Native 5 thoughts and questions

[araneae]

Well, the 2011 catalog has given us a glimpse of the Native 5 so I thought I'd start a discussion about it as well as the FRN lightweight version that will come later. What are your thoughts on the new model? What would you like to see on the lightweight version?

Personally I like the looks of the G-10 N5, but I will hold off until the FRN emerges. I prefer lightweight knives. The things I do like about it are the larger finger choil, the newer jimping style, and what looks to be a larger diameter Spydie-hole. I do miss the distinctive swedge grind as that to me is part of the Native's character. S35VN sounds fun.

We have not really received much info on the FRN version so its tough to say how far along it is. Maybe Sal will chime in if we're lucky. If its not already in tooling, perhaps our thoughts can help with some design ideas. Here are my thoughts:
I would like to see it remain unlined. I know the trend is for full liners, but I would like to see it remain a real lightweight. I like the bi-directional FRN on the N3, but would like to the handle remain slim like the N1. A wire clip would be great, but may be challenging if 4 way carry is to remain an option. I am curious what steel is planned. It would be fine with me to stay with S30V to keep it priced similar to the N1, although I would not be against 154CM as I haven't tried it yet. It might be nice to see it offered in two steels, perhaps an AFI version being FFG S35VN.

What do you forumites think?

[krislacy]

on page 26 of the catalog it shows the steel as bd-1. I am not an expert on steel so how does that stack up against the above mentioned steels?

[araneae]

I think you're looking at the Manix.

[krislacy]

yes I am. Wow so there is a lightweight for the native. Darn I am already up to five knives I want his year... lets add another.
Thanks for the info!

[Pneumothorax]

I am looking forward to the G10 version since I missed out on the CF version. For me, I prefer the non swedge blade, so this will be my first Native! The thing that draws my eye is the straight top line of the blade and handle. To be totally honest, though, I think I like the CF version/look better! Regardless! I'm in for one. I like the design, the new steel and I love G10.

[SmoothOne25]

i dont feel like looking, what is the steel for n5?



"im looking fed?"

you mean foward? no lunch yet today? :p :D

[Pneumothorax]

i dont feel like looking, what is the steel for n5?



"im looking fed?"

you mean foward? no lunch yet today? :p :D

S35VN, per Araneae's post.

Fwd gets autocorrected to fed on my system...didn't notice it...you will note at I fixed the typo :D

[Javascript]

.... I do miss the distinctive swedge grind as that to me is part of the Native's character. S35VN sounds fun. What do you forumites think?

Agree on both counts, especially the knife character. Sometimes too much emphasis is placed on the particulars and the art/concept/aesthetic qualities that individualize a knife take a back seat. Plenty of knives out there with FFG blades, but unless it's shaped right for the knife, then ya get just another knife.
Just say NO to Natives without a swedge. :p

[samtheman773]

Personally the ergos of the native line do not fit my hand nearly as well as other spydies, and the lack of a thumb ramp of any size is pesky. Also, the partially obstructed spyder hole when in the closed position is something that annoys me. Regardless, the native 5 will be on my list for the g10 and s35vn, and to give it a shot!

[2cha]

I am looking forward to the G10 version since I missed out on the CF version. For me, I prefer the non swedge blade, so this will be my first Native! The thing that draws my eye is the straight top line of the blade and handle [ .......] I'm in for one. I like the design, the new steel and I love G10.

Yep. I've wanted a non-swedge Native for a long time--I'm also excited about a 3 in heavy-duty knife--once blades get over 3 inches, I start to worry about legal carry in less familiar states or municipalities.

[Evil D]

By the looks of it, the Native is slowly turning into a back lock Sage. It's losing its identity. I like it, but i don't...know what i mean?

[Javascript]

Yep. I've wanted a non-swedge Native for a long time

You may have something there. I've been wanting a Ford with a 3-shield emblem and waterfall grill, myself. Who cares if it looks like a Buick. :p

[ICSK]

I'm also holding off until the FRN version comes out. I drool at the thought of a Native with Spyderco's awesome volcano grip. As for the newer jimping and finger choil, I'm afraid I have to disagree. As it is, I find that the jimping is agressive. However, I'd always be willing to accept an improvement on that :)

Regarding the finger choil, I find that the current Native's barely fits my finger. I welcome this change as well because it could possibly mean that I get to use the choil without worries about cutting my glove (depending on how much bigger the choil is. I'd obviously need to handle the knife first).

As for the deployment hole, it doesn't actually look bigger to me. If you look on page 22 of the catalog, it looks more like the handle has been redesigned so that the hole isn't as occluded. Take a look at it compared to the pink native in the closed position.

No comment on the swedge. I didn't notice any drop in slicing performance due to the swedge. Just my experience.


My thoughts:

My Native was really only bought to see what the hype was about regarding S30V. However, it has quickly become one of my preferred workhorse EDC blades. I'm absolutely in love with the ergonomics, especially that awesome choil. It allows me to make more controlled or powerful cuts depending on how I hold the knife.

Now in 2011 Spyderco has improved on the blade shape, pocket clip, ergonomics, AND the grip I get on the knife. What's not to love? There are two main things for me: weight and possible price. At 4.5 oz this thing is pretty beefy for its size. I'd much rather be carrying my Endura or other company's knife. The next thing I can't say I'm looking forward to is the price. As I mentioned earlier, the Native was a cheap way for me to explore the S30V steel. I'd like that to hold true in the future but I'm not sure that will be the case with this new Native.

[bh49]

I am looking forward G10 Native5. I love Native's ergos, no swedge FFG blade, and new for me steel to try.

[feed_the_animals]

Also glad to see the swedge gone. I thought the CF native was looker. I also didn't like the funky elliptical indents all over the old FRN handle. The native always kind of mystified me because the ellipses and the swedge made it look busy and garish among a line of knives that are kind minimalist in their visual aesthetics. Sounds like many people liked the old character of the Native though and I certainly respect that. It just wasn't the knife for me.

[bada61265]

i use my native as a lightweight compact edc, mostly around the house. Its always razor sharp. love the original blade shape. it might not be a ffg but its always cut as well as anything i own. both the new black and the s35v models are on my list of wanted spyders.
i like the updated look but i think id of been just a tad happier if it had kept the originals blade grind style.

[Perry]

I'm glad to see the swedge gone as well. It looks as if the Native has grown-up. To me this seems to be the best iteration yet. I would just like to see these for sale already.

[Hellz]

I've not bought any new knives for a while now, but the Native5 G10 has shot straight to the top of my 'Wanted' list. It just looks right to me. I've never had a Native as I'm not a fan of FRN, but have always admired the shape, so this is ideal.

Now I just have to work out what to sell so I can own one!

Patrick

[jezabel]

My first Spydie was the FRN S30V Native. While I enjoyed the light weight and overall size of the knife the ergos simply didn't work for me. Have the ergos changed much with these last couple of "evolutions"?

j

[Gollum]

I'm pretty sure Sal said it will come out in different FRN colors and it will be used as a platform to try different steels.