Chaparral Preview

Halfneck · #61

I really liked the ergonomics on my Orange Urban so this looks like a nice locking alternative. I've read through here, but can't find the steel used?

Blerv · #62

Should be S30v.

dwong · #63

...kinda make me think of the CF kopa.

The Deacon · #64

Blerv wrote:Should be S30v.

Definitely is S30V.

I should have put that in with the specs or at least added a link to the photo spread in the Gallery. :o

dwong wrote:...kinda make me think of the CF kopa.

There's a comparison shot of it and a Kopa in that photo thread ^^^ Chaparral's a bit larger, just enough larger for me to allow a full 4 finger grip behind the choil, and also a bit thinner.

The Mentaculous · #65

The first thing that came to mind in terms of what it looks like for me is a mini-Native (especially like the new G-10 or old CF one). I can also see the resemblance to the Caly Jr., and of course most obviously the Sage (which I know drew from both the Native and Calypso series).

Have they ever used 2mm blade stock before? I was looking around, and most are 3mm (even the Urban), the thinnest that I saw being 2.5mm

The Deacon · #66

The Mentaculous wrote:The first thing that came to mind in terms of what it looks like for me is a mini-Native (especially like the new G-10 or old CF one). I can also see the resemblance to the Caly Jr., and of course most obviously the Sage (which I know drew from both the Native and Calypso series).

Have they ever used 2mm blade stock before? I was looking around, and most are 3mm (even the Urban), the thinnest that I saw being 2.5mm

Sal once joked regarding the similarities and differences between the Native, Caly 3, and Sage that "sometimes you feel like a hump, sometimes you don't, and sometimes you just can't decide". So yes, there are similarities in handle shape among a number of Spyderco models. In addition to the ones you mentioned, I'd put the Urban, Kopa, UKPK, Cat, Chicago, and Calypso Jr in that family as well.

As for the 2mm stock, the blades of the Centofante 3 and 4 are also 2mm and some of the kitchen knives were even thinner. It's the first time they've done an S30V blade this thin though.

dialex · #67

Hi Paul, congratulations on your new little knife and thanks for the pictures and review. Very detailed and quality made, as usually.
So should I understand that a wireclip is acceptable for using at your knives after all?

chuck_roxas45 · #68

henhen14 wrote:Looks beautiful. Is there any way to paint the wire black?

Maybe you can have it black chromed by a gunsmith.

The Mentaculous · #69

The Deacon wrote:Sal once joked regarding the similarities and differences between the Native, Caly 3, and Sage that "sometimes you feel like a hump, sometimes you don't, and sometimes you just can't decide". So yes, there are similarities in handle shape among a number of Spyderco models. In addition to the ones you mentioned, I'd put the Urban, Kopa, UKPK, Cat, Chicago, and Calypso Jr in that family as well.

As for the 2mm stock, the blades of the Centofante 3 and 4 are also 2mm and some of the kitchen knives were even thinner. It's the first time they've done an S30V blade this thin though.

Ha! That quote from Sal is great. I actually really like the semi-hump (more like a straight incline) on the Sage series (similar to the Manix). It suits my style of much better than a full "hump" like that on the Caly 3, Delica, Tenacious etc. Mainly because I have big hands, so it's kind of a squeeze to get the pad of my thumb on the jimping, and also I prefer a "strong" saber grip, or "Filipino grip" as Michael Janich calls it, even for utility work (it's just a more secure grip for me than having my hand all arched to get my thumb on the ramp).

I think what really reminded me of the Native even more than the Sage did was the butt end of the handle--it's kind of more square like the Native's

Thanks for the blade stock info also, that's interesting. If only the Centofante 3 had a choil or more of an exposed tang..I'll still probably pick on up eventually anyway.

chuck_roxas45 wrote:Maybe you can have it black chromed by a gunsmith.

Or just order a Sage 1 clip from the SFO for like $7

chuck_roxas45 · #70

The Mentaculous wrote:

Or just order a Sage 1 clip from the SFO for like $7

There's a black one?

The Mentaculous · #71

chuck_roxas45 wrote:There's a black one?

I consider it black..or at very least darkened. Maybe more like a gunmetal gray if you want to be picky.

chuck_roxas45 · #72

The Mentaculous wrote:I consider it black..or at very least darkened. Maybe more like a gunmetal gray if you want to be picky.

Thanks.

Teddy Thompson · #73

If the Sage 1 clip is not black, it's close to it and much darker than any of the other wire clips I've seen. There's a photo in the second post of Deacon's Chaparral thread in the Gallery comparing the blade thicknesses of the Sage 1 and Chaparral that also shows the color of both clips.

Morris · #74

Thank God it's made in Taiwan.

that's all i'm saying.

Nice for those of us who missed the Cat. Actually, better than nice.

donutsrule · #75

Teddy Thompson wrote:If the Sage 1 clip is not black, it's close to it and much darker than any of the other wire clips I've seen. There's a photo in the second post of Deacon's Chaparral thread in the Gallery comparing the blade thicknesses of the Sage 1 and Chaparral that also shows the color of both clips.

Spyderco does a nice job with their "low light" wire clips. They stand out less than actual black clips against most backgrounds.

I really like this new knife. I may end up getting one for my dad, too: he likes the thin ones a lot and has EDC'd a SS Cricket I got him for about 6 years.

Denix · #76

I normally don't do this, but I couldn't resist anymore. Preordered. :D

Guy

The Deacon · #77

donutsrule wrote:Spyderco does a nice job with their "low light" wire clips. They stand out less than actual black clips against most backgrounds.

I really like this new knife. I may end up getting one for my dad, too: he likes the thin ones a lot and has EDC'd a SS Cricket I got him for about 6 years.

True, the brownish "heat colored" ones are the most unobtrusive. The black one on the Sage is rather shiny, so probably not a lot less noticeable than the silver ones. Of course, it depends a bit on what you're wearing.

I'm also inclined to think visibility is less of an issue with the deep ride wire clips since it's impossible to tell what the clip is attached to. So many gadgets today either have a clip of some kind or are carried in a case with a clip of some kind that the mere presence of a clip is not a "red flag" for most people.

bh49 · #78

Paul,
Thank you for great review and pictures.
I really like to see 2 mm FFG blade. I wish Kopas had 2 mm. Really do not see good reasons for small gents knives to have thicker blade.
Wondering what handle materials will be offered in future. I certainly need a knife with wood or bone.

Peruna · #79

I work in an office environment and have taken to carrying a slipjoint and Dragonfly 2 on a daily basis out of deference to my co-workers comments. Simply, a Superleaf (as nice as it is) is not needed in an office.

So, I am looking forward to the Chaparral. It fits my needs perfectly. The size it right. The blade profile is right. I like the fact that it has a choil. I like the carbon fiber (love the CF on the Terzoula Slip-it). I think this knife will be a real winner.

ccpmedic · #80

Anyone have pics comparing Chaparral to the Leaf Storm?
Thanks, Roy