Chaparral FRN Lightweight - Unobtainium?

[Larry_Mott]

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

Second that! I'd gladly swap my LW for a CF model!

[Wartstein]

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

Second that! I'd gladly swap my LW for a CF model!

More power to you and the Deacon, but you are obviously totally emphasizing the factor "looks" (which is perfectly fine of course!), right? For in the other 3 areas (pricepoint, weight, grip(iness) the Chap FRN "wins"...

[TomAiello]

The CF is definitely grippier than the smooth ti or the RN.

How you prioritize characteristics will always tip the final balance when you are trying for a personal "balance" of characteristics.

[Cscottsss]

Shabazz can take partial credit for it being OOS everywhere.......lol

[bearfacedkiller]

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

Second that! I'd gladly swap my LW for a CF model!

More power to you and the Deacon, but you are obviously totally emphasizing the factor "looks" (which is perfectly fine of course!), right? For in the other 3 areas (pricepoint, weight, grip(iness) the Chap FRN "wins"...

The LW is lighter, grippier and more affordable so from a purely pragmatic angle it is probably the better knife in use. That said, how much grip do you need on such a small knife and since I always use the choil with it the grip is quite secure. Also, neither one is heavy enough to even notice in your pocket so I am indifferent there.

In my opinion the CF version is still the best one made so far and that is coming from someone who isn’t a huge fan of CF.

[Wartstein]

Shabazz can take partial credit for it being OOS everywhere.......lol

... though I think I remember he found the lockbar uncomfortable to press, right?!
I never did so, even BEFORE the Chap did break in nicely and if that's not enough there's that easy spring relocating mod anyway.

[Wartstein]

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

Second that! I'd gladly swap my LW for a CF model!

More power to you and the Deacon, but you are obviously totally emphasizing the factor "looks" (which is perfectly fine of course!), right? For in the other 3 areas (pricepoint, weight, grip(iness) the Chap FRN "wins"...

The LW is lighter, grippier and more affordable so from a purely pragmatic angle it is probably the better knife in use. That said, how much grip do you need on such a small knife and since I always use the choil with it the grip is quite secure. Also, neither one is heavy enough to even notice in your pocket so I am indifferent there.

In my opinion the CF version is still the best one made so far and that is coming from someone who isn’t a huge fan of CF.

As I said already: I am not even entitled to really discuss that, since I personally never handled the CF version. It may very well be the best version for many!

I guess I just want to point out, that with the Chap FRN one can get that perfect design in that great HXP steel for an amazingly low price. And the FRN handle of the Chap is both very classy looking (for FRN) and very functional with it's special ("non delica-ish) texture.

The version I could not resist would be a Micarta-Chap...

[steelcity16]

The version I could not resist would be a Micarta-Chap...

Yep, I would love a non-polished slightly roughed up texture matte olive drab green canvas Micarta Chaparral paired with something like a DLC coated CPM-4V (which should already be over there for the Province) blade. I really don't like polished Micarta or smooth scales of any kind.

[Wartstein]

The version I could not resist would be a Micarta-Chap...

Yep, I would love a non-polished slightly roughed up texture matte olive drab green canvas Micarta Chaparral paired with something like a DLC coated CPM-4V (which should already be over there for the Province) blade. I really don't like polished Micarta or smooth scales of any kind.

Sounds great!! (handlewise, concerning the steel I am totally fine with the HXP, but wouldn't mind another good one either). I also strongly prefer rougher textured Micarta generally and also on the Chap, but could live with smoother one if there's no choice.

[Larry_Mott]

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

Second that! I'd gladly swap my LW for a CF model!

More power to you and the Deacon, but you are obviously totally emphasizing the factor "looks" (which is perfectly fine of course!), right? For in the other 3 areas (pricepoint, weight, grip(iness) the Chap FRN "wins"...

Yes, looks does matter to me. Grip(pyness) and weight not so much. I used to EDC a SS Police, and i am old enough to have owned (still do actually) Buck 110/112 and Schrade LB 7 I can't remember ever wanting a knife to have more grip to be honest. :)

[Marulaghost]

The version I could not resist would be a Micarta-Chap...

Yep, I would love a non-polished slightly roughed up texture matte olive drab green canvas Micarta Chaparral paired with something like a DLC coated CPM-4V (which should already be over there for the Province) blade. I really don't like polished Micarta or smooth scales of any kind.

Sounds great!! (handlewise, concerning the steel I am totally fine with the HXP, but wouldn't mind another good one either). I also strongly prefer rougher textured Micarta generally and also on the Chap, but could live with smoother one if there's no choice.

Micarta sounds fantastic, but i doubt we'd get that from Taiwan considering the humidity from there could be problematic. Sp i've heard

[A.S.O.K.A]

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.

Its available at www.warriorsandwonders.com if you dont mind shopping on a canadian site.

[Sharp Guy]

The version I could not resist would be a Micarta-Chap...

Yep, I would love a non-polished slightly roughed up texture matte olive drab green canvas Micarta Chaparral paired with something like a DLC coated CPM-4V (which should already be over there for the Province) blade. I really don't like polished Micarta or smooth scales of any kind.

Sign me up except for the DLC blade (not on this knife). XHP is perfectly adequate too

[Wartstein]

.

Micarta sounds fantastic, but i doubt we'd get that from Taiwan considering the humidity from there could be problematic. Sp i've heard

Yes, Sal mentioned something like that the shipping from a very humid to a very dry climate could cause Micarta to shrink (?).

My experience with my Micarta handled Endura and my two Micarta fixed blades is that the handles can get soaken wet and dry again quickly in a really dry room without any problems.
But probably when it comes to large quantities of folders being shipped and the high quality standards Spyderco has generally and especially for the Chap, there WOULD be problems now and then..

But then, the Chap is meant to be the model showcasing different handle materials, so at one point they can't disregard Micarta I hope...

[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.

Its available at www.warriorsandwonders.com if you dont mind shopping on a canadian site.

Go for it, Unadan, I'm sure you won't regret it... :D

[steelcity16]

The version I could not resist would be a Micarta-Chap...

Yep, I would love a non-polished slightly roughed up texture matte olive drab green canvas Micarta Chaparral paired with something like a DLC coated CPM-4V (which should already be over there for the Province) blade. I really don't like polished Micarta or smooth scales of any kind.

Sign me up except for the DLC blade (not on this knife). XHP is perfectly adequate too

CTS-XHP and Satin are great, but I already have the Chap LW, and variety is the spice of life as they say! :D

[abbazaba]

The version I could not resist would be a Micarta-Chap...

Yep, I would love a non-polished slightly roughed up texture matte olive drab green canvas Micarta Chaparral paired with something like a DLC coated CPM-4V (which should already be over there for the Province) blade. I really don't like polished Micarta or smooth scales of any kind.

Sign me up except for the DLC blade (not on this knife). XHP is perfectly adequate too

I've been dreaming about a natural canvas Micarta Chaparral.. Might have to make my own

[TomAiello]

The FRN is also rougher on your pocket than the CF, and the RN is even smoother still. Which won't matter in use, but might matter to someone looking for a "dress up" carry knife.

[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.

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

Correct...