Spyderco Centofante Vesuvius, Tim Zowada, or Shabaria?

Marcelo Cantu

Marcelo Cantu

Joined
Jan 18, 2003
Messages
3,734
I know these are very different designs but has anyone handled any of these? How is the Vesuvius' handle?
Anyway, I got no response on my query regarding the CRKT Lightfoot M1 or Prowler :grumpy: , but I just picked up the Prowler It's a solid knife, fits well in my hand, cuts nicely NIB, & the very different design is almost addictive. The only thing I wasn't crazy about is the edge grind; I got the combo-edge version, on the side of the serrations, the grind is long and shallow, the other side is normal. I can't tell if cutting is affected but it bugs me a little. But, I got it for forty bucks so I'm not really complaining.
The M1 is on its way!

Any opinions on the CRKT Cascade?

"Imagination is more important than knowledge." - Albert Einstein
 
I bought the Shabaria a while back. Yery
sharp. very agressive blade design. Light-
weight and rides low in the pocket. It's
not for evryone but I find myself carrying
it more and more. It's worth a look1
 
I love the way my shabaria looks and carries but I am a little concerned about the tip strength and the fact that is is NOT sheeple friendly.
 
I just received a Vesuvius in a trade. Not really impressed with the materials. I have handled plenty of Spyderco knives with the FRN handles, but this model just feels cheap. I have the one with the blue abalone inlay, and it looks and feels like a sticker. The inlay sets too low in the handle, so there isn't a smoothe transition from scale to insert. There is some vertical blade play, although not much. Basically, I don't really care for it in general.

Now, for the pluses. I like the design of the blade. I like the lock because I can flick the knife closed, almost like I can my axis lock BMs. Your fingers never get in the way of the blade when closing. Overall, it is a decent knife, one that will likely find a spot in my glove box for emergency cutting chores, or just as a beater knife. I just can't bring myself to put it in my pocket in place of one of my BMs.

Mike
 
I have to say that among the three knives mentioned, I really like the Vesuvius the best. The Vesuvius has better blade steel than the Zowada and it can come in plain edge also. I like the design of the blade on the Vesuvius better than I like the blade design of the Shabaria. The Shabaria is essentially a recurved dagger style blade that looks very aggressive. The Vesuvius is a more nondescript spearpoint. I think that ATS-34 steel for the Vesuvius and VG-10 for the Shabaria is roughly even. I also really like the compression lock on the Vesuvius. It is very strong and confidence inspiring. That is not a slam on the Shabaria's lock which is plenty tough. The only drawback of the compression lock is that it can pinch your hand sometimes. I can see where a person could see the shell inlay as cheap, but I find it attractive, furthermore, one can get a Vesuvius in plain FRN with just a little silver bug on the scales if one doesn't like the inlay.
 
I have a Vesuvius and a Zowada and like them both. The
Vesuvius is an early production one (it is a #'ed one) and I think the fit and finish are fine. The inlay sits a little below the surface of the handle, but I think that this helps prevent damage.
Mine gets carried quite a bit and the inlay looks like new and there
is no vertical or side to side play in the blade. The shape fits
my hand well and the ATS-34 hold an edge well.

The Zowada is one of the smoothest opening knives that I own.
The newer versions have VG-10 blades instead of AUS-8.I have never
had a problem with AUS-8, but I prefere VG-10.The Zowada also comes in a plain edge.It carries well, I hardly notice it in my pocket and
I think that it is a classy looking knife.

Bruceter
 
I have only had the Vesuvius. I was disappointed. I had an early numbered one as well. No inlay, just the silver bug. Handle felt cheap and vertical blade play was horrible. The lock would pinch sometimes. IMO, way better knives out there. BTW, I am not a fanatic, but I do like Spyderco. I have been looking at the Shabaria in plain edge for a couple years or so....anyone wanna trade or sell one?......
 
I have noticed that the Vesuvius' with the inlay seem
to have better lock-up than the ones with the bug. I
have a Spyderco forum Vesuvius and the fit of the scales
to the liner and the lock-up aren't as good as the one I
have with the inlay.

Bruceter
 
I have a Vesuvius w/o the inlay. I really like it, and carry it like a gentleman's knife for occasions when a 4" folder would be too big/intimidating.

The Vesuvius's lock is solid, and I loved the fit and finish of mine. It may not be big enough for my EDC or beater knife, but when I want something elegant, understated, different, and not intimidating, I carry it.
 
Hey Marcelo,

When I don't get responses to my questions,
I use the "search" option with a few key words.
As far as the M-1 goes I just got one a few weeks
ago. This is one solid knife! Thick blade & thick
liners, the best lock-up on any CRKT knife I've had.

Well, except for my new G.H.Hawk D.O.G.!!

Anyway, although the M-1 is a little on the heavy
side it is one sweeet knife. The Mako flipper works
everytime with minimal effort. It can carried left
or right tip up or down. This combined with the flipper
make it lefty friendly. The grip is very comfotable
and pleasant to use. Definitly a big bang for the buck
with this one. If you get one you will not be disappointed!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top