The Native

Blerv · #21

Remember too most state laws consider a double-edges knife a "dirk" or "dagger" which almost always becomes a deadly weapon and thus illegal. The swedge adds slicing/penetration performance as-is so you might be ok with it. Most folks who have a problem have so with the aesthetics.

jackknifeh · #22

Bradley wrote:sadly enough I've never seen a delica in person complete newby to Spydies.

I didn't have a Delica for a long while after I started buying Spydercos. Since it was like the "standard" I figured I wanted something a little more "different". Well, I finally got a Delica4. Then I knew why it is the "standard". It's because it "sets the standard". No matter what other knife you get it can be compared to the Delica for differences and why to get something else. Get a Delica4. Then get others for whatever reason appeals to you, longer/shorter blade, different steel, blade grind, hard use knife, etc.
I got a Delica ZDP-189 saber grind and a few months later my son got me the FFG ZDP Delica for my b'day. After that I forgave him for all the $200 sneakers I bought him. :D :D

I think the Delica4 is a great place to start when using a folding knife. It is just about "average" in every aspect except quality. The quality is top notch. Then get others. The only danger is if you get a Delica you may not want or need another knife. It's funny but the phrase "not needing another knife" is a seldom heard phrase on this forum. It's almost a bad luck omen. :D

I also have been wanting a Native but just haven't gotten that one yet. There are so many I want but it's harder to decide what to get now because all my knife needs are met. Plus, it's time to start on a Christmas list. If I don't give my wife a list of things I really want she'll just buy me a bunch of junk. :mad:

Jack

APS · #23

I like the Native alot. Simple design for easy cleaning, don't have to worry about screws coming out or stripping the heads when trying to disassemble it to clean like I did on my D4, slightly wider and thicker handle than a D4. Don't much care for the swedge, I think the new Native 4 FFG blade is perfect. I also like the new handle shape much better. The current FRN handle, the second peak always hits me in the middle of a finger regardless of grip and I usually round the peak off with a dremel.
I fear that the Native 5 FRN will loose the simplicity of the current frn handle design.

bh49 · #24

Native was my first Spyderco knife. It went thru a lot of beating. Still have it. Still sharp.
Out of all Natives, Native4 is my favorite, but I like the blade on the Forum Native even more.

WalzAaronFFG · #25

http://www.cutleryshoppe.com/nativelwt-blackblade.aspx

There is the SE for $62, satin finish is $52.

I'm not a fan of the swedge. I have been awaiting the Native 5 release since I got my first 2011 catalog. I love FFGs

dsmegst · #26

I like Natives too. It was my primary carry knife until the Sage 1 came along. The best version is the FFG 2009 Forum Native.

The 2nd and 3rd in the photo:

Allen R. · #27

Jus posted a thread on this the native is a great knife but i feel delica is a better design and will last alot longer than a native imho

bowarrow2000 · #28

Never owned a Native until a few weeks ago when I got one in a trade off Blade Forums.
I am rather impressed with it. Never was much of a fan of hollow ground blades but this blade on the Native is impressing me. Like the pin construction too. All and all I would say it is a very good knife.

Wdr65 · #29

I have my ups and downs with the Native. I think I would use it more if it had a full flat grind that I could get as sharp as my Delica's.

I've owned several and often give them as presents to friends who don't have a decent pocketknife. They are often blown away with the quality compared to what they have been using. I'm eagerly awaiting the five and an improved FRN version.

Blerv · #30

Allen R. wrote:Jus posted a thread on this the native is a great knife but i feel delica is a better design and will last alot longer than a native imho

I think a Native will last just as long honestly. Unlined FRN knives (even pinned construction) are extremely tough and have withstood decades of abuse.

What the current Delica has (IMO) is a slightly more efficient use of blade and handle. It's handle is smaller in pocket and better for more people's hands, specifically smaller hands. It seems to me the bi-directional texture pattern is better for grip. The narrow blade at 2.5mm (instead of 3mm) is better suited for fine tasks and the thumb ramp/jimping is a bit more aggressive. The nested liners add strength.

The Native though is light and the wide handle/blade are stronger and more comfortable for some things. I wish the opening hole was bigger and more accessible but oh well.

DeathBySnooSnoo · #31

BAL wrote:I have looked for a black PE before, tough to find, better get it if you find it.

Oh yeah if I find one I will be buying it up in a second. I haven't had any luck at all in finding one so far though!

Evil D · #32

If used as a knife is supposed to be used, there's no reason both a Delica and a Native won't last 100 years or longer.

If they would change just two things about the Native, i think it would be 100% better....move the spyder hole as close to the pivot as it can be pushed and still be accessible by the finger choil on the handle, and grind that finger choil inward more so that it doesn't shroud the spydie hole. Those two things would put this knife in another class. The hole needs moved because it's too close to the center of the handle when closed, which hinders the opening ergonomics. If the hole were closer to the pivot it would then be further towards one end when closed, and be easier to reach and open.