Chaparral Noble Raffir- scratchy?

S

Sharpbladeofsteel

Joined
May 3, 2017
Messages
48
I really like and want this knife, but I'm worried about it getting scratched. Anyone own one yet or anything comparable that can speak to how its handles wear? Obviously it's going to depend on how well you handle it and throwing keys in the same pocket as it etc., but I'm trying to figure out if it's been a major concern for anybody.

I'm leaning towards the carbon fiber only so I don't have to worry about being sad every time it gets scratched, but if they don't show badly maybe I can deal with it not staying "perfect". It would be in EDC rotation. Maybe I should get it down the road and only bring it out for special occasions.
 
I haven't tried a knife with this exact material, but it seems to be encased in acrylic, and I'm somewhat familiar with that material. Fine scratches can be polished out of acrylic with automotive headlight polish, deeper gouges (like from keys) will be an issue though.
 
Max Archer said:
I haven't tried a knife with this exact material, but it seems to be encased in acrylic, and I'm somewhat familiar with that material. Fine scratches can be polished out of acrylic with automotive headlight polish, deeper gouges (like from keys) will be an issue though.
Click to expand...

It is acrylic. That's good info for the future if I get one.
 
Last edited:
Why not take the clip off and have a custom pocket slip made up? You can even have a pocket clip added to that, so it will ride similar to stock, while being protected from the majority of the scratches.

Have it made with 3-4 oz. leather and lined with goat leather or something else significantly more supple than the cow leather.
 
AF said:
There was one listed on the exchange recently. The owner said it scratched easily and it bothered him.
Click to expand...
I was about to pick one up myself until I saw that listing. Too many other interesting knives.
 
I got one last week and it's been riding in my pocket with my keychain with no issues. I decided when I plunked down the cash for it that I wasn't going to baby it just because of its flashy scales. Hopefully I'll still feel that way if and when it finally gets some scratches. It is a great little knife though.
 
mugwump867 said:
I got one last week and it's been riding in my pocket with my keychain with no issues. I decided when I plunked down the cash for it that I wasn't going to baby it just because of its flashy scales. Hopefully I'll still feel that way if and when it finally gets some scratches. It is a great little knife though.
Click to expand...

How have the scales held up since then?
 
Unadan said:
How have the scales held up since then?
Click to expand...

Still in really good shape. Maybe I just don't notice scratches all that much. I am switching over to a LW Chaparral for the summer as the one negative with the smooth scales is that the clip doesn't hold real tight to thinner material and I often find the knife trying to slip out of my shorts pockets.
 
Raffir appears to be a sort of resin pressed series of metal strands, I would say less durable than CF definitely but probably similar to plain Ti in terms of scratching
 
You guys still think the RN version is worth having? Or wait for FRN? Or get both?? :)
 
It’s very pretty but slippery and scratches very easily. I sold mine, I would get the FRN version or CF version if I bought it again.
 
I bought one on-line and immediately returned it. The embedded metal typically only shows on one side; on the other you basically have colored acrylic and a great view of the interior of the knife, if that's your thing. Pretty disappointing. It looks like it would scratch pretty easily, although I didn't keep it long enough to find out. There's probably a reason you don't see that many knives still using this handle material.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top