Sage or Chaparral

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knifeandgun

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Aug 10, 2013
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Im thinking about getting a smaller carbon fiber knife. Both the chapparal and sage have carbon fiber versions and I was wondering if anyone had both and which you liked more?
Even if you have experience or knowledge of either that would be appreciated.
 
The Chaparral looks like a lovely knife. I haven't handled one of those, but I do adore my Sage 1. It's my go-to gentleman's folder. The way it cuts and feels in hand is just awesome.
 
I had a Chaparral and really wanted to love it. On paper and to the eyes, it was everything I could ask for in a ~$100 gentleman's folder. But, in my hands it just had too many sharp edges which made use uncomfortable and an overly stiff lockbar which made closing downright painful after a couple cycles. Sharp edges are nothing new out of Taichung...I even prefer them on my GB, Techno and Sage 2...but I think the Chaps smaller size and thinner blade stock exacerbated matters. The stiff lockbar did improve slightly toward the end of its stay with me but by then my Chaps fate was sealed. A lot of folks love the Chaparral as is and don't echo my nit-pickiness, others love the knife enough to bust out the fine grit sandpaper and remedy those issues. I just belonged to neither group. Its an awesome design and a lot of knife for the money.

As far as the Sage (admittedly a Sage 2, not 1, owner here) I don't really consider it a small knife at 3" in blade length. I guess depending on preference and what you usually carry, the Sage could qualify as small. Despite what photos may hint, I found the Chap and Sage to be quite different in overall dimensions/visual mass. The thin blade stock of the Chap means its a phenomenal slicer, a proverbial laser. I like the Sage's more-hand filling size personally, and slightly more robust feel.

Sidebar: The idea of a Gent's folder has also become kind of moot to me...in the last year or so anyway. I have several knives which might fit into that category (940-1, GB, aforementioned Sage 2, Techno) but I usually carry whatever strikes my fancy. Last suit and tie function I attended, last night, I carried my Cruwear Millie...it was wonderful. I wouldn't have been self conscious to use it or let someone else use it. Nobody raised an eyebrow. Nobody died. :D
 
I have both and while they are both great knives, I prefer the Sage 1. A bit larger to carry but gives extra length when needed. The liner lock and pillar construction make this knife a joy to close and clean. Very comfortable in the hand (imo more so than the Chap). The Sage 1 is closer to a mid-size folder. If you want smaller, and prefer a back lock the Chaparral would probably be your choice. Can't go wrong with either, just personal preference.
 
Which one works best for you is something only you can decide. As for me, I own every version of both models, but the only one I ever carry is the CF Chaparral. Blade length is almost identical to the Sages, but both the blade and the knife itself are thinner and considerably more compact. The thinner blade makes it a superior slicer, and the size makes it disappear in my pocket. Here are a few shots of the CF Chaparral and Sage, one with a Manix 2, one with a Caly 3, and one comparing thickness...

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I have a Chaparral in my pocket right now. It does what is needed from a pocket knife in the city, and disappears in your pocket. The blade on the Sage is perhaps 1/8" longer, but the handle is much larger. There are times when I want a much sturdier knife than the Chaparral, but they are few and far between.
As you can see in the photos above, the blades are close in length, with the Chaparral's a bit thinner. It is one of the few knives that I have more than 1 of. Both of mine are S30V. You can't really go wrong here, since both knives you are interested in are nice. I prefer a lockback, and I have too many knives that are the size of the Sage (I don't own one). There aren't many knives out there that combine the looks, feel, and utility of the Chaparral.
 
I just bought a chapparral and I have handled a sage 1. They are both great knives and it really comes down to your preference in size and lock type. My chapparral was a little stiff out of the box but it is smoothing out nicely (I've had it about a week). It also has the best fit and finish of all my knives. The handle isn't the best for really pushing hard for long periods of time. On the other hand, it slices so well I haven't had to push hard on anything yet. I won't be using it to process wood but it has has been great for apples, cutting up boxes, opening mail, etc.

The sage 1 did open noticeably smoother (extremely smooth) but it was already broken in. I don't know if the chapparral will get to that point or not.

The chapparral is a smaller and thinner knife as you can see in the pics above.
 
I too own both, and although the Chaparral is a great EDC folder and the size is perfect, I simply can't warm up to back-locks. I feel the same about the D'fly 2...great ergonomic small folder, but don't carry either much due to my dislike of the clunky lock.

The Sage 1 is really larger than I like, but the opening and closing action is so superior (and satisfying), and much easier to close with one hand, that the Sage 1 is IMO a much better daily user than the Chap...+ I don't worry that the blade will develop some play like most back-lock folders usually start to exhibit.

Iv'e always wished that Spyderco would release a version of the Chaparral w/a liner lock, since for me I believe this would be the perfect EDC. *Not to mention a huge hit for Spyderco...since I'm guessing I'm not alone in this request.
 
I own the CF Chap and a few Sages. They do have similar blade lengths but in practice they are a bit different. The Chap has 2mm stock and the Sages have 3mm stock. The Chap will slice better but the Sage is a lot sturdier. The Chap just barely gives me a full grip and the Sage easily gives me a nice purchase. If you want a nice light EDC knife that is super slicey and rides virtually unnoticed in the pocket get the Chap. If you want a sturdier knife that gives you a better grip for harder cutting chores or extended cutting sessions get the Sage. They are very similar but to me they fit into two very different categories.

I almost always carry two knives and the Chap is a great smaller companion blade to a larger blade. Probably one of the best.
 
The Chap is very slim when closed. The Sages are a bit chubby in comparison to most knives.

The Chap is an apple slicing beast.

Get both and carry them together. That is what I do. :D

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I have both the chaparral and sage, albeit the titanium versions of both. I'll echo what Zulukilo said, my chaparral came with very sharp edges, on the handle, lock bar disconnect, and the back of the blade. 2000 grit wet and dry and the problem was solved in about ten minutes with no visible difference to the knife, but it felt 100X better. Now my sage is relegated to permanent back up duty, and I carry the chaparral clipless daily where it simply disappears in my pocket until needed.

I would think about what you will use the knife for. If it is a couple times a day for small tasks, like opening mail, cutting an apple, or whatever, I'd go with the chaparral; the ultimate non-threatening gentleman's knife. If you expect to give your knife more of a workout the sage is more comfortable in hand for serious cutting tasks. (IE camping or making marshmallow sticks for the fire, I'd choose the sage first.) But honestly, you can't go wrong with either.

Grizz
 
both are nice,but i sold my chaparral because i if i'm going carry a smaller folder its going to be one of my native's! i do enjoy my sage 1 though,i think you would be better off with in the sage series of knifes,as the chaparral is sort of smaller folder,unless you come across a sage 4! grab it,no logger is made.:mad:
 
Hold out for the Sage 5 carbon fiber with compression lock coming :)
 
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