Spyderco’s unique Chaparral series of gentlemen’s folding knives expresses the same basic design platform with a variety of unique handle materials and treatments. One of the newest additions to this best-selling family is the Chaparral Lightweight, which offers the same design theme and functionality as its brothers, but with a simple, reliable, and affordable injection-molded handle.
Its tough fiberglass-reinforced-nylon (FRN) construction minimizes weight and offers the high-traction advantages of our Bi-Directional Texturing™ pattern, while its nested, skeletonized stainless steel liners ensure excellent structural strength and precise alignment of all key components. Like the other versions of the Chaparral, its defining features include a full-flat-ground CTS® XHP stainless steel blade, a fully accessible Trademark Round Hole™ for ambidextrous one-handed opening, a sturdy back lock mechanism, and a reversible deep-pocket wire clip that supports discreet left or right-side tip-up carry.
This little knife has one of the best blades Spyderco makes. Absolute laser beam that slices even better than a Delica, don't think Spyderco makes anything else this thin. Ergos are surprisingly great too for such a small knife. I personally recommend just removing the pocket clip for ergonomics, as it is so thin and light without it I don't mind just dropping it into a pocket at all.
I had high hopes for this popular model and fortunately, it lived up to the hype. This knife instantly became one of my “if you could only have one folder” contenders due to its lightweight, solid ergonomics (yes the back lock is a tiny bit narrow but it’s fine), and fantastic grind and blade steel. Spyderco’s Taichung factory did an amazing job putting this baby together. Great value for the money!
