The Spyderco Watu Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

Today, we'll look at an angular little new knife from Spyderco, the Watu.

[@Mike_Pedals]

I prefer either real carbon fiber or just regular G10. None of this weird inbetween stuff (edit: as I was typing this you made the Cyber Truck banged a Delica comment and I almost spit out my coffee lol)

[@IlliniDog01]

It is a pretty dead-on description. Maybe a Cybertruck banged a Sage 5 to be more exact.

[@artemkanarchist]

I really like the design of this knife. I think it’s good to see more beautiful African knife patterns built with top-notch materials

[@rebellucy5610]

I have the Watu. This knife is surprisingly good. Spyderco is putting out a refreshing line of unique knives that actually work very well. The Watu opens all my mail and boxes with ease. Love it!

[@SimonChao]

This looks like the Cybertruck of pocket knives.

[@lugia021]

have you seen the kizer cyberknife..

[@Jonah_Samuel]

@@lugia021 I kept thinking the same. I might be mistaken, but didn't Kizer even openly use it in their marketing?

[@speckledjim_]

One of the very few actual 20cv Spyderco's. I'll be getting this

[@charlesdudek7713]

I know its not exactly apples to apples but for $182.00 I'm buying something like a ZT 0450 before I shell out that kind of cash for the Watu. Enjoyable review Nick.

[@deltafunction0]

And now they sell for more than $200.

[@charlesdudek7713]

@@deltafunction0 Unfortunately like everything else, including the Watu, stuff goes up in price.

[@zachsowell8845]

Now they’re discontinued and can be had for $150

[@mikesatteson1534]

I love this knife, and it has gotten a lot of time in my pocket lately. The design, cutting performance and (surprisingly) scales work for me. I'll probably add a choil as I did with my Kapara. I do agree that the overlap of the blade with the compression lock cut out is an ugly that keeps this excellent knife from being a truly great knife.

[@kenporter5022]

Thanks for the choil comment! Overlooked on lots of blades. Only important till you start to sharpen! Love your commentary!

[@joeydoesthings4955]

I picked one up from the Factory Outlet today in Golden. Once I had it in hand, I decided that I really liked it. It will be my pocket carry when I am wearing slacks.

[@sb792079]

I'd say that end remark was one of your best so far!

[@RichardHulsebos]

Any change you can do a review on the "Fallkniven pxl maroon" ? in my opinion the best knive made until now, and i own a Chris Reeve large sebenza 21 insingo , and a Rick Hinderer XM-18 3.5"

[@deanalbertson7203]

I think it is interesting that Spyderco is making knives based on designs from around the world, in this case Africa. Also, apparently, the holes in the scales can be used to tie the knife to a stick, to be used as a spear, in a camping, hunting, or survival situation.

[@rlanger3108]

@David P. Nice

[@henricokski5549]

@David P. W

[@lostinthewoods8032]

Has a real kiridashi vibe. Thanks for the peek Nick.

[@dm3639]

Unfortunately the endela uses thicker 3mm stock like the endura. I'm pretty sure this is the longest ffg Spyderco in 2.5mm blade stock. The centofante is similar length and thinner but Sabre ground. And that alone makes it interesting to me. I like many of the golden designs, but do they really need 3.2mm stock on a lil native or 3.7mm on a para3? Not for my uses. I need a pocket knife to slice, not to pry.

[@doofy28]

Superb review.

[@BurkeCN74]

As a lefty this knife has been great, I needed a knife with a really fine tip.. this is like a jumbo Xacto knife, a hard use knife it's not... Great for the office or desk.

[@profesorEDC]

🤣always enjoy your vids and humor. Thanks.👍😊

[@FabeardulousKnucks]

Not sure if this is true or not, but I’d venture a guess that you’re supposed use the compression lock by pressing only on the edge of the lock leaf. You’ll notice that they rounded the edge of the lock leaf, most likely as a way to mitigate the nubbin issue.

[@bxf1_]

I like the design, because of it's African roots. It's their spin on a traditional african tribe knife...

[@Phatell]

Hi Nick, would be nice to see you review something from Extrema Ratio, something from the BF series perhaps?

[@The4cp]

It's almost there. It's one of those I kinda like it moments.

[@ryejack]

Man, I go back and forth on this one. Nick, I totally agree, there are things I think are really great about that knife and things I'm iffy on. I like how funky it is, but there are too many iffy points to make me drop that kind of money on it. Regardless, it's on my list as a definite "maybe".

[@whiteroseproject7207]

Haven't been collecting for awhile first peice to really catch my eye

[@michaeltrujillo9092]

The blade reminds me of mad magazines Spy vs Spy

[@lordindigonnisvoldebeastal3796]

😐...................😂

[@cortlandlaidlaw3888]

Solid cybertruck delica ref

[@BrentonCarr]

This one is quirky, so it does appeal to me, but that price is a tad too steep to make me a buyer. Great review. Thanks.

[@BT_360]

Looks like a low polygon version of the Delica. Great review, but not my style of knife.

[@sebastianliebhart4670]

Watu you think?

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

Interesting and unique in the factory world. Spyderco wears controversial like a badge. Excellent review, choils now!

[@bradjohnson4787]

The design is supposed to be based on or a nod to an everyday African knife. I appreciate their variety of knife designs, attention to working knives, and multiple knife designers.

[@rebellucy5610]

Yes! The Watu will open a box or stop a African Lion.

[@mattadler4710]

I wish Spyderco made this into a fixed blade with just a touch less handle. Really neat look imo

[@ZakWilson]

You mention the desirability of a 20CV Delica; Bento Box Shop has an M390 Delica in stock.

[@gt-ct9012]

If they just changed the angel of forward finger choil it would fix the ugly and give room for a sharpening choil, plus improve the over all look imo

[@theallix]

I've always said that those look like Spyderco decided to make an official "Dollarca"

[@DevChow]

Some call this ugly. Some call this interesting. I call this interestingly ugly and I want it. Keep up the great reviews and happy incoming national knife day. Just ordered a Cyro II ontop of a Dragonfly II since my only speed safe knife broke. This is one of the knives I would love to eventually add to my collection since I like carrying EDC capable and a knife for each different design/feature

[@alexanderbertallo1995]

Phosphor-bronze... I am shocked... and I highly appreciate... I love this piece... even I have no purpose for it... just not my cup of tea... Thanks for the review...

[@emmanueldirollo8994]

Want it but not a priority... And the list of " priorities" is long... Thanks Nick for all the work you do.

[@Art_Vark_and_Rock]

Spidey speed holes?

[@hansonwang2121]

Where do I listen to the gear geeks live podcast?

[@NickShabazz]

geargeekslive.com

[@PatrisDev]

@@NickShabazz Speaking of which, any plans for a new episode? It's been a while

[@ThomasConnolly]

The Watu is a prime example of Spyderco making knives that have a thin/narrow handles with the compression lock, that in reality would be significantly better knives if they were instead made as a liner lock instead👍 I also with that Spyderco would have made the Kapara with its narrow/round and smooth carbon fiber handle a liner lock as well.

[@JustIn-op6oy]

I wish they would go the route of the Sage series of folders and have a linerlock version along with a compression lock version. I know that will add a bit to production costs, but I think it would be offset by increased sales due to greater accessibility options.

[@ThomasConnolly]

@@JustIn-op6oy Having a Spyderco knife with a thin or narrow handle with a compression lock mechanism makes closing the knife one handed very difficult and dangerous!!! Why, because you end up barely holding onto the knife with the tips of your fingers as you're trying to disengage the compression lock(Kapara). Therefore you could easily drop the knife and injure yourself or damaged the knife.

[@JustIn-op6oy]

@@ThomasConnolly I think that depends a lot on the user and the model. I wear XXL gloves and have no real issue with the Watu (though I can definitely see how some would have a problem), but the Ikuchi is a bit trickier at least in my case. I say offer the option of liner vs compression lock when it's feasible.

[@MrKnifeart]

It needs open closing like the p.m. too

[@joet.plumber3771]

At 6:00 You almost sounded like the Duke. Get back on that saddle, pilgrim 🤠!

[@CultMechanicus]

Looks beautiful.

[@cameronchicken8439]

i have it. i put a mini wire clip on it off of a dragonfly which was a big improvement but what makes me mad about this knife is that it cuts me when i use the compression lock…. wtf

[@misterkewlaid5420]

I had problems with the action (I'm used to the PM2 action) and compression lock of mine for the first week or so, but I took to using a fingernail to close my Watu and now it's perfect.

[@cp1532]

That pun though... perfect timing and delivery, didn't over do it... bravo

[@TheModernNeanderthal]

The Chokwe was a great knife, underrated in it’s day. The Watu looks like a nice sequel

[@klaassiersma4892]

Its expensive for what it is, i mean stainles steel liners fake carbon fiber, was that carbon they used on the sage1 realy that expensive?

[@ChrisinHove]

Epic blade and a handle that fits larger hands, super smooth action, deep carry, comp lock and 20cv....there’s no pleasing some people!

[@coltonabdella2356]

2:41 nick has discord running in the background

[@ricardovazquez9113]

What! Cybertruck banged the Delica. 💀🔥

[@basanistes359]

On their website it says MSRP $260.

[@charlescollier7217]

"Spyderco's been creeping those prices up..." No sir. Their prices haven't been creeping. When you look up "Sprint Run" in the dictionary, you see Spyderco's prices trying to catch up to Benchmade's.

[@mjc7778]

Charles Collier You are spot on. They seem to rise each year and they are not upgrading anything. At least this is 20CV but I don’t like it.

[@TheDukeOfSaudi]

Momin bn

[@mjc7778]

The Hogue Ritters are fantastic. I like the Deca too. Much more bang for your buck with Hogue.

[@charlescollier7217]

@@mjc7778 The Deca is a sexy beast!

[@haydensmith8576]

Word

[@brendanfox1995]

Nicholas compares it to a Delica, I put it in my cart.

[@kiltymacbagpipe]

That looks like something went wrong in the design phase. It looks awkward in shape. A knife is a tool but it has to please the eye and hand.

[@Harkwit]

beauty is in the eye of the beholder and Spyderco has cared more about hand carry than visual appeal. I've handled one of these and the ergos are honestly good for me.

[@kiltymacbagpipe]

Harkwit people like what they like. If it works for you then I’m happy it brings you joy.

[@marcusjuniusbrutus1859]

You're paying for a great steel and a "cultural" knife of central Africa - perfect for a collector.

[@squarebody4546]

Thanks for the review, you inspired me Watu do, I'm gonna pass. I love Spy, but I think it's a major miss that the blade swings into the compression lock opening. I like the Para 3 & PM2, but this is annoying on my Shaman.

[@vancortrichards4514]

The lockback is supreme

[@Demanufactur3]

I wonder watu they were thinking when making this.

[@londiniumarmoury7037]

Not really digging the price, I think they should of slapped some Solid G10 on it and sold it for 140-150. At that price I just would prefer something a bit nicer looking.

[@jeffreymliss]

Pass on this one.

[@jskrawz4611]

I would rather have the Spyderco Chaparral Lightweight for half the price....

[@clintonlewis1261]

Yeah to expensive! Review👍

[@Veesaki]

"Polarizing" , Yes ! Great review !

[@AlohaBlade]

Did the Chokwe sell so well that the smaller Watu stole focus from a future compression lock and 4 way clip choice Military? I know, different factories... but c’mon!

[@myvids3115]

It is no space design, it is based on a traditional ethnic knife shape … already mentioned of course ( just for your benefit with the algorithm). I find it to be superclean.

[@ryanmicklich3912]

My search for a Spyderco that I want to spend my money on continues. Sounds like I am the minority here but I hate the shape of their blades. The spidey hole makes the blades really wide and seems like none have a sharpening choil, in fact most blades stop sharpening like a half an inch before the pivot. A lot of steel in the blade but a lot less usable surface. Everyone I know that has a Spyderco loves them, but I find too much that I don't like that pushes me away for that amount of money.

[@JadedDragon662]

I have a PM2 and I hate the way it looks, but love how reliable and simple it is. The Shaman and Native look more like actual knives imo.

[@johneckstein6912]

Chokwe has a titanium frame lock on one side and G10 on the other, so avoids the closure issue of the compression lock. Perhaps they were too eager to use the compression lock with this design.

[@franksalem8580]

It is a shame that Google has stopped sending out email notifications for new videos.

[@stevewalker6340]

Freaking Cyber Trucks out there banging knives!

[@Daniel-yj3ju]

'kind of like a cybertruck banged a Delica' - also a poet. Nice Nick

[@fa-tre2869]

Would have been nice to have acknowledged the fact that it’s part of the ethnic series. I get that design is subjective, but to not even touch of the homage to the original African design shows no research

[@NickShabazz]

That was definitely an omission.

[@fa-tre2869]

Nick Shabazz otherwise, keep up the good work man.

[@brendanfox1995]

Compression lock sucks though

[@allenlark]

People frequently complain about the compression lock with the blade closing around the lock. Even with the tropen, it wasnt a problem for people who carried the lock. The lock doesnt need to even be depressed during closing. Just for the knife to begin swinging closed.

[@andrewgreiner4681]

one day spyderco will realize this kind of carbon fiber looks like shit

[@BladeWalker77]

Me too I love the blade shape, I don't mind the handle, it seems to be comfortable enough. I really like the idea to copy a traditional African knife, it is a way to honor this land. In my opinion the bad is that because it is copied from a traditional knife, it is supposed to be a Knife to put in real use, not only for collectors, so the handle material is a non sense. I would like to see this knife also in micarta and wood. Well this is personal but I would like to see also a xl version of this. It is a knife that, with a longer cutting edge, will perform very well in the kitchen.

[@patrickharrison4746]

8:54 "big long round curvy thing" 😳😳

[@mungo75]

Kukuri? 😂

[@AGC828]

Agree about the needs for a sharpening choil.. Should be in all class. Only makes sense.. But if anyone is looking at spyderco... They world my world have forgotten over the lack off.. Over doesn't know the benefit or that it could get in the way of a full cutting edge cutter

[@d.nakamura9579]

This is complete word salad

[@salmonisyummiyeet163]

“Looks like the cyber truck banged the delica”

[@Abbbb225]

Ok, so here's the good, the great, the bad, and the ugly of Nick's micrometer technique...

[@m.johnwell7022]

Nick: *pulls out micrometer* Me: oh now we’re getting serious Nick: *tightens micrometer down like a c-clamp* Me: .... Nick: “and please don’t judge my micrometer technique” Me: oh, it’s too late for that.

[@rlanger3108]

As a person who barely knows what a micrometer is, what was the issue?

[@m.johnwell7022]

R Langer they’re a precision measuring instrument. In reality over tightening shouldn’t damage them as they’re designed for industrial use. However, I’ve seen some damage the fine screw thread from over tightening; I also own a pair that are out of calibration from the anvil being bent a few tenths (.0001’s of and inch) by the anvil. Basically you put unnecessary stress on tiny parts by over tightening. Also, you can make them read incorrectly by not using the ratchet or a delicate touch.

[@WalterReade]

It's got two lanyard holes.

[@dac9666]

There is usually a reduction in practicality when artistic elements are introduced. In this case it seems the utility as a light pocket knife is high, according to other respected reviewers. The art succeeds for me but it is certainly in the eye of the beholder. I congratulate Spyderco for going out of the ordinary in its catalogue. But please, if needed, charge five bucks more and do the cf properly, as in the Kapara which is terrific. Classy design, great steel, excellent action and then went cheap on the scales. Shame!

[@stephenbarone4053]

Spyderco is starting to slip into CRKT territory - you're paying a lot for design and getting little in materials.

[@YanDoroshenko]

Little in materials? CPM 20CV (yes, that's M390) and carbon fiber is little? What's not little then? Cowry-X and human bone?

[@kanecassidy9126]

Every time I ask: can spyderco knives get any uglier? Spyderco responds: hold my beer.

[@spydercoslacker7466]

Their function > form mentality is what makes them so great.

[@fishabyss753]

I don't totally understand some of the problems you have here. I have larger hands than you and have no problem dropping the blade fully closed using the comp lock, even on the fly. And the handle is wonderfully comfortable in a variety of positions. I understand not liking the aesthetics but this is a prime example of spyderco's "designing in the dark" mantra. Near perfect ergos and function. Again I understand not liking the aestetics, I myself am waiting on some custom scales, but knocking it for function makes no sense to me.

[@koga8100]

What in the HELL is that

[@leerulescity]

It looks weird

[@kevinmorrice]

good weird or bad weird

[@leerulescity]

@@kevinmorrice yes 😂😂

[@The_Murmanator]

OMG, what is up with Spyderco and ugly knives?!? This one is definitely geared toward the fan boys who will purchase anything with Spyderco stamped on it.

[@JadedDragon662]

Agreed. This knife looks worse than their usual line up. It looks like hot garbage and probably feels as bad as it looks. Horrible lines that don't mesh together at all. Would never buy this thing.

[@cameronbottoms1118]

Designed for the hand, not the eye.

[@scottb7578]

It's even uglier than most other spyderco knives and that's saying something!

[@Omniseed]

it's actually the 'Waifu'

[@BennyBladez-]

As Bryan would say,(Slicey Dicey) this knife does not blow my skirt up. Not even a little. I’m sorry it’s just so ugly. There’s other Spydercos to chose from with better materials and design. Especially for the price! The ergos look like they would be horrible. Thanks Nick for sharing.

[@rlanger3108]

That thing is..... Hideous.

[@raul0ca]

Spyderco made a Waifu knife? *ugh, disappointed*

[@yankee2yankee216]

The problem I have with this knife, the only BIG problem, is the scales. Why use FAKE carbon fiber, in an over $200 knife? CF is not THAT precious! By “fake” of course I mean the CF is only skin deep, a veneer, over G-10. I can’t help but think of it as fake CF (veneer is OK, but we don’t usually leave the edges showing)! I think that at the price point, I would say at almost ANY price point, Spyderco should use solid CF.

[@yankee2yankee216]

The ergos may stink, but the visual design is “cutting edge!”

[@IlliniDog01]

If knives are designed based on a 5 year's drawing of a pocket knife...

[@jacobdaus3835]

Damn, PC culture has finally seeped it's way into Knife designs.... I'm done, I'm just done.

[@VehementPhoenix]

Designing a knife based on African design is not PC culture. Doing so and then patting yourself on the back incessantly for it, or claiming all non-African designs are oppressive, or claiming an African design is inherently better than a design based on the designs of a "less victimized peoples" absolutely IS PC culture. Cmon man, I'm against PC as much as the next guy but to effectively fight it we can't be crying wolf at fuckin knife designs.

[@jacobdaus3835]

That was a joke, calm down buddy. Thank you for proving my point better than I could've myself though.

[@d.nakamura9579]

Does that mean you won’t comment anymore? If so, then good. Only a jackass can bring politics into a knife review video.

[@BCMZ]

I'm don't like this african root knife. For me it's no!

[@drameday]

Ugly, ugly, ugly. I’ve seen better looking prison shanks.

[@steventaylor2484]

That's an ugly knife.