Native 4?

[A.M.]

I've been thinking a lot lately since I finally got my hands on the Stretch II, what do people think of the Native 4 in CF? With all the updated models coming out from Spyderco (Stretch FRN, G10 Delica and Endura, G10 Dragonfly, etc...) there hasn't been much talk about the Native 4.

Personally, I loved the design when it came out but in hand it was a different story. I've never really been a big Native fan but I was really drawn to the updated design. I bought one when they first came out but then sold it because the CF was too slick and it felt too much like a gentlemen's knife. Having said that I'll still probably get an FRN version when they are available.

So, does anybody here have a long term use or carry reports on the Native 4? Just curious.

[Aedrick]

Isn't Native 4 going to be a FFG FRN Native? Pretty sure Sal mentioned that along with FFG Endura FRN coming out..

[The Deacon]

I think they dropped the ball a bit by not using either the Stretch/Superhawk style peel-ply, or the Sage/Terzuola style textured, CF. I'd also like it better if they'd ground the blade like that on the Forum Native, plain full flat with jimping but no spine bevels. I also don't understand the logic behind "hair over" blades. In this day and age where legal restrictions are an unfortunate fact of life for many, it would seem to make more sense to make them "hair under" or "spot on".

On the plus side, I consider 4 way clip mounting and a "dent free" lockbar to be the Native IV's advantages over the current Native.

[docwatson]

I have one ordered, if it ever comes in I will report on it.

[JLS]

I really like mine. I got it shortly after it came out and while the CF is too slick, I still like the knife. I like the FFG VG-10 and I love the 4-way clip. I've been playing with tip-down for so long, that a tip-up knife feels foreign to me.

One other detail is that the choil finger groove is bigger than the original Native. I feel cramped on the FRN Native, but the N4 is a good bit roomier and feels better.

I would like some spine jimping and hope to see it on the FRN Native 4, but I can live with it as is. What I think would really look nice is a set of tan G-10 scales for a N4.

[Left Hand Path]

I have a Native 4 - here are my thoughts:
-I really miss the jimping on the spine for the thumb, compared to the FRN version. That jimping adds a ton of control. This is the only weakspot.
-I like the new handle shape a lot. I had filed away the point on the FRN handle years ago, and the new CF handle is just like that.
-The D4/E4 clip works great - my favorite clip.
-I prefer the Sage-style CF, but I like this matte CF also.
-It would be nice if the lanyard hole was closer to the end of the knife.
-The blade shape is awesome. Very thin, great cutter. I love the spine swedge. I would prefer if the tip was buried a little farther into the handle when the knife is closed, though.
-The finger-choil is far superior on the CF version compared to the FRN. The jimping is great, and the finger-choil is bigger/rounder. BIG improvement here.
-I like boye dents, but this knife is fine without one.

Basically, I think this Native 4 is a great knife, with a lot of 'upgrades'. It is very easy to carry and I like the ergos. The blade is a fantastic cutter - as good as any blade I have used. I think it NEEDS jimping for the thumb, though. With the absence of a thumb ramp, the jimping on the FRN Native provides a similar function and I miss it on the CF version. I still like the FRN version a lot, maybe more than the CF one - I am at a bit of a loss to explain this, though... :confused: I guess it is because I like FRN for its light weight and texture, S30V, I like the blade shape aesthetically (although the 4 is a better cutter for sure), and the FRN version feels more like a user/beater/workhorse.

I think a Native 4 FRN made in Golden will be the ultimate Native, especially if it has jimping for the thumb.