Spyderco Forums

sal wrote:Eric and I are usually carrying and testing prptotypes. Today we are testing the Native Light weight.

sal

Do tell Sal. I'm very curious to hear some more details on this one. Is it based on the Native 5? Will it have FRN, CF or G10 scales? What steel will it have? FFG?

I have to say a Native 5 that weighs less than 3 oz. is something I could get REALLY excited about.

I thought that this one was over a year out after talking to Eric at blade. I have to say that it is one of the most anticipated new models for me. I can't wait to see how it turns out and I really hope it has a swedge.

It's certainly taken longer than intended, but that is often the case. We'd prefer not to pull the trigger until we know it's as right as a new model can be. We had a time making the mold. The model is a co-polymer injection molded handle. The lock is the Native5 lock. 2.46 oz. 4 way clip. The model we're testing is S35VN.

sal

I hope we get an interesting color for the lightweight native. Dark Royal blue or Burgundy would be cool.

einstein2001 wrote:I hope we get an interesting color for the lightweight native. Dark Royal blue or Burgundy would be cool.

+1

2.46 oz and a 4-way clip? Hmm ... I wonder if there are steel liners? :confused:

I guess this rules out a wire clip, too. Poopy.

I am glad to hear that it is coming along and these should never get rushed. The desired end result of getting it right is more important. Is there enough time to consider it in another steel? Perhaps CPM154, another American steel fit for the Native and I'd like to see this steel in a Spyderco. S35vn is fine also of course.

D1omedes wrote:2.46 oz and a 4-way clip? Hmm ... I wonder if there are steel liners? :confused:

I guess this rules out a wire clip, too. Poopy.

The current FRN Native Lightweight weighs a bit more (2.65 oz) so, unless FRCP weighs significantly less than FRN, I think we can rule out steel liners. OTOH, I would not rule out a 4 way wire clip. The Des Horn mounts a wire clip on the pivot bolt, so a tip down wire clip is not impossible and I'm inclined to think FRCP is probably not any better than FRN, G-10, CF, and Micarta when it comes to screw retention.

sal wrote:It's certainly taken longer than intended, but that is often the case. We'd prefer not to pull the trigger until we know it's as right as a new model can be. We had a time making the mold. The model is a co-polymer injection molded handle. The lock is the Native5 lock. 2.46 oz. 4 way clip. The model we're testing is S35VN.

sal

That sounds excellent Sal, but any thoughts on the swedge? Thanks for the update.

The Deacon wrote:The current FRN Native Lightweight weighs a bit more (2.65 oz) so, unless FRCP weighs significantly less than FRN, I think we can rule out steel liners. OTOH, I would not rule out a 4 way wire clip. The Des Horn mounts a wire clip on the pivot bolt, so a tip down wire clip is not impossible and I'm inclined to think FRCP is probably not any better than FRN, G-10, CF, and Micarta when it comes to screw retention.

Thanks for the clarification, Deacon. There's still hope. :)

What are your thoughts on FRCP vs FRN?

D1omedes wrote:Thanks for the clarification, Deacon. There's still hope. :)

What are your thoughts on FRCP vs FRN?

Truthfully, at this point, I prefer FRN. Never beat on it hard enough to find out for sure, but FRCP just seems brittle to me. Manix 2 Lightweight makes a very disconcerting "crackling" sound if I squeeze the handle. May be nothing, but it just doesn't inspire confidence. Plus, while transparent handles may be helpful on a store display/demonstrator knife, outside of that I think they make a knife like a kid's toy.

I like FRN better, I think it is more wear resistant. A light weight FFG Native 5 could be the knife to beat the delica. About the same blade length, but with a forward finger choil like in the byrd meadowlark. Good weight and ergos... this could be great! I'd love to see some different colors offered, as long as one of them is blue!!!!

Considering the weight, most likely no liners. S35N and probably black handle will be the best for production model, but I really hope to see more colors and steels in sprints.

What about the Native slip it? Any word on that?

J had what must have been one of the first Natives ever made years ago. If memory serves me correctly it had frn handles S30v blade with swedge and I paid around $40 for it new.I liked the swedge because it looked really cool however since I've never had one with ffg I wouldn't trying one of those.

sal wrote:The lock is the Native5 lock. 2.46 oz. 4 way clip. The model we're testing is S35VN.

sal

This sounds very promising. Basically taking my favorite elements of the Native 5 and Delica and combining them into one knife. Can't wait to see this one.

Hi Folks!


So we have:

- 2.46 Oz weight
- Native 5 Lock
- 4 Way Clip
- Co-Polymer Injection Molded Handle (FRN Vs. FRCP)
- S35V Steel Blade
- Almost sure No Steel Liners. Ti Liners maybe?
- And I guess it'll keep the Lanyard Hole, no inner tube.

What's not to like? :D

DeathBySnooSnoo wrote:What about the Native slip it? Any word on that?

OMG, YES!! Please! The orange one whose pic made the rounds recently was beautiful!!!

sal wrote:It's certainly taken longer than intended, but that is often the case. We'd prefer not to pull the trigger until we know it's as right as a new model can be. We had a time making the mold. The model is a co-polymer injection molded handle. The lock is the Native5 lock. 2.46 oz. 4 way clip. The model we're testing is S35VN.

sal

that is super exciting! i cant wait for some supersteel sprints in this model :D

What are you guyd talking about?Spyderco already makes a Native Lightweight.Are you talking about a lightweight version of the current lightweight?