Native 5 as "Essential" in Backpacking Magazine

[Bolster]

The FRN Native 5 got on the list of "Essential Accessories" in Backpacker Magazine April 2016 issue.

"Best way to update a classic? Make it lighter. Spyderco shaved the weight to 2.5 ounces by changing the handle to fiberglass-reinforced nylon. The material feels, well, cheap, but its multidirectional pattern kept our hands firmly planted on it in all conditions...[it] locks open with a reassuringly loud click...$75, 2.5 oz."

Also mentioned: White River K&T Knucklehead & Leatherman Signal.

Personal observation: The WHK&T knife (a fixie) is carbon steel. I'd not choose carbon steel for a backpacking knife.

[Bolster]

While we're on the subject, where or where is that FRN-bodied Caly3? That would make a nice pack folder.

[Nate]

Funny, I was just out hiking and thinking the same thing about my Native... Essential :)

[bh49]

Finally the great knife is getting some recognition.

[Doc Dan]

That is a way cool knife.

[Joris Mo]

My 2nd favorite smaller/edc-size Spydie (after the PM2), great blade and great improvements!
The new PM3 in FRN might just become a best of both worlds combi of this and the PM2 to beat both but for now this or a PM2 would be my essential choice. (I like to also carry a bigger SE blade with it like the Pacific Salt)

[VashHash]

I carry my SE native 5 almost every day and i still enjoy using and playing with it.

[Thorien]

Couldn't agree more and with S110v it's just Great!

[Brock O Lee]

It can do the great outdoors, but I would rather carry a few extra grams to have a bigger knife like a Stretch or Manix LW. The Native is on the small side...

[bearfacedkiller]

I love my Native5 LWs but I do not bring them backpacking. I have a safety orange Delica for that.

First, I like my LW backpacking folder to be bright orange so it is harder to lose in the woods.

Second, my LW backpacking folder is a companion blade to a larger fixed blade and is used for detail work and feather sticks and other light carving so the thinner blade of the Delica works great. I am sure the Native 5 would work great too and if it was my only knife I might prefer the more robust Native5 LW over the Delica4.

Third, I want as little bit easier steel to sharpen when backpacking as I am usually only carrying a small pocket stone. I am better than most with a pocket stone yet I still find value in having an easy to sharpen steel that can take a very, very fine edge. I would not bring my S90V LW Native or my S35V LW Native backpacking over my safety orange VG10 Delica for that reason alone. Now if CS comes through with a safety orange LW Native5 in CTS-XHP I may have a new companion folder to my fixed blade as I find XHP to be a little easier to sharpen than S35V or S30V and I find the Native5 to be a great knife, it just hasn't been offered in an orange handle with an easy to sharpen steel like the Delica.

I think the article is absolutely correct and the Native5 LW is an outstanding ultralight backpacking knife. Most backpackers are very particular about weight and the Native5 LW is one super lightweight knife