Where the Heck Are the Lil' Native Lightweights?

[aicolainen]

I like it but it’s biggest problem for me is The FRN Chaparral exists.

hard to tell before I've had one in hand, but seems different enough from the Chap on paper.
I think it'll be harder to justify having this and a DF2. Choosing between those two will mostly be down to preferences in ergonomics, country of origin and available variations (blade shapes, steel types etc.).

On that note, I really hope we'll see a lil'lw wharncliffe before long.

[SaltyCaribbeanDfly]

I want ORANGE!

Me too and a magnacut salt version

[pinchyfisher]

I agree there are similarities with the chaparral FRN and this model. But... enough differences that could help tip the scales one way or the other. Blade length under 2.5in is the biggest, if that matter, and humpless design.

I have both (chappie SE) and I'll be keeping both.

For the.... nerds like me... the construction differences are interesting enough to justify.

I also think this model is a great "first real knife" option for kiddos when combined with the wooden kit knife. My 8 year old boy was using the lil' native lw with close supervision today. The handle is big enough that he doesnt need the choil, and the blade is short enough to not be unweildy.

[Rival22]

Got my Lil Native yesterday, and I'm really happy with it. A few comparison pics below.

It might be sacrilege here, but I'm not a huge Dragonfly fan. I have a Salt one that is tied to my paddle board PFD vest, and would replace that with a Salt Lil Native. The Native just feels better in the hand to me, and has a slightly bigger blade.

I like the G10 Lil Native, but I don't find myself reaching for it much. With it's chunkiness, it seems to carry bigger than it is. I'd rather grab my Native 5. The wider G10 Lil Native does feel a bit better in the hand when really bearing down in a gorilla grip, but how often are you really going hard with a knife that size?

The LW version carries smaller, and is the perfect summer shorts knife. I am often in mesh shorts (or lightweight pajama pants) around the house, and this is perfect for that. I've added the mini bugout in the pics because that fills that need for me too.

Great little knives, at a good price point. Like I said, I'd probably buy a Salt version, but I've had a good experience with BD1N, so that steel is good for this knife.

[aicolainen]

Thank you for posting the comparison @Rival22

The DF2 has grown on me to become my primary EDC, but it was far from love at first sight.
I do share your thoughts on the G10 Lil’Native though. It’s too chunky in pocket, so it never gets carried.
I like the pattern though, so I will try the LW when availability coincides with another acquisition.
I’m also quite happy with BD1N, but really hope we’ll se wharncliffe

[cjk]

I kinda had to "learn how" to hold a Dragonfly. It works now, but didn't work automatically for me like the Native 5 and lil Native do. The natives had no learning curve at all. They're brilliant. I'm really looking forward to the serrated lightweight.

[mikey177]

I received mine today.

It fits my hand better than a Dragonfly.

The blade is slightly off-center, but doesn't rub against the scale. I suppose it's okay for the price point.

Please release a Salt version already

[aicolainen]

In stock at Lamnia
https://www.lamnia.com/no/p/83259/knive ... rn-c230pbk

[abbazaba]

Let's go BHQ with the M4 and DLC!

[Rival22]

I thought that the thin blade stock, I wasn't sure that was a used Magnacut thickness, but it looks like the Salt UK Pen Knife is the same.

I received mine today.

It fits my hand better than a Dragonfly.

The blade is slightly off-center, but doesn't rub against the scale. I suppose it's okay for the price point.

Please release a Salt version already
lil_native_lw_01.jpg

[Actinolite]

I have a few Lil Natives and a Chaparral. I much prefer the handle shape of the Lil Native over the Chaparral (or DF2). The Chaparral is just a little too skinny for my hand to find comfortable for anything more strenuous than cutting tape, opening envelopes and boxes, etc. But the blade on the Lil Native is too thick to be a great slicer, while the Chaparral’s blade is near perfect. I’m hoping the Lil Native LW will blend the best of both for a perfect 5th pocket knife.

[weeping minora]

I've been carrying a LNLW for the past couple-few weeks now. Thus far, this is my favorite iteration of the 'Native' family of knives. It has been a great little tool that I have reached for much of the time since pocketing the knife. I've taken it to hit workouts, run, work, around-the-house, and it has excelled in all aspects.

The only thing that I would ask for is a different handle material to release in this format. Micarta or a wood, either with thin full steel liners to increase stability whilst keeping the current FRN thickness would be wonderful. I'd be fine keeping the steel BD1N.

Anyways, I'm mainly just excited that this knife is available now, and it has already been a great companion all day, every day. I'd highly recommend anyone looking for a small knife to pick one up.