- a true Spyderco!
For us enthusiasts, the wait is always long from the moment when the big brands reveal their upcoming models to when we can actually buy them and get them in hand. Usually, the presentations take place at the big fairs in the US like "Shot Show" or "Blade". Everything to keep the interest alive and attract buyers of course. Spyderco does things a little different. They usually give a preview of upcoming models for a crowd of enthusiasts during their "Amsterdam Meet" where Spyderco fans can look at and handle prototypes and early versions of coming knives. But the extended wait remains. That was the case with the models for 2018 where today's knife, the Kapara is included. It came out in the last dying minutes of last year and therefore became one of the first knives I reviewed for 2019.
Spyderco C241CF Kapara
Kapara is the result of a collaboration between Spyderco and the Australian knifemaker Alistair Phillips. The model is based on his custom knife "Redback". By the way, both names refer to the same little poisonous spider from the land where almost everything in nature can kill you. The spider has a red to a reddish-brown marking on its abdomen that is reflected both in the naming of the knife and the look with its red backspacer.
How convenient, a knife named after a spider made by Spyderco
The Kapara is a really well thought out knife with a clear purpose in mind. Mr. Phillips wanted an EDC-oriented knife that also could serve him well in the kitchen, mainly handling fruit and greens.
To achieve this, some serious thought must be given to both general design and more specific details regarding blade geometry and ergonomic considerations.
An idea that appealed to me too since it means you don't give a damned about "hard use", what the heck that is, and instead makes a knife that actually cut stuff. That is usually a solid foundation for a good EDC-knife as well. At least in my world.
To achieve this, some serious thought must be given to both general design and more specific details regarding blade geometry and ergonomic considerations.
An idea that appealed to me too since it means you don't give a damned about "hard use", what the heck that is, and instead makes a knife that actually cut stuff. That is usually a solid foundation for a good EDC-knife as well. At least in my world.
Blade
The blade on the Kapara is distinct looking with its slender profile and pronounced wavy spine. For being a Spyderco the hump is rather unobtrusive but in order to make a good resting place for a finger at the top of the blade, a second wave emerges and hence the shape. The curvature of the edge is kind of familiar and can be seen on knives like the Spyderchef even if that knife is more extreme. The edge of the Kapara has a short straight portion near the handle but the rest of the edge is basically a continuous long belly that arches from the handle to the tip.
The length is 3.58 inches and the blade is rather slender with a height of just over an inch at its widest. The thickness is kept to a suitable 0.118 inch. Which must be said is thin but not extremely thin. From that thickness, the blade has been full flat ground which comes as no surprise since it is a favored way of grounding blades by Spyderco.
The length is 3.58 inches and the blade is rather slender with a height of just over an inch at its widest. The thickness is kept to a suitable 0.118 inch. Which must be said is thin but not extremely thin. From that thickness, the blade has been full flat ground which comes as no surprise since it is a favored way of grounding blades by Spyderco.
A blade with a slightly wavy back. An all-around blade that also can serve as a petty knife in the kitchen
The choice of steel doesn't surprise either since it's one of Spyderco's most used, Crucibles CPM S30V. For certain Spyderco is well known for their use of many different steel types and their lust for an experimental approach to the subject. But that is mostly reserved for sprint runs and exclusive series. I've heard complaints about Kapara "only" being offered in S30V instead of S35VN or the like and that this steel is too simple for the price asked. Regarding that, I just want to say that it isn't even proved that it is a significant practical difference between the two steel types and that performance rather comes down to hardening and heat treatment.
With that said it can be noted that this blade seems to perform as well as any other S30V coming from Spyderco and their Taichung factory. That means excellent for most parts. Sure, I wouldn't mind seeing Spyderco going a bit higher in hardness both on this and other steels. Especially on their VG10 by the way.
It remains to be seen how this blade performs in the long run and after being sharpened. It hasn't been necessary during the test period. As per usual the maintenance of edges in this household is done by sharpening rods and a few passes on a strop every now and then.
With that said it can be noted that this blade seems to perform as well as any other S30V coming from Spyderco and their Taichung factory. That means excellent for most parts. Sure, I wouldn't mind seeing Spyderco going a bit higher in hardness both on this and other steels. Especially on their VG10 by the way.
It remains to be seen how this blade performs in the long run and after being sharpened. It hasn't been necessary during the test period. As per usual the maintenance of edges in this household is done by sharpening rods and a few passes on a strop every now and then.
The steel is S30V and you get almost 3,6 inches of it
Kapara is a pure joy to work with handling the variety of different tasks I encountered during the test period. The handle, something that I will talk more about in detail later, allows for a number of different grips which combined with the slim blade and over-all good balance gives a fast and lively knife. By that, I mean that there are no difficulties to move between grips and above all, it is easy to quickly change direction during cuts. A detail that is extra important when using a knife in the kitchen. Add to that an excellent balance and you get a knife that is very convenient and user-friendly. Properties that are enhanced by the shape of the blade which offers a good place for a finger either on top of the spine or behind the hump for better control.
Besides that, the blade is placed low in relation to the handle in order to facilitate cutting against flat surfaces such as cutting boards. The slight curvature of the edge makes for a belly that allows for "rocking cuts" like you do with chefs knives. That is something that is beneficial not only in the kitchen. Just try to cut against something flat with a knife with a proud flipper tab. Especially if it has one of the today so popular Wharncliffe blades. In that situation, you will soon notice that you only cut with the tip or the outer portion of the blade. That is not the case with the Kapara. With this knife, you can use all the edge available.
Besides that, the blade is placed low in relation to the handle in order to facilitate cutting against flat surfaces such as cutting boards. The slight curvature of the edge makes for a belly that allows for "rocking cuts" like you do with chefs knives. That is something that is beneficial not only in the kitchen. Just try to cut against something flat with a knife with a proud flipper tab. Especially if it has one of the today so popular Wharncliffe blades. In that situation, you will soon notice that you only cut with the tip or the outer portion of the blade. That is not the case with the Kapara. With this knife, you can use all the edge available.
Handle
Kapara is built on a steel frame that has been somewhat weight relieved by a few drilled holes in the liners. They are fastened by two screws through a G10 backspacer. The pivot looks a bit like proprietary hardware but in the middle, you can thankfully find a screw head for standard torx number eight.
On the outside, you will find one of the details that have been talked about a lot, the scales in massive carbon fiber. Spyderco is otherwise known for using a laminate with a thin layer of carbon fiber on top of G10. In this case, the sides are all carbon fiber and also nicely machined and vaulted. The quality of the CF is excellent, free from voids or tooling marks. The material offers some luxury to the knife and at the same time good comfort.
On the outside, you will find one of the details that have been talked about a lot, the scales in massive carbon fiber. Spyderco is otherwise known for using a laminate with a thin layer of carbon fiber on top of G10. In this case, the sides are all carbon fiber and also nicely machined and vaulted. The quality of the CF is excellent, free from voids or tooling marks. The material offers some luxury to the knife and at the same time good comfort.
The polished and vaulted carbon fiber sides are really comfortable in the hand
The handle itself is very ergonomic and works in all grips including reversed ones. It is the combination of enough space, vaulted sides and above all the arched back that gives the nice properties. But I might add that I don't think this is a handle for all. It sure is long enough for most hands, even larger ones but it is rather svelte. In order to create some volume, Phillips chose to make the handle curve upwards. A trick not uncommon among good knife makers. But it's still not hand-filling the way a thicker and taller handle would be.
The red backspacer is a nod to the original and of course the Redback spyder
The red backspacer is a nod to the original and of course the Redback spyder
The handle is especially comfortable in a "saber grip" with the thumb behind the hump. A hump without "jimpings" by the way. It is a choice by the designer since he didn't want anything that could collect crap. Another grip that works really well is if you place your middle finger on top of the spine for increased control. The same goes for a pinch grip. You can tell that Phillips has been thinking about how kitchen knives feel to work with. It is also in these grips it becomes apparent why the handle is not made more hand filling or rather taller. These grips had not worked as well then!
Opening and Lock
Kapara has a blade running on phosphor bronze bushings. As far as smoothness goes it could just as well be on bearings. It once again proves my thesis that ball bearings are really completely redundant in folding knives. The only thing they do is reduce the contact area against the blade and in the long run, require maintenance. When knives are as well made as they are in Spydercos Taichung factory the result is spectacular even without them. In this case, that means free falling when the lock is disengaged.
The blade is of course operated by Spydercos hallmark, the round hole. The placement makes it accessible from both sides which makes the knife ambidextrous. You can also open this knife in several different ways as per usual with this kind of lock. You can slow roll the blade with your thumb, you can flick it both with your thumb and with a so-called "Spydie flick" and then, of course, you can just press the compression lock and let gravity do its thing.
The hole comes as no surprise and with the label "Taichung made" comes rather sharp edges. We can kindly call them "distinct"
The edges of the hole is a tad bit sharp as often is the case with knives from Spyderco's Taichung plant. If that bothers you I suggest that you grab a bit of sandpaper and just brake the edges a bit. Personally, I don't in opposition to some famous YouTubers, have an issue with this. On the contrary, it helps to prevent your thumb or finger from slipping if you fast open your knife. But in this case, I must admit the edges are bordering too crisp. A little more rounded off wouldn't hurt.
The lock is Spydercos own contribution to the lock fauna, the "Compression Lock". It is sometimes described as an upside down liner lock which is totally wrong. There are almost no similarities in how the two systems operate. This mechanism is dependent on a lock arm that is wedged between a blade stop and the tang of the blade. The idea is pretty straight forward and on this knife very well made.
The lock is Spydercos own contribution to the lock fauna, the "Compression Lock". It is sometimes described as an upside down liner lock which is totally wrong. There are almost no similarities in how the two systems operate. This mechanism is dependent on a lock arm that is wedged between a blade stop and the tang of the blade. The idea is pretty straight forward and on this knife very well made.
The lock bar of a Compression lock wedges under the
stop pin which can be seen here
One negative about the lock is that it requires fine motor skills
to operate
One of the few objections I have against this lock, in general, is the requirement for some dexterity to operate. The same goes for some other lock systems as well, for example, Axis and other Bolt Action type locks. They can all be a bit fiddly to maneuver. That is especially true if you have wet and cold hands.
Besides that the function itself is exemplary, no play in any direction when locked and very easy to disengage. Or to be honest, it could be even better if the lock bar was just a little more accessible. As is the cut out is rather small and therefore not optimal. But the slender handle doesn't allow for a bigger opening or you end up with a bit of the edge popping out in the opening. A problem Spyderco encountered with the model Tropen and got really bashed for.
I also noted that the "fidget factor" is sky high with this knife for those who like to use their knife as a yoyo or worry beads.
Besides that the function itself is exemplary, no play in any direction when locked and very easy to disengage. Or to be honest, it could be even better if the lock bar was just a little more accessible. As is the cut out is rather small and therefore not optimal. But the slender handle doesn't allow for a bigger opening or you end up with a bit of the edge popping out in the opening. A problem Spyderco encountered with the model Tropen and got really bashed for.
I also noted that the "fidget factor" is sky high with this knife for those who like to use their knife as a yoyo or worry beads.
To Carry
If I put it like this: A weight of only 3.3 oz, about half an inch thick, vaulted polished carbon fiber scales, unusually slim for being a Spyderco - 1,3 inches at the thickest part and topped with a wire clip. What do you think the conclusion will be? The answer is given, this knife is just excellent in the pocket. You can have different opinions about the appearance of Spyderco's wire clip but hardly about the function. And paired with a smooth polished surface that is also arched you've got a knife that is very easy to both pull and put away. Besides that, the clip is also holding the knife firm in place when in a pocket.
The wire-clip does exactly what is supposed to do
Sure, there are Kwaiken-type models that are even more slender in profile but it should be noted that it is not over the hole this knife is the widest. The slim format together with the lack of a protruding flipper tab makes this a knife that doesn't demand much real estate in the pocket. That is except lengthwise, the knife measures 120 mm folded.
Very discreet carry with very little of the knife protruding
On this knife, Spyderco has avoided the deadly sin they have been criticized for on many models released about the same time as this. That is to let the lanyard hole decide where the clip can be placed. On this model, it is the other way around. The clip is placed where it is supposed to in order to fulfill its function. It can, by the way, be shifted from right to left side which makes for an ambidextrous knife. The clip is also angled in such a way that the knife tilts slightly towards the back of the pocket. That makes for an even more discreet carry.
To Conclude
The superlatives have been numerous describing the Kapara right from the beginning. Not much negative critique can be found at all and if so it is concerning details, not the overall impression of the knife. The question that remains for me to answer is therefore whether I think it is as good as been said.
I'm afraid I will be a bit boring and join the chorus of praise and tell you that it is EXACTLY that good. Given some prerequisites, I might add. One is that you actually know what you're buying. Despite all this knife is not a knife for everybody, it is too specific for that. The hole is something I know deters some. Then the handle is a tad too slender to really work with all hands or rather for all type of tasks.
A Kapara in a Swedish forest. perhaps not the natural habitat for Aussie spiders but it thrives there as well
I chose "a true Spyderco" as a subheading and the reason to why can be found in the "form follows function" approach. One gets the impression that Spyderco and Phillips share some basic ideas about how to construct a good knife. First, you figure out which blade is the most suitable for the tasks in mind and then how to create a handle that best suites that blade. And only then do you care about the aesthetics.
Some efforts have been made to make it look good as well with the use of exclusive carbon fiber and brighten things with a red backspacer. Even if some reacted to the fact that this version is not as bright red as the original. The back spacer is by the way semi-transluscent. All in all, I think that the looks are there too. In my eyes, the Kapara is very elegant with its slender figure and seductive glittering carbon fiber.
I'm afraid I will be a bit boring and join the chorus of praise and tell you that it is EXACTLY that good. Given some prerequisites, I might add. One is that you actually know what you're buying. Despite all this knife is not a knife for everybody, it is too specific for that. The hole is something I know deters some. Then the handle is a tad too slender to really work with all hands or rather for all type of tasks.
A Kapara in a Swedish forest. perhaps not the natural habitat for Aussie spiders but it thrives there as well
I chose "a true Spyderco" as a subheading and the reason to why can be found in the "form follows function" approach. One gets the impression that Spyderco and Phillips share some basic ideas about how to construct a good knife. First, you figure out which blade is the most suitable for the tasks in mind and then how to create a handle that best suites that blade. And only then do you care about the aesthetics.
Some efforts have been made to make it look good as well with the use of exclusive carbon fiber and brighten things with a red backspacer. Even if some reacted to the fact that this version is not as bright red as the original. The back spacer is by the way semi-transluscent. All in all, I think that the looks are there too. In my eyes, the Kapara is very elegant with its slender figure and seductive glittering carbon fiber.
Spyderco Kapara, a real home run. Good looking, light and an efficient cutting tool
Besides that, it can be said that Kapara is light for its size since it weighs in under 3.5 oz despite offering over 3.5 inches of blade. But above all, the knife is well balanced. It is a quality I generally value above absolute weight in a knife. It greatly effects how it feels and behaves in hand.
A side note about calling this knife a "folding kitchen knife". Kapara can be used as a kitchen knife but don't confuse it for being a true small chefs knife. Spyderco made that mistake with the Slysz-designed "Spyderchef" when they named that knife. It is not what they are but if anything they should be compared with a small paring knife or a petty and nothing else. But for being a folding knife the Kapara is very good at that.
The build quality is up there among the best Spyderco has to offer. It places it in the same category as other Taichung produced knives such as the Hungarian and Sage 2 just to name a few. The materials don't make a fool of themselves either.
A side note about calling this knife a "folding kitchen knife". Kapara can be used as a kitchen knife but don't confuse it for being a true small chefs knife. Spyderco made that mistake with the Slysz-designed "Spyderchef" when they named that knife. It is not what they are but if anything they should be compared with a small paring knife or a petty and nothing else. But for being a folding knife the Kapara is very good at that.
The build quality is up there among the best Spyderco has to offer. It places it in the same category as other Taichung produced knives such as the Hungarian and Sage 2 just to name a few. The materials don't make a fool of themselves either.
This is a knife both for the Spyderco enthusiast that is looking for a true "Spyder feeling" and the one searching for a really competent folding knife that works for almost anything EDC-related besides prying and such. That is, exactly what the originator Alistair Phillips had in mind when he created the original.
I can also imagine that the looks even can appeal to the non-Spyderco-fans with its slender elegance, restrained hump, and the carbon fiber handle. The Kapara is not only an excellent EDC-knife but good looking too!
I can also imagine that the looks even can appeal to the non-Spyderco-fans with its slender elegance, restrained hump, and the carbon fiber handle. The Kapara is not only an excellent EDC-knife but good looking too!
Spydercos product page
Specification:
Length overall: 8.27"
Length folded: 4.69"
Weight: 3.3oz
Blade Length: 3.58"
Blade thickness: 0.118"
Blade Steel: Crucible CPM S30V
Handle: Carbon fiber on a steel frame
Lock: Compression
Made by: Spyderco, produced in Taichung, Taiwan
/ J - Spyderfied
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