Question on the Native

Lt.Hawkins · #1

So i finally found a place that sells more than just the delica, so i could handle the knife before purchasing. (a flourist that sold knives... i was just as surprised <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>)

anyway, i was trying to decide between a native, an Endura, and a delica. (all combo-edge, though i could be convinced otherwise with a GOOD argument <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>)

anyway, i found the endura was too large for me to constantly carry- the delica was closer to my size preference. unfortunately, they didn't have any natives there. (but it sounds like its a similar size as the delica...)

my question: all the photos of the native make it look like the back edge of the tip has an edge also. i'd like this. on the other hand, all the photos of it closed dont' seem to cover that "edge", which means that its either a) not safe <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> or b) i'm mistaken and it doesn't have a bit of an edge on the back of the blade.

which is it? <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> i'm also inclined to doubt its an edge since its not really talked about, and i doubt such a feature would be ignored <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

Lt.Hawkins · #2

also: i'm open to recommendations. planning on using this as a daily knife, with self defense being a *very* secondary application. (i'm not a fan of using a knife for self defense unless properly trained. i'd rather run if possible. unfortunately, i don't think we cover extensively the USE of a knife in the system that i take... and if we do, its not for a while.)

my order of a knife (hopefully a native LW) is pending on your answers here <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

also, can anyone recommend a martial art or knife-fighting system? i'm in the syracuse, NY area. i've heard about escrima, but don't know much about it.

cgjones · #3

The edge on the back of the Native's blade is called a swedge(It's not sharp). I recommend the Native 100%. The first time I picked one up, it kind of flowed into my hand. I have fairly large hands and my girlfriend has fairly small hands, but the Native fit both of our hands perfectly. As for whether or not to go with the combo edge, that question is better answered through personal experience. We all have our opinions, but there are so many factors involved in determining the best edge for your use. A good way to start (in my opinion) is to go with the combo edge. That way you can get a feel for the way both edges act while cutting. There are some basic guidelines for choosing an edge, but hopefully someone else on the forum can get into that. My fingers are getting tired. Good luck with your decision, and welcome to the forum.

The forum member formerly known as cjones.

cgjones · #4

Hey neighbor, I'm from Utica. Can't help you with the martial arts question. Sorry.

The forum member formerly known as cjones.

Lt.Hawkins · #5

yeah- the only other knife i've really ever dealt with was a swiss army one... i know they're apple and oranges, but that really turned me off to plain edge. and i'm not sure that i can acheive a clean cut with spyderedge. thus, the compromise <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

heh. utica <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> i love saranak root beer, buy it by the case <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

The Stare · #6

Welcome, Lt.Hawkins.

Personally, I think you've picked the right knife. I bought a used Native Ltwt a couple months back. Have seldom been so impressed with a knife. To me, the Native is amongst the most versatile knives around, including Spydercos.

It has, at least potentially, the best steel offered by Spyderco on any of their knives. This should serve you very well as a useful tool for most any knife tasks.

So far as edges are concerned, I buy almost solely plain edges. I do have 2 combo blades, the CRKT M16-14, and the Spyderco Walker Ltwt. Oh -- the CRKT Stiff KISS also. I don't use my knives enough as it is. I rarely need to cut anything like rope, or anything which would require serrations. The shorter the blade, IMO, the less useful a combo edge is, if the serrations are 50/50. Neither section is quite long enough to prove of distinct value over the other kind of edge. I have the large Dyad for those situations truly requiring a serrated edge. The serrated blade is well over 3" long.

Serrations can work wonderfully on rope, hose, and other solid objects requiring cutting. But, they do tend to snap and catch on things, and for tasks not specifically their forte, they are less effective than a plain-edged blade would be, IMO.

The Native is/would be, I believe, useful as an emergency weapon. The FRN handle can be grasped quite firmly, and the blade grind design means there is a 1.5", or so, very slim area just behind the sharp point. Given the blade length, it would be a better slasher than stabber, yet, I doubt that full blade penetration would be very difficult given the nature of the blade.

Stare

vampyrewolf · #7

I would recommend getting fully serrated. With practice your cuts can be just as smooth. The only problem is sharpening if you don't have a 204.

I use my Delica daily, and do a touch up on the edge about every week. I only use DoubleStuff for this.

Both the Native and Delica are great knives, shape depends on use. The Delica is more of an urban design, while the Native is more of an outdoors/field work.

We all start with 10 fingers. Those with Spydies have 9 to spare, Still need a thumb. Good thing I still have 8 to spare...

Lt.Hawkins · #8

yeah, i was semi-worried about the combo thing being a jack of all trades and master of none.

also, is it 50/50? the product listing says 35/65.

http://www.spyderco.com/dealer_product_ ... 9HKRV08J3E

anyway, hopefully i can get some more feedback before tomorrow so i can place an order at work <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

oh yeah- um... does the... "swedge" serve any purpose, or is it purely asthetic? it really looks like it comes down to an edge. heh.

Edited by - Lt.Hawkins on 7/2/2001 10:28:03 PM

ronin203 · #9

Hi LT. No the false edge is not sharpened. The Native is a great knife, and i highly recommened it. I love mine. As for martial arts with a knife, any filipino style will cover that. Good luck finding a teacher, i'm looking for one in my area to.

Lt.Hawkins · #10

okay, i got impatient, found a good price on the 'net, and ordered a native 50/50, and a spydercard plainedge. (i'll put in an extra hour or two at work this week to cover the price of that spontaneous purchase <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>)

Jeff/1911 · #11

Lt. Hawkins,

Let us know how you like the serrated Native. I just bought one last week and it's fantastic! Now I'm going to buy a plain edge to go with it.

Jeff/1911.