Problem with new native

spyderdog · #1

So I've had an OIF native for a while, and decided to take it out of its clampack and start carrying it. I noticed first that it is pretty stiff to open and close, which isn't that big of a deal. My concern though is that there is no spring tension holding the blade in or helping it close. You can pull the blade open the tiniest bit and it will just stay open in that position. Normally the last inch or so will spring shut. I like to carry loose in my pocket, so the resistance to opening is important to me.

Anyone else run into this with a native before?

The Deacon · #2

I'd say what you describe is fairly common on the Native. It has the weakest spring and thus the poorest blade retention of any Spyderco midlock. I believe sorting that out is one of the reasons the new Native IV has not hit the streets yet.

ChapmanPreferred · #3

I have a Native Lightweight with G2 steel that demonstrates similiar issues. It is carried in waste band at about the 4 O'clock position. My Native's pivot is stiff enough that it has never been an issue coming open accidently.

spyderdog · #4

The Deacon wrote:I'd say what you describe is fairly common on the Native. It has the weakest spring and thus the poorest blade retention of any Spyderco midlock. I believe sorting that out is one of the reasons the new Native IV has not hit the streets yet.

I'm surprised to hear that. I haven't had a lot of natives, but I've had 4 or 5 and none have been like that. Haven't heard that before, but never really paid attention either.

Evil D · #5

I'm a little surprised at this thread too...my Native is ridiculously stiff when locked. It has less blade play than my D4 has, even without liners. I attributed it to the thicker blade/lock. Also, opening mine anything less than 2 inches and letting go of it snaps the blade back closed.

The Deacon · #6

Evil D wrote:I'm a little surprised at this thread too...my Native is ridiculously stiff when locked. It has less blade play than my D4 has, even without liners. I attributed it to the thicker blade/lock.

But this is not about lock up. David. It's about bias to closing, or rather the relative lack of same. Below is a photo to illustrate what (I assume) Spyderdog's Native is doing. Not all Natives are like this, but it's not terribly uncommon either...

Evil D · #7

Yeah i realized i was thinking of something different, but i did edit the post after i tested what you pictured. Mine will stay open if pulled open about 1/3 of the way or about 2 inches out from the handle, anything less and it closes. Is this a "generation" thing with the older versions doing it?

Seanski · #8

I have the 3 and it snaps shut with authority, keep the fingers away. :)

spyderdog · #9

The Deacon wrote:But this is not about lock up. David. It's about bias to closing, or rather the relative lack of same. Below is a photo to illustrate what (I assume) Spyderdog's Native is doing. Not all Natives are like this, but it's not terribly uncommon either...

yeah, that's pretty much it. Will not close on its own in any open position.

marcus1 · #10

A D4 of mine does this... but then I have another D4 that snap shut really well. 1 out of 7 back locks that I have isn't bad... I think its just due to it being a bit stiffer... I bet once they are worked in more they will do the same as the others.

The Deacon · #11

You can try a good lube, like Mil-Tec or BreakFree. Can't hurt, might help.

JEFF B · #12

Mine did that also when i got it. All i did to fix it was take some coarse sandpaper and run it through the opening a few times to take a little frn off. That was the problem with mine,the blade was rubbing the handle a bit keeping it from snapping shut. Its fine now.