Chap LW idea

[steelcity16]

So my understanding is that the Chaparral is meant to showcase different handle materials rather than steels. But the Chapparal LW is such an amazing knife is seriously is putting me into a depression that we may never see another version of it! Perhaps the team can look into a glow in the dark FRN as a "new" scale material to showcase in the Chap LW, and while they are at it throw an LC200N blade and some stainless hardware and make the ultimate EDC Salt knife!

[Danvp]

I totally agree with you. The Chap LW is to amazing not to treat with other steels. A salt version SE would be nice. All black please. LC200n is also highly appreciated.
I would buy one or two without hesitation. The perfect EDC indeed.

[zhyla]

Hmmm... is nylon available in a glow in the dark variety?

[steelcity16]

Hmmm... is nylon available in a glow in the dark variety?

I don't know exactly what they have access to in Taiwan. There have been glow in the dark Spyderco exclusives in the past. I think the scales were smooth on those though and a different material. I would prefer a molded Glow in the Dark FRN/FRCP in the same texture of the current Chap LW scales using the same mold. Hopefully that is possible and they will make this happen. I think it would do very well.

[Wartstein]

The Chap lightweight is the one knife that really cought me off guard. I initially bought it as an option solely for trailrunning to be clipped IWB on occasions when I would have otherwise maybe carried no knife at all.
But immidiatelly I fell in love with that great designed, very capable little tool, carry it a lot more often than I thought I would, and will 100 % never get rid of it (and I am generally more a larger blades guy).

That said, I personall am totally fine with the current version (or even am quite amazed by the CTS HXP steel), BUT: If additional steel or handle options would lead to more people getting interested and trying that design, I am totally for it. I think, a bit like it is with the Stretch, the Chap is an underestimated folder and really grows on you as soon as it really gets used

[Larry_Mott]

I'm allergic to GITD personally. I would never buy one. That said, if it would make (more) people notice and appreciate the Chap so be it.
Me? I'd be over the moon over a wood or micarta scale really classy Chap since that's what they are about for me :)

[restless ghost]

Micarta or Pakkawood would be an insta-buy

[abbazaba]

I'm pretty sure Sal mentioned that the Chaparral LW and Sage5 LW were an opportunity for exclusives and sprints in different steels. K390 would be my vote.

[Nate]

^^ +1, I remember that as well.

[Wartstein]

Micarta or Pakkawood would be an insta-buy

Absolutely YES to both. Micarta even more than Pakkawood.
And the good thing: Could well come true, couldn't it? After all the Chap was established as THE model to display different handle materials on the always same knife-design, right?

[Larry_Mott]

Micarta or Pakkawood would be an insta-buy

Absolutely YES to both. Micarta even more than Pakkawood.
And the good thing: Could well come true, couldn't it? After all the Chap was established as THE model to display different handle materials on the always same knife-design, right?

Indeed, and I have seen amazingly pretty Chaps with wooden scales..

[RadioactiveSpyder]

There were an (over-)abundance of Chaps on the Spyderco prototype table at last weekend’s OKCA show. Many were various types of stabilized woods that Sal and Eric were trying out, as well as a few new Raffir acrylic scales - one of which I believe had some GITD material integrated into the scales. I must say I was not particularly impressed with any of them to be honest, but I have pretty high standards for this model!

[David R]

I'm sure Spyderco's plate is pretty full. But a black or white linen micarta Chap would be great. I have no issues with XHP - it's very nice steel and I'm sure it was chosen specifically for the thin grind they use. But I would not be opposed to K390 Chap either.

[Wartstein]

...But a black or white linen micarta Chap would be great....

It sure would! But thinking about it, I doubt, they'll ever put miicarta-scales on a Taichung knife. I remember Sal saying something like Micarta would be too likely to shrink or expand when shipped from there to another (dryer?) climate. I could remember wrongly though.

And I'd be for denim-micarta... :)

[ladybug93]

does pakkawood look better in person than in pictures, because i don’t think it’s attractive at all based on the pictures. i’d rather see a nicer looking wood like ebony or maybe some bone scales or something. if you want to go classy, really go classy.

[araneae]

There were an (over-)abundance of Chaps on the Spyderco prototype table at last weekend’s OKCA show. Many were various types of stabilized woods that Sal and Eric were trying out, as well as a few new Raffir acrylic scales - one of which I believe had some GITD material integrated into the scales. I must say I was not particularly impressed with any of them to be honest, but I have pretty high standards for this model!

That's a looker. My first commissioned customized knife will be a ctek/cf scaled version. Looking forward to it, its in the hands of a fellow forumite now.

[Doc Dan]

There were an (over-)abundance of Chaps on the Spyderco prototype table at last weekend’s OKCA show. Many were various types of stabilized woods that Sal and Eric were trying out, as well as a few new Raffir acrylic scales - one of which I believe had some GITD material integrated into the scales. I must say I was not particularly impressed with any of them to be honest, but I have pretty high standards for this model!

That knife was done just right. Beautiful.
Who made the scales?

[David R]

...But a black or white linen micarta Chap would be great....

It sure would! But thinking about it, I doubt, they'll ever put miicarta-scales on a Taichung knife. I remember Sal saying something like Micarta would be too likely to shrink or expand when shipped from there to another (dryer?) climate. I could remember wrongly though.

And I'd be for denim-micarta... :)

Hadn't considered that - it may not be stable enough for the moisture swings between Taiwan and Colorado. I used to live at 5000'+ in Colorado and 7000'+ in New Mexico. Weird stuff happens due to the dryness.

[TomAiello]

Chap LW would make a pretty good "folding mule" for running other steels.

If the K390 Chap LW actually happens, I see myself buying multiples immediately. My favorite smaller knife in one of my favorite steels is going to be an amazing combination.

[Danvp]

does pakkawood look better in person than in pictures, because i don’t think it’s attractive at all based on the pictures. i’d rather see a nicer looking wood like ebony or maybe some bone scales or something. if you want to go classy, really go classy.

I had a pakkawood delica. Not a great fan of it and sold it again. Mine was very dark. The 3 different wooden scales on the Chapparal i handled were very attractive. Don’t know if they were actually made from wood or some look- alike material. Anyway they are on my ‘to buy’ list when they drop regardless of steel.
Still a salt Chapparal is on my shortlist too. Just a perfect design of a little knife.