RN or CF Chaparral?

[Eli Chaps]

So I've really developed an affinity for smaller knives. The Delica has been my staple EDC for many years but lately I just have a really hard time kicking the Dragonfly 2 out of my pocket. So now I'm really eyeing the Chaparral as my next Spydie. I've always been attracted to it but worried I'd find it too small for my EDC use and it ain't really a cheap experiment. But loving the Dfly2 as much as I now do, I'm quite warm to the Chap.

I lusted after the Rafir Noble when I very first saw it and even after some of the tales of disappointment, I still think it is beautiful and highly intriguing. But I also have a Sage 5 and love the feel of those scales. I do like a bit of sexy but I'm always a function over form guy. I just wonder if the RN scales are slick?

Obviously this isn't a hard use knife and it will cut more fruit, leftover pork chops, and beer boxes than anything else.

What do you guys think?

[timlara]

If the Dragonfly2 isn't too small for you, then the Chap should be just fine. I personally love the size of it.

If it were me, I'd go with the CF version as I still feel like it's the best EDC version. The others are prettier, but I am more of a tactile guy, and as you said, the feel of the CF texture is really nice. I think it looks great, too.

Also, as you mentioned, the Rafir Noble is really neat looking, but there seems to be a TON of variance to it, so you never know what you're gonna get if you're ordering online. Acrylic or smooth micarta, etc, finishes are too slick for me personally.

[pete bogman]

How many knives can you get with RN scales? Go for it.

[abbazaba]

I love both, but the CF version is kinda the perfect knife

[paladin]

RN Chappy is the mutt's nuts...however the handles can't be bookmatched and sometimes they look unbalanced with one side having a lot of stunning mesh and the other side looking like a <mostly> empty aquarium.

CF version is one of the best slicers in the Spyderco lineup.

I own both!

But I'd try to get ACTUAL photos of BOTH sides of a Raffir Noble before I'd spring for one...but when I found a stunner, I'd be all over it like white on rice!

check some of em out and you'll see what I'm talking about with the "imbalance" of some of the handles:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=74562&hilit=RN+Chaparral

[SG89]

wait for the frn chap

[dplafoll]

wait for the frn chap

This. If you're function-oriented, this is going to be one of the very best smaller EDC knives from Spyderco.

Otherwise, given the choice, I'd pick the RN version. I own the CF laminate version, but I'm going to buy the RN version too, and I don't usually buy different versions of the same knife unless I have a really, really good reason. The RN scales are worth it. Also, they're not really much if any less grippy than the CF laminate, so I don't think that will matter much, and if it did you're probably better off with a knife that's not so thinly-ground.

[3rdGenRigger]

I'd ask your dealer to send you pictures of the RF Chaps in their inventory. It looks awesome, especially if you get a good one. I had a CF Chap (I ended up trading it for another Spydie) and the texture is a little grippier, but I think the ergonomics are more than enough to allow for enough purchase on a gentlemans folder even with smooth sided scales. I think the RF Chap is a lot cooler looking and more gentlemanly if that's a concern for you.

[Sharp Guy]

I think it's a tough call between the two versions. I have the CF Chap and love it. I've been tempted to buy the RN Chap but I'd have to see it first to make sure it was interesting enough.

Spydergirl's suggestion to wait for the FRN Chap is a good one. It should be the least expensive of the Chap versions but may also be the best user of them all.

[murphjd25]

If I had to do it all over again, I'd get the CF Chap. The Raffir Noble is beautiful and defintly unique, but it is just a little to slippery for me. I really do like the CF overlay over G10 that Spyderco does.

[Doc Dan]

I have no complaints about the CF Chap as it is now.

Another knife you should look at is the Urban Light Weight. It is non locking and a perfect size.

[The Deacon]

Depends on your tastes. For me, the CF Chaparral is the most practical Chaparral version to date. It's attractive, scratch resistant, and offers decent grip. I'm not a huge fan of the RN version, but perhaps that's because I'm not a fan of "see through" scales in general. As I see it, the only thing the RN version has going for it that the CF version doesn't is that each RN Chaparral is unique. If that's of primary importance to you, then U'd say go RN, otherwise stick with the CF.

[ronT2]

I've always been attracted to it but worried I'd find it too small for my EDC use and it ain't really a cheap experiment. But loving the Dfly2 as much as I now do, I'm quite warm to the Chap.

I've found the Dfly too small for me and never carry it. The Chap fits my hand just that much better and you get a lot of blade for such a small package. The RN is interesting but I don't think I'd buy one unless I saw it at a B&M or pictures of it...to many mixed reviews. If I was looking for more of a beater I'd wait for the FRN. If you want something a little more gentlemanly I'd go with the CF. I love both of my CF Chaparrals.

[this_is_nascar]

The CF Chaparral is my favorite Spyderco. I had the RN version, but the scale pattern on mine was not to my liking. I'm hoping the FRN version will be released in my lifetime, as that's the one knife that I'm really looking forward to getting.

[Eli Chaps]

Thanks everyone for your inputs.

wait for the frn chap

Dang, I forgot this was dangling out there. I do love me some FRN.

I wonder when Uncle Sal's magic elves are going to get this one out...?

:)

[dplafoll]

Thanks everyone for your inputs.

wait for the frn chap

Dang, I forgot this was dangling out there. I do love me some FRN.

I wonder when Uncle Sal's magic elves are going to get this one out...?

:)

@ Shot Show early this year Eric said "summer", but that window is closing. However, that does lend a bit of optimism that it'll be soon-ish, maybe by the end of the year at least.

[RamZar]

Chap is pretty slim and a great slicer. The CF model does not have the better texture of the Sage5. RN model is classy and each pattern is unique. However, RN does get scratched up easily. Chap CF is more practical but I wouldn't be afraid to pocket the RN as long as you don't have metal objects in the same pocket scratching it.

[Peter1960]

I wonder when Uncle Sal's magic elves are going to get this one out...?

:)

You gave me a good lough :D ... I am waiting too for FRN Chapparals!

[DutchBlades]

I'd go for CF. My RN Chaparral turned out to be my first regretful Spydie purchase. If you can't see the actual knife you're buying, unbalanced scales are a definite issue (for me at least).

[this_is_nascar]

I'd go for CF. My RN Chaparral turned out to be my first regretful Spydie purchase. If you can't see the actual knife you're buying, unbalanced scales are a definite issue (for me at least).

Agreed. You said it better than I did.