Native Chief Strength

[Manixguy@1994]

I was researching the Native Chief and states that it has no liners ? Does this create flex in the handles or is it fine and just an attempt to reduce weight ? MG2

[Senfkarte]

Can not comment on the G10 version, but the CF version seems very sturdy. The metal back spacer may help.

But I think this is in the wrong section?

[Manixguy@1994]

Yes major error not paying attention.

[Michael Janich]

Moved to General Discussion...

Stay safe,

Mike

[Wartstein]

I was researching the Native Chief and states that it has no liners ? Does this create flex in the handles or is it fine and just an attempt to reduce weight ? MG2

Admittedly never handled a Chief, but generally I would not be worried at all about linerless G10 fkexing, especially with a backlock (and by that closed back).

Even my rather thin and FRN handled linerless Pac Salt 1 has practically no flex (don t know about the "2").
And I had a Manix backlock for a very short time (linerless, thick G10): Extremely solid (and rigid) thing.

[abbazaba]

G10 doesn't have much flex at all and the Chief feels rock solid IMO.

[Accutron]

If you're concerned about the strength of linerless G-10, watch this video. Demko does their standard strength tests on a CS Air Lite, which has linerless G-10 with a much lighter handle construction than the Chief.

[VooDooChild]

Its fine.

The blade will often break or bend before the handle gives out. In fact in another video someone takes a linerless CS g10 handled knife with a pretty sturdy blade, stabs it into a tree and then puts sideways pressure on it. The handle flexed a good bit but then the blade broke.

[Wartstein]

If you're concerned about the strength of linerless G-10, watch this video. Demko does their standard strength tests on a CS Air Lite, which has linerless G-10 with a much lighter handle construction than the Chief.

That coldsteel is a pretty nice knife, was not aware of this model.

But just for people who are not really into this: While I do believe that G10 is a bit more rigid than FRN when it comes to flex (FRN for me is "stronger" in other regards):
Still don´t take the thin, rather flimsy grivory bugout handle as reference for a solid, linerless Spyderco backlock FRN handle. Those are absolutely strong enough and not "flexy".

[TkoK83Spy]

G10 doesn't have much flex at all and the Chief feels rock solid IMO.

My thoughts exactly. Never second guess anything I've cut with either of mine. Great knife, glad I decided to give it a try!

[lilshaver]

G10 doesn't have much flex at all and the Chief feels rock solid IMO.

I second this as this is my experience also.

[cycleguy]

G10 doesn't have much flex at all and the Chief feels rock solid IMO.

I'm on this bandwagon!

[Karl_H]

As a general rule, G10 scales do not need steel liners.

[Snacktime]

Only time I notice the chief flex is if I am cutting a big block of cheese, more me pinching the handle and get some flex. I have yet to notice the flex outside of kitchen testing. My biggest concern would be damaging the main hinge area in the g10 from improper use, my chief is still to new for me to say if being linerless is a issue. Definitely like the linerless design price tag, chief is a steal right now.

[Pancake]

I have one from 2019.
Linerless G10 is very solid, you are not going to break the handle, the blade would snap at plunge line, or somewhere else.
If you are not using your knife as a prybar, Native Chief is a very solid knife.

[ZrowsN1s]

In lateral force I think the blade would snap first, vertical force (edge on) you'd lose your grip long before the lock, handle, or blade failed.

[SpyderLine]

I've never noticed any flex with my Rex 45 Chief. However my Pacific Salt 2 has a lot of handle flex but it hasn't been an issue.