Spyderco Forums

I noticed that the Chaparral Carbon Fiber has the cts xhp steel not the s30v in th 2013 catalog. Is this correct?

It's what it was originally supposed to be...so it is possible that they just did the change for the new year.

It's possible the steel will change. Especially since, IIRC, the CF Chaparral was originally slated to use XHP, but the steel was not available. However, given that the catalog picture for the open CF Chaparral is actually a Sage I, there's also a chance it's just a mistake. Hopefully, someone from Spyderco will see this thread and confirm or deny the change.

Hi Krislacy,

That is correct,

We are going to the steel originally planned for the model, but, as mentioned, was not available at the time.

sal

sal wrote:Hi Krislacy,

That is correct,

We are going to the steel originally planned for the model, but, as mentioned, was not available at the time.

sal

That is great news! ill be purchasing a chaparral 1 now whenever they come available!

Hopefully Native5 will get upgrade as well or at least sprint with xhp.

The Deacon wrote:However, given that the catalog picture for the open CF Chaparral is actually a Sage I, there's also a chance it's just a mistake.

It means that the Sage I blade's steel will not be "upgraded" to CTS-XHP like on the catalog picture. :D

bh49 wrote:Hopefully Native5 will get upgrade as well or at least sprint with xhp.

Yes please X2

Anybody who has used and paid attention to the performance of CPM-S30V and CTS-XHP, how would you compare them?

Areas of concern:
1. Basic edge retention

2. edge chipping

3. edge rolling

4. How does XHP compare to S30V as far as sharpening? Easy to get sharp like VG-10 or M4? Is it more like ZDP-189? Any other input?

5. How does it handle edge angles under 30 degrees inclusive. I'm not concerned about angles lower than 24 degrees inclusive.

I don't need an in-depth discussion on steel specifics because I don't understand most of it. Just a layman's opinion of the two steels used for EDC knives. I'm using S30V as the comparison steel because it is on the CF Chaparral that I have and I am used to how it performs. I have wanted the ti Chaparral mainly for the XHP even though the ti handle is beautiful. I have heard it compared to SS as far as texture when using the knife and I'm not a big fan of SS.

I asked this same question in a different context. I am also not a big fan of metal handles, whenever I have used them.
I wonder if there is much of a difference in the two steels.

Hi Bh49,

We have many combinations planned for the Native5. We'd like to wait until the lightweight mold is finished to make them more affordable. Some will be coming our with the G-10 version.

Jack,

Both steels are relatively new and I don't think there is enough real world data to draw too many conclusions.

sal

arty wrote:I asked this same question in a different context. I am also not a big fan of metal handles, whenever I have used them.
I wonder if there is much of a difference in the two steels.

Without being able to quote any specific statement I've gotten the feeling that XHP is a "better" steel than S30V. That may be dependent on who you listen to and how they use knives of course. All I really care about is edge retention. How long can I go between sharpenings? Since that is also dependent on what is being cut I've learned (decided) to just be happy with any pretty good steel. An EDC knife may need to cut a loose thread on your jacket, cut a radiator hose or cut a sandwich in half. Given these requirements how can one steel be the only good one for an EDC pocket knife?

I put my ZDP Manbug blade on my G-10 Manbug handle. That gives me a combination I like better. G-10 with liners is stronger and ZDP has better edge retention (as a rule on both). With the ti Chaparral I had considered getting one and swapping parts to match up my favorite handle with my favorite steel if it were possible. I already figured I was going to like the CF better than ti so it amounted to me putting the XHP on my CF handle. Looks like Spyderco is taking care of that for me. :) :)

sal wrote:Hi Bh49,

We have many combinations planned for the Native5. We'd like to wait until the lightweight mold is finished to make them more affordable. Some will be coming our with the G-10 version.

Jack,

Both steels are relatively new and I don't think there is enough real world data to draw too many conclusions.

sal

Thanks Sal. I was now considering getting another CF Chaparral to get the XHP. But, if there isn't enough OBVIOUS difference between XHP and S30V I'm back to wanting the ti model. Then I'd have a different handle AND different steel. I've never been one to buy two of the same. I like to buy two of the same as long as they are different. :)

sal wrote:Hi Krislacy,

That is correct,

We are going to the steel originally planned for the model, but, as mentioned, was not available at the time.

sal

Thanks Sal for the great news.

sal wrote:Hi Bh49,

We have many combinations planned for the Native5. We'd like to wait until the lightweight mold is finished to make them more affordable. Some will be coming our with the G-10 version.
sal

Sal,
Thank you. I always liked natives and carried couple variants at different time. But I fall in love with Native5 and since I started to carry it, I cannot get enough. I would be great to have more colors and steels.
Thanks again,
Roman

jackknifeh wrote:Anybody who has used and paid attention to the performance of CPM-S30V and CTS-XHP, how would you compare them?

Areas of concern:
1. Basic edge retention

Excellent edge retention and aggressive.

2. edge chipping

Not bad from my experience.

3. edge rolling

Not too bad, Spyderco got the hardness right on so it doesn't roll too much

4. How does XHP compare to S30V as far as sharpening? Easy to get sharp like VG-10 or M4? Is it more like ZDP-189? Any other input?

Easy to sharpen, slightly easier than S30V, takes a screaming sharp edge.

5. How does it handle edge angles under 30 degrees inclusive. I'm not concerned about angles lower than 24 degrees inclusive.

Not sure, I keep mine right at 30 inclusive for my use.

My answers in Red. :)

Holland wrote:That is great news! ill be purchasing a chaparral 1 now whenever they come available!

Make sure you're getting one with the CTS-XHP if that's what you're after. I reckon there are still quite a few in stock out there with S30V blades.

I have been out of the loop too long. I was getting ready to get the ti Chaparral with xhp, but now im not sure what way to go. The Chaparral is already a great knife and I'm not quite sure what I think of the ti scales. I'll have to give this some thought. I do not usethe Chaparral much as it is cause im mostly at work, but I do love the knife.

The Chaparral is one of my favorite Spydercos and knives in general. I haven't tried the XHP so I'm tempted to get another Chaparral.

Though, I suppose I could just get the upcoming Mule. Or the Ti version. Definitely way too many choices.

I will be picking up another carbon fiber Chaparral, really enjoying the CTS-XHP steel in my Para2. My dad has been coveting my current carbon fiber Chaparral so I think I know where it will be residing soon.