Native 5 S90v or Sage 5?

[busybaileymaille]

I was very responsible last year and did not buy a knife. Now that my taxes are filed and I'm waiting on the refund I've been shopping around for my reward. I've got it narrowed down to two choices (for the most part). I've already got a stainless dragonfly and a nice Case knife for dressy occasions, and a Kershaw Junk Yard Dog II and Leatherman Wave for harder use purposes. Any insight?

[busybaileymaille]

Forgot to mention. I'm trying to keep this in the $150 range. I could probably go as high as $200 but it would need to be something extra special.

[bh49]

KC native5. IMHO currently the best value in Native family. Grab one before they gone. $139.99 shipped.

[gingerninja]

KC native5. IMHO currently the best value in Native family. Grab one before they gone. $139.99 shipped.

What he said

[abbazaba]

Tough call. I have more Native5s than I can count, but I prefer the way the Sage series carries discretely with a deep carry clip.

[Sharp Guy]

I agree with abbazaba, it's a tough call. I like the Sage series but I also have several Native 5s. They're all good! I do have to agree with the others that the KC linerless Native 5 is hard to beat for the price. I've been trying to resist that one myself.

Good luck with your decision!

[ZrowsN1s]

Let me be a terrible enabler and suggest the fluted CF native 5 :D My favorite.

The smooth green linerless N5 also looks like a winner. The s110v if you want liners. For value the I think there's some bright orange exclusives out there in s90v for pretty cheap.

[bh49]

KC linerless Native 5 is hard to beat for the price. I've been trying to resist that one myself.

Do not resist. Just relax and enjoy your new dark green KC exclusive native 5. :)

[bh49]

Let me be a terrible enabler and suggest the fluted CF native 5 :D My favorite.

My favorite as well and IMHO the best Native ever.
Still it is over OPS budget.

[busybaileymaille]

I think at this point I'm set on the Native 5, I've been doing some reading and like what I hear. Really it will come down to when the tax man gives my money back. I don't have experience with the high grade steels other than CPM-D2 on the JYD, how would that compare to S30v, S90v, and S110v? Because someone mentioned the blurple and now I'm looking at that too...

[Tims]

I've had my Cutlery Shoppe orange s90v Native for a few weeks now and it has me looking at my dozens of other edc sized knives, wondering why I keep them around.
You have a few decisions to make
S90v vs s30v - what do you require of a blade steel and have you got the gear to sharpen it?

Frn or CF/g10 - Both offer similar qualities in terms of function. I prefer frn for durability, feel and colour options.

Lock- Midlock - I value a strong detent, do you? The native 5 lock is a great example of a midlock done well.

Compression Lock- Flickable, smooth and offers a novelty factor perhaps missing in a midlock but for me, not a strong enough detent.

Intended use- What will be the knives primary function? Office, outdoors, working on your car etc. I value the rugged simplicity of the linerless frn native. I live near the ocean and as a result my pockets always have some small trace of sand in them. Carrying tip up/pivot down means sandy pivots are a reality. A simple blast under the tap and I'm good to go.

A few things to consider to help you on your way but do realise you will likely end up with both. So the question becomes, which one do you want NOW!

[RamZar]

KnifeCenter exclusive Native5 with premium S90V and linerless smooth Forest Green G-10 for $139.95 shipped. It's very light, great steel and great value.

A Native5 S35VN with black G-10 actually costs more at $146.22 shipped.

[PStone]

I'd go with the Native 5 in Maxamet if you don't mind FRN

+1

I have 4 native5s. KC S90V, maxamet, titanium s35vn, and fluted carbon S90V. And the FRN finds its way into my pocket most often.

[Sharp Guy]

I have 4 native5s. KC S90V, maxamet, titanium s35vn, and fluted carbon S90V. And the FRN finds its way into my pocket most often.

Funny how that works! I currently have 6 Native 5s and the one I carry/use most is the basic black S35VN LW that I bought used off the Exchange. It's not because I'm babying the others either, they've all been used. There are things I really like about that particular LW. The blade finish, weight, S35VN, how smooth it is, the way the blade drops when I push the lock bar, etc.

[sn0wman72]

I prefer the Sage 5 to any of the Native 5's I have from and EDC standpoint. Sure the KC Native 5 is "cooler" (to me) as is the CS orange Native 5, and both have "better" steel than the Sage 5

Yet the compression lock, blade shape and fit in the hand of the Sage 5 wins for me

[Strider]

I have both knives. I think the KC native 5 is the better value. I love the smooth G10. Rough isn't needed with such great ergonomics. it was on sale recently, not sure if it still is. I actually returned the sage 5 and re-bought it off the knife exchange for a price that I felt was much more appropriate.

[Chopping Broccoli]

I prefer the Sage 5 to any of the Native 5's I have from and EDC standpoint. Sure the KC Native 5 is "cooler" (to me) as is the CS orange Native 5, and both have "better" steel than the Sage 5

Yet the compression lock, blade shape and fit in the hand of the Sage 5 wins for me

I have Sage's 1-4. I love them all. Great knife. I will pick up a 5 when the time is right.

I'm new to the Natives. I recently bought the green KC exclusive. I really liked it and I can see why the Native is a popular model for Spyderco. I think I liked the Native because it felt similar to the Sage knives I own. I went ahead and ordered the CS Orange Native as well. Also, a cool knife.

I don't think you can go wrong with either a Sage or a Native. My suggestion would be to get both and spend some time with each to figure out which one you bond with more. If I had to pick between the two, I'd probably spring for the green native as that is an exclusive and will be hard to get once they sell out. It is a good knife and the price was reasonable.

[busybaileymaille]

This is it! Tax money came in the dark of night while I slept. Going to run by the local store when I get off work and see if they have what I want or can maybe order it. I'm fairly certain they have a Native which I want to try for fit in hand. Also want to check out the compression lock on what will likely be a PM2 since they won't have a sage... I'll let you all know how it goes. Thank you for your input, I can't say you made it easier to decide but you gave me plenty to consider. Pics when it happens.

[lunde]

I appreciate businesses like KC that offer point-based awards that can be used as discounts for future orders, especially when it makes a special low price even lower: $129.95 shipped for an excellent Native5 specimen. I love my orange-handled CS exclusives, but the KC one is simply too good to pass up.

[sal]

Hi Busybaileymaille,

Welcome to our forum.

sal