Native Chief - Can we get a heartbeat?

[KingRat]

I'm kinda hoping it still has a backlock, and either Native 5 lines or is like the prototype, however I would not throw away a larger Shaman.

[5-by-5]

I'm very happy to see the hint of a Native Chief. I was disappointed that the Shaman had a compression lock. Although I have new interest that it's a front flipper.

Sal mentioned that the Stop Lock was replacing the Powerlock. Maybe the hush hush is because the Chief is the first model with the Stop Lock. That would be great!

[DougC-3]

The Native "Chief" has been on hold for some 15 - 20 years. I imagine we can get it to queue if there is demand. I'll watch the thread.

The Shaman is designed to be 3.5" blade length which is legal in more places that the Chief's 4.0" blade. Eric also has a smaller Native in-the-works.

sal

I'd certainly like to buy one, especially if it has a 3D handle like the Shaman.

I'm very happy to see the hint of a Native Chief. I was disappointed that the Shaman had a compression lock. Although I have new interest that it's a front flipper.

Sal mentioned that the Stop Lock was replacing the Powerlock. Maybe the hush hush is because the Chief is the first model with the Stop Lock. That would be great!

Sal mentioned in the Shaman thread that it's not actually a flipper.

[UK KEN]

I have been waiting many years for a Chief.......I would certainly have one, or two. I would like to see a 4 inch, back lock, 3D scales (any material) thank you.

[Wanimator]

The stop lock proto was featured on a Paul Alexander design if I remember correctly.

[KingRat]

I'm still hoping we see the Chief soon, even though there are a lot of Native's (Native 5, Shaman, Lil' Natives) on the market now.

Four inch blade, with a Golden back lock, would be awesome.

I keep looking for it when the catalog and supplement come out, as well as the Amsterdam meet pics. One day.

[argyle1812]

Large backlock folder in something other than black is always a win in my book.

[MichaelScott]

I have to say I have no interest in a large folder. These days I think fixed for larger knives.

[wrdwrght]

Bump, owing to news from Blade Show 2018 (thanks, Sumdumguy).

[SpyderNut]

Had a chance to hold the Chief today. Very nice design. Longer and more slender than the Native. Think of an elongated Native. I like it.

[attila]

So it's like a Native 5 stretched to the size of a Military? I really like that mental image!

[Evil D]

How does it compare to the Shaman? I would love a Shaman with another half inch or so of cutting edge.

[WireEdge Roger]

I’m really hoping for this to be in FRN, but I doubt it.

[levs18]

I’m really hoping for this to be in FRN, but I doubt it.

Also hoping it’s FRN!

[wrdwrght]

I think hopes for FRN will be dashed.

If I have understood Sal correctly, molds cost a ton and Spyderco won't invest in them until a model's popularity has been established.

[Evil D]

I think hopes for FRN will be dashed.

If I have understood Sal correctly, molds cost a ton and Spyderco won't invest in them until a model's popularity has been established.

That must happen faster than we know or there's more to it than simply sales. How long was the Native 5 out before it got a FRN version? Could just be the Native was a safer bet compared to an entirely new model.

[bearfacedkiller]

If this is basically a 4" Shaman I am all over it!

[wrdwrght]

I think hopes for FRN will be dashed.

If I have understood Sal correctly, molds cost a ton and Spyderco won't invest in them until a model's popularity has been established.

That must happen faster than we know or there's more to it than simply sales. How long was the Native 5 out before it got a FRN version? Could just be the Native was a safer bet compared to an entirely new model.

Not long, to be sure, but the Native5 did ride in on the popularity of four other iterations, no?

[ZrowsN1s]

Pics?

[Evil D]

I think hopes for FRN will be dashed.

If I have understood Sal correctly, molds cost a ton and Spyderco won't invest in them until a model's popularity has been established.

That must happen faster than we know or there's more to it than simply sales. How long was the Native 5 out before it got a FRN version? Could just be the Native was a safer bet compared to an entirely new model.

Not long, to be sure, but the Native5 did ride in on the popularity of four other iterations, no?

Yeah that's what I mean, it kinda had a head start compared to models like this that are totally new. It makes me want to know the sales numbers behind others like the Manix 2 back lock and Shaman, maybe they have FRN in their future.