Chaparral with Micarta Scales / More Micarta-Handled Folders?

[carrot]

I recently got a customized Spyderco with micarta scales and I sincerely forgot how nice micarta is as a handle material. It's tough, warm to the touch, and can be sanded to be smooth yet still grippy, even when wet.

I really think that the next Chaparral handle doesn't need to be a fancy one, just a nice one. Some kind of micarta would fit that bill nicely. We have a few beautiful versions now, let's have a couple versions for the users who want something a little more "jeans" carry.

While we're at it, why doesn't Spyderco use more micarta? We see a ton of G-10, and by all accounts micarta is not particularly hard to machine or expensive to buy.

[NickShabazz]

Man, I'd love to see a Micarta Delica along the lines of the Pakkawood model. That'd be stellar.

[soundshaman]

Micarta chapy would be awesome

[farnorthdan]

Man, I'd love to see a Micarta Delica along the lines of the Pakkawood model. That'd be stellar.

+1, wouldn't that just be such an epic Delica, love the Pakka, actually bought 2, I'd grab a couple Micarta for sure. I have 4 :spyder:'s with aftermarket Micarta already.

[The Deacon]

Sal has said several times that he's reluctant to use micarta due to dimensional stability issues. For me, the main advantage micarta had over polished G-10 was that micarta offered better grip with wet hands. However, most of what's called micarta today is not the "original recipe" and lacks that characteristic. So, while I'd love to see a micarta Chaparral, I'd be just as happy to see one in polished G-10.

[carrot]

Sal has said several times that he's reluctant to use micarta due to dimensional stability issues. For me, the main advantage micarta had over polished G-10 was that micarta offered better grip with wet hands. However, most of what's called micarta today is not the "original recipe" and lacks that characteristic. So, while I'd love to see a micarta Chaparral, I'd be just as happy to see one in polished G-10.

I recently heard that the only kind of micarta that generally sees stability issues is paper micarta, and that canvas and linen micarta as commonly used in fixed blades has excellent durability.

I think that, regardless, the Chaparral would be a good platform for micarta scales, because of its design where the scales are not needed for structural integrity. It'd be nice to get a little variety; I've had enough peel-ply G-10 for now!

[The Deacon]

Sal has said several times that he's reluctant to use micarta due to dimensional stability issues. For me, the main advantage micarta had over polished G-10 was that micarta offered better grip with wet hands. However, most of what's called micarta today is not the "original recipe" and lacks that characteristic. So, while I'd love to see a micarta Chaparral, I'd be just as happy to see one in polished G-10.

I recently heard that the only kind of micarta that generally sees stability issues is paper micarta, and that canvas and linen micarta as commonly used in fixed blades has excellent durability.

I think that, regardless, the Chaparral would be a good platform for micarta scales, because of its design where the scales are not needed for structural integrity. It'd be nice to get a little variety; I've had enough peel-ply G-10 for now!

If I never saw peel ply G-10 (or peel-ply CF) again, it would be too soon, but polished G-10 is a whole different animal.

[carrot]

If I never saw peel ply G-10 (or peel-ply CF) again, it would be too soon, [...snip]

Absolutely agreed.

I love smooth handle scales, but I own enough heavily textured handles to last several lifetimes. I want my next knives to feel like they've melted in my hand.

I once had a smooth-handled G-10 knife and it was very, very nice. But I still think there's something to micarta that lends a softness of feel quite unlike G-10.

[JRinFL]

If I never saw peel ply G-10 (or peel-ply CF) again, it would be too soon, but polished G-10 is a whole different animal.

As great as it looks, polished G10 is quite fragile in terms of scuffing and scarring. I recently dropped my green G10 Native and it left a nasty whitish scar. I have become less enthused with polished G10 after that accident. I’ll take Micarta, please.

[foofie]

Yes please. The chaparral is the platform to experiment with different scales - what better than micarta? Wood would be nice as well, like the sage 4. But micarta first!

[TomAiello]

I've got all the Chapparal's, so I'd be into this one too. I'd definitely like something smooth. That polished G-10 looks awesome, too.

[GarageBoy]

Green canvas or white linen, please

[this_is_nascar]

No sense in wasting any excitement over this. Spyderco can't seem to release the FRN version of the Chaparral that they've been talking about for the last couple years. No reason to feel this would ever happen within the next five years.

[Nate]

Yes please!

[VashHash]

Bring back the black linen.

[bh49]

If I never saw peel ply G-10 (or peel-ply CF) again, it would be too soon, but polished G-10 is a whole different animal.

+1
Make it contoured and I will be really happy.

[glutofknives]

I would buy literally any spyderco offered in micarta or copper.

[foofie]

So... uh... Where are the pics :D

[sal]

Copper is out, But I'm looking into Micarta for Chappy's.

sal

[Sharp Guy]

Copper is out, But I'm looking into Micarta for Chappy's.

sal

Now that sounds interesting!