Latest Buy Native OIF

[warthor]

I finally got my hands of a Native Operation Iraqi Freedom! My favorite knife ever! Really good deal also. Really feel blessed to own this knife. Too bad they didnt make them for Canadian Soldiers.I tried to take pictures but i dont know how to use a camera unlike some of the talented Photographers on this forum!




The flash is ruining the pictures




There you have it!

[ozspyder]

Nice knife,

I am actually on a hunt for one myself, but haven't been lucky enough to be able to source one. Can't find them in stores...so have resorted only occasionally trawling a famous online auction website to look for one.

Try turning the flash off and using a longer exposure in a well lit room or daylight. That should fix the flash glare problem.

Daniel

[warthor]

Thanks for the camera tips! Yeah when i first discovered the knife i phoned all the army and knife stores in my area and they just laughed. Now i went in and showed it to them theyre offering me high prices. Its to valuable to me :spyder:

[warthor]

New pics without flash. Do dark? ugh






A bit better i guess

[Firefighter880]

Great find. I don't own any type of Native at all, but I'm thinking about snagging one.

Second set of pictures show much better detail. Looks nice!

:spyder:

[Darkfin]

Try holding/taping a piece of white kleenex over the flash. Keep folding it over until the thickness gives you the proper difuse lighting, usually 2-3 folds, depending on the distance of the shot.

Nice knife! What medal is that?

[warthor]

Its my great Grandfathers Medal. His medals were diveded between me and my cousins. I got the one for fighting in the Battle of Britain. The 1939 - 1945Star. Thanks for the tip, ill try the tissues

[Darkfin]

The medal is amazing, something to cherish--thanks for sharing it!

[OuchThatsSharp]

Congrats on your new acquisition! The Native III PE was my first Spyderco and have since bought 9 more models. I have actually started collecting the different variations of the Native and I am looking for an OIR model myself.

[warthor]

I was thinking a couple days ago id like to start a Native collection. Id like to get the Black blade in PE. That one catchs my eye.

[jaislandboy]

Cool tan Native warthor....nice pics! :cool:

[ozspyder]

I have all the Native's including the elusive Black PE Native I. Personally I really like the Native II, the one in S/S. It's very hefty for its size and surprised me in its solidity when handled.

The only Native's that evade my drooling is the Tan ones.... and of course the blue forum one.... Oh well, hopefully one day I might be able to trade or find one that someone wants to get rid of.

Native IMHO= great value

Loving the Native III PE at the moment for EDC'ing

[The Mastiff]

I've had a few opportunities to buy an OIF knife. I couldn't do it. I figured that knife was intended for those soldiers and others serving in theatre. I would feel too guilty to keep it. It would be like wearing a medal not won/issued to me and aknowledged in my DD214 service record.

Please note I'm not talking about holding onto a family members awards as I have some WW2 medals from my Father and his brother ( He had no children himself.).

I don't think I would have a problem if a service member gave or traded his knife to me but to buy one feels uncomfortably close to the guys that award themselves medals they buy at the PX, or claim to be SEALs, etc.

I guess if I was a purist collector attempting to get a reference copy of all Spydies for study and pleasure it would be ok and perhaps I wouldn't have such feelings. As I've stated before I'm more of a Hoarder than a real collector, though I have attempted to begin changing that this past year for personal reasons.

Please try to understand I am NOT trying to pass judgement on anybody else. That's not my style or right, or preference.

Regards, Joe

[rescueseven]

Well said Joe,

I've had 5 OIF's pass through my hands on their way to the sand box.

Thank God I wasn't going with them.

And God speed to those that received them.

R7

[boxer93]

.... and of course the blue forum one....

which one datan :) There is a Blue G10 native and Blue FRN Native III. As for the Tan one, I would love to find one. Not more than the next Q though. Time will tell.
Chris

[ozspyder]

There were 2 blue ones??? .... there ya go, just goes to show how a newbie like me can learn from the brothers here in the forum.

I concur with the above sentiment regarding buying a Tan Native OIF. It is slightly akin to getting a war medal and saying it was given to you. However, I don't think knife collecting is similar in that vain, because you would never say that you were issued with a Desert Tan OIF if you weren't (especially if you are in Australia :P) If you had the full collection of Natives it would be clear that it is for collection purposes and that if standing alone the knife would just be another face in the crowd. Point taken though, and I can only assume that some people want/ need bragging rights and will use every opportunity possible to big-name themselves.... but really... why would you, that would mean they would be a citizen of Loserville

[OuchThatsSharp]

I want one for my fledgling Native collection. I wasn't aware that they were all intended for our Military guys serving over there. I've seen them on a website for sale but it also stated that the "drawing" was for active military" people only. I don't understand...yet. I don't think obtaining one of these is grounds for bragging rights as far as military service. I served in the USAF back in the mid to late 70's. What does purchasing an OIF Native have to do with Active Duty Personnel serving in the middle east? Just wondering. I just want one for my collection.

[rescueseven]

I wasn't aware that they were all intended for our Military guys serving over there.

from the online catalog here

These models are produced to honor and support our troops deployed in the Middle Eastern conflict. They are not available to dealers or distributors in the USA or overseas. ...the Iraqi and Enduring Freedom knives would command an even higher retail price if made available to the public.

I don't think obtaining one of these is grounds for bragging rights as far as military service...

My concern is not with the possibility of you claiming you are something you are not]I served in the USAF...[/QUOTE]

THANK YOU sir for your service to our great Nation!

R7

[warthor]

Yeah myself im a army reservist and plan on going to Afghanistan next year. I guess ill be taking this with me!

[rescueseven]

After 22 years in the Army, next week is my last in uniform. Then a couple of months of terminal leave and I guess I'll find another job… I hope Wal-mart is hiring :o

Warthor, if you get there keep your head down, look out for your buddies, and all of you get home safely.

R7