Can we still expect a non-anniversary fluted CF Native 5?

[Fanch_Man]

I love everything about the anniversary Native 5 except the damascus blade (it's gorgeous in person, I just prefer to collect plain blades), so I was stoked when I heard they'd be releasing a similar (and less expensive!) version in plain ol' S90V. :D Is there still hope for such a release?

[DutchBlades]

I suppose it won't be a whole lot of extra effort to create one with regular steel and the fluted CF scales. The blades are interchangeable, so it's not like they need new equipment. Would be pretty nice to own and a bit friendlier on the wallet! :)

[Liquid Cobra]

I love everything about the anniversary Native 5 except the damascus blade (it's gorgeous in person, I just prefer to collect plain blades), so I was stoked when I heard they'd be releasing a similar (and less expensive!) version in plain ol' S90V. :D Is there still hope for such a release?

That release has been cancelled.

[abbazaba]

Spyderco had confirmed that the S90v version was scrapped a while back, unfortunately. I'm still hopeful though. I love the idea of linerless CF LWs in general, fluted or not.

[Fanch_Man]

Rats. I saw it on BHQ's website this morning and was hopeful it was still in the works. Thanks all the same for the confirmation, guys!

[ABX2011]

Yeah I LOVE the appearance and light weight of the the fluted carbon fiber used on the anniversary knife. It's very expensive though!

[bearfacedkiller]

I find this news very disappointing.

First I am led to believe that Spyderco has prototypes of a fluted Ti Para2 and that they are hoping to bring it to market. This was years ago with almost no sign of it actually coming to fruition. There was also talk of a fluted CF Para2 and we have heard nothing more about that one either. Now the fluted CF Native5 gets scrapped after being listed on multiple dealer websites. At least with the Native we have been given some sort of info from Spyderco.

I would enthusiastically hand over the cash for all of these if they can be made. :D

[Fanch_Man]

I find this news very disappointing.

First I am led to believe that Spyderco has prototypes of a fluted Ti Para2 and that they are hoping to bring it to market. This was years ago with almost no sign of it actually coming to fruition. There was also talk of a fluted CF Para2 and we have heard nothing more about that one either. Now the fluted CF Native5 gets scrapped after being listed on multiple dealer websites. At least with the Native we have been given some sort of info from Spyderco.

I would enthusiastically hand over the cash for all of these if they can be made. :D

I agree completely with all of this! I'd be glad to pay the piper for any and all of those. I'm secretly hoping they come up with a fluted Ti or CF Para 3, though with the advent of this news, that prospect seems dubious.

[bh49]

I suppose it won't be a whole lot of extra effort to create one with regular steel and the fluted CF scales. The blades are interchangeable, so it's not like they need new equipment. Would be pretty nice to own and a bit friendlier on the wallet! :)

+1
I agree with everything what you said. Still one thing remain unknown. I heard comments that this is not an easy knife to make. So there is a possibility chance that headaches of this knife production does not worth the profit for Spyderco.
It is extremely sad for me, if this will never be made.

[toomzz]

I remember handling a CF fluted and radiused Native prototype last february on the Amsterdam meet. I believe it was in S90V. I was impressed with the light weight and that CF handle sure was nice! I hope that CF version will finally appear with another steel.....

[RadioactiveSpyder]

+1
I agree with everything what you said. Still one thing remain unknown. I heard comments that this is not an easy knife to make. So there is a possibility chance that headaches of this knife production does not worth the profit for Spyderco.
It is extremely sad for me, if this will never be made.

From discussions with Spyderco employees, the issue is availability of the handles, which are tremendously difficult to make as I understand. My guess is that Halpern Titanium supplies these CF scales, given they have a few knives with sunburst pattern CF and Ti handles (that are 1.5-2X as expensive as the 40th Anniversary N5). The likely only option is a blade swap from say a lightweight S110V N5 into the 40th frame - I'd be happy to take anyone's spare D93X Thor blades!

[ABX2011]

I feel like there's got to be a work-around that would sell for much less but still get us exited. It's the unlined lightweight of the handle that really appeals to me. Sure, the Thor is beautiful but I could live without that.
How about contoured (not fluted) carbon fiber scales with a premium steel blade? Next forum knife?
Or is the contouring also an issue? Maybe LionSteel can make the scales?

[Fanch_Man]

I feel like there's got to be a work-around that would sell for much less but still get us exited. It's the unlined lightweight of the handle that really appeals to me. Sure, the Thor is beautiful but I could live without that.
How about contoured (not fluted) carbon fiber scales with a premium steel blade? Next forum knife?
Or is the contouring also an issue? Maybe LionSteel can make the scales?

This is a very interesting idea! I for one would still be quite intrigued by a contoured CF handle, even without the fluting. Particularly if there was a special steel, as well.

[bh49]

The likely only option is a blade swap from say a lightweight S110V N5 into the 40th frame - I'd be happy to take anyone's spare D93X Thor blades!

This kind of defeat whole idea of less expensive knife. :rolleyes:

[bh49]

Lately Ti Fluted N5 became my most carried knife. It looks great and also feels in my hand better than any other knife. Contoured scales are great. I would consider buying N5 with contoured Wood/Bone/CF/Micarta/G10/FRN with almost any steel. Fluting is great, but I can live without it.

[bearfacedkiller]

Agreed Roman, the contouring is key. I wish all the Natives were contoured like that.

[RadioactiveSpyder]

This kind of defeat whole idea of less expensive knife. :rolleyes:

Well Roman, sometimes you gotta pay to play! :D

[Evil D]

Personally I'm OK with the peel ply texture but I also wouldn't mind if this were the standard texture used on all G10 handles. I would love to see more machined textures in G10.

[bh49]

Agreed Roman, the contouring is key. I wish all the Natives were contoured like that.

And then Calys :)

[bh49]

This kind of defeat whole idea of less expensive knife. :rolleyes:

Well Roman, sometimes you gotta pay to play! :D

true, but your price is too steep

beautiful knife