Update on S125V Native?

catamount · #1

Any word on when this one will be ready for release?

I saw somewhere that S125V measured 1200 on the CATRA test vs. ZDP-189 at 750 :eek: I believe CATRA numbers relate to edge retention. Is that correct?

The Mastiff · #2

S125V is a beast of a stainless steel. I'd love to try it too but something tells me we'll see something in S90V first, along with the collaberations with Mr. Schemp in 3V.

Right now S125 is the steel of only a handfull of custom makers. IIRC, Cliff Stamp has a small custom paring knife in it he talks about now and then.

I'd guess Sal has something from every steel we can think of whithin reason but that's merely a guess. I would research them if I were in his position, wouldn't you?

He also stated about crucible having trouble rolling it out, and I think Sal stated he sent one batch back.

The bottom line seems to be that he keeps his word, but is a VERY busy guy. Don't hold your breath and enjoy the ZDP in the meantime. Not many in the knife world can. Joe L.

catamount · #3

A Native sprint run with S125V blade and grey FRN scales is definitely in the works. There were some problems with the first batch of steel Crucible delivered that caused a delay.

thombrogan · #4

Catamount,

Those numbers are about abrasion resistance. Edge-retention, like most everything else, has too many 'yeah, buts' to be that cut-and-dried.

uhiforgot · #5

thombrogan wrote:Catamount,

Those numbers are about abrasion resistance. Edge-retention, like most everything else, has too many 'yeah, buts' to be that cut-and-dried.

Hmmm... Will this mean difficult sharpening???

-Jeff

smcfalls13 · #6

uhiforgot wrote:Hmmm... Will this mean difficult sharpening???

-Jeff

I'd bet on it

Manix Guy 2 · #7

Will the Native also get an overhaul ? Meaning update to overall construction ? Will blade stay same or flat grind ?

sprokker · #8

Will the Native also get an overhaul ? Meaning update to overall construction ? Will blade stay same or flat grind ?

I hope the steel upgrade is coupled with a general upgrade of the handle material and construction. I'd love to see metal-lined G-10 handles, nice washers, and all-screw construction.

FRN handles on an S125V blade seems mismatched to me.

I'd happily pay top dollar for a top-notch Native, with good materials throughout.

druid · #9

two models of the native have been made with linerless G-10 and rivet construction.so I think that is more likely. personally I wish they would slightly modify it to have a slightly shallower and wider coil and possibly a lead-in groove in the G-10 to aid in opening

Joshua J. · #10

I really wish that the S125V Native would be made with a screw pivot, but I doubt that will happen. Hopefully Sal won’t wait too long to put S125V on a different model with an adjustable pivot, just so I can get one :D .

thombrogan · #11

uhiforgot wrote:Hmmm... Will this mean difficult sharpening???

Nope. Your EZE-Lap or DMT fine and extra-fine hones will set and polish the back-bevel and your Sharpmaker's medium and ultra-fine hones will set and polish the very edge in seconds.

catamount · #12

I see sal is lurking around, so I thought i'd bring this to the top

Axlis · #13

I'd like to know too, maybe Sal will chime in. :)

#14

Actually, the two projects are different.

Sprokker, the reason we would put a hi-tech steel in an FRN handle is because the cost is less and more steel junkies get to experiment with the exotic material without breaking the bank.

There is a 2nd project of redesigning the Native. slight pattern mods as Druid mentioned for better ergos. Once the pattern is down, then variations are considered. eg; FRN version like the E4 & D4 with 4 way clip, nested liners, etc. hi-line versions with full liners and exotic handles, maybe even new lock variations. The future development of the design concept will depend on R&D time, market demand and share of budget.

We would certainly want to get the opinions of the knife afi's (aficianado's) as well, as to what mods would be desired.

sal

catamount · #15

Thanks sal.

So will the S125V sprint run be ready anytime soon? :D

#16

we're waiting on steel.

sal

dialex · #17

What do you people have against FRN handles, anyway? :confused:

kbuzbee · #18

dialex wrote:What do you people have against FRN handles, anyway? :confused:

They work fine but I want my super cool new steel showcased in a killer CF handle. For wide distribution, high production knives, I love FRN but I really disagree with Sal on this. I think new high end steel offerings should be high end bumper to bumper. Yeah, they cost more but they are special knives.

Note - I'm NOT one of those guys who sets out to destroy my brand new knife just to see what it can take. I just carry it and use it.

Ken

sprokker · #19

Sal, thanks for the explanation. I'm looking forward to both new Natives. :)

Hm, especially if they both have screw pivots and interchangable blades - I bet I'm not the only affie who'd want to put the top-quality blade on the top-quality handle.

The Mastiff · #20

we're waiting on steel.

Sal, can you please make this a large enough sprint run for the huge explosion of people that will be wanting to try the steel. I believe it is going to make the delica zdp frenzy look tame in comparison.

To be honest, I want to buy at least 5 myself if I can get them. Everybody is going to want them as people will be calling it the pinnacle of edge holding, light sabres etc.(I know 15V is supposed to hold that title). I'd bet you could sell 800 just to forumites here.

If you kept the price down to zdp levels I'd bet you a soda it would be spydercos most coveted item in the history of the company. Joe