Favorite factory carbon fiber scales?

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archangel
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Re: Favorite factory carbon fiber scales?

#21

Post by archangel »

I don't own one (I wish I would) but I'd vote for the fluted CF of the N5.

Of the ones I own, I like the Para3 52100 CF scales the most. Very grippy, yet not aggressive.
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Re: Favorite factory carbon fiber scales?

#22

Post by dan31 »

Native Chief CF S90v. Very nice CF with a touch of texture.
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Re: Favorite factory carbon fiber scales?

#23

Post by JRinFL »

Well, I've only owned a few, so keep that in mind. My favorite CF scales are on the Positron, even though it not a favored knife. I wouldn't mind seeing similar on other knives.
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Re: Favorite factory carbon fiber scales?

#24

Post by abbazaba »

Dazen wrote:
Wed Apr 14, 2021 6:20 pm
GarageBoy wrote:
Wed Apr 14, 2021 4:14 pm
Is the native chief that nice matte cf or is it the shiny stuff that looks like it was peeled off someone's 90s honda?

In my opinion the Chief is a perfect balance between Peel-Ply CF and Smooth CF. I hope Spyderco does more of it.

Left to right: Peel-Ply CF Military - CF Native Chief - Smooth CF Yojimbo - Smooth/Contoured CF Shaman

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This. The new CF on the Chief is great. It adds a little texture while still having the appearance of the matte CF on something like the Cruwear Manix exclusive, or the marbled 4v.

I pretty much like all of the CF though, and enjoy the potential rigidity and weight benefits. The Golden Peel Ply looks and feels great. The Sage1, Chap1,GB1+2 CF hide scratches amazingly well.

The only one I really don't like is the Sage5 laminate peel ply.

FWIW, on my scale:

Chief G10: 3.71oz
Chief CF: 3.39oz
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Re: Favorite factory carbon fiber scales?

#25

Post by Cricket Bite »

Kapara. This is a perfect rendition of what a carbon fiber knife should be. IMHO the carbon fiber overlay on G-10 is lipstick on a pig. I like the solid CF. It also depends on the intent and use of the knife. The peel ply CF is nice if more of a hard user and need the additional traction. I had this when I had an original stretch and thought it was nice (but not as nice looking as the Kapara). I like the slick stuff for a classy carry and nothing hard use. I may be one of the only few (or the only one) who does not like the Native 5 fluted looks.
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Re: Favorite factory carbon fiber scales?

#26

Post by abbazaba »

The issue I have with the Kaparra CF has to do more with the shape of the knife, combined with the slickness of the CF. Maybe it's just my big goofy hands, but with the narrow handle and shallow finger choil I always felt like it was about to slip and cut myself or drop the knife. I love contoured CF and would very much like to see more of it, but fluted CF like the Native would have made a big difference to me. On a knife handle like the Manix2, smooth CF is perfect IMO.
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Re: Favorite factory carbon fiber scales?

#27

Post by cycleguy »

Contoured CF - Native 5, Kapara, Proficient. I also like my CF PM2, Sage 5, and Chaparral. I ended up selling my CF Delica.

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Re: Favorite factory carbon fiber scales?

#28

Post by bbturbodad »

The machining on the Drunken is pretty crazy...nicer than Shiro IMHO.
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Re: Favorite factory carbon fiber scales?

#29

Post by PSquared »

Image

Does Nishijin count as carbon fibre?
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Re: Favorite factory carbon fiber scales?

#30

Post by sok »

Caly 3.5. Smooth is where it’s at.
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Re: Favorite factory carbon fiber scales?

#31

Post by GarageBoy »

I actually like the caly 3.5 scales - it's the classic old school matte CF that isn't shiny
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Re: Favorite factory carbon fiber scales?

#32

Post by Kevinim82 »

I am always surprised at how tip heavy the carbon scales make this knife.
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Re: Favorite factory carbon fiber scales?

#33

Post by The Deacon »

The CF texture Spyderco uses on the Chaparral is my favorite and my next favorite would be matte CF like they used on the Kiwi and Kopa. Gloss looks pretty, but tends to chip, which reduces it's appeal. None of the others appeal to me and I flat out detest peel-ply.
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Re: Favorite factory carbon fiber scales?

#34

Post by Mr Blonde »

If I had to pick just one, I'd go with the fluted carbon fiber on the N5 in S90V and the 40th anniversary model.
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Re: Favorite factory carbon fiber scales?

#35

Post by ZrowsN1s »

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Re: Favorite factory carbon fiber scales?

#36

Post by GarageBoy »

I forgot how nice that 4v fradon lock Manix was. Hope they do more exclusives!
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Re: Favorite factory carbon fiber scales?

#37

Post by ZrowsN1s »

GarageBoy wrote:
Sun Apr 18, 2021 4:05 pm
I forgot how nice that 4v fradon lock Manix was. Hope they do more exclusives!
I don't know if it was the slow sale of the Manix (people didn't like the saber grind) or what. But Fradon has not done much with their exclusive combo.

You'd think a pm 2 or para 3 would be a no brainer in 4V and marbled cf, but what do I know?
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