Native IV (Pics)

[catamount]

It came with a black clip, but I pimped it out with a silver one.



I knew this one was going to be nice, but I'm liking it even more than I anticipated. The Native is a classic :spyder: design, and this version takes it to a whole new level.

Ergonomics are what the Native is all about, and it feels great in my hand. Fit and finish is outstanding.

The CF is smooth, basically the same as on the ZDP Caly 3. The visual pattern is more distinct, though. I had hoped it would have the same textured variety as the Sage, but it is still very nice.

The FFG blade puts it in the same league with the Caly 3 and Sage, cutting wise. I know some would prefer ZDP-189, or some other exotic steel, but I am quite happy with VG-10. It's a great all around steel that is easy to get VERY sharp.

The Caly 3 and Sage are stiff competition, but the Native IV has quickly become my favorite 3" :spyder: .

[bk400]

Quick question: is the handle large enough to fit all four fingers without using the choil?

[catamount]

Quick question: is the handle large enough to fit all four fingers without using the choil?

I have medium-large hands and I can fit all four fingers behind the choil. It feels awkward, though. This knife is definitely designed to be used with your index finger in the choil.

[Jazz]

Beautiful... do you have any pics of it closed? Thanks for sharing.

- best wishes, Jazz.

[SimpleIsGood229]

That looks really nice. Would you please post a pic of the spine jimping? If it's the same as the Native III, no pic is necessary.

[kbuzbee]

I would so love to see that with a ball bearing lock. Man oh man!

Nice shots, Tom!

Ken

[Fred Sanford]

While it is a very nice knife... I have to reserve the $120 and up for USA made folders.

[Halfneck]

Nice looking Native.

Could you take a pic of it next to a standard Native? I'm interested in seeing visually the differences.

Also an in-hand pic would be nice. :D

[catamount]

Would you please post a pic of the spine jimping?

That would be quite a trick, as there isn't any Sal said he didn't feel it was necessary and could cause problems with tip-down carry. He said they could always put it back on the FRN version if there was enough demand.

I haven't missed it so far.

[MCM]

"While it is a very nice knife... I have to reserve the $120 and up for USA made folders."

Bummer........

You will miss the Stretch II....................

Food for thought

[Fred Sanford]

"While it is a very nice knife... I have to reserve the $120 and up for USA made folders."

Bummer........

You will miss the Stretch II....................

Food for thought

Yep, I sure will.....along with the Superhawk, Rock Lobster, and a few others. :)

[The Deacon]

Nice shots Tom. Glad you are as impressed with it as I was. Agree the grip is a bit unnatural with four fingers behind the choil. Did find it more comfortable that way than it was with any of the earlier C41 version or the Native III. And, as you said, the choil is really meant to be used for normal cutting.

Beautiful... do you have any pics of it closed? Thanks for sharing.

- best wishes, Jazz.

I posted some closed shots in this thread of the one Sal sent me to photograph a while back.

[224477]

Tom, thanks for sharing the cool pics.

[JLS]

Very nice pictures Tom! Now I'm really anxious to get mine.

Does this mean I'll be getting mine soon?

[catamount]

Could you take a pic of it next to a standard Native? I'm interested in seeing visually the differences.

Also an in-hand pic would be nice. :D

These are the only other Natives I've got on hand



Here's my quick attempt at an in hand shot.

[Halfneck]

catamount - Thank you very much. From your pictures it definitely looks like the forward choil is slightly bigger, which confirms what I had thought. I also like how they rounded off the point on the back choil. Overall it looks a lot more ergonomic than previous Natives.

Might just have to buy my 1st ever Native. :D :spyder:

[Capt. Carl]

Ohh boy that is a nice knife. Probably the best looking spydie yet. Wish it had some nice black linen micarta and a price point of around 100. Imagine how slick that would look though. :cool:

Sal, I'm liking the use of no boye dent and no spine jimping. Keeping it classic and simple.

[Mr Blonde]

Thanks for posting those wonderful pics. Over the years I kind of drifted away from the Native design; I find the handle a bit too constricting for me - it locks in my hand a bit too much. I've come to appreciate more flowing handle designs, that allow an easy flow from one grip to another while working with the knife.

This version though, might get me back to the Native.

Wouter

[OuchThatsSharp]

Thanks for the pics Catamount! I just received my Native IV yesterday. Man, it's a beaut! My new favorite Native over all of the others. I have large hands and it feels good in mine and I agree that it feels better with the index finger in the choil. Feels good in my RFP too. Overall, it just looks more "refined" from the other Native models. Good job by Spyderco! I'm going to have to get a second one to put away now.

[Halfneck]

I'm really liking this new incarnation of the Native, but I've never been a fan of Carbon Fiber. I just prefer G10 & Micarta & dislike the price hike associated with Carbon Fiber too. I could see having one of these pimped out with some G10 scales.

Any idea if the FRN version will retain the same design? I can understand it would be thicker & heavier than the Carbon Fiber version. Regardless, I am really interested in this one.