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Help with with Spyderco
- Thread starter RipD
- Start date
Uncle Timbo
Gold Member
- Joined
- Nov 23, 2005
- Messages
- 5,385
Have the Chaparral (Rafir Noble) and the Native 5 (Maxamet) in hand. Native 5 about as expected, perhaps a little larger. Fairly small blade past the finger finger choil for the handle size. Still not sure about FRN. I was hoping to swap scales. Realized after I ordered it that it's not happening. This is a solid knife that feels like a workhorse and has value written all over it with the Maxamet blade. TBD if it's a keeper for me - it would need to displace something else.
The Chaparral is a unique knife. The handle is barely longer than the DF 2. It's taller and fits my hand where the DF 2 doesn't. Everybody has described the blade as thin, and it is. Fit and finish are fantastic - the feel across the full length back spacer just says quality. The full back spacer makes the handle heavy and moves the balance further back, but not in a bad way.
I had to cut up a big box made from heavier-than-usual cardboard. Tried out both knives, and both sliced it admirably well. (They were both paper-slicing sharp out of the box.) The Chaparral was better - cut through the cardboard like a scalpel. I get that won't hold an edge like Maxamet or take abuse like the Native 5.
Rafir Noble is interesting. It feels more like a smooth, hard plastic that should be slippery but isn't. I was surprised to see that it's translucent. You can see the knife frame and the pivot through the scales (pic below).
It seems like more weight than necessary toward the back of the handle. There ha to be a reason for it. Not sure if this is it, but that extra mass does two things: it give the lockup a solid "click" like you would get from a larger knife. And more interestingly, it gives the knife a dense "thud" when the blade drops shut. This has nothing to do with how this knife performs, but give it a more substantial feel and sound. This is clever design.
EDIT: No longer agree about the negative back lock comments. It can leave a mark on your thumb. Minor issue I won't notice at all.
This is a nice handling, great looking small knife. Disappears in the pocket about as well as a DF 2, much better handle, much better looking. I expected to like the Chaparral, and I like it more than I expected.
Here's a pic of the translucent scales. Ignore the DF 2 in the foreground - it's only there to keep the Chaparral positioned.
The Chaparral is a unique knife. The handle is barely longer than the DF 2. It's taller and fits my hand where the DF 2 doesn't. Everybody has described the blade as thin, and it is. Fit and finish are fantastic - the feel across the full length back spacer just says quality. The full back spacer makes the handle heavy and moves the balance further back, but not in a bad way.
I had to cut up a big box made from heavier-than-usual cardboard. Tried out both knives, and both sliced it admirably well. (They were both paper-slicing sharp out of the box.) The Chaparral was better - cut through the cardboard like a scalpel. I get that won't hold an edge like Maxamet or take abuse like the Native 5.
Rafir Noble is interesting. It feels more like a smooth, hard plastic that should be slippery but isn't. I was surprised to see that it's translucent. You can see the knife frame and the pivot through the scales (pic below).
It seems like more weight than necessary toward the back of the handle. There ha to be a reason for it. Not sure if this is it, but that extra mass does two things: it give the lockup a solid "click" like you would get from a larger knife. And more interestingly, it gives the knife a dense "thud" when the blade drops shut. This has nothing to do with how this knife performs, but give it a more substantial feel and sound. This is clever design.
EDIT: No longer agree about the negative back lock comments. It can leave a mark on your thumb. Minor issue I won't notice at all.
This is a nice handling, great looking small knife. Disappears in the pocket about as well as a DF 2, much better handle, much better looking. I expected to like the Chaparral, and I like it more than I expected.
Here's a pic of the translucent scales. Ignore the DF 2 in the foreground - it's only there to keep the Chaparral positioned.
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Update for those interested: got a couple of others for comparison. No Para 3 yet, which is an obvious one for me to try. Got a Stretch because it was a good deal here and I wanted to try something different (and ZDP-189). It carries surprisingly well for the size. Doesn't seem a lot larger in pocket than the Native 5. Too large for me to EDC, but a surprisingly nice knife.
Going the other way I expected the Sage to be my favorite by far. I somehow expected something close to a larger Chaparral. It's carries larger than I would expect - not huge, just feels much larger than the Chaparral as opposed to a little larger. Also feels and carries larger than the Native 5 - I expected the opposite. Mine also less impressive finish details than the Chaparral. It's got far sharper edges on the lock and Spydie hole. After working the compression lock a couple of dozen times my thumb is sore. This is my first compression lock blade, so could be a user issue.
Nick S. mentioned that the Chaparral lock was too hard and he loved the Sage 5. My experience is the opposite - the Sage 5 compression lock is far more of a thumb-denter than the Chaparral (finger rather than thumb for compression lock).
I may like the Native 5 more than the Sage 5, which is completely counter-intuitive. Sage is a much better looking knife with good ergos, CF scales, better clip. Native is fairly unattractive but has better ergos for me. Sage 5 on paper is much better for me.
These are all good and have their place. For me the Chaparral is way out in front as a weekday office carrier and for fit and finish overall. (EDIT: Left to right these are the Stretch with ZDP-189, Sage 5, Native 5 with Maxamet, Chaparral, Dragonfly 2 with ZDP-189.)
Update to the update: did a little work on the Sage. Now flys open with a Spydie flick and falls shut. Took off some sharp edges. Much nicer knife now. Will carry for a few days to see how it does.
Going the other way I expected the Sage to be my favorite by far. I somehow expected something close to a larger Chaparral. It's carries larger than I would expect - not huge, just feels much larger than the Chaparral as opposed to a little larger. Also feels and carries larger than the Native 5 - I expected the opposite. Mine also less impressive finish details than the Chaparral. It's got far sharper edges on the lock and Spydie hole. After working the compression lock a couple of dozen times my thumb is sore. This is my first compression lock blade, so could be a user issue.
Nick S. mentioned that the Chaparral lock was too hard and he loved the Sage 5. My experience is the opposite - the Sage 5 compression lock is far more of a thumb-denter than the Chaparral (finger rather than thumb for compression lock).
I may like the Native 5 more than the Sage 5, which is completely counter-intuitive. Sage is a much better looking knife with good ergos, CF scales, better clip. Native is fairly unattractive but has better ergos for me. Sage 5 on paper is much better for me.
These are all good and have their place. For me the Chaparral is way out in front as a weekday office carrier and for fit and finish overall. (EDIT: Left to right these are the Stretch with ZDP-189, Sage 5, Native 5 with Maxamet, Chaparral, Dragonfly 2 with ZDP-189.)
Update to the update: did a little work on the Sage. Now flys open with a Spydie flick and falls shut. Took off some sharp edges. Much nicer knife now. Will carry for a few days to see how it does.
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Another update. Risking posting uninteresting info in case somebody in the future going through this process wants to know where I ended up and why.
The Stretch is gone. A Caly 3 came and went. Have added a Domino. The Stretch was too big for me to EDC and the blade is a little odd looking. Those are all the negative comments. It's a surprisingly compelling knife. I couldn't pull it out at work, but perhaps a great weekend knife. It's just begging to be used and has great ergos for me.
Caly 3 summary: Nice knife and fits between the Native 5 and the Sage 5 in terms of size. I could happily carry it. I prefer the fit and finish and blade action of the Sage 5 and the Chaparral. They can be easily Spyie flicked open, the Caly 3 could not (like the Native). This is is a preference, not a quality issue.
Domino: Another great and interesting knife. Good-enough but not great flipping action. Reviews led me to believe it would carry huge. Not so for me. Carries like the Sage 5. In fact, with a deep carry clip it carries a little better. For some reason my hand gets past it better than the Sage. This is very minor but also surprising. This is also with jeans. Not sure it would work as well in Docker-type pockets or slacks.
If you removed the flipper tab the Domino is a larger Sage 2 with CF scales. Maybe why it was discontinued? For EDC I would probably lean toward the Sage 2 based on size. If you ever wanted a bigger Sage 2 the Domino is probably a good fit.
Left to right: Domino, Sage 5, Native 5 (Maxamet), Chaparral Raffir Noble, Dragonfly (ZDP-189).
The Stretch is gone. A Caly 3 came and went. Have added a Domino. The Stretch was too big for me to EDC and the blade is a little odd looking. Those are all the negative comments. It's a surprisingly compelling knife. I couldn't pull it out at work, but perhaps a great weekend knife. It's just begging to be used and has great ergos for me.
Caly 3 summary: Nice knife and fits between the Native 5 and the Sage 5 in terms of size. I could happily carry it. I prefer the fit and finish and blade action of the Sage 5 and the Chaparral. They can be easily Spyie flicked open, the Caly 3 could not (like the Native). This is is a preference, not a quality issue.
Domino: Another great and interesting knife. Good-enough but not great flipping action. Reviews led me to believe it would carry huge. Not so for me. Carries like the Sage 5. In fact, with a deep carry clip it carries a little better. For some reason my hand gets past it better than the Sage. This is very minor but also surprising. This is also with jeans. Not sure it would work as well in Docker-type pockets or slacks.
If you removed the flipper tab the Domino is a larger Sage 2 with CF scales. Maybe why it was discontinued? For EDC I would probably lean toward the Sage 2 based on size. If you ever wanted a bigger Sage 2 the Domino is probably a good fit.
Left to right: Domino, Sage 5, Native 5 (Maxamet), Chaparral Raffir Noble, Dragonfly (ZDP-189).
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- Joined
- Jul 5, 2016
- Messages
- 480
Looks like you're starting to get a nice collection of Spydies. The Chaparral Raffir Noble has been on my wishlist for a while now.
If you're liking the Domino, might I suggest checking out the Gayle Bradley. Carries very well in the pocket, opens very smoothly (no flipper), and has a great feel in the hand.
Yeah, I'm trying to figure out which ones are keepers. All good so far and will have to make some hard decisions. I'm clearly leaning toward toward lighter knives, thinner blades, and smaller in the pocket (so no huge Spydie humps). The Gayle Bradley is a little big for me. Anything over 3.3" blade I'm hesitant to carry in the office.
Maybe a Spydie Chef in the future? Not sure about that curved edge for EDC.
Spydero's innovation and experimentation has really impressed me. I didn't look very closely at this before and can see the appeal. I get to try out steel like Maxamet and LC-200 without spending a fortune for mid-tech knives. Sal's presence say a lot as well.
Maybe a Spydie Chef in the future? Not sure about that curved edge for EDC.
Spydero's innovation and experimentation has really impressed me. I didn't look very closely at this before and can see the appeal. I get to try out steel like Maxamet and LC-200 without spending a fortune for mid-tech knives. Sal's presence say a lot as well.
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- Joined
- Jul 5, 2016
- Messages
- 480
I hear you. Finding that knife you like to use and is appropriate for carrying around the office is a tough balance to find. I went through all kinds of smaller knives trying to find one I liked, but always felt like I didn't have enough knife with me. Had pretty much settled with a Native 5 G10 for a while until I got this Gayle Bradley. Now I carry the GB to the office the majority of the time.
I've realized a few things carrying a knife around coworkers in an office environment. As long as the knife is not overly aggressive looking and I don't whip it open with intent it's not such a big deal if the blade is 2.5" or 3.5".
I've realized a few things carrying a knife around coworkers in an office environment. As long as the knife is not overly aggressive looking and I don't whip it open with intent it's not such a big deal if the blade is 2.5" or 3.5".
I am not sure if anybody said the Shaman. It looks large but carries much smaller. The contoured scales make it a pleasure to hold, 2nd is the Domino it is one of my absolutely favorite EDC carry and flipping 3rd is the sage line. I like the one, three and five. You should be able to come up with a knife that you like.
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2010
- Messages
- 596
The Native 5 is a delightful little knife that simply melts into my hand. It has even kicked my PM 2 out of my pocket, for the most part. But I like all my Spydies, so if you don't like the others, why imagine that you would like the Native? I agree with the poster who suggested that it just may be a brand that doesn't do it for you. That doesn't make you weird, jut different. OK, it makes you a little weird. But not in a seriously bad way!
Shaman likely too large and heavy for me to carry. I'd also have to get a deep carry clip. But... every review raves about it and I clearly need to try one. Other than being a little larger it ticks all my boxes. Appears to be pinned - wish it were not.
Check my previous two pictures - Native 5 right in the middle of them both. Very nice knife. I've become a big fan of Spyderco finger choils.
I'm keeping my Maxamet Native 5 but it won't be my most used EDC for reasons I've mentioned above (preferences). It will be my heavy use blade. It finally occurred to me that having a steel that holds and edge would be a big plus for heavy cutting.
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Glenn Goodlett
Gold Member
- Joined
- Sep 6, 2016
- Messages
- 1,397
I'm in the same boat as the OP. I want to like Spyderco knives. I never really liked the aesthetics, but all the fans can't be wrong. I ignored the desire for a year, then I watched the BladeHQ videos with Sal and Eric. I thought, I'll get one. Plastic handles are not for me so I found an Endura in the Knife Exchange and made a deal.
No doubt it's a nice knife, well made and plenty sharp. Made with materials I like, fits the pocket and hand well, etc. But, I look like a retard trying to open and close the knife one handed, maybe I'll get better at it. Hopefully it will loosen up some. At this point I don't really see ever carrying it, but, maybe it will grow on me.
I'm not giving up as I've been eyeing a police. I like larger knives but I'd like to get a US made product just to get the full effect.
No doubt it's a nice knife, well made and plenty sharp. Made with materials I like, fits the pocket and hand well, etc. But, I look like a retard trying to open and close the knife one handed, maybe I'll get better at it. Hopefully it will loosen up some. At this point I don't really see ever carrying it, but, maybe it will grow on me.
I'm not giving up as I've been eyeing a police. I like larger knives but I'd like to get a US made product just to get the full effect.
I hear you on the opening. Here's my newbie experience (so far): the few Spydies I've handed can all be opened a closed one-handed fairly easily. Thumb in the hole and push to rotate it open. Not too much different than a thumb stud. Closing one-handed not too difficult with a back lock, easier with other locks. Opening with a Spydie flick (finger in the hole to flip it open) not too hard to learn, but challenging on a back lock. Lot of tension there on some knives, and some risk of cutting a finger (for me) of Spydie flicking open something stiff, like the Native 5 or Caly 3.
Compression or frame locks Spydie flick open very nicely. There's a little wrist in there too, but I don't really think about it.
If you want easier opening maybe try something without a back lock? BladeHQ makes it pretty easy to search by blade length and lock type.
Compression or frame locks Spydie flick open very nicely. There's a little wrist in there too, but I don't really think about it.
If you want easier opening maybe try something without a back lock? BladeHQ makes it pretty easy to search by blade length and lock type.
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