Chaparral Titanium First Impressions

[ChrisB507]

Mine showed up yesterday! I'll try to get some pictures up, but here is a very quick and dirty summary of my first impressions...

It’s heavier (of course) that the CF version. It feels a little fuller in the hand, like the difference you feel between holding an FRN and stainless Delica. I know this is my imagination--the CF and Ti versions seem to look otherwise identical.

The most interesting thing I found was that the titanium handles are not flat! While it’s not really noticeable when using the knife, you can tell in running a finger over the handle. The titanium is slightly wavy, matching the pattern on the handle. The pattern on the blade comes, from slightly different depths and angles on the ti. It’s very cool!

Mine had some rubbing near the pivot when opened—I could hear it and feel it. Annoying, but not a problem. It seems to be smoothing out. The blade is very sharp, and centered. Haven't beat-up on the CTS-XHP yet, and as a light-weight small, dressy folder, I probably won't.

In short: If you like the size, shape, and pocket-ability of CF Chaparral , you'll like this one. The handles are unique and different. While expensive, this seems to be a great little knife.

 

[phillipsted]

I just received my Chap2 from Jim Howe this afternoon. What a stunning piece. The thing that struck me first was the weight. It definitely feels heavier and denser than the CF version, but is lighter than you would expect from a SS handled version.

The second thing that struck me was that the engraving on the handle is drop. dead. gorgeous. Fantastic stuff - it catches the light at different angles - it reflects almost a rainbow of colors. Love it.

The third thing that struck me was the texture on the scales themselves. Chris pointed this out - THE SCALES ARE NOT FLAT ON TOP. Sal has engineered subtle valleys or cutouts around the pivot. The scales are perceptibly thinner in four places around the pivot, to provide better grip, I assume. Very subtle and very refined. I like it.

Here's some more pics from my less-than-stellar web cam:

TedP

 

[Saymon]

Thanks for sharing your impression. Seems to be a great product and very nice product.

 

[RevDevil]

Very nice comparison TedP. I'm not too enamoured with small knives, but the Air was one that I had to own as this one. Both knives are impressive in their overall design, fit and finish, and they are extremely useful in just about any day to day work.

 

[ChrisB507]

Nice pictures, phillipstead. And you're right, the "subtle valleys or cutouts" are more noticeable around the pivot. The pattern is most concentrated there, though on mine I can feel it all along both slabs on both sides.

 

[Scurvy092]

For the people who have it, how worried are you about such a fine texturing showing wear over time?

I want it so badly but I would be so afraid of messing up the finish.

 

[Sal Glesser]

There is a .007 difference in the "mountains" and "valleys". Don't think you can wear them out.

sal

 

[Scurvy092]

There is a .007 difference in the "mountains" and "valleys". Don't think you can wear them out.

sal

Thanks for the reply Sal. Not really worried about wearing them out so much as general wear (scratches, scuffs and stuff) ruining the look.

 

[phillipsted]

When I measure the width of the knife at the mountains and valleys around the pivot, I'm showing a difference of .028. When you divide this between the two scales, it comes up with a difference of .014. I guess this means that the mountains are.007 higher than the "ground" and the valleys are .007 lower than the "ground" - resulting in a total difference of .014 between the "tops of the mountains to the bottoms of the valleys." And Chris, I agree, the mountains and valleys extend around the slab, not just around the pivot.

Sal - I have to tell you that the Chap2 is one of the most refined and subtle knives you've ever released. It shines like a titanium jewel! Bravo!

TedP

 

[Elgreco]

Dammit I should have not clicked on this thread. Must. Not. Spend. Money.