
First Thoughts

Inspiration
Blade
Specifications of the Spyderco Kapara
Specification | Detail |
---|---|
Blade Length: | 3.60″ |
Cutting Edge: | 3.44″ |
Blade Material: | CPM-S30V |
Blade Style: | Drop Point |
Blade Grind: | Flat |
Finish: | Satin |
Edge Type: | Plain |
Handle Length: | 4.65″ |
Handle Material: | Carbon Fiber |
Color: | Black |
Frame/Liner: | Stainless Steel |
Weight: | 3.40 oz. |
User: | R/L Hand |
Pocket Clip: | Tip-Up |
Knife Type: | Manual |
Opener: | Thumb Hole |
Lock Type: | Compression Lock |
Brand: | Spyderco |
Model: | Kapara |
Designer: | Alistair Phillips |
Country of Origin: | Taiwan |
Best Use: | Every day Carry |
Handle & Lock
The handle sports a full, stainless steel, skeletonized liner set which is foundational to the seriously effective Compression Lock mechanism. The liners are capped with very good-looking solid carbon fiber scales which are 3-D machined. This detail complements the handle profile which itself is really comfortable. It does have a finger choil for your index finger near the blade, and while it’s comfortable, it’s awfully close to the cutting edge of the blade, so caution is in order here.
We love the handle and especially the backspacer which features a chunk of red G-10 to live up to the namesake of the Redback designs that gained recognition for the designer in the first place! Most of the handle is left open to reduce weight. A lanyard hole allows for attachment of whatever you like.
Clip
The Kapara features a reversible deep-pocket wire clip and it’s configured for left or right-hand carry but only tip-up. The clip is quite effective, however, it’s not exactly gorgeous from a design/aesthetic point of view. I think weight was a consideration, so I’ll go with that.
Final thoughts – Summary
The ergonomic and stylish Kapara knife design from Alistair Phillips was revealed at Spyderco’s 2018 Amsterdam Meet. Phillips is known for his, slim pocket-friendly designs and the Kapara certainly fits the bill. It features a slender carbon fiber handle outfitted with a red G-10 backspacer and a reversible tip-up wire pocket clip. Overall it’s a comfortable knife with a relatively comfortable pocket “feel”. While not in the super high-end price range (given the stainless steel blade price) it’s not the cheapest of its kind. Let’s just say it’s under $200. It’s not a bad deal, and we’d classify it as a buy for those looking for the features outlined in this article.