Michael Walker ZDP-189

[ssmtbracer]

I just ordered the Michael Walker ZDP-189 this will be my first experience with this type of steel. I am very excited about it plus the handle is CF for some reason I love the CF handles and want every spyerco with CF handles made.

Anyone else have this knife and your thoughts I know there is a thread about this knife already but that guy was pretty much bashing it. And Sal posted how he felt about it. So everyone but huugh please tell me what you think.

[MCM]

Best Light weight sub 3" folder out there under $200.00. Period.
End of discussion. (And this one is waayyyyy under $200.00)

[dbcad]

I started an impressions thread that wasn't exactly glowing, but that was before I started using the Walker. I still think the carbon fiber scales are too slick, but the knife is a great user. You can't feel that you are carrying it because of it's weight and size, then out of the blue you have a razor sharp ZDP blade at your disposal. It's a great little knife :D

Charlie

[merthyrmafia]

[ATTACH]14589[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]14590[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]14591[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]14592[/ATTACH]My original C22 never carried or used as new as the day it came from the factory.

[dbcad]

Sweet knife!! You made me want one in combo edge :D

Charlie

[freeman7]

It is a beautifully designed small EDC. I happen to like carbon fiber and never do anything with small knives that requires a death grip so smooth is nice. Very easy on the pockets. I also have found ZDP-189 to be a very useful steel.

[ssmtbracer]

My original C22 never carried or used as new as the day it came from the factory.

Wow that one is sweet wish I could get one like that. There was actually one similar to that one selling on ebay. Without all the blue tho. It was at $300 last I looked. Oh here it is

http://cgi.ebay.com/Spyderco-Michael-Wa ... 500wt_1182

[ChapmanPreferred]

This is a fantastic user model that really will benefit from the ZDP upgrade! I have had more Walkers in the lightweight version, but I kept giving them away to friends and missionaries.

[MCM]

Its probably the lightest knife of its size in any "super steel"

At times the listed weight isnt 100% correct.

Scale anyone?

Here is another question. How big is this sprint? 1000? 1200? less?

Would like to see a big brother built this way.
How about a super thin Starmate built just like this one?

length overall 6 3/16 in. (157 mm) blade length 2 5/8 in. (67 mm) blade steel ZDP-189
length closed 3 5/8 in. (92 mm) cutting edge 2 3/8 in. (60 mm) weight 1.95 oz. (55 g)
hole diameter 15/32 in. (12 mm) blade thickness 3/32 in. (2.5 mm) handle material Carbon Fiber

[mikerestivo]

It is a beautiful knife. I got to handle one a few days ago at a knife shop. I was going to buy it but I am tapped out on my knife budget at the moment. The smallness of it was surprising but I liked it. Opening and closing action was about as smooth as it gets.

The only knock I had was with the clip: the knife rode higher in the pocket that I have become accustomed to.

I still liked it enough to put it on my wish list if and when I get the funds.

[ChrisM]

This one is definately on my next to buy knife list.

[Blerv]

Dang 1.9oz? :eek:

That has got to be one of the meanest slicing knives per ounce on the market. I'd be all over it if I had any money in the knife fund. :o

[cckw]

Its probably the lightest knife of its size in any "super steel"

At times the listed weight isnt 100% correct.

Scale anyone?

my electronic mail scale called it 2.0 oz and 55 grams.

[Ed Schempp]

Many years ago I EDCed a FRN walker with and AUS8A blade for over a year and loved this small knife with big knife attributes. The short wide blade is very strong and this piece is very ergonomic. Michael Walker is a great knifemaker and very clever guy, many don't really have a grasp on the use and the ergos of his knives because they are very expensive. This knife is a good insight into Michael Walker and his knives and is a very high value knife when you look at cost/function. Get your name on the list, these will not last long...Take Care...Ed

[Mr Blonde]

I was kind of surprised about the practicality of the Walker ZDP folder. It's a really slick and user-friendly design. Even for this lefty, the ergos are much better than I thought. The exposed liner doesn't pinch my hand at all during normal use. And the small cutout on the 'right' side of the handle allows for easy left-handed opening. The blade is crazy sharp. My only gripe is the clip, I think it should be mounted higher on the tail end of the handle.

Wouter

[bell]

I agree Mr. Blonde. It seems like such a natural to move the clip up 1/4 inch and screw into the existing hole. Do not understand this except for the possible placement of the middle finger close to the small port choil. I just got my Walker back from STR for jimping. Did not bother with low rider clip. Pics coming soonest. This puppy is my EDC.

[224477]

Nice knife, just its a linerlock and right hand only Otherwise love the materials choice!!!

[Donut]

I figure I will post my thoughts on my Walker. I had some trouble getting the lighting and the camera to cooperate, plus my hands are a little shaky. There are a lot of low quality images of the Walker around, I figure I would try to do a little better.

Now maybe this is common among Carbon Fiber scales, this is only my second Carbon Fiber knife and I might just try to stay away from it like I did before these two.

Just about every screw constructing mine has finishing issues around it. It simply appears like the maker was in a rush. Slight cracks, the pre-drilled holes are too large in some areas, the screws were tightened down too much.



Same thing, different light, you can see a couple rough edges and cracks.



There's a little chunk missing next to this smaller screw. On the left, it almost looks like the carbon fiber is trying to separate from itself, but I think this is due to the nature of Carbon Fiber.



The lanyard hole has some roughness around it.



The one I got has one of the main reasons I got this knife. The liner lock engages very well, and the blade is centered on the overall knife and not just the blade.



I don't think the rough edges on the scale will compromise the performance of this knife, and I'm going to use it. The clip is kind of annoying, I have been adjusting it 10 times a day to get it to sit in my pocket right. Now, if I had the chance to buy new scales for this knife for $20 or $30, I would!

[The Deacon]

Small chips around screw holes are very common on glossy CF. As a general rule, they are less common and/or less noticeable on matte CF where the somewhat brittle "resin only" gel coat outer surface is normally thinner and thus less fragile. From what I've heard from someone who uses it for custom auto trim, the stuff is an absolute PITA to drill, which is probably one reason some models use surface mount hardware. Don't have a Sprint Walker so am not sure exactly what the CF on it is like.

[Donut]

The CF on the walker is completely flat, no texturing at all. I wouldn't call it matte, so it probably is glossy.

The grip on the Walker comes from the shape of the handle.

Thanks. :)