Thoughts on spyderco's CF handles.

[TheModernNeanderthal]

+1
To the best of my knowledge, CF on S110V Native5 will be peel-ply. You will not be complaining about the grip. Also in the future Spyderco plans to make Native5 with Fluted CF. Steel is unknown to me.

I am really interested to see how the Fluted CF looks on the Native and Para 2.

 

[this_is_nascar]

So far, I have no complaints of the CF over G10 on my Chaparral.

 

[sideways]

Here are my observations regarding the CF and CF laminate variants Spyderco has used and which I own, or have owned specimens:

US made peel-ply CF (Military) - offers the most grip. Very aggressive, too much so for my tastes. In a pinch, it could probably be used to sand your calluses, so it's a pocket shredder extraordinaire. The peel-ply also makes it hard to see the CF weave, so it sacrifices a lot of the "CF look".

Japanese peel-ply CF (Stretch) - Next in line in terms of grip. Not quite as aggressive as the stuff used in Golden. About comparable to brand new peel-ply G-10 but, unlike G-10, it retains that level of aggressiveness indefinitely. Like the US stuff, it sacrifices a lot of the "CF look" and is almost as good at shredding pockets.

Taichung's twill weave CF laminate (Sage I, Chaparral I, Terzuola SlipIt) - my personal favorite since, IMHO, it offers the best balance of traction and looks.

Taichung's diamond weave CF laminate (Sage III) - traction is about the same as the twill, look does not appeal to me quite as much

Polished glossy CF (various from Japan, Klotzli C22 Walker) - used on models from Japan and Switzerland - arguably the prettiest CF, but as slick as glass, and the gel coat top layer that gives it depth tends to chip when drilled for screws and lanyard pipes.

Smooth matte CF - (T-Mag, Caly 3, Klotzli C22 Walker) has been used on models from the US, Japan, and Switzerland - when used as flat slabs it has a lackluster appearance (no pun intended), combined with traction only marginally better than glossy CF. Appearance is somewhat better when rounded, as on the Kiwi and Kopa.

Very informative. Thank you. :thumbup:

 

[jvarn81]

I am really interested to see how the Fluted CF looks on the Native and Para 2.

Me too....Sal, how about a prototype picture.....

 

[Barman1]

Me too....Sal, how about a prototype picture.....

He posted up a month or so ago he had the new Native carbon in his pocket....
And my 2 large overstuffed Spyderpacs are still Native Fiveless.

 

[Inkbender]

Thought I'd have some fun for a few min and take a few phone pics for the thread.
I like the feel of the twill weave best in hand.