M4 Native Chief - Impressions, reviews, etc.

[vivi]

M4 Native Chiefs are arriving today.

This thread is for reporting on fit and finish, sharpness, how they work for you after carrying them etc.

I got multiples today and immediately stuck one in my pocket.



Sharpness is excellent. Entire edge is evenly ground and hair popping sharp.

Pivot is smooth but stiffer than my Rex45's, which is typical when comparing DLC vs satin of the same model.

Fit and finish on this one seems perfect except for one little flaw. The scales are a bit proud of the backspacer. Small enough of a difference I didn't notice when I visually inspected it, but enough I feel it when I reach in my pocket.



I plan to take the scales off to contour and dye them, so I can fix that at the same time.

The G10 feels a touch grippier than my rex45 did when new. I like it.

Really enthusiastic about this combo. I already loved the Chief and I love M4. The DLC blade & hardware with no liners should prove very corrosion resistant for an M4 folder. This will see a ton of carry.

[TkoK83Spy]

I can't wait to see how your dye job goes with the RIT. I hate copying others, but if I like how it looks I may go the same route. A forest green type color with DLC blade and hardware is going to look amazing!

[JRinFL]

Why am I even thinking about it? Subscribed! I like vivi's projects. Maybe some other vendor will have a coated tool steel exclusive Chief so I can haz one too!

[Rinzler]

That backspacer/lockbar assembly can shift slightly upon assembly. Try loosening the screws and pushing the bar to align it with the scales. I had to do that on both sprints I have. They’re nice and smoothly even now.

[TkoK83Spy]

Why am I even thinking about it? Subscribed! I like vivi's projects. Maybe some other vendor will have a coated tool steel exclusive Chief so I can haz one too!

I've heard from a bird that the St Nicks 4V version could be coming along at some point here in the future!

[vivi]

Why am I even thinking about it? Subscribed! I like vivi's projects. Maybe some other vendor will have a coated tool steel exclusive Chief so I can haz one too!

I've heard from a bird that the St Nicks 4V version could be coming along at some point here in the future!

If that happens I plan to buy two and dye one black. Blacked out 4V would be pretty slick.

I'll have pictures of the dyed M4 chief scales in a few hours.

[JRinFL]

St Nicks would be cool, but I've never been able to get through on drop day so I no longer try. Hoping for a Knife Works exclusive in Cru-Wear and green scales. Now I jinxed myself.

Sorry vivi for going off topic.

[dan31]

I kind of regret not grabbing the M4. I have the S90c CF. I think 52100 might be interesting for taking a screaming edge with little effort. A DLC coated 52100 in grey would be alright in my book. I know the M4 is a great grab.

[eventhorizon]

M4 Native Chiefs are arriving today.

This thread is for reporting on fit and finish, sharpness, how they work for you after carrying them etc.

I got multiples today and immediately stuck one in my pocket.

Multiples? :eek:

[vivi]

There was no way I was only getting one of these



This was so much easier to take apart than the Rex45. Just a small amount of blue loctite, no gobs of white. The stop pin was easy to work free with my hands, the rex required pliers.



I was surprised at how old the blade was.




Got the scales contoured.



Now they're getting dyed.

[eventhorizon]

There was no way I was only getting one of these

I'm sure there wasn't. But what "multiple" numbers are we talking? Double digits? :rolleyes:

[TkoK83Spy]

Vivi wasting no time at all with the mods, I like it!

Meanwhile there are people probably handling theirs with white gloves haha.

[cycleguy]

Hi Vivi,

Mine arrived today ... same as yours - a very slight unevenness with the scales/backspacer toward the rear. Bevel on mine is very even all along the blade and both sides. Pivot screws mostly flush and not strong. Dry, grippy, and slightly stiff ... now starting break in. Wonderful knife, wish my initial interest and funds would have allowed allow for multiple copies. :D

Cool beans!!!

CG

[vivi]

Vivi wasting no time at all with the mods, I like it!

Meanwhile there are people probably handling theirs with white gloves haha.

This is one of those knives like the Police 3 that as soon as I saw it I wanted it in my pocket. I love M4, DLC everything for corrosion resistance, the natural scales could be dyed the exact color I wanted, and the Chief may just be Sal's best folder yet.




THIS is the color combo I've been asking for. A nice dark green set of scales paired with DLC tool steel. I think it looks amazing. Couldn't be happier with this Chief.





Here it is next to a stock a M4 Chief and the Rex on a few different background colors for comparison:





Tried to shoot a video showing the difference between the contouring on the stock scales and modded scales.

https://streamable.com/befkr3

[prndltech]

… and the Chief may just be Sal's best folder yet.

I’m starting to agree the more I carry and use it. But I won’t say that until it becomes available with a fully serrated edge

[zhyla]

How are the edges of the scales on these? I like how my Manix 2 scales are chamfered. These seem just slightly rounded. I can chamfer myself I guess but the screws are pretty close to the edge. Is it comfortable in hand or does it feel a little sharp?

[TkoK83Spy]

… and the Chief may just be Sal's best folder yet.

I’m starting to agree the more I carry and use it. But I won’t say that until it becomes available with a fully serrated edge

I'm not normally one that prefers long folders, but I have to agree with both of you. It's really a great design that hides it's size well while carrying it in pocket, and seems like it has an endless amount of edge with a fairly thin blade stock and tip.

I originally grabbed the Rex45 version a few weeks back because the deal was too good to pass up ($154). I figured I'd end up selling it, but that's not happening anytime soon! Really love the combo of the Rex45 and M4. This is the first knife to take me by surprise like this since the Shaman when the St Nick's exclusive dropped.

Vivi, that looks great! Of you left it in a little longer, would the scales have turned out darker? I've never used RIT dye, not sure how that all works!

[prndltech]

Just cuz…

[vivi]

Just cuz…

Nice collection! Which one is your favorite?

[prndltech]

Nice collection! Which one is your favorite?

YES.