Chaparral FRN Lightweight - Unobtainium?

[Unadan]

Wondering why there is no stock anywhere of this knife? I've checked all the big online knife retailers - no dice. Wondering if I should take a chance on a Raffir Noble model.

[sal]

Hi Unadan,

Welcome to our forum.

sal

[TomAiello]

Wondering why there is no stock anywhere of this knife? I've checked all the big online knife retailers - no dice. Wondering if I should take a chance on a Raffir Noble model.

You won't be sorry with the Raffir. I really like it--feels very classy.

It has less grip than the FRN, so if you're looking to use it in wet conditions or with freezing hands, you might want to hold out for the FRN. If it's something like an office EDC, the RN is perfect--and a bit easier on your pocket than the FRN (which can tear up your pants a bit sliding in and out of light work pants).

[Unadan]

Thanks appreciate the feedback!

[Unadan]

I might get the CF version. Anyone prefer the CF to the FRN scales?

[Doc Dan]

The LW is very popular, obviously. It sort of flew off the shelves. Just be patient. They will be coming.

[steelcity16]

I didn't realize these were so hard to come by. I got mine last year and it probably has seen the most pocket time of any knife I own. It is an amazing little knife. Seeing it out of stock like this makes me think that we will see some additional variations soon due to the popularity. An LC200N Chap LW Salt is a "grail" of mine.

Looking forward to the Sage LW. Going to grab one as soon as they drop.

[TomAiello]

I might get the CF version. Anyone prefer the CF to the FRN scales?

I carry the CF the most often. I prefer it to the FRN for general EDC, but I like the FRN better in slippery environments.

[Wartstein]

Wondering why there is no stock anywhere of this knife? I've checked all the big online knife retailers - no dice. Wondering if I should take a chance on a Raffir Noble model.

Welcome to the forum! :)

I only have the FRN version, and it's perfection in every aspect, just great. I'd say if you want a real user, it`s worth waiting for the FRN Chap being available again. It's also cheaper and lighter than the RN.

One European dealer (knivesandtools) still has it in stock, but that's a pricey option if you're American... 115 Euros (about 128 dollars) plus shipping to the US...
But other dealers here say, they'll have it once more soon, so I guess the wait won't be too long!

In any case: If you get one and report back how you like it, that would be great.

[Wartstein]

I didn't realize these were so hard to come by. I got mine last year and it probably has seen the most pocket time of any knife I own. It is an amazing little knife. Seeing it out of stock like this makes me think that we will see some additional variations soon due to the popularity. An LC200N Chap LW Salt is a "grail" of mine.

Looking forward to the Sage LW. Going to grab one as soon as they drop.

Yes, it IS amazing indeed! If you haven´t already, you should try it in some woodwork, maybe even just do a bit of whittling on a stick or some shavings without any purpose (or prepare a fire or the like). It´s amazing how this thing bites into wood. Even if you carry a bigger knife for that kind of work, the Chap is like an additional, even better extra tool for smaller woodwork...

/ On the LC200N: I am sure that´s a great steel and sure hope for you that there will be a Chap in it, but I personally think that part of the great value the Chap lw offers comes from the CTS HXP for that price. I am no steel expert by any means, but even I can tell how good the HXP is.

/ Sage LW: Yes, that will be a good one, and I´d prefer it over the Para 3 LW no doubt. But while it´s LOOKING like a larger Chap at first glance, for me it is missing one of the defining features of the Chap: The thin, 2mm bladestock! I am not aware at the moment of any other Spyderco offering that in FFG (I guess the Centofante is also 2mm, but in hollow/sabre grind, and there might be more, but I don´t remember (or even know) every model)

[this_is_nascar]

Wondering why there is no stock anywhere of this knife? I've checked all the big online knife retailers - no dice. Wondering if I should take a chance on a Raffir Noble model.

As much as I love the Chaparral, I'd never make the same mistake getting this version without first seeing it. Too many variations concerning the looks of the scales.

[The Deacon]

To my eyes, of all the Chaparral versions, the CF still represents the best balance of looks, weight, grip, and price point.

[Wartstein]

Wondering why there is no stock anywhere of this knife? I've checked all the big online knife retailers - no dice. Wondering if I should take a chance on a Raffir Noble model.

As much as I love the Chaparral, I'd never make the same mistake getting this version without first seeing it. Too many variations concerning the looks of the scales.

Certainly you're referring specifically and solely to the Raffir Noble version.. ?

[Wartstein]

To my eyes, of all the Chaparral versions, the CF still represents the best balance of looks, weight, grip, and price point.

I am not entitled to discuss that with you, since I never handled the CF version (but just the FRN).
But nevertheless: Really? Better than the FRN which is a lot cheaper and grippier, even about 15% lighter plus has one of the best and classy looking FRN?

[curlyhairedboy]

The Chap LW is a fantastic knife in a very wide variety of hands and uses. In my experience, it's the perfect counterargument to the 'heavier-duty is better in all cases' type of knife. It's just so very, very good. Glad it's selling well!

[Doc Dan]

I think there is a little of a trend towards smaller knives that punch above their weight, so to speak, and the Chaparral is one of those knives.

[Wartstein]

I think there is a little of a trend towards smaller knives that punch above their weight, so to speak, and the Chaparral is one of those knives.

Maybe even the BEST of those knives... :D

[carrot]

I think the Raffir Noble is the best for office carry, being sleek and slick. The CF model is the best all-around however for its good looks and good grip. The Ti models I think are discontinued? But they are the classiest and I love my “stealth” Chaparral.

RN does get slippery when wet as it’s basically polished acrylic. On the other hand it is the most beautiful version of the Chaparral right now.

[steelcity16]

I think there is a little of a trend towards smaller knives that punch above their weight, so to speak, and the Chaparral is one of those knives.

Maybe even the BEST of those knives... :D

I agree. The Chap LW is one of the select few Spyderco knives where I wouldn't change a single thing (aside from wanting more variations like a Salt and 4V to hoard). It is a true masterpiece. Literally perfect in every way. I'm glad the rest of the world is finally seeing what a few of us have been preaching and these are sold out everywhere.

[Wartstein]

I agree. The Chap LW is one of the select few Spyderco knives where I wouldn't change a single thing (aside from wanting more variations like a Salt and 4V to hoard). It is a true masterpiece. Literally perfect in every way. I'm glad the rest of the world is finally seeing what a few of us have been preaching and these are sold out everywhere.

That's about as perfectly said as the Chap lw is as a knife... :) And exactly what I am thinking too. Despite I normally do not really like small knives.