I like the Chaparral line so much that one of them is all I carry. The FRN is a fantastic deal and the Sun and Moon is just super with some mojo going. The overall design is ingenious. Got a birdseye maple scales model and found those soak up water like a sponge, warp some and it cracked where the clip inserts and runs the length of the scale. I glued it but would like a replacement and will pay for it. I’d even consider a different material but don’t know if any other scale will fit this particular model. Thanks
Bummer. When I disassembled and oiled the scales my impression was that they were stabilized. They didn't soak up oil.
Mine weren’t stabilized at all. I used the knife and lightly rinsed the blade under cool tap water and wiped it down, a very normal practice with a blade. Immediately the wood swelled so much that the action became balky and gummy feeling. The scales warped and pulled away from the tang area. The scales look great but are for collectors only imo. I’ll stick with the FRN or G10 for actual use.
My suggestion would be to contact the Spyderco warranty department. They may be able to help you out since this model is still in production.
This is what I'd do too. Not doubting the OP's issues but I find it hard to believe Spyderco would sell a knife with wood handles that aren't stabilized and are "for collectors only".
Of all the things I've lost I miss my mind the most!
Here is a shot of the area where the scales have warped and pulled away from the metal near the tang. Hope you can see this image as I’ve had some issues with my hosting recently.
It was worse the next time so I clamped it till dry and it went back to normal but does it with a second worth of tap water. It is definitely a bummer. Great knife in the other scale materials.
Here is a shot of the area where the scales have warped and pulled away from the metal near the tang. Hope you can see this image as I’ve had some issues with my hosting recently.
It was worse the next time so I clamped it till dry and it went back to normal but does it with a second worth of tap water. It is definitely a bummer. Great knife in the other scale materials.
It is showing for me. Good picture clearly showing the issue.
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I understand you're disappointed because of what happened but I think it's a great knife with the Maple scales. Yeah I won't be getting mine wet but I don't get any of my knives wet very often. I've used a couple on food in a pinch and then rinsed them off in the sink but that's unusual for me.
I appreciate the heads up regarding your issue and I'm sure others do too. Have you considered contacting Spyderco to at least make them aware of issue? I'm certain they'd want to know
Of all the things I've lost I miss my mind the most!
Spyderco has been contacted through their online form. I provided the information about the swelling and warping as well as the split scale. Picture links were provided too. We will see what shakes out.
Following. I love the look of this little knife, but have held off so far. If the scales aren't stabilized I might hold off for good.
I'll have to take mine apart and take a good look at it but it sure seems like it should be sealed. I'd feel weird about soaking this one regardless and I had no plans on doing so either way. It's a really nice version of the Chap even if I can't take it in the bath tub with me
Of all the things I've lost I miss my mind the most!
Sorry about your scales. This is one of the most appealing knives in the SC lineup that I don't have. I agree with the above - if you want to avoid swelling and the scales aren't already finished with something, look into boiled linseed oil or beeswax for a cheap, simple, relatively effective protectant if you can't stabilize them yourself. Another option would be giving them a few coats of clear polyurethane - there are many, and some formulated specifically to protect against moisture damage to wood. It's simple enough to do, cheap, and should offer fair to good, reasonably lasting protection from water. Just make sure to look into which are foodsafe first (boiled linseed oil, for instance, is not especially).
I’m very surprised the wood scales were not stabilized and made water resistant! I have one but it has stayed in its box since I purchased it. Beautiful like the Raffir Noble one and no two look the same. I also never carried that one either because I heard of issues with scratch marks showing too readily. The ones to carry without such worries are the CF/G10 Laminate and of course FRN.
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