I just got my CQI Kapara and would add that in addition to the epic action the blade is fully chamfered. The hole has relieved edges and so does the spine. Fit and finish are epic grade. It is a fantastic EDC...superb. And very pretty in person too. Highest possible recommendation.
A follow up after four years of EDC: I love it! I came back here today because I needed to clean and lube mine. Thanks, Nick! I used my Kapara to carve our family's turkey last Thanksgiving. It buzzed effortlessly through that big bird, even when cutting through joints and cartilage.
I just got one from a superb dealer in Ooltewah, TN. We inspected a few of them and they were all perfect. Nicest Spyderco I own. Thank you for this and the review.
This is such a fantastic looker. It's definitely on my want list. Would love to see a sprint version with LC200N. Really appreciate these disassembly vids. Thanks for the trouble and upload.
Thanks for dissecting this wonderful spider and showing us what's going on in there! The CQI Kapara really is the gem of my collection. It's hard to believe that this level of craftsmanship comes out of a factory - almost feels like it was handmade by Alistair Philips himself.
@ablackprep Sprint run. S30V is pretty standard for Spyderco's. Even if they switched to S35VN as their standard steel, I would want a sprint run with something more exotic.
I really appreciate these kind of update videos, Nick. Very informative.👍🏻 I finally was able to add a Kapara to my collection about a month ago and was surprised how ‘drop shutty’ it was compared to those I had seen on RUclips. I never suspected this was the reason why. Good job Spyderco!
Native 5 Salt has a pivot bushing. Unfortunately on at least on two of the first run that I handled, the tolerances are off and they have side to side blade play. Can't be tightened out because of the bushing.
The CQI version came out because there were problems with the first run. Mime was horrible. The action was really bad unless the blade was off center and had bad play. After sending it back to Spyderco twice, I waited a few months for them to send me a CQI version. It is perfect!
I wonder if this change negatively affects lateral stability? The diameter of the washers was already relatively small as it were and now there's even less contact area with the sides of the blade...
If this had LC200N or any better rustproof steel and this knife would be the best in pocketknives.. But this is still my dream knife. Thanks for the review!
Bushings aren't anything new in the balisong world, but it's great to see it in folders, so you can tighten the pivot as much as you want and it's still smooth
Super helpful update review highlighting the pivot bushing. Agree, Spyderco deserves a "Kudos" for Continuous Quality Improvement. This is a unique and useful design.
@@notme3686 Agree with you on distinguishing in secondary market. But also, they are two different issues. Spyderco could make it easier to identify in the secondary market by doing something simple, like etching a very small Gen 2 or V2 somewhere on the blade... even somewhere less obvious to see, like on the tang where it is covered by an open or closed blade but visible mid-travel ... anything would help somewhat with V2 recognition for those that care. I suspect they avoided that idea on purpose.
Thankfully I have been able to very finely tune my original Kapara so that it is really VERY drop-shutty with no blade play...It's cool that Spyderco has done this, but I decided not to jump on the obsessive insanity wagon and replace my perfecty GREAT knife...That way I can save that addictive energy for some other knife purchases! 👻👻👻
Glad I didn't grab one when they were first released. Got one last week, (along with a spydiechef I was waiting months for), and it has drop shutty goodness.
Nick do you still have your Kapara? Are you still enjoying it? I just got the CQI version. I'd been lusting after it for several years. It's gorgeous and functional. It will serve me well for many years to come. Also I think it has the best looking carbon fiber on any Spyderco besides the Drunken. (P.S. I live in Canada and Warriors and Wonders currently has the Magnitude for a relatively good price. Is that enough of a gem to be worth picking up? I think of it as on the highest end of Spyderco production knives so the price is making me wonder if I should nab one. What do you think?). Keep up the great content.
Hi Nick. Did you happen to notice that there's a black ceramic ball for the detent on the one you disassembled. Just got a kapara and took it apart and 99.5% sure thats what im looking at.
Damn. I wish I had waited and not bought the original. I may wait to see if they do a version with a different steel and scale material before buying the CQI version.
Thanks for mentioning the clip being non standard. It was confusing the heck out of me why it wasn't deep carry throughout the video. Oh, and buy another Kapara.
So for once my inability to get a Spyderco the first time around actually paid off. Usually certain Spyderco models sell so fast it's maddeningly frustrating trying to get one.
Great video but I have to part ways with you on Spyderco doing this improvement incognito as I have been meaning to buy one of these knives and when I do get around to it would like very much to be able to indicate the 2nd version so it would be more than OK with me if they did call the improved versions Kapara 2 or whatever to distinguish them from the first run, this may be one of the few times I am going to disagree with you but as you stated "I'm just on crack" to each his own Nick. Carry on
@@AlexanderSLeBlanc no argument there. Not to mention it is impossible to properly enforce laws where it is illegal to carry something that is legal to buy while still respecting civil liberties.
An interesting aside to this is that at least 1 retailer selling to the U.K. market (knivesandtools [dot] co [dot] uk) have dropped the price of current stock Kaparas, presumably because customers will want the revised one? That could work out well for you if you’re not too worried about having the old version?
At leased you don't have to put your fingers in harms way to close this one ! I see that the lock uses the lock bar like the triad ! I thought the compression lock ( is that what they call it ) was just another liner lock ?
CQI only matters on regular production knives. Sprint runs or limited editions CQI is just a pain in the ass. Look at the Advocate. The Kapara is another example. How do you know you have the better version? They should mark limited run CQI knives as such.
In fact, it appears Spyderco are doing this for a lot of their knives. Another one with a CQI version appears to be the SpydieChef. Note that both of these knives could not be bought for love or money for quite some time until very recently!
@@mosherogoff1252 Since youre being pedantic, the chef has had two cqi revisions. 1st gen had steel detent. 2nd had ceramic detent. 3rd gen has different finish and black hardware.
Now if only they can they just release it in a left handed version... Compression locks in the wrong hand can be done, but you are really having to grip on the handle to get purchase on moving the lock over.
My Benchmade 940-1 has been permanently pushed from the top spot in my heart. My cqi Kapara is every bit the figiter with a better blade profile dead sexy and is well contoured. Other than sprint runs I don't see spyderco making a knife that makes me happier than this one.
My CQI Kapara bit me because I wasn't used to drop shutty action - it happened because the blade bounced back and I somehow managed to stick a finger in there just then... The only negative thing I can say about the Kapara is that there's not much to hold on to, compared to a PM 2 for example.
I woudent say so, here are my reasons (note, highly subjective): 1. The materials spyderco uses for theyre prices are ok, they give you g10 and s30v, but in the same price range other companies (zt, kizer, etc.) give you titanium and s35vn. 2. Theyre distrubution isnt great where i live, most of their knife prices can even double. Basically, where i live theres not much value in buying spydercos because there are better options for cheaper
I just got my CQI Kapara and would add that in addition to the epic action the blade is fully chamfered.
The hole has relieved edges and so does the spine. Fit and finish are epic grade.
It is a fantastic EDC...superb. And very pretty in person too. Highest possible recommendation.
Getting one today
A follow up after four years of EDC: I love it! I came back here today because I needed to clean and lube mine. Thanks, Nick!
I used my Kapara to carve our family's turkey last Thanksgiving. It buzzed effortlessly through that big bird, even when cutting through joints and cartilage.
“Big pivot energy move.” This was the best thing I heard all day. Thanks, Nick.
Great video showing the CQI changes and "big pivot energy". Thank you for making the Disassemblieview
Taking apart, cleaning and reassembling your own stuff is very zen and satisfying.
Thank you
I just got one from a superb dealer in Ooltewah, TN. We inspected a few of them and they were all perfect. Nicest Spyderco I own. Thank you for this and the review.
This is such a fantastic looker. It's definitely on my want list. Would love to see a sprint version with LC200N.
Really appreciate these disassembly vids. Thanks for the trouble and upload.
Wow! A pivot bushing! That’s awesome!
Mine is coming in two days and I had no idea of the change
That’s just awesome
“Big pivot energy”
The kapara is on the top of my most wanted list.
Thanks for dissecting this wonderful spider and showing us what's going on in there! The CQI Kapara really is the gem of my collection. It's hard to believe that this level of craftsmanship comes out of a factory - almost feels like it was handmade by Alistair Philips himself.
Ive got this edition of the Kapara and it's a true gem.
Now we need a better steel than S30V. Come on Spyderco, let's see a sprint-run of M390/20CV or M4
@ablackprep Sprint run. S30V is pretty standard for Spyderco's. Even if they switched to S35VN as their standard steel, I would want a sprint run with something more exotic.
With you on that, and some copper dust CF or blue or red woven CF would be perfection!
One in M4 would be nice
Shawn more of a lightning strike cf guy myself but can see those being cool as well!
Fuck a sprint run. They should all be at minimum S35 or S90V
USPS delivered mine yesterday, a day ahead of schedule.It's a beauty!
I really appreciate these kind of update videos, Nick. Very informative.👍🏻
I finally was able to add a Kapara to my collection about a month ago and was surprised how ‘drop shutty’ it was compared to those I had seen on RUclips. I never suspected this was the reason why. Good job Spyderco!
You forgot to put "Pre-CQI Kapara for sale" into the video description.
I am a huge fan of pivot bushings. this is cool! Ordered, thanks nick!
Native 5 Salt has a pivot bushing. Unfortunately on at least on two of the first run that I handled, the tolerances are off and they have side to side blade play. Can't be tightened out because of the bushing.
Way bigger change than I thought! Awesome stuff
The CQI version came out because there were problems with the first run. Mime was horrible. The action was really bad unless the blade was off center and had bad play. After sending it back to Spyderco twice, I waited a few months for them to send me a CQI version. It is perfect!
"Grody" lol. I haven't heard that word since my childhood. 👍🤙
My first production run Kapara is back in my pocket after a long absence. Now I’m thinking about getting the CQI version just because I hate money.
I'm glad to see I'm not the only one with moral dilemmas about when to buy incrementally improved products. 😀
So when buying one online from now on are you guaranteed to get one of the new ones ? Or is it specified in website listings when purchasing?
I think the spyderco I Sage 1 had a Pivot Bushing. Thanks for the update. Would like to pick this one up.
Seems Nick is buying another Kapara..
Jack Nemo, not only him :)
I wonder if this change negatively affects lateral stability? The diameter of the washers was already relatively small as it were and now there's even less contact area with the sides of the blade...
If this had LC200N or any better rustproof steel and this knife would be the best in pocketknives.. But this is still my dream knife. Thanks for the review!
Helpful stuff. Thanks Sir.
Great video... going to look for your blade review now!
"Big pivot energy" 😂You can always count on Nick to throw out some quality semi-obscure blade related zingers.
Balisongs have been using pivot bushings for some time.
Qual the Thrall Hom Design >>>>> BRS for this exact reason
Is there any functional downside to using a pivot bushing?
What is the mechanism of the bushing improving the action? I think it acts solely as a spacer to keep the liners a fixed distance apart.
Bushings aren't anything new in the balisong world, but it's great to see it in folders, so you can tighten the pivot as much as you want and it's still smooth
Omg
Spyderco plz make Lil Kapara with 3 inch or less blade length and perfect knive for me will exist
Super helpful update review highlighting the pivot bushing. Agree, Spyderco deserves a "Kudos" for Continuous Quality Improvement. This is a unique and useful design.
True, but not distinguishing between versions is a real pain.
@@notme3686 Agree with you on distinguishing in secondary market. But also, they are two different issues. Spyderco could make it easier to identify in the secondary market by doing something simple, like etching a very small Gen 2 or V2 somewhere on the blade... even somewhere less obvious to see, like on the tang where it is covered by an open or closed blade but visible mid-travel ... anything would help somewhat with V2 recognition for those that care. I suspect they avoided that idea on purpose.
Any idea what month these started being produced?
Thankfully I have been able to very finely tune my original Kapara so that it is really VERY drop-shutty with no blade play...It's cool that Spyderco has done this, but I decided not to jump on the obsessive insanity wagon and replace my perfecty GREAT knife...That way I can save that addictive energy for some other knife purchases! 👻👻👻
A toothbrush handle on the belt sander and you gots a spudger like the Nick Mans.
any issues with the compression lock tab digging into your thumb or finger when closing?
Glad I didn't grab one when they were first released. Got one last week, (along with a spydiechef I was waiting months for), and it has drop shutty goodness.
lc200n version of this and i'll buy 2 more of them. Yes please !
Was the Advocate a Gayle Bradley?
I'm late to the party, but I am really starting to like this knife.
Hey what's up my man?!?
I REALLY can't wait to get me a sweet CQI KAPARA!!!
Nick do you still have your Kapara? Are you still enjoying it? I just got the CQI version. I'd been lusting after it for several years. It's gorgeous and functional. It will serve me well for many years to come. Also I think it has the best looking carbon fiber on any Spyderco besides the Drunken. (P.S. I live in Canada and Warriors and Wonders currently has the Magnitude for a relatively good price. Is that enough of a gem to be worth picking up? I think of it as on the highest end of Spyderco production knives so the price is making me wonder if I should nab one. What do you think?). Keep up the great content.
Advocate is Gayle Bradley. The same guy who did the GB and GB2 for Spydie. And he's the Texas logo guy.
Hi Nick. Did you happen to notice that there's a black ceramic ball for the detent on the one you disassembled. Just got a kapara and took it apart and 99.5% sure thats what im looking at.
Is there a way to tell if one is a CQI before buying?
Nice improvement with no increase in price hopefully, i don't think you mentioned that
i hope you review and disassemble the la police gear tbfk.
it is a sub $50 knife that is s35vn blade steel.
Damn. I wish I had waited and not bought the original. I may wait to see if they do a version with a different steel and scale material before buying the CQI version.
Opinion please, Kapara vs Chef??
I see it as adding another surface to collect schmoo
Thanks for mentioning the clip being non standard. It was confusing the heck out of me why it wasn't deep carry throughout the video.
Oh, and buy another Kapara.
Are there model numbers or anything to indicate the newest version?
No, but all knives coming out of production have this change. I just received one today from White Mountain Knives that is the newest version.
Wow really amazing looking Spyderco knife looks design review!!! :D
nice job
How to buy, or where to buy a CQI version? On most of the websites im checking, there's no indication 🤔
All Kaparas at any major retailer (bladehq, DLT, knifecenter, gp etc) are CQI versions.
So for once my inability to get a Spyderco the first time around actually paid off. Usually certain Spyderco models sell so fast it's maddeningly frustrating trying to get one.
Timex Q? Et tu, Nick? Can't wait for the review.
cool. now i'll get one
Great video but I have to part ways with you on Spyderco doing this improvement incognito as I have been meaning to buy one of these knives and
when I do get around to it would like very much to be able to indicate the 2nd version so it would be more than OK with me if they did call the improved versions Kapara 2 or whatever to distinguish them from the first run, this may be one of the few times I am going to disagree with you but as you stated "I'm just on crack" to each his own Nick. Carry on
A lot of retailers will actually confirm for you. I think its actually hard to get a non CQI at this point.
@@TJPavey Thank You!
Gonna check out the chef cqi as well?
Ceramic ball and black coated screws
Did the first generation have bearings?
amo757 nope
Now please make a lightweight version of this
EDC Ready you could skeletonize the frames yourself, or if you have a 3D printer you could even print your own integral handle
FRN handles on this knife would be a crime! (Or just a spyderco stretch?)
You will enjoy your new kapara haha.
What are the changes in a spydiechef CQI
Ceramic detent ball. Before it use to be stainless steel which would rust for some. Truely a rust proof knife now.
Nick, a fan here! Could you please clean your knife mat?
Thats like the sage5 lightweight with the pivot bushing
Why is the clip different?
Looks very useful in blade design and I love the handle ...but anyone else see a dead duck there ???
What is the cost?
Still hoping for a mini version. I just can't justify buying a new knife I can't legally carry, but damn do I want it.
Knife laws are stupid. Kitchen knives kill more people than any other kind of knife.
@@AlexanderSLeBlanc no argument there. Not to mention it is impossible to properly enforce laws where it is illegal to carry something that is legal to buy while still respecting civil liberties.
An interesting aside to this is that at least 1 retailer selling to the U.K. market (knivesandtools [dot] co [dot] uk) have dropped the price of current stock Kaparas, presumably because customers will want the revised one? That could work out well for you if you’re not too worried about having the old version?
At leased you don't have to put your fingers in harms way to close this one !
I see that the lock uses the lock bar like the triad ! I thought the compression lock ( is that what they call it ) was just another liner lock ?
nah, they've always used stop pins (I assume that's what you're talking about?)
Looks like they used a brighter red back spacer like Alistar uses on the custom redback
Mine came from the newer run, and it isnt even close to that bright
master! can you disassmblieview the spyopera!
The designer is Alistair Phillips
i think he was talking about the Gayle Bradley Advocate
Dennis Johnson oh my bad
My Kapara is drop shutty. Are they going to offer a retrofit kit for the revision 1?
The PM2 uses a pivot bushing.
Used.
For a very short time.
CQI only matters on regular production knives. Sprint runs or limited editions CQI is just a pain in the ass. Look at the Advocate. The Kapara is another example. How do you know you have the better version? They should mark limited run CQI knives as such.
First gen PM2 had a pivot bushing as well. Then they stopped
Actually, CQI means 'Continuous Quality Improvement'; a practice long followed in the electronics industry for instance...
In fact, it appears Spyderco are doing this for a lot of their knives. Another one with a CQI version appears to be the SpydieChef. Note that both of these knives could not be bought for love or money for quite some time until very recently!
@@mosherogoff1252
Since youre being pedantic, the chef has had two cqi revisions. 1st gen had steel detent. 2nd had ceramic detent. 3rd gen has different finish and black hardware.
Now if only they can they just release it in a left handed version... Compression locks in the wrong hand can be done, but you are really having to grip on the handle to get purchase on moving the lock over.
I thought the bushing was meant to rotate...or at least be free to rotate. I'm not particularly bright, though.
My Benchmade 940-1 has been permanently pushed from the top spot in my heart. My cqi Kapara is every bit the figiter with a better blade profile dead sexy and is well contoured. Other than sprint runs I don't see spyderco making a knife that makes me happier than this one.
You just know Nick's gonna buy another Kapara...
Well shit nick now I want to buy another one! 😭
That Timex watch is so 'Pan-American Airlines' pilot from the '70's...
ReRouTedlOGIC I was like, “Gasp, Nick found a GMT Mas- oh wait.”
Looks more like a blatant ripoff of a Rolex pepsi bezel.
For me.. Drop-Shutty = bandaid
I don't get the drop shutty thing. But then I don't play with my knives
@@thomash4578 its just satisfying.
My CQI Kapara bit me because I wasn't used to drop shutty action - it happened because the blade bounced back and I somehow managed to stick a finger in there just then... The only negative thing I can say about the Kapara is that there's not much to hold on to, compared to a PM 2 for example.
@Stoney Lonsome Just when closing it.
Lets be real here Nick, you're buying another Kapara. For "collectors" reasons. Yeah.. we'll go with that LOL.
Ya great that they “fixed it “but just talked to them and told me to kick dust
(About any compensation for selling me the original version
🤷🏼♂️
This is why spyderco is the best overall knife company.
far and away not true.
I woudent say so, here are my reasons (note, highly subjective):
1. The materials spyderco uses for theyre prices are ok, they give you g10 and s30v, but in the same price range other companies (zt, kizer, etc.)
give you titanium and s35vn.
2. Theyre distrubution isnt great where i live, most of their knife prices can even double.
Basically, where i live theres not much value in buying spydercos because there are better options for cheaper
Psssst buy another Kapara
Number 1
This knife is soon to join the spydie chef as number one knife of the SHEEPLE,,✌
Wish they kept the larger washers. The made the spydiechef washers in the latest cqi too.
Use a bicycle tire wrench.