Spyderco Forums

Wartstein wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 11, 2025 6:39 am

I started at least two threads about this topic already since 2019 (the first one including a poll) viewtopic.php?t=82492 ; viewtopic.php?p=1377379#p1377379)
and talked about this dream knife a ton.

Since Sal announced he´d be willing to make and test a 3.5" concept Chap XL(viewtopic.php?p=1814230#p1814230), now follows through (viewtopic.php?p=1830026#p1830026) and motivated by @Manix Guy 2 s input I thought a new, dedicated thread for sharing thoughts could do no harm
(I am fully aware that this of course still does not mean we´ll ever see a Chap XL actually in the lineup.. but still... )

My personal ideal "vision" for a Chap XL again:

- Compared to the current Chap FRN nothing should be changed, except length.

So same handle thinness, same handle height, same great backlock with stop pin, same sturdy construction (exposed steel liners, steel backspacer), and - most important to me:
Same thin, 2mm ffg bladestock also in the longer blade (how thin it would get in the end depends a lot on the tapering of course).

- Practical thoughts

I think the 2mm ffg XHP blade should be strong enough to handle almost all folder tasks people realistically do (as long as the tip keeps the rather "blunt" leaf blade shape of the current Chap and does not get too pointy)

This should become a general EDC knife with a great, superthin carry, very sturdy built but nevertheless still light (Current Chap FRN closed length 91 mm /3.60" ; weight 60 grams /2.1 oz.
Lengthen this to about 119 mm / 4.69" closed (like an Endela) and it should come in at about 75 g / 2.65 oz (LIGHTER than an Endela)

All this in "TWO sizes larger", so not "just" kind of a thin, backlock Sage, but about Endela size (3.5" blade).

Mushroom wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 11, 2025 10:03 am

I don't mean to be such a stickler about names but I'm really hoping to see Spyderco separate this one from the original Chaparral series with more than just an added "XL" acronym.

Infinite Zero wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 11, 2025 11:25 am

Instabuy no matter what, but I’d like it with g10 scales. I don’t think the Chap has ever had them. Closest was the CF/G10 laminate.

KeepCalm&Carrion wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 11, 2025 11:22 am

Mushroom wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 11, 2025 10:03 am

I don't mean to be such a stickler about names but I'm really hoping to see Spyderco separate this one from the original Chaparral series with more than just an added "XL" acronym.

Yeah I mostly feel the same way, especially when it comes to knives that wouldn't normally be considered large, let alone extra-large.

I do like what Spyderco did with the Native and Native Chief designations (instead of "Native & Native XL," which must've been tempting given that they already had the Lil' Native). Maybe they will find a fun way to do something similar when naming this larger Chaparral.

Mushroom wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 11, 2025 2:50 pm

...
Circling back to my point about naming the “longer Chaparral” that you’re looking for, I think the model name should be similarly as creative and well-considered as the Sage and Chaparral names already are. One idea I came up with is the name “Chamise” or “Chamise Chaparral.” (shə-ˈmēs - shuh mees) It is a shrub species that grows in the Chaparral biome and has one of the largest growing ranges of any Chaparral species. It would be similar to how the Native 5 evolved into the Native Chief and not the Native XL. I can’t even begin to describe how much better the name “Native Chief” is over “Native XL.”"[/size]

Mushroom wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 11, 2025 2:50 pm

KeepCalm&Carrion wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 11, 2025 11:22 am

Mushroom wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 11, 2025 10:03 am

I don't mean to be such a stickler about names but I'm really hoping to see Spyderco separate this one from the original Chaparral series with more than just an added "XL" acronym.

Yeah I mostly feel the same way, especially when it comes to knives that wouldn't normally be considered large, let alone extra-large.

I do like what Spyderco did with the Native and Native Chief designations (instead of "Native & Native XL," which must've been tempting given that they already had the Lil' Native). Maybe they will find a fun way to do something similar when naming this larger Chaparral.

Exactly! The name Native Chief is so much better than Native XL!

This knife has been discussed on numerous occasions in the past and I've shared similar thoughts about the name. Rather than paraphrase what I've said in the past, I'll just copy and paste it instead.

"I personally believe they should at least be more creative with the name than just “Chaparral 2” or “Chaparral XL.” Something that really removes it from the traditional Chaparral series but still recognizes where it came from.

After a little bit of research I’ve noticed an interesting connection between the Chaparral and Sage names. “Sagebrush” is one of the most dominant plant species that makes up the “Chaparral” biome. The name “Sage” is easily derived from “Sagebrush” and with the Sagebrush being a large part of the “Chaparral biome,” one could make the case that is why the “Chaparral” was named the way it was.

Another interesting similarity is that they’re both controlled series’ that feature a uniquely different feature per variation. (Lock and Handle material) It’s almost as if they were always intended to be the bigger and smaller versions of each other. [In the past Sal has explained that the Sage was created as the larger version of the Chaparral.]

Circling back to my point about naming the “longer Chaparral” that you’re looking for, I think the model name should be similarly as creative and well-considered as the Sage and Chaparral names already are. One idea I came up with is the name “Chamise” or “Chamise Chaparral.” (shə-ˈmēs - shuh mees) It is a shrub species that grows in the Chaparral biome and has one of the largest growing ranges of any Chaparral species. It would be similar to how the Native 5 evolved into the Native Chief and not the Native XL. I can’t even begin to describe how much better the name “Native Chief” is over “Native XL.”"

From the thread - Now that Sal has mentioned that possibility: Chaparral FRN variants? (blade shape, color, steel...) - your proposals?