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[video=youtube;Q0tjcOqZxJE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0tjcOqZxJE&feature=player_embedded[/video]
The Spyderco Chokwe is based on a historic fixed blade utility knife that is still used by the Chokwe people of Central Africa (Angola, Zambia and The Democratic Republic of Congo).
In keeping with the original, the Spyderco version is lean and geometric in profile and fairly narrow in width. At first look it would appear to be uncomfortable to use but feels good in the hand. This illusion could be attributed to several sharp angles (most notably the end of the spine and the butt) however gentle curves in the shape and extra handle length support decent ergonomics.
The Chokwe has a stainless liner with a g10 scale on one side and a bead-blasted titanium slab that includes the Reeve style frame lock on the other. Two holes drilled straight through the handle stay true to the original knife and allow for some extra grip while improving the weight. They also echo the 13mm thumb-hole, pulling together Spydercos signature with the African design. The handle is made with open pillar, screw together construction and has highly polished spool shaped stand-offs. There is a hourglass shaped clip that can be configured tip up or down but it is right handed only. It should be noted that the frame lock slightly covers the thumb hole on the left hand side so if you are a lefty this knife might not be for you.
The blade is made from CMP S30V and has a full flat grind that follows the even and gradual taper to the point of the knife. This allows for excellent cutting performance but also removes a lot of material towards the tip limiting it to lighter cutting duties as the last 1/4″ (6.4 mm) of the blade tapers down from .04 (1.02mm) of an inch. A small sweep in the choil is jimped to help with grip but is more token than functional and does not afford you the confidence of a deep choil as found on other Spyderco knives like the Caly 3, Superleaf or Para-military 2.
As with all of the Taiwan made Spyderco knives, the fit and finish exceeds the majority of knives at this price point including the American and Japanese made Spydercos. All of the angles on this knife have been machined perfectly to very tight tolerances. The inner details: the stainless liners, stand-offs and holes have also been finished or chamfered, showing off the manufacturers capabilities.
All in, the Chokwe is another fine example of Spyderco deviating from their staple forms. If you are a knife collector or someone looking for a great EDC utility knife the chokwe is an excellent choice. :thumbup:
If you like this review, please take the time to check out my blog and let me know what you think www.edgeobserver.com Thanks for reading!!
The Spyderco Chokwe is based on a historic fixed blade utility knife that is still used by the Chokwe people of Central Africa (Angola, Zambia and The Democratic Republic of Congo).
In keeping with the original, the Spyderco version is lean and geometric in profile and fairly narrow in width. At first look it would appear to be uncomfortable to use but feels good in the hand. This illusion could be attributed to several sharp angles (most notably the end of the spine and the butt) however gentle curves in the shape and extra handle length support decent ergonomics.
The Chokwe has a stainless liner with a g10 scale on one side and a bead-blasted titanium slab that includes the Reeve style frame lock on the other. Two holes drilled straight through the handle stay true to the original knife and allow for some extra grip while improving the weight. They also echo the 13mm thumb-hole, pulling together Spydercos signature with the African design. The handle is made with open pillar, screw together construction and has highly polished spool shaped stand-offs. There is a hourglass shaped clip that can be configured tip up or down but it is right handed only. It should be noted that the frame lock slightly covers the thumb hole on the left hand side so if you are a lefty this knife might not be for you.
The blade is made from CMP S30V and has a full flat grind that follows the even and gradual taper to the point of the knife. This allows for excellent cutting performance but also removes a lot of material towards the tip limiting it to lighter cutting duties as the last 1/4″ (6.4 mm) of the blade tapers down from .04 (1.02mm) of an inch. A small sweep in the choil is jimped to help with grip but is more token than functional and does not afford you the confidence of a deep choil as found on other Spyderco knives like the Caly 3, Superleaf or Para-military 2.
As with all of the Taiwan made Spyderco knives, the fit and finish exceeds the majority of knives at this price point including the American and Japanese made Spydercos. All of the angles on this knife have been machined perfectly to very tight tolerances. The inner details: the stainless liners, stand-offs and holes have also been finished or chamfered, showing off the manufacturers capabilities.
All in, the Chokwe is another fine example of Spyderco deviating from their staple forms. If you are a knife collector or someone looking for a great EDC utility knife the chokwe is an excellent choice. :thumbup:
If you like this review, please take the time to check out my blog and let me know what you think www.edgeobserver.com Thanks for reading!!
