Chaparral - weaker closing action than other Spyderco Lockbacks?

afultz075 · Jul 25, 2018

Hi everyone - new owner of a FRN Chaparral here. I own quote a few Spyderco lockbacks - Delicas, Natives, Dragonfly's, etc. All of my other lockbacks from Spyderco snap shut on their own when lowering the blade back into the handle with quite a bit of authority, especially the Native 5. I notice that my new Chaparral, while it still will snap shut, feels much weaker than the other lockback models I own. I have adjusted the pivot and lockbar screws and it doesn't seem to make much difference.

I am just wondering if it is normal for the Chaparral's to have a weaker spring and thus a weaker action whenever the blade closes?

GB940Rookie · Jul 25, 2018

My cf Chaparral was kinda like that. Very weak detent too. Weak action all the way around. The design could use some tweaking/CQI.

JimMD · Jul 25, 2018

My CF/G-10 Chaparral has a strong detent and snaps shut with authority. The lockbar tension was so strong originally that I tweaked it to be a little weaker by adjusting the spring position.

bikerector · Jul 25, 2018

The one I had was quite strong also, to the point I didn't like the stiffness of the lock combined with the thinness of the lock button and ended up getting rid of it. Part of that was because I liked my native more but the sharp, stiff lock wasn't helpful.

A weak lock was not my experience with the CF version.

afultz075 · Jul 25, 2018

Wasn't there a CQI for this model between the CF and FRN versions to address the stiff lockbar though? Maybe they tweaked the springs and that's why mine does doesn't snap shut real strongly.

Sal Glesser · Jul 25, 2018

Sounds like your spring is suspect. Moved maybe? You may want to send it in. Weak detent is not common on this model.

sal

Wowbagger · Jul 25, 2018

afultz075 said:
Maybe they tweaked the springs and that's why mine does doesn't snap shut real strongly.

I'm all for that. The overly strong spring and thin lock bar has been a deterrent to me buying a Chaparral.
The thin blade is right up my alley though.
Someday.

Sharp Guy · Jul 26, 2018

JimMD said:
My CF/G-10 Chaparral has a strong detent and snaps shut with authority. The lockbar tension was so strong originally that I tweaked it to be a little weaker by adjusting the spring position.

I've done the same with my CF and FRN Chaps. The springs in both were too strong when combined with the thin lock bar. All it took was adjusting the springs forward a tiny bit to make a big difference. They work much better now and they still lock up tight and the self close is still plenty strong. There's no way I could shake the blade out.

afultz075 if your Chap isn't to your liking, I'd take Sal up on his suggestion and go ahead and send it in. They'll take good care of you.

DocT · Jul 26, 2018

It is the spring, not the design. The blade is also kept closed by it. Send it to Spyderco.

Mine is perfect...truly.