Chaparral vs Sage? Teach a rookie

I prefer mid locks, back locks, lock backs, etc. and am really not fond of s30v so I'd opt for the Chap personally.
 
DSC_0575_zpsnitgc8zj.jpg
[/URL][/IMG]

I just got this Sage 1 about a month ago. It is the first Spyderco I've ever had and I frigging love it. I have been looking at them for years and just could not get past the plastic looking handles. G10 looked pretty good but seemed a bit heavy. I can't speak for the Chaperrel but you can't go wrong with the Sage imo.
 
GasMan1 said:
I just got this Sage 1 about a month ago. It is the first Spyderco I've ever had and I frigging love it. I have been looking at them for years and just could not get past the plastic looking handles. G10 looked pretty good but seemed a bit heavy. I can't speak for the Chaperrel but you can't go wrong with the Sage imo.
Click to expand...
If you're right handed, you can't really go wrong with either. Both use the same twill CF composite scale material. Both have deep ride wire clips. Both exhibit the excellent fit and finish common to Spyderco's offerings from Taichung. Only differences are size, weight, lock type, and steel.
 
On one hand you have a bunch in the size range of the Sage. But on the other hand I see a bunch of backlocks and no liner locks?

I'd say let that decide things. Lock type vs size.
 
Thanks for all the advice guys! Think I will get the Chap and then get the Sage 1 or 5 a little later. Appreciate it!
 
OK, Chaparral CF is on Order.
Also tossed an orange FRN Dragonfly2 into the basket just before checkout.
AND I pre-ordered the Sage5 CF.
Thx again for helping me with comparisons of the Chap vs Sage.
 
According to the pictures above, the Chaparral looks very close to the Cat, except for the lock.
Anyone have a comparison picture of these two?
 
jpm2 said:
According to the pictures above, the Chaparral looks very close to the Cat, except for the lock.
Anyone have a comparison picture of these two?
Click to expand...
I don't have pics at the moment but the Cat & Chap are very close in size and basic configuration. While I think the Cat provides excellent bang for the buck, it doesn't compare to the Chaparral as far as fit and finish is concerned. The blade steel on the Chap is much better too. However, the Cat is an excellent buy for someone who wants a smaller knife and doesn't want to spend the kind of money that the Chaparral sells for.

I'm not trying to steer you away from the Cat but another really great small knife in Spyderco's lineup is the Dragonfly.
 
Sharp Guy said:
. While I think the Cat provides excellent bang for the buck, it doesn't compare to the Chaparral as far as fit and finish is concerned.
Click to expand...

I couldn't agree more..
My 7yr old daughter wanted to buy me a Spyderco, for Christmas.(6yrs old, at the time).
While my wife got me the Chap, my daughter got me the Cat.
So while the Chap is excellent, the Car just sits.
With many Spyderco's, I don't feel the Cat actually shows the excellence of the Spyderco brand.
Kinda like buying a knock off PM2.. it looks the same, but that's about it.
Both are perfect as a gate way, tho.. lol
 
Just got the Chapparal today. Very nice Gentlemen's folder. Fit and finish are great. 'Oozes' with quality.
Having never held one in real life tho, I was surprised by the small-ish size. Despite studying the dimensions, I still imagined it being a little larger.
Not a problem...was just surprised.
I made a quickie pic with the usual suspects to give you an idea of the Chapparal's relative size:

Chapparal.jpg

note: NONE of the blades are black and the yellow handle of the Salt was not sanded smooth. Blame on lousy ph camera.
 
Last edited:
nice! looking at that photo, and continuing the CF theme, I'm thinking... Gayle Bradley 2 next? ;)
 
I just had this exact same dilemma. I just pulled the trigger on the Chap too, the only thing holding me back was the size and that it's another lock back. But this tread and all the positive comments towards the Chaparral helped make up my mind.

I'll probably have to get a Sage eventually too, maybe wait for a deal in the exchange, or for the sage 5.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top