Chaparral Strength

[roninair]

The Chaparral is a great knife size,comfort, and one of the best looking spyderco knives the only problem is how strong is the s30v? I'm afraid to cut a zip tie in case I bend or brake the very thin blade . Has any one broke a blade yet ? I would be real interested in seeing a HD Chaparral with a thick blade but still retaining all of the good looks of the original.

[chuck_roxas45]

Have you considered a techno?

[senorsquare]

Have you considered a techno?

^ What he said. I like the Chaparral, I LOVE the Techno.

[wolfgaze]

Have you considered a techno?

I take it they don't make a Left-handed version? =\

[The Deacon]

As with most things in life, YMMV, but I've cut thick zip ties and the heavy plastic tags stores use on sunglasses with a Chaparral and, back when I was moving, I cut a lot of cardboard, including a good bit of tri-wall, with it as well. Most of that was straight cuts, but there were a couple 14" circles out of tri-wall to protect a clock.

[Blerv]

It's pretty tough. What you wouldn't want to do is put much lateral stress (twisting) through the cut. That said, thin sharp knives don't need much.

[Evil D]

Consider how thin the blade is on a typical Case knife and compare that to the Chaparral...it's still quite thick compared to a lot of knives out there. Think about how thin the blade is on a SAK. I wouldn't hesitate to cut a zip tie with those blades. My only concern with cutting zip ties is chipping the edge. That's why I carry a multi tool too.

[Fred Sanford]

Kidding right?

Dude the Chaparral is perfect for cutting zip ties. You'll be fine.

[Leatherneck]

I got some chipping while cutting zip ties, but only on the initial grind/sharpening. Once I took it to the sharpmaker it held up pretty well. Had the same exact experience with the Sage.

[GoodEyeSniper]

Can't speak for the Chaparral, but I have the very thin Centofante (2mm), hollow ground with a deliciously thin edge and I did a lot tougher stuff than cutting zip ties.

Only problems came when it came into quick contact with other steel objects. whoops.

edit: not to mention all the super thin traditional slipjoints and Opinels I have put through the ringer.

They're made of steel, not glass. As long as you manage your force wisely it should be more than fine.

[jag-engr]

Personally, I have had some bad experiences with using knives to cut zip-ties - nothing to do with blade integrity, though. I much prefer nail clippers or, failing that, scissors for the task.

[Lo/Rez]

I'll second the multi tool comment/suggestion. The Vic Spirits are especially nice.

[akaAK]

Cutting technique will be the factor. I've used thinner blades than the Chap to cut worse things.

[Evil D]

I'll second the multi tool comment/suggestion. The Vic Spirits are especially nice.

I've carried a lot of different multi tools and the Spirit is easily the best I've ever used. My only complaint is it needs better grip texture for wet hands.