The Spyderco FRN Chaparral Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review
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- Опубликовано: 27 авг 2024
- Today, we're going to take a look at a very interesting little new release from Spyderco, the FRN Chaparral, putting a more function-forward twist on an already stellar knife.
I have had this knife for a long time now. The lock bar issue sorted itself out with use. It has super smooth action now. Yes I had to go through a bit of Chaparral thumb but I've crossed that river.
The Chaparral has a good weight to it, although it's a light knife. That's on the good side.
I can honestly say that in my opinion this is not only the best Chaparral with regard to price/quality, but its also the best Spyderco edc for light/normal use out there.
It's a frigging gem.
Hey there, for anyone returning to this video years later, I have a new chaparral, and didn't have the issue with the lockbar at all. I think they have improved their design.
For those guys having less hand strength maybe you should choose another knife . At 76 years of age I find the lock tight but not at all difficult to close one bit. This in all respects a great knife
I kept thinking the video was on 2x speed, nope. just nick on 2x speed
I actually like that. I hate it when people decide what to say during the vido, hem & haw & take up a half hour of my time.
That knife is head and shoulders above the Delica in my not so humble opinion.
Why???
Many knives are, now that the delica is hopelessly outdated with VG10 at its current pricing.
BeautifulBladez Have to agree. VG10 is a fine EDC steel, but at almost $90 is becomes far less competitive with a knife with better ergonomics and XHP for a few dollars more.
I took a diamond file to the edges of the back lock. MUCH more comfortable to close now.
It can't be overstated how thin this knife is overall and in the blade. You can read the specs but you just don't understand until you have it in hand. I've wanted one for a while and got one today. It's fantastic so far. Cuts cardboard like a light saber. Looks like the CQI process has fixed the nit-picks. The lock bar is easy to disengage on mine and it's chamfered as well. Happy to add this one to the collection!
I'm really glad it has full liners and doesn't rely on plastic washers like the FRN Native 5.
We all know the term “a Sebenzakiller” do we now have a “Delicakiller” ?
Thomas Thomsen omg. Can it be true??
It ain't this knife. No way Jose.
The limit on this to replace the Delica is if you can live with the smaller handle and 1/4" less cutting edge. For me the Chaparral replaces practically everything in the under 2.75" range from Spydeco: Delica, Dragonfly, Lil Native, Baby Jess Horm, and others. All great knives. The combo of size, build quality, steel quality, and sliceyness on the Chaparral all work for me. Not getting rid of my Dragonfly or Delica, but I have no idea when they'll get pocket time.
I love mine and that it has no "pocket pecker" !!
I stopped by a store to buy a Delica. After handling both, I left with the Chaparral and have zero regrets. It feels much better in the hand, and I am 6'2.
This knife is my summer pocket knife. It's the only knife from my collection that fits comfortably in my favorite pair of shorts which have really shallow pockets. Even my Bugout and Para 3 Lightweight feels uncomfortable in those shorts. It's compact, doesn't scare people, carries deep in the pocket (but tightly so you won't lose it in a pair of summer shorts that have very thin hem), cuts well and has a really secure lock-up.
Love my Chaparral and i almost returned it because of the lock-bar pain in the thumb. However, it broke in incredibly well with use and is now one of my favorite LW options. Im glad i held out and din't return it!!
Nick's constant bashing of Medford knives is definitely a beautiful thing. 😂
I just picked up a chaparral and it seems like they have revised it. The lockbar now has big chamfering so it doesn't cut into you as you press it. The spine and spydie hole have now also been smoothed over. The action is also great out of the box and will drop when you press the lockbar (still can't flick it open though).
Is it endorsed for the Vaseline factory ? Looks like it might be but was not mentioned in the review.
I love this knife. The blade really is great and I will say that after carrying it off and on for the past month or so... the lockbar tension has loosened up just a bit and has made it more comfortable to use. It's still not great but it's absolutely better. A price I'm willing to pay for that thin slicey blade!
to small
abrams atwo thats what she said 😂😂😂
Mine definitely has loosened up too - I wouldn't consider it uncomfortable anymore.
Also, the FRN feels a little more soft and matte than on my DF2 and LB3, which I quite like.
Mine loosened up too and I also have low blood pressure wimpy thumbs.
The spring tension on mine also lightened up considerably.
I recently bought a Spyderco Native 5 Lightweight in S110V. It is not too far off from this in size, but it is thicker and has no liners. These little knives from Spyderco are really worth a look.
I agree the lock bar is stiff and hard on the thumb, however, I was able to lighten mine by putting a slight downward bend in the lock bar spring. Needs only a few degrees of bend to noticeably decrease the force needed depress the lock bar and still allow the knife to function perfectly. Anyone comfortable taking this knife apart can easily make this modification.
yeah, easy to adjust that spring tension
Thanks Nick. The nice thin blade resulting in an ouchie lock-bar provokes one of my favorite sayings: “Every present has a price”.
Every time Nick calls the Rat 2 the "Spyderco Ontario Rat 2” I cannot help but smile.
I'm legally obligated to
160€ (~200$) in Germany...
We badly need more Spyderco importers
just buy it for 70€ in usa...
Nailed it. Echoes my impressions 100%. I, too, love everything about this knife except closing it. That one silly issue is why I still prefer the UKPK or Urban over this because for light duty use, I find I just don't need a lock and they both offer all the same benefits as the Chappie except for that stellar FRN texture. (If they CQI the UKPK to have this texture, I may never buy another knife after that, so they probably shouldn't. :)
Other than a thicker / chamfered lock bar, it seems like they could also just make the spring tension lighter. I don't get why a knife this small needs to feel like a Tri-Ad lock as nobody is going to be batoning with a Chappie.
The chap is one of my very favorites, such a great design and such a laser.
Just want to add my two cents that the lock bar gets surprisingly better with use. I hated my FRN Chaparral when I first got it but after a couple months of owning it, the lock finally loosened somewhat and it's much less painful now. Still an issue I wish simply didn't exist but I do not regret my purchase. Definitely one of my best slicers.
Think I just found my new knife in this version of the Chaparral. I've been looking for smaller size knives with FRN type handles wth quality blade steel and other features and I think this one fits the bill. There's plenty of them out there but I really prefer steel liners whilst still maintaining a thin handle profile, which this clearly has. Along with the full forward finger choil which I really appreciate I think this knife has just won me over to purchase.
Given the price hike of the Dragonfly which is 90 with tax now, this knife is a no brainer. Better steel and more edge for twenty dollars more? It’s not only a delica killer it’s a Dragonfly killer.
@@RC-yn7wv yep it surely was!
I took a little tension off the spring on mine, and I rounded the lockbar a little more. That fixes the problem!
I have the blue stepped titanium version of this and love it, it's the jewel of my collection.
3:16 Why would other knife manufacturers make their clip land directly on the Spyderco logo Nick? :)
StoråsStudio it basically makes a smooth spot for the clip pressure to land on. If the FRN was meeting with the pressure point on a clip, it would grip the bit of pocket like a mofo. Too much hold. I have a knife that does this
Nico Albrektsen Oh I know why, I was only being a jackass. ☺
Nico Albrektsen he’s making a joke brotha
HereInTheLionsDen just realized lmao I wrote that 2 minutes after waking up haha
I depress the lock bar with the side of my thumb joint, which simultaneously puts the knife in position to flip the blade over. My thumb joint never notices it, but I have the regular weight model, and maybe the spring is worn in. You can also depress the lock with your thumb nail if it's not gnawed off or whatever. Great knife and great review. It's almost a baby Manix.
Here's a serious suggestion...Please compare the FRN Chaparral to the Dragonfly 2 FRN with ZDP 189 which costs pretty much the same. The only advantage that the Delica has over the Chap is that it has a less painful lockbar, and the Dragonfly has the same style lockbar as the Delica. Dragonfly also has the wire clip and the 50/50 choil so I think the Dragonfly/ Chaparral comparison makes more sense. Thanks
I AGREE! Please do That comparison. The FRN Chaparral vs Dragonfly 2 is what I was going to ask about but adding the better steel does even the playing field even more.
Nice review. Stuck between a chaparral and manix 2
Due to taxes, I paid over 200$ for the CF version and almost 275$, over here on the wrong side of the pond when it comes to knife prices. But I love them both to bits , preferring the CF.. but wish they did something with that lock bar.
If the lock was more Dragonfly-esque it would be my top pick for a small knife.
I got the Chaparral last month and I agree with everything Nick says. It’s super slicy with a beautiful steel. But that lock bar Kills me. Gotta endure 5 seconds of thumb throb every time I lock the damn knife! 4 ⭐️ because if that. If they made a compression lock version, it easily be 6 ⭐️
It's too thin for a compression lock, it would fundamentally change the knife.
Ya but can it baton?
Yes
Hi Nick, first of all, thanks for a great review! I'm seriously considering buying myself a Chaparral. I currently own a Delica, Para 3 and Dragonfly. For EDC I'm carrying the Dragonfly 90% of the time since it packs quite a punch and disappears in my pocket, but I think the added blade length of the Chaparral will be quite handy. If you had to choose between the FRN and CF Chaparral for EDC, and price wasn't a factor, which model would you go for?
Nick. Thanks for the great review.
If you’re watching this in 2022 I have an update. I owned this knife in its first installment with the stiff lock.
I just received a new one from Knifeworks and it appears Spyderco fixed that. The lock is much easier now. This was a great knife even then and now it’s perfect. I highly recommend it 👍
I have owned 30 plus Spyderco knives including the Delica 4 and the Chaparral Lightweight is my second favorite Spyderco next to the Sage 5 Lightweight
Also I buy all my knives from Knifeworks now. You pay for a knife they ship it the next day guaranteed. And their customer service is five star. Great family owned company.
I know the Delica is considered one of best in its class, and I have owned one for over ten years but I have never cared for the esthetics. The Chaparral is much nicer looking in my opinion and probably has similar cutting and slicing qualities. Definitely going to be my next Spyderco. I also have a Dragonfly that’s nice for general office use but doesn’t hold an edge because V10 steel sucks. Wish they would make that knife with the Chaparral steel.
There seems to be a shortage these days. Luckily I was able to get my hands on one. It’s very nice. I agree the lock bar digs in your thumb a little but my expectation is that it will be smoother after breaking in. It’s a very solid design.
I had FRN watching this video, Nick.
Good video ... But you had to really stretch to find any negatives with this knife ...
Interesting that you mentioned the blade length is close to that of the Delica, but it looks like when you only consider usable sharpened edge that difference is a bit bigger.
Now hear me out... This, but in an axis lock. Thin blade stock and solving the lock bar issue, still ambi friendly, and the lock that people love. Manix2 not quite it, given size and blade thickness, but manix2 is great as well :)
I always read his full reviews as "The Full Shabazz"
Just got one of these here in the UK. The back lock bar was exactly as painful as reputed, despite Spyderco having slightly softened the edges.
Took it apart, rounded off the lock bar edges, advanced the spring 1.5 mm from the end of its groove for better leverage, re-oiled with Nano-Oil (10-weight) and left the knife not quite fully open overnight a few times with the idea of putting a slight set on the spring. Helped slightly.
Finally, with the blade half open and the back lock depressed as far as it would go, I inserted a 2 mm flat-blade screwdriver between the blade tang and the lock bar tongue. Gently eased the lock bar upwards until I could feel the spring's elastic limit and then very slightly beyond that, to put a small set on the spring. You have to be careful to do this in very small increments until you get the result you want. Surprisingly minimal bending has noticeably eased the unlocking action and relieved the thumb pain. Approaching fidget machine territory now!
Caveat: I wouldn't try this at all unless you have a good feel for mechanical things. If you use an unsuitable tool or over-stress the spring, you could permanently damage the knife. Spyderco has relaxed their warranty conditions to cover dismantled but not damaged knives.
Beyond all that, a very elegant knife. Online photos don't do it justice. Makes a satisfying clunk as it closes!
And your youtube channel, Nick, is a fantastic resource for knife-o-philes.
I fact Nick did a film just on the lock bar - ruclips.net/video/L0tW5Ja-SnU/видео.html - Spyderco Chaparral Review Followup: Shame about that lock bar... - "Just a quick followup on the Chaparral after a few more weeks of carry. It's still a great knife, but man, that backlock-bar being so thin is ugly. " So he did not find it beautiful.
Excellent review. Nothing I could add. Guessing a more elaborate lock release would push up the price.
Great knife. Just had to bend the lock spring to loosen up the tension and smooth it out. The only thing I don't like is the clip tension on mine is very loose
Just bend the clip spring to tighten up the tension
I got one recently, liked everything except the back lock. way too stiff and firm. Did not like using it.
I have this knife . I like it . The lock bar doesn’t bother me but I wish it was a little bigger and a different lock style. But I love the thin blade. I’ve had it a year and never felt the need to sharpen it. I like the delica type FRN a little better. That being said ; nick , what knife would you suggest??
I used to think the Native 5 was Spyderco's best all around EDC knife under $100. Now I'm not sure.
Great review.. oh no is my delica going to be replaced??
Yes unless you find the Chapparal's lockbar to be a painful dealbreaker.
I'll take the Kershaw Dividend in M390 , I bought mine for $76.00 . I think thats the same price as the Delica right now with the Spyderco price increase and its $20.00 cheaper than the Chaparral , its a great deal , nice thin blade , wicked slicey , US made . And its bigger brother the Link is also a good deal for $80.00
The $90 knife option.... Best, or preferred?
HOB Kershaw Dividend, part of Nicks personal collection
Spyderco FRN Chappral
FF Massdrop Gent
All are jems, just which jem would you choose if only could have one?
Chaparral vs Dragonfly?
Chaparral i have both
Wow, was planning on buying the LW native 5. This complicates things.... thoughts?? Or maybe a comparison?
Native is beefier. This is slicier.
Like Nick says, the Chaparral is a better slicer, one of the best. That and some discomfort in my own hand when gripping the Native 5 firmly is why I switched to the Chaparral (CF/G-10, not the FRN version). Plus the deep carry clip of the Chaparral and how pocketable it is. But both are great, small EDC knives.
Ergonomics and feel in the hand are very personal. I love the Native 5’s ergonomics, but even though I have XL hands, the CF Chaparral feels better to me with a firm grip. Still, I may look for a linerless G-10 Native 5 next. For me, the Chaparral has no hot spot from the clip like Nick gets, but our hands are different.
If the Native 5’s blade was as thin, I would have kept it and changed the clip. But my Chaparral doesn’t have an uncomfortable lock bar, either. The Native 5’s is easier to use, but in part because the bar doesn’t need to be depressed as far down before the blade releases, compared to the Chaparral. The Native 5’s blade is smoother to the touch, both in the swedge and the Spydiehole. Fit and finish seem superior on the Chaparral, at least on the CF/G-10 version.
Nick Shabazz in
the thinness of the handle and blade make this a spectacular knife and like the dragonfly one of their many truly great picks for unobtrusive carry--but the ladybug(s) are ALWAYS with me on my keychains. a great review as always!
Torn between getting this or the Native. Native is a more attractive blade imo but I prefer the wire clip...argh, decisions decisions
The way you put that clip on makes it way harder than it has to be, just use the wire clip like a set of tongs to gently grip the screw while you put both easily into place. I don't even mess with the other side, just tighten all the way down and then do what I said above, takes no longer than any other clip.
Is it just me, or did it seem that this video went very fast... like it was being played at 1.5 speed?
very nice review for me the knife is interesting but, have to say a native 5 is more compelling, also the Sage 1 seems to have the same blade and an easy to use liner lock all with in say 50 bucks of this knife makes it a ok user but not a Spyderco collectors knife
Just picked this up for $115...can't believe it use to be $90.
Didn't really need one, but got one any way.
Definitely with you on this one.
Nick, how about a review of the Raffir version, with a macro lens review of the scales?
You're gonna like tomorrow.
Is it possible to make the action smoother with this construction? I don't want to go and ruin it myself, but is is a stiff little thing, nonpun intended.
Great knife, great review ! Thanks
Has spyderco used this frn on other knives? God I love taichung Spydercos
I really wish they'd make a blade that thin on a 3.5 to 4 inch knife. I want a full sized laser beam!
TRM Atom
Still hard to beat the Delica
Jeff Hollar the Delica has a fatter blade though
Is it OK for the KY Jelly factory. My lovely little "URBAN" is spot on!.
The "had F-R-N" is probably the biggest stretch I've heard you attempt in the pun department. But I would have been disappointed if you didn't try.
Hope you also compare the Chaparral to the Sage!
...and while you're at it, to the Native 5. Heck, do an all-Spyderco shootout of their similar sized knives: Chaparral vs Sage vs Delica vs Native vs Byrd Meadowlark 2 (Just to round it out you see!). Greedy aren't I? But these ARE I think the internal competitors at Spyderco... I don't think I missed anyone did I?
That'd be great, if I had those knives.
Oops. Overlooked that 'little' detail...! Sorry about that.
Looks like a Native 5 lightweight.
I suspect its name, chaparral comes from the spanish word chaparro wich means small or little.
It's from a plant which grows near the Spyderco people.
Just put a little Sugru on the lockbar to fix the ugly.
Its a good looking knife. But I've got large hands so when I'm not carrying my PM2. I usually have my Delica. That Chaparral might be too small for me. Love my Delica.
Philip Janes: The Delica was too small around for me to get a comfortable grip with XL hands, but the Chaparral fits perfectly when I use the finger choil.
I bought one of these as a gift for my brother-in-law after he lost his Delica (also a gift from me). I, of course, played around with the knife before giving it to him and it’s a great knife to carry and open, a beautiful knife to use but an unpleasant knife to close because of the lock bar details you mentioned. Still a great knife but it could be made better.
I wish it was just 2.5 instead of 2.8 makes it illegal in cities like Boston and New York I mean you don’t get much extra use out of the blade
Before I even open the blade on a knife I remove the pocket clip. Horrible things to have on knives. It is a POCKET knife. Do you put pocket clips on your wallet? Do you put pocket clips on your pocket watch? So there is one item solved. And as PaulJosephBuggle said the bar breaks in. So I think this is a great knife. It is a real gents carry.
I have given up big folders, and its all Nick's fault. I tried the Hinderer3", bought 2. Tried the Sage, bought all of em. Tried the Native, and then my wife left me, car was repo'ed, and bank took my house. And its all Nick' fault. Well, kinda, sorta, ok not at all....I am homeless w/ a great knife collection!
Which one did you like best
Hey man... picked up this one and I do like. Have you checked out the Spyderco Centofante 3? $67. Pretty sick for the price. Can we get a Shabazz review? Peace.
Are we going to be seeing a review of the raffir noble version?
almost made me buy one aye
I gave my Chaparral to a buddy because that back lock is a thumb killer, shame
This or the delica 4?
Thumb divot?? Man up nick!
Leave the knife partially open overnight a few times, as well as repeatedly open and close it. The lockbar tension eases quite a bit after the knife is worked in.
First? nearly 40k Nick.
Tony Canniffe
Yep, you're first! Well done (:
elias burgstaller Nothing wrong with coming second ;)
Not 90 bucks anymore 😂
OK, Here's how you fix a lock bar that's too thin: You put a different kind of lock on it. How's that?
No lanyard hole...
Christopher Salvetti nobody needs a lanyard hole!!
keifer225948, I do.
Christopher Salvetti I stand corrected 👍😂😂😂😂
The lock bar ruins the whole knife. It's that simple.
northstar5: I was afraid that would be the case and held off for a while. I’m glad I succumbed and got the CF/G-10 Chaparral. After a week, the lockbar stiffness was greatly reduced. It’s not as easy as the Native 5’s lockbar, but it’s fine. I fidget with it way too much now.
$90??! For a small made in China knife with hard plastic scales? As always Spyderco is charging way too much.
Taiwan isn't china. Additionally Taiwan, as well as china for that matter, can and have produced knives of literal top tier quality. get your head out of your ass
Alexander Binz Hey it's not my problem you're getting ripped off. You could buy well made titanium framelocks with good steel straight from China for half of this ripoff.
OOooOOh watch out we got an expert here..
Alexander Binz I'm pretty sure more of the money is going to the people who actually make the knives when you buy straight from them rather than a foreign corporation.
It’s always fun ‘til somebody “Jackasses” LOL!