Thoughts on the Chaparral

J

jla3156

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Jan 20, 2014
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How does the chaparral do as an EDC? How good is the cts xhp steel? Thinking about getting this now and waiting to get a native 5 later, thoughts on that idea?
 
I have both. I work in an office and typically carry either the Chaparral or an frn UKPK.

I prefer the Chap to the Native for EDC because it is shorter, slimmer, lighter, and has a deep carry wire clip. The Native only gives you about a quarter inch of blade length over the Chap, but weighs an ounce more.

Now, I still think the Native is a fine blade, but for me the Chap is a better fit. If you have larger hands or dislike thumb ramps, you may prefer the Native.

Edit to add: I have the s30v version, can't comment on xhp.
 
I have the Chaparral, but not what you're comparing it to. So far, I like it. The thumb ramp and finger choil really makes this knife feel good in the had. I haven't had to sharpen it yet, so I can't comment on that. The CF scales feel great too and that clip is my favorite.
 
jla3156 said:
How does the chaparral do as an EDC? How good is the cts xhp steel? Thinking about getting this now and waiting to get a native 5 later, thoughts on that idea?
Click to expand...
It's not going to appeal to anyone looking for a folding prybar, but for someone who actually wants a pocketknife, it will EDC as well, or better than, any other slightly under 3" bladed one. The CF Chaparral, in particular, is light, thin, attractive, has excellent ergonomics, slices like a demon, and has a low rider clip so it rides discreetly in you pocket. Mine is S30V, so I can't comment on XHP, except to say that most of those who have used it seem to like it.
 
I had both, in hand they're a lot farther apart then they may appear on paper. That being said, i love them both. I edc the native5 and gave the chaparral to dad for Christmas. i like how the native5 fills your hand up a bit more, and to me,is just a bit more practical than the chap2. The chaparral i had was the chap2 ti with xhp. It was smaller than i thought it would be but that was nice in pocket. This knife was beautiful. Cant really report on the steel, Dad's "Sunday knife" now, it won't see much use. I think if you want a little more grip go with the native5. If a lighter weight and smaller in pocket matters more, go chaparral.
 
I adore mine. I put the CTS-XHP a hair above S30V. A really wonderful steel. The knife itself is light, and the pocket clip is perfect. I use mine as my suit/office knife. The fit and finish is what you'd expect out of a Taichung Spyderco (superb), and the very thin blade makes the knife an absolute dream for day to day slicing tasks. It goes without saying that it isn't a heavy use knife, but it's still near perfect in my eyes.

DSCN1132_zps99e65e60.jpg
 
I would go Chaparral for sure. I haven't owned either but have carried both. I had a Chaparral for a week during a pass around. It was a bit small for me personally but nice. I love the wire clip, and the thin blade is nice. I would be sure to get the XHP version. My experiences with the Native are carrying it home to fix the edge for a coworker twice. I am not a fan of S30V and like the trend towards XHP as the standard steel. The ergos just don't work for me. His is the FRN version fwiw.
 
Although the blade seems to be a little too thin IMO (even fir a discreet pocket knife) , I'm still going to get one because I have heard nothing but rave reviews. And it looks beautiful. I want it.
 
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