Chaparral Raffir Noble - Just Got One - Question

[Unadan]

So I just received my Chaparral in Raffir Noble - good scale design (purchased from Amazon.com - 1st party). This may be nitpicking but there are a couple of small "dings" or scratches on one side (pictured). Would you worry about this or just accept that the material is prone to scratching? Thanks in advance.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-J_6 ... 9mQWYxVktV

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-J_6 ... 1uTW5GZlNB

[abbazaba]

That looks like a really nice pattern to me! I'd keep it, but that's for you to decide.

The handles are fairly easy to scratch, and I think mine came with a few. I didn't care because it went straight into my pocket, loose with my keys. It actually held up quite well over the course a few weeks of carry, though there were plenty of light scratches.

[Sharp Guy]

I can't really see anything in your pics. Send it back if you're not happy with it. Looks like you got one with a nice pattern. Not always the case. So if it were me I'd probably keep it. If you carry it much it'll eventually get marked up anyway.

[Mattysc42]

I’ve used mine hard in my automotive production job, and the scales have scratched a lot and chipped a little in places. Definitely less durable a handle material than g10 or frn, but beautiful even when beat up.

[Wartstein]

I don´t see anything that would bother me in your pics.

But generally it´s a bit discrepant, that THE version of the Chap you definitely primarely get for its looks (cause functionally concerning grippiness, durability, resistance to impacts and so on CF and especially FRN are clearly superior imho) is also the version where those looks get scratched up and chipped the easiest.

If you like the knife overall, I´d definitely get the LW / FRN version too. Nearly undestructible handle I´d assume, being steel linered FRN..

/ And I´d be interested HOW you like the knife , if you´d like to share. Not necessarely the handle material, but ergos, blade, lockup and so on.

[Doc Dan]

I can't see any scratches. I would live with it and love it. That is a particularly good looking knife handle.

[GiftedMisfit]

I've seen some not so pretty ones at my local shop. Those ones do look really nice. I would keep it, but what do I know - I like s30v as a blade steel.

[Wartstein]

... I would keep it, but what do I know - I like s30v as a blade steel.

I am not sure I get what you mean.. you like S30V over CTS HXP, right?

If that´s the case: CTS HXP in my experience and use is quite similar to S30V, just (a bit) "better" if that makes sense (Though I am really not a steel expert by any means admittedly)

[GiftedMisfit]

What I meant is what do i really know about knives. All i read is 'as long as s30v isnt the steel". I like s30v. I like xhp. I just plain like spyderco.

Sorry warstein kind of went.off topic lol basically saying - I'm no expert.

[Wartstein]

What I meant is what do i really know about knives. All i read is 'as long as s30v isnt the steel". I like s30v. I like xhp. I just plain like spyderco.

Sorry warstein kind of went.off topic lol basically saying - I'm no expert.

:D :D Know I get it!!! And I guess I am pretty much like you. Not an expert. Totally fine with S30V. And I dare to assume (just guessing, of course!): Most REAL experts would generally be fine with S30 V as a knife-steel too.. It´s more the middle ground between no expert and expert that is not...

[GiftedMisfit]

Lol exactly. Reading alot of your posts. Do tend to agree with your views on blade steels.

[koenigsegg]

I agree that is one of the better patterns I've seen but I do see the low spots you're talking about, doesn't seem to be too bad especially if like they said you plan on using it

[Unadan]

I ended up returning the knife to Amazon and bought another from DLT Trading. I'll have it this coming Tuesday.