Spyderco Chaparral Review: Portrait of EDC Efficiency

"And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written,
'Fear not, daughter of Zion;
behold, your king is coming,
sitting on a donkey’s colt!'"
-- John 12:14-15

[@briandrum2418]

Sorry to hear the passing of your mom. In light of that, your review of the chaparral was fantastic. From one Christian brother to another comfort, blessings and peace be to you and your entire family 👍

[@FWGlockGuy]

This was one of my first “high end” knives, and absolutely loved it! This is what I considered my modern day gentleman’s knife.

[@gerardopietrantoni6452]

Thanks for that excellent review. I bought the FRN handle version in CTS-XHP and it’s only $87. It’s thinner in the pocket because the liners are recessed into the scales. Also has phosphor bronce washers and only weights 2oz. The blade it’s about .08 so it cuts like a razor. I enjoy your reviews and opinions. ⚔️

[@jayweast1306]

The FRN Chaparral is one the best values on the market and deserves to be on every list of best EDC knives under $100. It has a premium blade steel and slices better than knives that cost quite a bit more (and isn't slicing the main function of a knife, after all?). It's become one of my top recommendations for someone who wants one high quality general purpose folding knife.

[@ryank2112]

I have the same knife and I absolutely love it

[@orendz7740]

I just got the frn version also and love it the same. Can not believe how light it is. I'm not real huge on smaller knives but this one changed my mind

[@beefcurtainz69]

Orendz77 you think it’s better than the CF version. Tough decision I have to make.....

[@orendz7740]

@@beefcurtainz69 its definately gonna be slightly lighter but the CF version looks a lot better in my opinion.

[@MilledSteel]

Sorry to hear about the loss of your mom.

[@grizzlycountry1030]

Sorry for your loss. My mom passed away when I was 31.

[@derekknight4199]

Thank you for the great review. I just picked up the LW FRN Chaparral and am enjoying it much. I agree with you on the carbon fiber one, and may pick it up for a good church knife. But these are great slicers, and my perfect size. God bless!

[@jcwindsound]

Love this knife, especially after Rob sharpened it! PM2 and Chap make a great 2-knife folder combo.

[@jayweast1306]

Sorry for your loss. Keep up the good work!

[@jskrawz4611]

Thanks for the review... I have mine with the raffir noble scales... It's my go-to gentleman's folder... Love those scales! Very unique... I haven't seen them used on any other knife... Interesting info on them being delicate... They kind of feel that way so I'm not too surprised... Sharpest factory edge knife I ever bought...

[@astrazenica7783]

To Rob, my condolences for ur loss. Sorry to hear. All the best for ur family

[@LandoTomato]

At the moment this video is 2 yrs old but in 2021 the chap is still a fantastic edc. This is the first knife that has ever paused the knife addiction. I compare every potential purchase to “would I carry this over the chaparral”. Not only is the knife simply amazing from fit and finish to performance but you can actually get variations from a typical edc in the FRN to a simple gentlemen’s carry in the sun and moon and Birdseye maple. Even has a few titanium versions to scratch that itch as well. Look forward to a new iteration every year. The chaparral sets the bar for a edc knife and can do 90% of what anyone needs a locking folding pocket knife to do.

[@prittsybaby]

Bought this yesterday to replace my 11 year old $15 Winchester/buck knockoff. I loved the Winchester for the size and comfort to carry but it never holds an edge. I wanted small, lockback, good quality steel. Been EDC for about 25 years and finally bought a decent knife. Can't wait for it to come.

[@jeffstuart6420]

Nice video. I have one in FRN (CTS-XHP) and one like yours - however, it is in S30V. For me, both steels are great in the Chapie.

[@e.t.preppin7084]

Hey two hand is safest deployment method for me. I still love it. Nick says it’s hard on his thumb but I’m not closing the knife over and over for a knife review so no bother there. All in all thanks for your review and I’m glad to be carrying this really slicey knife. Wishing only it had a lanyard hole. Oh well I cannot have everything all the time

[@ricktemmen6272]

Great video ... Sorry for your loss Rob ... I am getting the FRN version of this knife ... It the same price as the Dragonfly in zdp189 ... It's a no brainer ...

[@e.t.preppin7084]

I’m well pleased with the knife. Been carrying for about a week. Seems small but no bother because it serves my general purpose

[@johnalessi6004]

So native 5 lightweight s110v or Chaparrel noble in XHP...??????

[@bobinmontana777]

Funny, I bought an almost identical knife to that one in 2003. The box was labeled "Experimental", it was the same overall shape and size except the blade was serrated. I have since removed the serrations and used it as a work knife for years.

[@MrTIPPY30]

nice review as i own a native 5 and a sage one love the simple usefullness of these Spydercos. doubt i would add this one

[@gerardopietrantoni6452]

stuart myers Hi. I also owe a Native 5 with the polished titanium sun burst scale mid lock and a Sage 5 with the CF/G10 scales and compression lock. I though the Chaparral was redundant but at $87 for the FRN scales version I took the plunge. Check the specs because the blade it’s the thinnest in their whole line up at .08. Not for hard use but cuts incredibly well and weights only 2 ounces. Also easy to disassemble and re assemble. Last week end went fishing and used it to gut the fish and clean them. Cuts very well. ⚔️

[@ricktemmen6272]

I heard this steel is chippy with the very thin blade stock could that make this knife fragile ... I appreciate your opinion ...

[@paulmills426]

Have you used any knives with tungsten carbide blade material and if so were you able to sharpen it? I know they claim 71 HRC on the heat treat but I can't remember the company that makes them.

[@holdernewtshesrearin5471]

I dig it. Might be a good upscale and slightly larger replacement for my Cat G-10, which is a great little knife itself. Im more of a Native-5 guy but im beginning to appreciate smaller and thinner knives as of late. I can see a chaparrel in my collection soon.

[@bob87776]

My condolences on the loss of your mother.

[@radioham6979]

So sorry for your loss.

[@mayo470]

Hey Rob, how does this compare with the Spyderco Cat in size? Thanks Rob. - Mike in Pennsylvania

[@edwardyork4321]

Condolences to U Brother. She IS in a Better place 😇

[@notanundercovercop8851]

I've heard XHP is considered a "stainless D2" steel. But, if you look at the composition. It's essentially 440C steel. But, the way they quench it prevents it from getting chippy at a higher hardness. So, as a result you can harden it to hell and it won't get chippy. Vastly outperforms 440C (obviously). It's crazy what they can do with metallurgy technology.

[@blazerk9614]

My condolences Rob, cool review

[@Watchandcutgearchannel]

Hey rob... isn’t this a Gem? I thought the same at 1st glance. But after holding it i was sold! Great knife.. great review

[@1vw4me]

Sage 1 is still tops in my book. I look forward to the updated Mantra 3!!!!

[@sunnyrachelsson3169]

Sage 2

[@outdoorsman193]

I know I’m a little late on this post, but in your opinion would you go with this knife or the Knifecenter Delica in pakkawood?

[@TheApostleP]

Yes ;)

[@outdoorsman193]

TheApostleP haha well it looks like I’ll just have to get both, not that I’m upset about that.

[@garyfarnsworth545]

I have the FRN model with a stonewash blade. Carry it all the time

[@carlosmatos9848]

Nice little knife, looks kind of like a back lock Sage.

[@HellGatefr2]

Hello mate, do you still carry this little beast ?

[@TheApostleP]

In my pocket now.

[@208414]

Count me among the three!

[@Smootus]

Yes, sorry to hear the sad news about the passing of your mother....

[@mak450]

Interesting. I have been eyeballing the lightweight model lately, but I had doubts that it would fit in my hands. Looks like it probably would. Thanks for the review, Rob.

[@rockets4kids]

You forgot to mention how thin the knife is ground behind the edge!

[@05generic]

I'm I one of the three Rob? I've always cared about your opinion. And I agree with comments about what really matters about knife functions. It's interesting how forgiving we can be when we just give ourselves a bit more time to contemplate the issues.

[@e.t.preppin7084]

I hope not to see this knife for sale in Thursday nights sale or I’ll take this video as a marketing scheme!!! We’ll see 😂😂😂

[@e.t.preppin7084]

I can almost sweep it open but almost is not enough

[@e.t.preppin7084]

Btw my paper clip is not black it’s chrome

[@ShortcutReviews]

All those poor Natcheszz catalogs..... 😀

[@e.t.preppin7084]

You obviously have larger hands than I do. I can’t open the knife without flipping with a wrist flip. Oh well we are born with what we’re born with. I have to sweep it open (my only option)

[@Smootus]

Rob, thanks for posting this video.... nice knife but I think I like the “ Native” better

[@e.t.preppin7084]

I notice it’s in a leftist configuration!!!😂