Spyderco Forums

I think the best "make believe" CF is the GB2.

RAHComanche wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 02, 2021 12:38 pm

Fluted CF Native5

I second that vote!

Another vote from me.

Also agreed on the Kapara. And, if it fits your hand, an original Positron.

Ah, is the Amalgam considered CF? If so add that to my list.

I don't believe I've seen the Smock, Ikuchi, Sage 5 or Watu mentioned yet? All production model knives.

The most unique CF IMO is on the Caly3/3.5 with laminated ZDP-189 and (I think?) Hap-40 bladesteel. Out of stock most places, but you can find them on Ebay for reasonable prices. The handle's not slick and shiny like the stereotypical polished CF, but it's not a pocket-destroyer like the peel-ply texture most Golden-made CF sprints use. It's ground down a bit and sanded to a matte/satin finish which I like the feel of, perfectly suited to the slim/precise nature of the knife. Not everyone likes it, though. It doesn't show off the dimensionality of the CF weave like a clear-coat-covered slab does.

Golden models with fluted CF are also very unique with a good balance between grip and pocket-friendly smoothness, but... the Kapara would be my pick for sculpted CF. (Also a very nice knife, but then aren't they all?) There's also the Drunken for exquisite detail.
I find the peel-ply CF from Golden a bit too abrasive, but if you want a high-performance working knife most of the S90V sprints are top-tier.

Which size should it be?
Lil Native S90V maybe?

I like my Sage 1 CF, it has a very good grip.
Caly 3 ZDP189 CF is rather slippy.


ASF

Another vote for the Kapara! It is so nicely done and a great design.
Just not for harsher outdoor use in my experience (handle to slick, lock akward to operate), but in normal conditions: Great EDC folder!

Second suggestion: Chaparral CF. Never had this version myself, but the Chap as a model is an amazing slicer and perfectly executed from what I know.

My favorite would be the Kapara. So much edge in a compact design with fantastic ergos. Mine has great detent. The carbon fiber is beautiful. I love the minimum upswept blade towards the end. Very little belly to it. Just enough belly at the tip. As others have said, it is slick and my largest complaint. I have dropped it twice trying to close it. Just something to be aware of. With that complaint it is still my favorite overall knife.

I have had the Chaparral and Watu. They are laminates, but grippier than the Kapara. I like the look of the Chap with the metal backspacer. I still would take the Kapara over those 2.

From current production, GB2 gets my vote.

What are you looking for in a blade and lock?

Native Chief S90v. Excellent CF. Great knife as well.

abbazaba wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 02, 2021 7:36 pm

From current production, GB2 gets my vote.

GB2 really is a tough one to beat!

Wandering_About wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 02, 2021 11:38 am

Kapara! An excellent knife in general and the contoured CF is amazing in both looks and feel.

Hands down.

The Kapara is the best CF knife in the Spyderco line up.

Wartstein wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 02, 2021 3:28 pm

Another vote for the Kapara! It is so nicely done and a great design.
Just not for harsher outdoor use in my experience (handle to slick, lock akward to operate), but in normal conditions: Great EDC folder!

I agree on the lock, when compared to some others, but you can get aftermarket scales for the Kapara that are much grippier. I made a set of grooved micarta scales that are super grippy, although I admit that my favorite scales are still the (slick) factory CF. I really want to do a set in FatCarbon Mars Valley (red and black) and pair them with the red backspacer I got from Alistair.

Fluted CF Native 5 is a wonderful CF knife, Chaparral in CF is also a good choice

TomAiello wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 02, 2021 9:57 pm

Wartstein wrote: ↑

Thu Sep 02, 2021 3:28 pm

Another vote for the Kapara! It is so nicely done and a great design.
Just not for harsher outdoor use in my experience (handle to slick, lock akward to operate), but in normal conditions: Great EDC folder!

I agree on the lock, when compared to some others, but you can get aftermarket scales for the Kapara that are much grippier. I made a set of grooved micarta scales that are super grippy, although I admit that my favorite scales are still the (slick) factory CF. I really want to do a set in FatCarbon Mars Valley (red and black) and pair them with the red backspacer I got from Alistair.

The comp.lock cutout on the Kapara is quite small and combined with the narrow and slick handle this can make the lock a bit more akward to operate. But as said: Not an issue in most "normal" conditions imho, and grippier aftermarket scales would help!

Both your scale options sound very good!
Do you happen to have a pic of those Micarta scales?

A few of my favorite Spydies are some variant of CF and seem to be underrepresented in this thread.

Thanks for all of the suggestions!

I think I’m down to between the Lil’ Native sprint or the Kapara.

I have 2 Lil’ Native sprint/exclusives. They’ve become some of my favorite to carry. I love the size, wire clip, and lock.

I’d like to try something different like that the Kapara but as it’s stock model I could always pick one up later. If I miss the Lil’ Native Sprint, I’ll be out of luck for good.

Technically the GB2 is G10/CF laminate...

Still doesn't make it any less of a knife...I love mine! (except for the super weak detent)