the end of the tang not being rounded and being at what seems like a sharp right angle, is it at all uncomfortable when your thumb rests on the top of the knife?

[freeman7]

Hi Johnny, I am not sure I know just what you mean about the tang on the Zowada; but this knife feels very comfortable in my hand both open and closed.

[Chris_H]

With the end of the tang not being rounded and being at what seems like a sharp right angle, is it at all uncomfortable when your thumb rests on the top of the knife?

Yes, it can be felt if you grip tight over the top of the scales with your thumb. However, there is room for a personal mod if you're so inclined to relieve it, and eliminate that sharp angle at the back, top of the tang.

[MCM]

Not to nit pick, but did anyone notice the grind?
Has no effect on function what so ever. But still.......
(Will probably pick one up) So this is not a slam........
Just saying..........

[freeman7]

Workmanship on the knife seems OK to me for a folding knife that costs less than $150.
I factor price against fit and finish when I buy things. That tends to keep me from getting buyer's remorse most of the time. This knife also gets points from me for carbon fiber scales, solid liners and overall design. I also happen to like VG-10.

[Shmackey]

I played with the new one at the SFO and thought it was really very nice, but I couldn't get along with the small opening hole. It's very easy to miss.

[Jenner 515]

I am so very happy that they brought back a sprint of the Zowada. I missed the original production run, this has become a mainstay in my edc rotation.

[dsmegst]

MCM, the uneven grinding shown in the picture has been very common in the Seki City made knives lately. I'm seeing this in a lot of my new knives but it doesn't bother me.