Sage 2 vs Chaparral

mkjellgren

mkjellgren

Joined
Nov 1, 2005
Messages
1,592
Hey folks, just wanted your opinion on something. I normally edc a diy stonewashed para2 along with a g10 zdp frankenfly for more socially sensitive situations. This combo works out very well in most circumstances, but there are times when I don't want to carry 2 knives (like in dress pants) and I need something in between the two in terms of size without losing too much in the way of utility. Basically I want the knife to be substantial enough to handle the bulk of the para2's tasks while being close to the sheeple friendliness of the dfly. I understand that there is a pretty big price difference between the two and that a closer comparison would be between the chaparral and the sage 1, but truth be told, I just don't like liner locks. Price isn't really a huge issue since both are great values in my book but obviously the cheaper the better. I am also considering a Bradley alias 2, but considering the alias 2 is very similar in size and shape to the bm 707 i carried for 3 years i am unsure whether or not I would regret not going spyderco for the spectacular ergos. Thanks in advance guys, any thoughts are appreciated.
 
Well, you made it clear that liner locks are not your favorite so how do you feel about back (mid) locks?
The Sage may be a tad beefier in task, but I imagine the Chap will suffice for most EDC tasks. The Chaparral
is smaller and lighter so if it's a Gent's knife you seek then it's the pick.
 
RetiredGuns said:
Well, you made it clear that liner locks are not your favorite so how do you feel about back (mid) locks?
The Sage may be a tad beefier in task, but I imagine the Chap will suffice for most EDC tasks. The Chaparral
is smaller and lighter so if it's a Gent's knife you seek then it's the pick.
Click to expand...

I don't mind mid/back locks. They always lock up very solidly and provide a very nice, reassuring click when they engage. Have a few midlock spydercos and they have all served me very well. On the other hand, my only experience with frame locks has been with stainless steel handled ao kershaws so a nice manual opening ti frame lock has peaked my interest. I wouldn't necessarily say it's a gent's knife I'm looking for, just something more people friendly than the para2 but still very useful. I literally go back and forth by the hour and then start thinking crazy thoughts of the Bradley alias 2 and the benchmade 470. It seems that every time I start looking for a new knife I find a whole slew that fit the bill and have a heck if a time making a decision.
 
The Sage 1 can do everything the Para 2 can but in a smaller, sleeker package. The Sage 1 liner lock is also one of the best I've encountered among production knives. Feels and locks up real solid and does not give off the flimsy feeling cheaper liner locks do. The Chaparral is pretty much a slightly bigger Dragonfly with thin blade and slim, lightweight package. Honestly if you are looking for the best combination of the Para 2 and Dragonfly, I would have to say Sage 1.
 
The Sage 1 is well larger than the Chaparral.

I've been looking more into the Chaparral (or getting some CF scales made for my Dragonfly). Turns out the Chaparral feels just a hair larger than the Dragonfly in the hand, so there really isn't a huge difference in feel between the two (from what I'm told - I own a few Dragonflies, a cat, and a Sage 1/2 but haven't held onto a Chaparral yet). There's also the Cat if you're ok with 440C steel - it's right in between the two.

Here's a thread with the CF SE Dragonfly and the Chaparral:

http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?52336-Carbon-Fiber-Dragonfly!

dscn3319w.jpg


I wish someone had a pic of a G10 Dragonfly, a Chaparral, and a Cat (to be honest, any Dragonfly would suffice).

To be perfectly honest, you'd probably love the CF Native 4 FFG - I took the clip off of mine and with the beveled scales, it slides in and out of the pocket with ease. It's heavier than the others, but it disappears in the pocket and has a very low profile (no thumb-ramp = blade disappearing in between the scales when closed).



Sage 1 Specs:
Blade Length: 3” (76mm)
Overall length: 7-1/8” (181mm)
Weight: 3.2oz (91g)

Chaparral Specs:
Blade: 2-13/16" (71 mm)
Overall: 6-3/8" (162 mm)
Weight: 2.5 oz. (70 g)

Cat Specs:
Blade Length: 2-7/16" (62 mm)
Overall Length: 5-15/16" (151 mm)
Weight: 2.4 oz. (69 g)Blade Length: 2-7/16" (62 mm)

Dragonfly Specs:
Blade Length: 2.25" (57 mm)
Overall Length: 5.25" (140 mm)
Weight: 2 oz. (56 g)
 
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Thanks for the input guys. As I mentioned in the op I really just do not prefer liner locks over mid locks or frame locks and price isn't THAT much of a issue. Plus i just like the idea of 2 slabs of ti and a blade. Very simplistic and elegant while at the same time being very heavy duty and utilitarian. If I go sage it would be the sage 2 and if I go cf scales I'm with the chaparral. At this point I am leaning towards the sage 2 but something in me just keeps saying that the chaparral is the way to go.
 
Here's a size comparison... from left to right: Chicago, DragonFly, Cat, Chaparral, Sage 1


DSC_0030.jpg



Hope this helps.
 
EZ Bake, I'm hoping to get my H1 Dragonfly and Chaparral in the next few days. I can take a comparison pic. :)

MK, I also am not a fan of liner locks- the only thing that's stopped me from picking up a GB. (Who is a great gentleman, by the way.)

(edit- oh, never mind- I see Dusty has you covered.)

I've bought 3 Dragonflies this month, one for me, and two for friends. I do wish Spyderco offered an FRN version with a liner. I'd happily pay $10 more for that.

John
 
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I have a Chaparral and it is very pocket friendly. I wouldn't want anything larger for carry in dressy pants. I am fine with linerlocks, and have a
number of them.
The Caly3 is a bit large for me for a work environment, and it is smaller then the Sage series. I recommend something in the size
range of the Chaparral in a Spyderco.
If you can wait for the Chaparral 2, it will be coming out in Titanium. Personally, I like the feel and looks of CF.
 
The Chapparal is a nice knife. My hands are medium sized and I can fit on 4 fingers without using the choil. The super thin blade appeals to me.
The Sages are all great but my favorite is the Sage 4. What a beauty!
The ergos of the Dragonfly didn't work for me. I sold mine.
 
Well guys, I couldn't resist the temptation of the ti and ordered the sage 2.. It should be here tomorrow along with a set of ultra fine rods for my sharpmaker.
 
Sage 2 is awesome. My favorite spyderco. I am amazed at the fit and finish. It took me a while to get over the made in Taichung thing but the knife is unreal. Best ergos of any knife I've got. Elegant. Office friendly.

It does make me feel slightly under knifed. But I have been carrying much larger knives as of late.

So impressed by this little bugger.
 
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