Spyderco Native 5 Lightweight - surprised me (PICS)

[Daveho]

now thanks to the “quality improvement” we now get S30v instead of S35vn- not a real big deal in the real world but kinda feels like someone pissed on you and insists it’s raining.

Eh what? From all I have heard S35VN is virtually indistinguishable from S30V -- I thought the CQI was all about the lock mechanism, not the steel. I might raise my eyebrows if it had been S110V or S90V and was now S30V - then we could get the mob with the torches; but getting S30V instead of S35VN -- no big deal.

Yeah personally I couldn’t care, I mean i grabbed it to try the S35vn but the blurb off the mass drop malarkey reads as such;
The blade is made from CPM-S35VN—an enhanced version of CPM-S30V, which was praised as the most impressive blade steel ever created in terms of all-around performance. CPM-S35VN is 20 percent tougher thanks to the addition of niobium. Renowned for its edge retention and resistance to corrosion, S35VN's performance rivals the most expensive blade steels on the market

[Sjucaveman]

now thanks to the “quality improvement” we now get S30v instead of S35vn- not a real big deal in the real world but kinda feels like someone pissed on you and insists it’s raining.

Eh what? From all I have heard S35VN is virtually indistinguishable from S30V -- I thought the CQI was all about the lock mechanism, not the steel. I might raise my eyebrows if it had been S110V or S90V and was now S30V - then we could get the mob with the torches; but getting S30V instead of S35VN -- no big deal.

Yeah personally I couldn’t care, I mean i grabbed it to try the S35vn but the blurb off the mass drop malarkey reads as such;
The blade is made from CPM-S35VN—an enhanced version of CPM-S30V, which was praised as the most impressive blade steel ever created in terms of all-around performance. CPM-S35VN is 20 percent tougher thanks to the addition of niobium. Renowned for its edge retention and resistance to corrosion, S35VN's performance rivals the most expensive blade steels on the market

I ended up returning both of mine to massdrop as I have plenty of s30v spydies and was expecting s35vn. Functionally I know I'd never see much difference but I bought for steel junky reasons.

[Daveho]

now thanks to the “quality improvement” we now get S30v instead of S35vn- not a real big deal in the real world but kinda feels like someone pissed on you and insists it’s raining.

Eh what? From all I have heard S35VN is virtually indistinguishable from S30V -- I thought the CQI was all about the lock mechanism, not the steel. I might raise my eyebrows if it had been S110V or S90V and was now S30V - then we could get the mob with the torches; but getting S30V instead of S35VN -- no big deal.

Yeah personally I couldn’t care, I mean i grabbed it to try the S35vn but the blurb off the mass drop malarkey reads as such;
The blade is made from CPM-S35VN—an enhanced version of CPM-S30V, which was praised as the most impressive blade steel ever created in terms of all-around performance. CPM-S35VN is 20 percent tougher thanks to the addition of niobium. Renowned for its edge retention and resistance to corrosion, S35VN's performance rivals the most expensive blade steels on the market

I ended up returning both of mine to massdrop as I have plenty of s30v spydies and was expecting s35vn. Functionally I know I'd never see much difference but I bought for steel junky reasons.

Yeah me too honestly, it’s hard To justify keeping thevnative and the para3 as they really fill the same gap and in the same steel it’s double tricky.

[olywa]

You know, 90% of the 'down the rabbit hole' threads on this forum can be attributed to 'steel junky reasons'. More folks need to fall back on that instead of getting all butt hurt and inflamed.

[Evil D]

Yeah me too honestly, it’s hard To justify keeping thevnative and the para3 as they really fill the same gap and in the same steel it’s double tricky.

I would own a lot more knives if it wasn't for this. There are a lot of great models that I pass on because they're too similar in size or not quite as good for me in ergonomics. Example, I will probably never buy another Para 2 now that I have a Sliverax, maybe not even another Manix 2. Steel variants are the only driving force.

[Daveho]

Yeah me too honestly, it’s hard To justify keeping thevnative and the para3 as they really fill the same gap and in the same steel it’s double tricky.

I would own a lot more knives if it wasn't for this. There are a lot of great models that I pass on because they're too similar in size or not quite as good for me in ergonomics. Example, I will probably never buy another Para 2 now that I have a Sliverax, maybe not even another Manix 2. Steel variants are the only driving force.

It’s not a bad thing in my books- it pushed me to pass on a PM2 in favour of a stretch- a knife I hadn’t really given a second thought to.

[RickC27]

Yeah me too honestly, it’s hard To justify keeping thevnative and the para3 as they really fill the same gap and in the same steel it’s double tricky.

I would own a lot more knives if it wasn't for this. There are a lot of great models that I pass on because they're too similar in size or not quite as good for me in ergonomics. Example, I will probably never buy another Para 2 now that I have a Sliverax, maybe not even another Manix 2. Steel variants are the only driving force.

Same situation here. I see the massive amount of love for the Native on this forum and it's always so tempting. But already having the Sage 5, Para 3 and Delica...their all quite similar size wise.

[steelcity16]

Yeah me too honestly, it’s hard To justify keeping thevnative and the para3 as they really fill the same gap and in the same steel it’s double tricky.

I would own a lot more knives if it wasn't for this. There are a lot of great models that I pass on because they're too similar in size or not quite as good for me in ergonomics. Example, I will probably never buy another Para 2 now that I have a Sliverax, maybe not even another Manix 2. Steel variants are the only driving force.

Same situation here. I see the massive amount of love for the Native on this forum and it's always so tempting. But already having the Sage 5, Para 3 and Delica...their all quite similar size wise.

You still should try the Native. You can always sell the others! The Native is my favorite knife of all time. I enjoy the LW, G10, and linerless G10 models. I also just bought an older Native in 440V SE to try out. And the Native Salt is keeping me up at night! Where is it already?! I can't take the waiting much longer! :D

[steelcity16]

Thanx David. Nice review and nice pics. I think the Native 5 Lite-weight is the best light weight lock-back we've ever made. Eric, Tom (Facotry manager) and Doug (engineer) worked on the lock refinement for more than two years. Many protos were made and refined. We're pleased to be able to offer the model to our customers.

sal

I believe it. I bought an old 440V SE FRN Native to try after hearing good things about SE 440V, and while the blade is very nice, the action is night and day different. The Native 5 LW action is super smooth and the lock up is rock solid. Zero blade play. Sounds and feels amazing when it locks up. Definitely the best lockback knife I have ever had. I love the FRN handle on this one too. It feels much more solid than the older FRN 440V Native scales. I love the feel and texture of it.

I have 4 of them now and plan on grabbing a few more (LC200N PE and SE, blacked out S35VN). My only gripe is that it is the lack of steel options relative to the Military series. Id buy any that came out in 52100, Cruwear, Rex 45, M4, 3V, 4V, CTS-204P/M390, K390, AEB-L, CTS-XHP, Elmax, etc.

Great work on this knife Sal and team! I honestly cant think of anything I would change expect for more steel options. Easily the best value on the whole lineup. I will buy any new ones that come out.

[lonerider1013]

Darnitnow I want one.... was considering one before the para3, now you got me stuck on the idea again.
So many knives so little cash...
Lonerider

[Nate]

It's a good one, about time for me to get mine back into the rotation.

[anycal]

Are those handle edges rounded a bit, or is it just an illusion?

I am taking mine apart today. Planning on rounding the bottom inside of the scales (done this on few knives - great improvement), and even try the outside a hair. There isn't much room on the outside by the screws, but every bit helps.

[Nate]

Are those handle edges rounded a bit, or is it just an illusion?

That's just the stock chamfering. I have rounded the outside edges on some g10 scales, but on my frn ones I only deburr the inside edges.

[steelcity16]

Ive been carrying my Native LWs pretty much exclusively throughout the summer (aside fron carrying my new Red G10 Delica recently) and it got me thinking how Id really like one in a light khaki color FRN to blend into my khaki shorts. This would be a great exclusive or sprint. Maybe half in stonewash blade and stonewashed clip, and half dlc coated blade and hardware. Combined with a Cruwear blade (4V and 3V would be welcome as well) and this would be my ultimate summer EDC.

[ucfgrad93]

I love my Native 5 LW in S110V steel. It is my first knife other than a SAK. I hardly even know it is in my pocket.

[knivesandbooks]

I've wanted one of these for awhile. I love ky broke s110v native. My money has either gone to higher end models or japenese models. I will most likely be buying the salt when it drops