Spyderco Forums

SpyderEdgeForever wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 08, 2019 5:52 pm

Wartstein wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 08, 2019 11:33 am

SpyderEdgeForever wrote: ↑

Sat Mar 02, 2019 6:18 pm

Michael and the rest of you all have convinced me to want a Chaparral FRN. Now here is my question: Is the 2 mm thick blade strong and tough enough that if use it to cut down cardboard and also for whittling and cutting meats and cheeses for sandwiches, it will not break, and I have the confidence that it will not break or chip?

SEF, I am courious: Have you decided yet? Or even already ordered a Chap?
At least you probably have not RECEIVED one yet, otherwise I´d sure read a related (and hopefully enthusiastic...) post of yours...

The answer is this: I held out for the Spyderco Stretch with laminated VToku2/SUS stainless steel. Is that a good decision? I do appreciate the answers of you and others.

The Stretch is fine. It was designed as a hunting knife. The Chaparral is a general duty pocket knife. I have a carbon fiber and an FRN Chaparral, both. I find I prefer the FRN version for some reason.

SpyderEdgeForever wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 08, 2019 5:52 pm

Wartstein wrote: ↑

Fri Mar 08, 2019 11:33 am

SpyderEdgeForever wrote: ↑

Sat Mar 02, 2019 6:18 pm

Michael and the rest of you all have convinced me to want a Chaparral FRN. Now here is my question: Is the 2 mm thick blade strong and tough enough that if use it to cut down cardboard and also for whittling and cutting meats and cheeses for sandwiches, it will not break, and I have the confidence that it will not break or chip?

SEF, I am courious: Have you decided yet? Or even already ordered a Chap?
At least you probably have not RECEIVED one yet, otherwise I´d sure read a related (and hopefully enthusiastic...) post of yours...

The answer is this: I held out for the Spyderco Stretch with laminated VToku2/SUS stainless steel. Is that a good decision? I do appreciate the answers of you and others.

Judging based on my needs and preferences: If I would have neither a Stretch, nor a Chap, I'd go for a Stretch first, no doubt. Though in my case I'd look for a Stretch 1, and the laminated steel would be HAP 40.

If no Stretch 1 was to be found, I'd still go for a Stretch 2 (which I also like very much). Don't know about VToku though. No personal experience, but it seems to rust very fast...

In any case: As soon as I had one (or maybe two in different steels) Stretch, my next knife (of any folder I could buy) would be a Chap FRN. It's just a masterpiece of design, fit and finish, and though I prefer bigger knives, THIS is the (small) knife I always reach for on the (rare) occasions when I want or need to carry something smaller.

I love the FRN Chappy and carry it daily during the week. That may change one day if/when the FRN Caly 3.5 ever comes out. I carry a fixed blade on weekends, with a Spyderco Roadie in my coin pocket.

Could someone share a picture of a Chap next to a native5 for size comparison?

Thanks.

Doeswhateveraspidercan wrote: ↑

Sat Mar 09, 2019 10:00 am

Could someone share a picture of a Chap next to a native5 for size comparison?

Thanks.

Unfortunately I sold my Native to fund the Chap, so, sorry, no. Chap next to a Delica is my best offer...

But I can say: Between Chap and Native there is really almost no difference concerning actual edge, but a lot concerning size in the pocket. The Chap is way slimmer and also shorter when closed. Just for me the Chap is the "better Native"

It is relative- the Chaparral is significantly smaller than anything I carry, including what I carry to my office every day.

It is relative, which is a point that sometimes gets lost along the way. It’s a bit larger than the Lil’ Native and smaller than a Para 3. However, the way it performs at cutting it’s really a big knife.

Great thread Michael.

Here's my similar combo. :) I love the Pemberton.



The clip on the Chap, is from a Lil' Native. I like the shorter clip better on a small knife.

Doeswhateveraspidercan wrote: ↑

Sat Mar 09, 2019 10:00 am

Could someone share a picture of a Chap next to a native5 for size comparison?

Thanks.

If you Google "Chaparral Native 5" and then click "Images" there are tons of pics.

Doeswhateveraspidercan wrote: ↑

Sat Mar 09, 2019 10:00 am

Could someone share a picture of a Chap next to a native5 for size comparison?

Thanks.

Those are fine looking knives Peter!

Finally, somebody sees the world as I do! :D

Mcbee anyone?

I like my FRN Chaparral best, of course my FRN has a XHP blade, my Carbon Fiber Chap has the "old" S30V blade.

2.5 to 3.0 is small,

under 2.5 to 2.0 is very small,

under 2.0 is micro

Chap is 2.8 blade
the handle is very compact and slim
50/50 choil provides excellent ergos.