Spyderco’s Gentleman’s Folder Goes Volcanic with an Exceptional Handle Upgrade

Since its inception, this knife has been used to showcase unusual handle materials. This version is one of the best.

Spyderco Chaparral Fatcarbon EDC Knife closeup

Published June 2, 2025

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Since its introduction in 2011, Spyderco’s Chapparal has been one of the brand’s primary vessels for showcasing unusual handle scale materials. Now, this gentleman’s knife continues that trend with a popular material the brand has only employed once before.

Called the Spyderco Chaparral Red Fatcarbon, this upcoming release is slated to be a big hit with the fans and a major success for the brand.

Spyderco Chaparral Fatcarbon EDC Knife — This stunning red-and-black Fatcarbon handle looks almost like lava in the process of solidifying.

Do you know the way to … Lithuania?

Over the last few years, “Fatcarbon” has become a pretty ubiquitous term in the EDC and knifemaking worlds. This stable, durable, lightweight, non-metallic, carbon fiber-based handle scale material comes in more colorways than you can shake your fist at. Not bad for a small outfit out of Lithuania.

While this isn’t the first time Spyderco has employed the material — it was once applied to a limited-edition PM2 (the precursor to the Para 3) — this version of the Chaparral is the first standard catalog knife to get the treatment. It’s also decidedly more EDC-friendly and minimalist than the more hefty, tactical PM2.

For the uninitiated, Fatcarbon is made with a combination of recycled carbon fiber, epoxy resin and natural pigments forged together under high pressure. The result is a material that’s as strong and durable as it is stunning.

Spyderco Chaparral Fatcarbon EDC Knife blade closeup — The Fatcarbon scales are the most eye-catching part of the knife, but the blade is no slouch, either.

A tip o’ the blade to you

This Chaparral’s handle is the most novel part of the knife. However, that doesn’t mean the rest of it is forgettable or sub-par.

The blade features a slightly more refined version of the brand’s signature leaf shape, as well as the oversized Round Hole deployment, which is ambidextrous and allows users to easily flick the blade out. Furthermore, the blade measures 2.8 inches, making it compact but very usable, and is made of hard-working CTS XHP stainless steel.

Alongside the Fatcarbon scales, the handle also houses a sturdy back lock mechanism. That gives this knife plenty of security and strength during use. It’s also paired with a reversible wire deep-carry pocket clip, which is convenient, secure and adds to the knife’s ambidexterity.

All told, this 2.2-ounce gentleman’s knife could be another in a long line of fan-favorite offerings from the lauded brand.