Chaparral Lightweight - Unexploited Gem

[zuludelta]

Love my Chaparral FRN. Just a great all-around compact user, and an oft-overlooked model—I think it's a great alternative to more popular standbys like the Native 5 LW and the Delica 4. Always wondered why we've never had a production Micarta variant, seems like a no-brainer to me given that the whole model's concept is that it's a showcase platform for different handle materials.

[prndltech]

The real answer is the chap should have s90v.

Aha ! My favorite mind reader !

Folks, lemme tell ya… it’s a scary place in there.

[Cowboyfromhell]

Had one and gifted it.....didn't really do it for me....

[olywa]

I'd love to add a 3rd Chappy in S90V.

[Catamount123]

Also a fan of the Chapparral LW, just started carrying mine again recently. XHP works fine for me, but I wouldn’t mind seeing a variation or two in more stainless steel. M390(or 20CV, 204P) and, of course, MagnaCut would be great.

[Manixguy@1994]

The real answer is the chap should have s90v.

Aha ! My favorite mind reader !

Folks, lemme tell ya… it’s a scary place in there.

I got to thinking usually a model in S90V is in CF , how would a lightweight fit into that scheme since there is already a CF variation ? Dan

[olywa]

I already have a CF and a LW so an S90V in a different color FRN appeals to me. I'm thinking purple would be the ticket.

[prndltech]

The real answer is the chap should have s90v.

Aha ! My favorite mind reader !

Folks, lemme tell ya… it’s a scary place in there.

I got to thinking usually a model in S90V is in CF , how would a lightweight fit into that scheme since there is already a CF variation ? Dan

Don’t need no stinking CF! Buck the trend and just move the entire line to s90v

I already have a CF and a LW so an S90V in a different color FRN appeals to me. I'm thinking purple would be the ticket.

I’m down for a purple people eater

[TkoK83Spy]

Just get the S110V UKPK and call it day. More comfortable handle, more cutting edge, less pricey...it also already exists!

[gad226]

I would also like to see some more "classy" FRN colors like burgundy, navy, or gold if thats possible. You can also go the Kahr Arms Delica route and try to match common pants colors like khaki and denim.
The fastest way to get new variants would be inlays of different materials in a standard G-10 handle, but thats kinda cheating.
As for new steel types, the Chaparal has one of the thinnest, if not the thinnest, blade thicknesses so the steel has to have some toughness. I have liked the way XHP has performed, but I have seen some surface rust spots in the pivot area when I have taken it apart, so maybe it could benefit from a more corrosion resistant steel.

[z1r]

I love my Chaps. The LW is a handy lil package. I wouldn't mind a CruWear or Magnacut version, or better yet, both!

[sethwm]

The chap is a nice knife. The only thing I would complain about is that the pocket clip doesn't have great retention (not sure if that's a quirk with the wood scales). XHP seems to perform pretty well, but it could be interesting seeing it in other steels. 15V would be nice on the wood scale model (since you're not gonna get that wet anyway). Magnacut would probably be better on the lil' native LW where it can actually be a salt knife.

I'd appreciate more LW handle colors. The gray color on the LW is a bit dull.

On my chap LW the lynchnw wire clip replacement has totally transformed the knife for me. Took a great knife and made it amazing

[RamZar]

There have been discussions about more Chaparral Lightweight in different FRN colors and even steels. I think the next Chaparral is a non-lockable Slip Joint. There’s also capacity issues at the Taichung factory where all Chaparral folders are made.

[Basko00]

There have been discussions about more Chaparral Lightweight in different FRN colors and even steels. I think the next Chaparral is a non-lockable Slip Joint. There’s also capacity issues at the Taichung factory where all Chaparral folders are made.

That’s too bad. I would love to see a g10 or CF with s90v. I will pass on a slip joint.

[Ric]

Some lightweight variations would be highly appreciated.
Give it the love the Para 3 lightweight got!

[Jason997]

I was more interested in colors when I originally posted this. Not the bright colors like on the Japanese models, but colors that fit with the spirit of Taiwan FRN. Deeper, grayer blues, greens, reds, purples etc. I think this would be a big seller. I think the XHP steel is great, and I like the idea that it continues to get used with this model. Otherwise something like the standard s45vn going forward is fine and probably ideal.

[Ramonade]

Had one and gifted it for a friend to see how good it was !
Bought a Sun & Moon to replace it, like Dan has

I'd be up for any iteration of the Chaparral.

[Doc Dan]

I had a thread or two on scale colors for the LW. Sal responded, so I think it only a matter of time before we see some different colors. In that thread I believe I championed earth tone colors.

[sethwm]

There have been discussions about more Chaparral Lightweight in different FRN colors and even steels. I think the next Chaparral is a non-lockable Slip Joint. There’s also capacity issues at the Taichung factory where all Chaparral folders are made.

Seem to remember serrations also being discussed.

[Jason997]

I already have a CF and a LW so an S90V in a different color FRN appeals to me. I'm thinking purple would be the ticket.

This would be great. The key is not a "bright" purple or other colors like we see with the Japanese FRN models.