Swedge on the Native 5

[bchan]

I'm debating myself whether to buy a Native 5, but one thing that is holding me back is the swedge on the blade. I can't understand why Spyderco do not just simply make a full flat blade, seems to me neater that way. Does the swedge serve a purpose or is it just for looks? Thanks.

[1623]

I can't answer that from a technical aspect, but I believe it's more of keeping with the tradition of the Native line; Spyderco seems to hold that model near and dear.

Personally, I quite like the swedge and I don't think the overall package would be the same without it.

[Blerv]

It's hardly swedged like previous models. Closer to the Calypso Jr really with a mild bevel.

The swedge/beveled spine typically adds slicing And penetration performance.

[DRKBC]

Bit the bullet on one today I will let you know what I think when it arrives. I am the opposite of you, I would have liked to have seen more of a swedge on this one, but who knows ... I have only seen it on line so far.

[The Deacon]

I'm debating myself whether to buy a Native 5, but one thing that is holding me back is the swedge on the blade. I can't understand why Spyderco do not just simply make a full flat blade, seems to me neater that way. Does the swedge serve a purpose or is it just for looks? Thanks.

I'm with you, I prefer the clean look of a simple FFG blade. Others, apparently, do not. Am sure some will claim the swedge aids penetration. I think it would be fun to do a stab test between a 2009 Forum Native and a Native V and find out. Others will note that the swedge reduces blade weight, but one of the things I like about the Native V is that it's a bit of a brick, an extra tenth of an ounce or so wouldn't turn me off. Truth is, if minimizing weight is all that important, you're better off with a stock C41 Lightweight.

Still, I'd suggest you get the Native V. It's a great knife with excellent ergonomics, it screams rugged and dependable, and it represents a whole new generation in midlock technology. FWIW, I've yet to come across a production knife that does not have at least one feature I wish had been done differently.

[Donut]

Others will note that the swedge reduces blade weight, but one of the things I like about the Native V is that it's a bit of a brick, an extra tenth of an ounce or so wouldn't turn me off. Truth is, if minimizing weight is all that important, you're better off with a stock C41 Lightweight.

The Native 5 is VERY light for the size. The liners are thicker than normal, and the handle seems almost 1/2" wide. The liners are really skeletonized and the overall knife is much lighter than it looks. It has just enough weight to it to feel strong and solid.

As for the swedge, I think it stops what you're cutting from catching on the back corner of the blade. It provides some relief. Let's say you're cutting something like cheese or a thick cut of meat, or anything dense and soft, something that wants to squeeze the blade and doesn't want to be spread apart, it will help you with those cuts.

Now, aesthetics, it makes the spine of the blade look thinner. You are getting a 3mm wide blade, but if you look at the spine it looks more like a 2mm wide blade for most of the blade. I think that it packs a little more sturdy of a knife without looking like a beast of a blade. This is subtlety and IMO makes it more of a gentleman's knife.

[The Deacon]

The Native 5 is VERY light for the size. The liners are thicker than normal, and the handle seems almost 1/2" wide. The liners are really skeletonized and the overall knife is much lighter than it looks. It has just enough weight to it to feel strong and solid.

You are, of course, entitled to your opinion. Mine stands. It was not meant as a dig, but as an expression of the Native V's solid feel. That said, the Native V weighs 105g which, to me, puts it at the heavy end of Spyderco's 3" class blades. Nine days out of ten I don't mind that weight, on the one I do I give up .2" of blade and carry a 70g Chaparral. :)

[Donut]

Yeah, Chaparral is a very nice in between knife. Native is about the same size, but the Chaparral packs a lot more blade into that small package. It is pretty amazing.

[DeathBySnooSnoo]

I'm a swedge guy. I like it, gives the knife a distinctive look.

[Lord vader]

If your like the clean look without the swedge on the tip you could go with the C41GP5 Native 5" Black G-10 Plain Edge.It offers full flat grind without the swedge.

[bh49]

I also prefer FFG without any swedge, but little swedge on Native5 doesn't really bother me. It is great knife, do not miss it.

As for the swedge, I think it stops what you're cutting from catching on the back corner of the blade.

I beleive that once on "swedge" vs. "no swedge" discussion for new Native Sal brought up exactly this reason.

[DRKBC]

Just got my new native 5. I wouldn't worry about the swedge it looks great and kind of thins out the blade, love it.

[gull wing]

Swedge or not? In this knife a no-swedge would look better. It's not really bad as it is, though and a great knife overall. The first Native had a whale of a swedge and a hollow grind. :D It worked for that knife.

Yes, a matter personal taste. What I like to with my FFG Spydercos is round the spine as in the Sebenza. You get a just a little different look, it's pretty pleasing.

[DeathBySnooSnoo]

Love it or hate it...a Native isn't a Native without a swedge.

[Javascript]

Love it or hate it...a Native isn't a Native without a swedge.

+1
I buy for uniqueness, or character, not for cloneness...

[gbelleh]

FWIW, I really like the understated swedge of the Native 4 and 5. This has no affect whatsoever on my cutting tasks, but it gives the blade a bit of visual interest and continues the tradition of the Native line.

[DRKBC]

FWIW, I really like the understated swedge of the Native 4 and 5. This has no affect whatsoever on my cutting tasks, but it gives the blade a bit of visual interest and continues the tradition of the Native line.

I agree I think at adds interest and detail to the blade, it doesn't look dramatically different than a FFG and it adds a little character.

[Cheddarnut]

I hope we assuage
Your fear of the swedge
So get off the fence
And away from the ledge

[The Deacon]

Love it or hate it...a Native isn't a Native without a swedge.

I'd be inclined to disagree with you.

[CENTER][/CENTER]

[sal]

Reduces friction at spine, makes blade appear smaller, removes unecessary weight.

sal