Caribbean vs Native 5 Salt

[Virox96]

I am considering getting a bugout bag type of knife in LC200N. I have a PM2 and a Manix 2 LW for EDC, but would like something that I can be sure won't rust. I have been looking at the Caribbean (not sure which version though) and the Native 5 Salt. Are there any suggestions? Does someone have experience with both?

[Wartstein]

I've only owned a S35 VN Native LW once, never a Caribbean.
But from what I know: The only thing I'd prefer on the Native generally is its great backlock, other than that Carribean, no doubt. More blade and proportionally even more actual edge than the Native (no choil on the Caribbean!).. makes it a lot more versatile imho.

[Evil D]

They are quite different, pretty much everything aside from steel is different. Aside from obvious size difference (and that's a big one) the ergonomics are very different, weight is different, size when folded and in your pocket are very different. I only have the Maxamet N5 but I like the overall Native 5 LW model enough that I'd also buy the Salt version if other models weren't a priority over it.

For my needs and preferences the Caribbean is as near perfect of an EDC/hard use folder that I've ever had. It packs a lot of edge in a Para 2 sized handle, it doesn't have any finger grooves or choils to force your grip, it slices well, it has a great lock. It may be the last EDC folder I buy.

[Mattysc42]

I have both and my vote would be the Caribbean leaf. Very well designed blade and handle, thin behind the edge and acute at the tip.

Lc200n has near 3v class toughness according to Larrin’s testing, so the keen grind isn’t something to worry about. I consider it Sal’s best designed knife.

[wrdwrght]

I love the Native5, but the Caribbean reflects some of Sal’s latest thinking in knife design. That’s worth considering in addition to the high opinion others and I have of the knife.

[dsvirsky]

I own multiple versions of the Native5 and the Caribbean Sheepsfoot SE. My vote would also be for the Caribbean. Both are great knives but the Caribbean offers so much more capability with a full size handle and 4" of cutting edge, vs. 2.5" for the N5.

[JaxBaron]

I would choose the Caribbean. I owe both the sheepsfoot and leaf plain edge. Great large working folders.

[Sumdumguy]

The Caribbean will be a better knife in every way. I have the PE Leaf Caribbean and it is about as perfect as a knife gets in my book.

The Native, while it's a great knife, I feel the choil takes up too much of the blade. It's too big to be so small, whereas the Caribbean is the opposite.

[FullFlatMind]

I vote Caribbean in the style of your choice. Leaf or sheepsfoot. Plain or serrated. It's just awesome. Great balance in the hand and has a longer cutting edge than the Native. So far I have found the edge retention of the LC200N to be about on par with S30V.

The only improvements I would like are more jimping or a thumb groove for better ergo. Another option for the scales would be good too but the yellow jacket look is pretty cool.

[BLUETYPEII]

I own both of these knives and frequently EDC both. I would with out a second of hesitation pick the Caribbean Salt. If you’re bugging out you may want the additional defensive capability a larger blade like the Caribbean Salt offers.

The Caribbean is probably my favorite Spyderco and I seriously cannot recommend it enough! (I own the PE leaf btw)

[Virox96]

Thanks for all the replies. The Caribbean it is. Now I must decide between the leaf and sheepsfoot. It will probably be plain edge as sharpening might be easier. My dealer has the sheepsfoot in stock. So it depends on my patience, haha.

[SC_PATRIOT]

I have 6 Natives and 3 Caribbeans respectfully.

Caribbean for your situation or purpose. You never want to be short on blade size.

[Virox96]

Pulled the trigger. Got the sheepsfoot with a deep carry clip, in case it becomes my edc.

[Virox96]

I received my Caribbean, awesome knife but with the pivot and lock still being a bit stiff I flicked it closed and now there is a nick in the blade from the lanyard tube. Should I just send it back?

[Virox96]

Here are some pics.