Finally chose my first Spyderco....almost.

I don't like FRN. It feels and looks cheap.

FRN is practical, and does its job very well, but I guess you're not only needing a knife that's practical and does its job. I guess you're after a knife that gives you the tingles.
 
Thanks all, took me months to get this far and settle on the chappy this last hurdle is nothing, most likely go FRN....or not.
 
I have the Birdseye Maple, the Raffir Noble and the gray FRN and I am selling the one in FRN. Not only because it is the least attractive, but also because it is the thinnest of all and so ergonomically the least pleasing.
I know many like it exactly because of that, but not me.
I asked CuScaDi about custom scales for it, but they can do only the non FRN models. I could dye the scales, but it would be still too slim.
 
JonesE said:
I have had three Chaparrals pass through my hands over the years. The FRN is a great choice and you get a lot of knife for the price. Keep in mind it is also the narrowest with the nested liners. The Raffir I had was my second favorite. It had full liners. My only gripe with it was the resin scratches easily. My favorite was the Carbon Fiber laminate version. It has the full liners and the scales had a quilted pattern that provided the perfect amount of grip.

JonesE
Click to expand...


Mine is holding up well, but it could be a job for polywatch?
 
Houlahound said:
Reviewers complain the chaparral hurts your thumb to close it because the bar you push is so thin, will find out I guess.

Kinda sad I didn't get a compression like to which was my whole point of trying a Spyderco..oh well, next time.
Click to expand...

When you take it apart, adjust the spring bar, by pulling it out of its socket, only about 2mm. But the difference will be enough for easy back flicking.
 
I bought a delica in FRN one night, and by morning I had placed an order for replacement scales that cost as much as the knife. If you're going to treat yourself, splurge and get what you want. It only stings for a minute (unless you're the type to beat yourself up over it for months/years to come); and it's so worth it.
My k390 Delica, now in osage orange:
View attachment 1564371
 


I bought this guy for gifting purposes. It’s so cool that I think it’ll stick around. I don’t think I can part with it. My sample is perfectly executed. Simply perfect.

As is, it’s already very thin. The FRN is thinner still? Hmmm, that might be pushing it...but it’s got to weigh next to nothing.
 
OP: You'll know if you made the "right" purchase if you still own the knife a few years down the road.

The 1st knife that I ever bought that cost any serious $ was a Kershaw Shallot 1840CKT (black PE) that I bought at a gun show. I lost that knife (sad) but bought another to replace it and 7 other variations of the model which I still own and am still trying to buy other variations of it.

The 1st Spyderco that I ever bought was a Manix2 XL G10 that I also bought at a gun show. Over 130 Spydercos later, I still have it too.

So, I guess those were the "right" choices for me. ;)
 
Last edited:
Houlahound said:
I can't justify this as a practical knife, I can get a para 2 cheaper and it is a practical knife.
Click to expand...
I do not like the Para 3, at all. I do like the Chaparral and think it is a better choice. It is pretty rugged. One guy on here renovated his house using one. It is slim so it can be a daily carry option and a suit option. Its blade is a super slicer, designed that way on purpose. It packs a lot of blade into a smaller package so it is much more size efficient. It has a better lock. I could go on. I would not be disappointed in the choice of a Chaparral, regardless of who told you to be. Reality is that it is much loved for a very good reason. Also, that nonsense about the lock bar is mostly internet myth. The one or two that actually had this happen found it is super fast and easy to fix. Just a minor adjustment to your liking.
 
Closure: I ordered the FRN model to save money and then spent the money I saved on a Kershaw method so got two knives I wanted for the price of the fancy scale model.

According to my math I saved a bunch of money even tho I spent more. The BF understands.
 
Houlahound said:
Closure: I ordered the FRN model to save money and then spent the money I saved on a Kershaw method so got two knives I wanted for the price of the fancy scale model.

According to my math I saved a bunch of money even tho I spent more. The BF understands.
Click to expand...

In response to the question you posed in another thread that you started, the Method can make a "good EDC" depending on your needs. It's small, extremely light and cheap; retails for only $25. The Fraxion also designed by Jens Anso is similiar.

I just sold them both in a package of 14 Kershaws plus 1 extra for pennies on the $.
 
sgt1372 said:
The 1st knife that I ever bought that cost any serious $ was a Kershaw Shallot 1840CKT (black PE) that I bought at a gun show. I lost that knife (sad) but bought another to replace it and 7 other variations of the model which I still own and am still trying to buy other variations of it.
Click to expand...

Sounds like my relationship with the Spyderco Resilience. I think that is the exact number I have owned, too.
 
Houlahound said:
Reviewers complain the chaparral hurts your thumb to close it because the bar you push is so thin, will find out I guess.

Kinda sad I didn't get a compression like to which was my whole point of trying a Spyderco..oh well, next time.
Click to expand...
The important thing is you already understand this. It most definitely will not be your last Spydie, and now you have the excuse to get another since you NEED to try out the compression lock. It’s my favorite lock btw.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top