Native Chief first and ongoing impressions thread

[curlyhairedboy]

welp, I've got another Rex Chief in pocket.... time to really put it through its paces.

[Mrj]

https://www.nationalknives.com/spyderco ... 10-handle/

[Mrj]

https://www.nationalknives.com/spyderco ... er-handle/

[vivi]

https://www.nationalknives.com/spyderco ... er-handle/

Glad these aren't flying off the shelves. I'd like to pick one up after I find myself another Military.

[cycleguy]

What I did this a.m. after watching the Slysz Bowie episode! :D

Weird coincidence to see this posted.

Can't decide which I like better - the Chief or the Kapara or the Endura (new to folders this size).

CG

[cycleguy]

delete dup post

[Airlsee]

What I did this a.m. after watching the Slysz Bowie episode! :D

Weird coincidence to see this posted.

Can't decide which I like better - the Chief or the Kapara or the Endura (new to folders this size).

CG

I really like the Chief but what's great about the Kapara is that it has nearly the same cutting edge length as the Chief in a much smaller package.

[Buddafucco]

Anybody mention the lock release placement yet? It sits a little higher on the Chief. I typically keep my index finger in the path of the ricasso and press the lock bar with my thumb. I feel like it's less of an awkward movement on the Chief compared to my larger Seki back locks. I guess the downside would be that if I hold the Chief "edge in" my middle finger can press on the bar. I can't completely disengage the lock but it does induce some blade play. It's a welcome trade off in my opinion.
Here's a scientific pic for reference comparing the Endura, Chief and g10 Police 4 lock bar placement. I was going to put the Endela in there but it's only a mm or two higher than the Endura.

[Enactive]

Anybody mention the lock release placement yet? It sits a little higher on the Chief. I typically keep my index finger in the path of the ricasso and press the lock bar with my thumb. I feel like it's less of an awkward movement on the Chief compared to my larger Seki back locks. I guess the downside would be that if I hold the Chief "edge in" my middle finger can press on the bar. I can't completely disengage the lock but it does induce some blade play. It's a welcome trade off in my opinion.
Here's a scientific pic for reference comparing the Endura, Chief and g10 Police 4 lock bar placement. I was going to put the Endela in there but it's only a mm or two higher than the Endura.

I do like the higher lock placement, and think it eases operation.

[EyeCentric]

Can anyone help my with my sprint run cf native chief? It's honestly the worst action of any knife in my collection and not centered. Should I just contact Spyderco because I've never been this disappointed in a knife in my life....

[Michael Janich]

Dear EyeCentric:

Welcome to the Spyderco Forum.

If you feel there is an issue with your knife, the best course of action is always to send it in for warranty consideration.

Stay safe,

Mike

[Manixguy@1994]

Thanks for updating this post , I have been looking at the Native Chief for a while . Information has been good food for thought . MG2

[lilshaver]

Warning.....Warning.....Warning stay away from the Native Chief as they are quite addictive. I am a poster child as I have one in REX 45, M4, and XHP at this time and am drooling at the thought of the S90V model. Be warned it could happen to you.

[kobold]

Can anyone help my with my sprint run cf native chief? It's honestly the worst action of any knife in my collection and not centered. Should I just contact Spyderco because I've never been this disappointed in a knife in my life....

I had somewhat similar situation, went to a brick and mortar shop, saw the centering is off so left without it. Although the action was fine. Then at home I started thinking that prolly only the pivot needs tightening. Went back, brought it home, tightened the pivot, the blade moved to the middle. It is pretty much perfect now.
As for the action, I suggest disassembly, cleaning, polishing of the PB washers and lubrication. Good luck!

[soc_monki]

Can anyone help my with my sprint run cf native chief? It's honestly the worst action of any knife in my collection and not centered. Should I just contact Spyderco because I've never been this disappointed in a knife in my life....

I had somewhat similar situation, went to a brick and mortar shop, saw the centering is off so left without it. Although the action was fine. Then at home I started thinking that prolly only the pivot needs tightening. Went back, brought it home, tightened the pivot, the blade moved to the middle. It is pretty much perfect now.
As for the action, I suggest disassembly, cleaning, polishing of the PB washers and lubrication. Good luck!

I second this. Disassemble it, check for any burrs or dust/dirt, clean, lube, reassemble. I know both my s30 and s90 chiefs came dry, and disassembling, cleaning, and lubing helped a lot. Aside from that, they did need a break in period to feel completely smooth and the spring had to wear in a bit (I guess) to allow easier manipulation of the lock. Or my thumb got stronger!

If it's off centered, pivot is loose, or you need to loosen all body screws and wedge the blade over gently, and retighten. Adjust pivot as necessary. Should take care of that.

If none of this works, send it in for work. The Chief is an amazing knife, very light while being big. I love the thing, especially the s90v version.

[lilshaver]

https://www.nationalknives.com/spyderco ... er-handle/

Well it got the best of me so now I have one on the way. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction Mrj.

[Enactive]

Magnacut Chief, anyone?

[Xformer]

I'll never stop to praise Spyderco on this knife. What a marvel of design. It's too big for me to carry, but it's beautiful.

[James Y]

Magnacut Chief, anyone?

This is what I’m waiting for.

Jim

[Naperville]

Magnacut Chief, anyone?

Me three....