chaparral birdseye maple question

[bcman776]

Hey everyone,

I had my eye on the chaparral birdseye maple for a while now. Does anyone know if the wood scales on the chaparral are stabilized? Also, for those of you who own the knife, how does it compare to the regular chaparral?
Thanks

[sal]

Hi Bcman,

Welcome to our forum.

sal

[Henry_P]

Hello and welcome.

Unfortunately I can’t answer your question as to whether or not the scales are stabilized but I have owned the knife since the day it was released and I love it. I’ve had no issues with the scales and they still look great. I would recommend buying in person if possible as the birdseye pattern varies widely. I have seen some that are very plain. I was lucky in that the one I received has a great pattern.

[Sharp Guy]

My guess is the wood scales aren't stabilized because Maple is already pretty stable. That's why it makes good rifle stocks. The urethane finish on it probably helps too

As far how it compares with the original CF Chap? It's pretty the same except the handle material is different. One thing I do like better about my CF Chap is less exposed screws. The current models all have exposed screws. So for me it's a toss up between the two. The maple ones sure do look nice though

[fixall]

I've worked quite a bit of natural and stabilized wood and I'm fairly positive it's stabilized. I imagine Spyderco would have severe issues with warpage with natural scales that thin considering all the places they ship.

[SRT392HEMI]

The maple is beautiful. Love my Chap LW, but that birdseye is sexy.

[fp83]

viewtopic.php?t=90784
this person has had this problem exactly..

[Ryder]

Unfortunately they are not stable. They are beautiful though. Mine warped and swelled immediately after rinsing it off the first time . I didn’t submerge for any length of time or soak it. My wonderful and very lightweight FRN model is fantastic and the intriguing Sun & Moon is fascinating as well as super strong.

[WilliamMunny]

I am surprised to hear they are not stabilized, from what I have read very few woods (ironwood, ebony, etc) can be used on a knife with out being stabilized.