Another thread for discussing a Chaparral XL - now that it came one step closer to becoming a reality

[sal]

FYI, naming new models is one of the more challenging things for the Crew to do.

Actually, the "Chaparral" was a racecar.

The larger Chaparral is a it of a test / experiment.

sal

[Paul Ardbeg]

FYI, naming new models is one of the more challenging things for the Crew to do.

Actually, the "Chaparral" was a racecar.

The larger Chaparral is a it of a test / experiment.

sal

Maybe call it the "Silberpfeil" or "Silver Arrow" and make a Titanium or Aluminium version?

[p_atrick]

FYI, naming new models is one of the more challenging things for the Crew to do.

Actually, the "Chaparral" was a racecar.

The larger Chaparral is a it of a test / experiment.

sal

In that case, the Chaparral 2J would get my vote. I think that might be a puzzling name for some, but the 2J was Chaparral’s most innovative car. It had fans to suck it to the ground to improve speeds when cornering.

[cjk]

FYI, naming new models is one of the more challenging things for the Crew to do.

Actually, the "Chaparral" was a racecar.

The larger Chaparral is a it of a test / experiment.

sal

This is really interesting! I've heard of the race car, but the product description says something different. The multiple meanings is cool.
https://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/C152CF/672

Chaparral is a shrub native to the Western United States with the unique ability to perennially survive, revive and regenerate after being destroyed by drought or fire. Like a season it returns year after year. It's also what Spyderco calls a new and continuing series of gentlemen's folders.

Mid-sized Chaparral folders will have identical blade and handle profiles but showcase variant handle materials. Handle options will be chosen for their elegant appearance and functional utility with a focus directed at making the Chaparral series unique as well as a serious contender in the gent's knife genre.
....

[Mushroom]

@cjk Thats the main reason for why I thought keeping with the Chaparral biome motif would be appropriate.

In the past Sal has explained that the Chaparral was designed to be a smaller version of the Sage.

Considering that both knives use names relating to the Chaparral biome, I think it’s fitting to maintain that theme with a new version of the Chaparral. (Or either model, really)

I would even suggest using the name “Biome” but one quick search shows existing knives from other brands with that name, so that specific name most likely wouldn’t work.

[SRT392HEMI]

Does the blade need to be 3.5"? What if blade length was 3 1/8th or 3 1/4? Seems more proportionate to me.

[cjk]

@cjk Thats the main reason for why I thought keeping with the Chaparral biome motif would be appropriate.

....

My thoughts with Chaparral/Manarral was more along the lines of LadyBug/ManBug.

[Wartstein]

Does the blade need to be 3.5"? What if blade length was 3 1/8th or 3 1/4? Seems more proportionate to me.

I respect your opinion, but to me personally whenever dreaming of a Chap XL it has been about a significantly larger version in the very popular Manix, PM2, Endela, Stretch... blade size.

I believe that the virtues of a thin blade (= slicing) really rather shine in longer blades (while actually thick stock can be nice in short, stubby super-hard-use folders). Many true cutting tasks, especially through larger/wider matter, profit from being able to cut in one single long drawing motion.

And along the lines of what @sal said in his last post (viewtopic.php?p=1832185#p1832185):
Imo this whole project is so exciting and something different because we´ll find out if 2mm stock in an ffg blade is strong enough for all the things people tend to do with their "main" EDC folders in again that very popular and versatile 3.5" blade length..

[Wartstein]

@cjk Thats the main reason for why I thought keeping with the Chaparral biome motif would be appropriate.

In the past Sal has explained that the Chaparral was designed to be a smaller version of the Sage.

Considering that both knives use names relating to the Chaparral biome, I think it’s fitting to maintain that theme with a new version of the Chaparral. (Or either model, really)

I would even suggest using the name “Biome” but one quick search shows existing knives from other brands with that name, so that specific name most likely wouldn’t work.

Just can reiterate: I personally really like that thought-through "naming approach" and theme and would not be opposed at all to the "Chamise" Nick has proposed as one name for a larger Chap in a previous post (viewtopic.php?p=1830169#p1830169)

("Chamise" - "Sage" - "Chaparral"... and then we´d have to find another "biome motif" name for the "Chaparral XXL" that would make @vivi also interested in the line.... )

[SRT392HEMI]

Does the blade need to be 3.5"? What if blade length was 3 1/8th or 3 1/4? Seems more proportionate to me.

I respect your opinion, but to me personally whenever dreaming of a Chap XL it has been about a significantly larger version in the very popular Manix, PM2, Endela, Stretch... blade size.

I believe that the virtues of a thin blade (= slicing) really rather shine in longer blades (while actually thick stock can be nice in short, stubby super-hard-use folders). Many true cutting tasks, especially through larger/wider matter, profit from being able to cut in one single long drawing motion.

And along the lines of what @sal said in his last post (viewtopic.php?p=1832185#p1832185):
Imo this whole project is so exciting and something different because we´ll find out if 2mm stock in an ffg blade is strong enough for all the things people tend to do with their "main" EDC folders in again that very popular and versatile 3.5" blade length..

Makes sense.

[bobnikon]

Still like the...Chapstein myself. And Wartstein should get serial #2, I am assuming most of the #1s go in the museum or stay in the family.

[Mat_ski]

I actually kinda like the basic sounding Chaparral XL,

However, I also like boy (chap)/man route, but maybe instead of man let’s go with chad, as in Chaddaral, lol.

[Flash]

It’s going to be a bigger version of the best EDC Spyderco make, and it’s key feature will be more of what makes the Chaparral so good: the blade.

For me the name isn’t important - They could call it the polished turd and I’d still want it.

Aside from the upcoming Charisma, this is the only knife I’m excited about.

[N. Brian Huegel]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaparral_Cars

nb

[elena86]

Does the blade need to be 3.5"? What if blade length was 3 1/8th or 3 1/4? Seems more proportionate to me.

I totally agree ! I hope Sal would take this into consideration.

[Wartstein]

Does the blade need to be 3.5"? What if blade length was 3 1/8th or 3 1/4? Seems more proportionate to me.

I totally agree ! I hope Sal would take this into consideration.

Again with all respect: I totally disagree... Of course just my humble opinion, but for like 6 years know I dream of a "Chap XL" to be of a blade length that is really good for true slicing tasks, which imo often profit from a long cutting edge.

I also think this "2mm stock ffg longer blade - experiment" should go kind of "all the way" and be done with a, well, actually rather a bit longer blade - so at least the 3.41 of an Endela or 3.45 of a PM2...

Just my 2c of course, no right or wrong here! (And I would still not exactly be disappointed if I got a Chap with "just" 3.25 blade in hand... )

[elena86]

Does the blade need to be 3.5"? What if blade length was 3 1/8th or 3 1/4? Seems more proportionate to me.

I totally agree ! I hope Sal would take this into consideration.

Again with all respect: I totally disagree... Of course just my humble opinion, but for like 6 years know I dream of a "Chap XL" to be of a blade length that is really good for true slicing tasks, which imo often profit from a long cutting edge.

I also think this "2mm stock ffg longer blade - experiment" should go kind of "all the way" and be done with a, well, actually rather a bit longer blade - so at least the 3.41 of an Endela or 3.45 of a PM2...

Just my 2c of course, no right or wrong here! (And I would still not exactly be disappointed if I got a Chap with "just" 3.25 blade in hand... )

Proportion wise, a 3.25” Chap would be close to perfection and that blade lenght is more than enough for any average slicing task but… to each his own. All I am interested in is the serrated variant so I shall be a happy camper anyway. Let’s hope that Sal will stay on top of this project.

[aicolainen]

I think I’m siding ever so slightly in favor of Wartsteins position on this one.
My preference leans heavily toward compact models, like the OG Chaparral. The current Chap, while compact, is easily large enough to provide a full grip, so there is nothing for me to gain in a larger model except for more edge.
And if I need more edge, the alternative should provide noticeably more edge to be a relevant choice in those situations.

It’s not like I wouldn’t buy it if it ended up being 3.25”, but I think I’d be more happier with a 3.5” ish blade.
And for someone who doesn’t need more handle, I really hope the blade to handle efficiency is carried over from the regular chap. That is one of its standout features to me.

[KeepCalm&Carrion]

I'd be disappointed if the Chap XL came in under 3.5", but to each their own, of course.

[M_J87]

I'd be disappointed if the Chap XL came in under 3.5", but to each their own, of course.

Agreed. Really hoping it's on the upper end of the 3.5" range, ~3.65 would be preferable to ~3.4.