Spyderco Forums

My dream Spyderco is a Sage 5 in Maxamet, M390, Cruwear, or maybe lc200n. I get that the Sage series is about the lock, and s30v is great stuff, but that’s where I’d like to put my $.

My backup, and likely more possible option is a Native 5 with a compression lock. With the popularity of the compression lock (PM2, para 3, Shaman), length limits in many places (3”), and a strong market for less aggressive (no huge thumb ramp please) knives it seems like this is an obvious next step and a great platform for sprint runs.

What do others think?

Please consider that the Compression Lock, as good and as fun as it is, leaves out the left handed portion of the knife owning public. Further, the Compression Lock, great as it is, does not do a real good job securing a closed blade. Granted there is a slight spring tension on the closed blade but more would be much better. The Back Lock on the Native 5 has been really refined into a great lock. The Native 5 can be opened AND closed using the master hand alone without getting fingers in the way of the sharp part. Even us lowly south paws can successfully operate the Native 5. Whoever designed the Native 5 did well. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

I'll agree on one thing: Cruwear is the bomb! My Native 5 in Cruwear is the sharpest knife I have ever had. Best knife steel that I have found.

Compression lock might be “fun” but I would pick a beautiful back lock like the native’s one any day... on any knife actually.

Nope, keep the Native 5 just as it is. Plenty of other Spyderco folders in the same size range with compression locks.

I would buy a Comp Lock Native 5 immediately, as long as it is NOT a LW. LC200N/CF is always my dream combo.

I'd buy one

Hardbawl wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 23, 2019 9:01 am

Please consider that the Compression Lock, as good and as fun as it is, leaves out the left handed portion of the knife owning public. Further, the Compression Lock, great as it is, does not do a real good job securing a closed blade. Granted there is a slight spring tension on the closed blade but more would be much better. The Back Lock on the Native 5 has been really refined into a great lock. The Native 5 can be opened AND closed using the master hand alone without getting fingers in the way of the sharp part. Even us lowly south paws can successfully operate the Native 5. Whoever designed the Native 5 did well. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

I'll agree on one thing: Cruwear is the bomb! My Native 5 in Cruwear is the sharpest knife I have ever had. Best knife steel that I have found.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Okay I'll change my response even though I hate ignorant cringy threads.

Even though Spyderco offers a plethora of options in locks scales and steels. Knives are not like Lego blocks. A lock can't be popped out and replaced with another.

Changing the Native from a linerless backlock to a compression liner lock takes a 100% remake of the knife. Its literally a completely new knife that looks like a Native.

The lil native and the Shamin are just that. Totally new knives that look like the Native.

I wouldn't buy one—the Native 5 Lightweight as currently configured functions perfectly for me as a work knife—but I think it would be nice as an option for people who like the Native 5's ergos and aesthetics but prefer the compression lock over the mid-backlock.

That said, the Para 3 and Sage 5 already occupy the 3-inch compression lock production folder segment of the Spyderco catalogue, and a full production compression lock Native 5 would probably just end up cannibalizing their sales without adding significantly to overall sales.

I would buy one. I really like the native five but feel the compression lock option would just add to the knife. I like the blade profile and unless Spyderco will send out the para three with a deep carry clip I’d prefer that option.
CC

If we would not have Sage 5, then ok, but with Sage 5 being very close to Native....why bother.

I love my backlock Natives but I love my shamans and lil natives too, so I'm sure I'd love a comp lock native. I'd be surprised if the addition would cause backlock natives to suddenly became a rarity since there is clearly a portion of the market with a strong preference for them just like the comp lock, but if it's a concern can always call it something else if you want. Lil' shaman anyone?

Pancake wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 23, 2019 12:38 pm

If we would not have Sage 5, then ok, but with Sage 5 being very close to Native....why bother.

I agree. The Sage 5 is almost exactly what he's asking for.

I think I'd rather see a Chief with the Comp Lock.

The Native has the best backlock in the world. Not interested on a comp lock version. I am sure it would sell though.

5-by-5 wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 23, 2019 10:35 am

Okay I'll change my response even though I hate ignorant cringy threads.

Even though Spyderco offers a plethora of options in locks scales and steels. Knives are not like Lego blocks. A lock can't be popped out and replaced with another.

Changing the Native from a linerless backlock to a compression liner lock takes a 100% remake of the knife. Its literally a completely new knife that looks like a Native.

The lil native and the Shamin are just that. Totally new knives that look like the Native.

True. So call it a lil' Shaman if that makes more sense. I would absolutely buy one, especially with contoured g10 like the shaman.

Personally I prefer the mid backlock over the comp. lock in literally every aspect that is important to me, and additionally the Native has the best executed backlock I personally ever experienced (together with the Chaparral).

Generally though I´d grant anyyone who prefers the comp.lock a Native featuring this lock.
I even once started a poll asking who´d be interested in the "Native family" (Lil Native, Native 5, Shaman, Chief) becoming the Spyderco line where each single model came in both comp. lock and backlock (like the Lil Native does already) - see HERE:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=84760&p=1357114#p1357114

My thought process was, that the Native line is rather popular, offers modells in very different size ranges, and that there are very few people who really dislike BOTH the comp. lock AND the backlock.

(One problem here is, that the Shaman could most likely not be done with a backlock in the current overall lines, for the blade is to tall for that (would not fit in the handle together with lockbar / backspacer))

If you dig through Sal's posts, I'm pretty sure he's indicated that variants of handle colors, blade steels, and even blade grinds are a possibility with the Sage 5 FRN LW. I get the impression that even though the Sage series is about showcasing locks, the Sage 5 FRN LW may get spun off into its own model.

I have been wanting a new, no thumb-ramp, 3" compression lock or CBBL knife for a long time. Either of these locks would be a great alternative to the back lock.

I have and trust backlocks, but I do not like them. I want compression or, ideally, CBBL.