The Chaparral is a large knife

[Doc Dan]

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.

[Wartstein]

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.

[olywa]

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.

[Doeswhateveraspidercan]

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

Thanks.

[Wartstein]

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"

[bdblue]

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

[MichaelScott]

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.

[Fred Sanford]

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.

[Fred Sanford]

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.

[anycal]

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

Thanks.

[bearrowland]

Those are fine looking knives Peter!

[NickShabazz]

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

[spy4life]

Mcbee anyone?

[gull wing]

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

[RobDigi]

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.