Which Carbon Fiber Knife to buy?

[kobold]

I think the best "make believe" CF is the GB2.

[JRinFL]

Fluted CF Native5

I second that vote!

Another vote from me.

Also agreed on the Kapara. And, if it fits your hand, an original Positron.

[JRinFL]

Ah, is the Amalgam considered CF? If so add that to my list.

[TkoK83Spy]

I don't believe I've seen the Smock, Ikuchi, Sage 5 or Watu mentioned yet? All production model knives.

[JacksonKnives]

The most unique CF IMO is on the Caly3/3.5 with laminated ZDP-189 and (I think?) Hap-40 bladesteel. Out of stock most places, but you can find them on Ebay for reasonable prices. The handle's not slick and shiny like the stereotypical polished CF, but it's not a pocket-destroyer like the peel-ply texture most Golden-made CF sprints use. It's ground down a bit and sanded to a matte/satin finish which I like the feel of, perfectly suited to the slim/precise nature of the knife. Not everyone likes it, though. It doesn't show off the dimensionality of the CF weave like a clear-coat-covered slab does.

Golden models with fluted CF are also very unique with a good balance between grip and pocket-friendly smoothness, but... the Kapara would be my pick for sculpted CF. (Also a very nice knife, but then aren't they all?) There's also the Drunken for exquisite detail.
I find the peel-ply CF from Golden a bit too abrasive, but if you want a high-performance working knife most of the S90V sprints are top-tier.

[austrian_spyder_fan]

Which size should it be?
Lil Native S90V maybe?

I like my Sage 1 CF, it has a very good grip.
Caly 3 ZDP189 CF is rather slippy.


ASF

[Wartstein]

Another vote for the Kapara! It is so nicely done and a great design.
Just not for harsher outdoor use in my experience (handle to slick, lock akward to operate), but in normal conditions: Great EDC folder!

Second suggestion: Chaparral CF. Never had this version myself, but the Chap as a model is an amazing slicer and perfectly executed from what I know.

[JSumm]

My favorite would be the Kapara. So much edge in a compact design with fantastic ergos. Mine has great detent. The carbon fiber is beautiful. I love the minimum upswept blade towards the end. Very little belly to it. Just enough belly at the tip. As others have said, it is slick and my largest complaint. I have dropped it twice trying to close it. Just something to be aware of. With that complaint it is still my favorite overall knife.

I have had the Chaparral and Watu. They are laminates, but grippier than the Kapara. I like the look of the Chap with the metal backspacer. I still would take the Kapara over those 2.

[abbazaba]

From current production, GB2 gets my vote.

[wrdwrght]

What are you looking for in a blade and lock?

[dan31]

Native Chief S90v. Excellent CF. Great knife as well.

[Sharp Guy]

From current production, GB2 gets my vote.

GB2 really is a tough one to beat!

[TomAiello]

Kapara! An excellent knife in general and the contoured CF is amazing in both looks and feel.

Hands down.

The Kapara is the best CF knife in the Spyderco line up.

[TomAiello]

Another vote for the Kapara! It is so nicely done and a great design.
Just not for harsher outdoor use in my experience (handle to slick, lock akward to operate), but in normal conditions: Great EDC folder!

I agree on the lock, when compared to some others, but you can get aftermarket scales for the Kapara that are much grippier. I made a set of grooved micarta scales that are super grippy, although I admit that my favorite scales are still the (slick) factory CF. I really want to do a set in FatCarbon Mars Valley (red and black) and pair them with the red backspacer I got from Alistair.

[kobold]

[sn0wman72]

Fluted CF Native 5 is a wonderful CF knife, Chaparral in CF is also a good choice

[Wartstein]

Another vote for the Kapara! It is so nicely done and a great design.
Just not for harsher outdoor use in my experience (handle to slick, lock akward to operate), but in normal conditions: Great EDC folder!

I agree on the lock, when compared to some others, but you can get aftermarket scales for the Kapara that are much grippier. I made a set of grooved micarta scales that are super grippy, although I admit that my favorite scales are still the (slick) factory CF. I really want to do a set in FatCarbon Mars Valley (red and black) and pair them with the red backspacer I got from Alistair.

The comp.lock cutout on the Kapara is quite small and combined with the narrow and slick handle this can make the lock a bit more akward to operate. But as said: Not an issue in most "normal" conditions imho, and grippier aftermarket scales would help!

Both your scale options sound very good!
Do you happen to have a pic of those Micarta scales?

[Airlsee]

A few of my favorite Spydies are some variant of CF and seem to be underrepresented in this thread.

[atv223]

Thanks for all of the suggestions!

I think I’m down to between the Lil’ Native sprint or the Kapara.

I have 2 Lil’ Native sprint/exclusives. They’ve become some of my favorite to carry. I love the size, wire clip, and lock.

I’d like to try something different like that the Kapara but as it’s stock model I could always pick one up later. If I miss the Lil’ Native Sprint, I’ll be out of luck for good.

[nerdlock]

Technically the GB2 is G10/CF laminate...

Still doesn't make it any less of a knife...I love mine! (except for the super weak detent)