A little background first. I'll be 64 next month, got my first good knife as a present in 1966, a Case Stockman. Unfortunately, I lost it about a dozen years later (the only knife I ever lost), and replaced it with a Buck 301. It, and a 110 were the only pocket knives I owned, until sometime in the '90s, when the 110 was replaced with a similar Kershaw. Thumbstud, titanium scales, ATS-34 blade, screw together construction, lighter and carried better than the 110. Served me well for many years, more svelte than the 110, it was still pretty much of a pocket brick. Without all the boring details, since 2008, I've been through a lot of knives with Benchmade and Spyderco being in the majority. I don't collect knives, if it's not used it gets sold.
My most used knives are a Benchmade 940-1 and a 943. The 940 is my EDC at work and the 943 sees the most pocket time otherwise. My Spydies that are keepers were down to an Endura and my old sprint run Rookie. I wanted another Spyderco.
The Kapara has been on my radar since it came out, but I've never handled one. While visiting a friend this past Saturday, he showed me his new Kapara. I ordered mine Sunday, it came yesterday which was perfect, as I'm off work until Monday. It's been in my hand or pocket since. I like everything about it. The fit and finish is flawless. Really. Flicks open and drops shut just like a 940. A tad bigger in all dimensions, it carries just as well. Fits my hand perfectly. Handles intuitively, like a knife I have owned for years. Razor sharp from the factory, even the pivot was perfectly adjusted. It is beautiful, photos don't do it justice. This is my first Taichung Spyderco and I have to say the crew there does excellent work.
This is all highly subjective, but this knife is close to perfection to me, If you've never handled one do so when the opportunity arises.
And now the photos, including one with the competition.
