Does the sage 5 have a new identity?

[hobbyist]

First I want to start out saying I’m delighted by this.

I’ve always thought the native 5 was the form factor that demonstrates a variety of steels, the chaparral was about scale material, and the sage was about locks.

But recently ish I’ve noticed the sage is getting the hot steels, and is becoming a lot like a compression lock native.

I wonder the reason. But again I love it.

[ASmitty]

I think the Sage 5 Lightweight was the gateway to the Sage becoming more than it was initially envisioned to be. I, personally, like the compression/Sage 5 more than the lockback/Native 5, so it's been exciting to see it getting all the new steels. Personally, judging by some of the trade show videos I've seen in the last 12 months, I think a big part of what we're seeing with the Sage stems from Eric's enthusiasm for that model.

[Evil D]

I suspected that the Sage getting Rex 121 had something to do with them being manufactured in Taichung.

[Wallach]

Mine is arriving today, and I already have some AWT scales waiting for it, so I'm really interested to see how it feels. I'm a pretty big Native homer that has never gotten on with compression locks that much, but I think it may be more just that I'm not a big fan of the Military line.

[gooeytek]

I'm not a big fan of compression locks myself, but this is almost perfect

just look at it!

[Landshark99]

Here is mine with AWT scales

[SpeedHoles]

I'm a fan of the Sage, bit more than the Native myself...

But I was just mentioning in another thread, how it seemed lacking that we don't see a new Sage in the Stop Lock form, like from Parata, nor exposed big CBBL lock (forgot what it's called) like is seen on the Dodo & Q-Ball for example. Not sure if a Power Lock is necessary, nor a Meerkat lock, but... Been years... No word of thoughts on that even though the whole premise of the line was to display lock variety.

Not going to complain one bit about the steel offerings in the Sage chassis though, it's great for that in my experience also. Having a few in S30V, a SPY27, and REX121. K390 would be great, and throw on a Stop Lock!

I will say the action and fit and finish on the most recent runs of Sage 5s has been ultra crisp and clean, very well done, props to the Taichung team.

[hobbyist]

Here is mine with AWT scales
Spyderco Sage 5 Rex-121.jpg

Is this the cerakote aluminum?

How much width (girth?) does this add? If it was just as thin as the lightweight I’d buy immediately.

Is is slick? Pocket ripper?

[Wallach]

Mine just got here a bit ago, before & after:





Pretty impressed with the fit and finish. Perfect centering, grinds look great, no blade play... I actually didn't even mind the FRN scales, but I really just love AWT's work.

Is this the cerakote aluminum?

How much width (girth?) does this add? If it was just as thin as the lightweight I’d buy immediately.

Is is slick? Pocket ripper?

Mine are type III hard coat anodized, and the texture is definitely a bit more defined than the older AWT scales like on the Native 5, but I wouldn't say pocket shredder at all. As far as thickness, they seem almost identical to the FRN scales but with a tiny amount of contouring. It's a little hard to tell with the loose FRN scale relative to the attached aluminum one but it should be roughly the same. Weight is an extra .4 ounces compared to the FRN.

[Red Leader]

Right now I'm carrying the Sage 5 R121 and it is my first Sage. Also recently picked up a Native 5, Manix 2, son has a Para 3 and daughter has the Chap so I'm able to compare from these popular models that can fit the role of a small/med ECD.

I really enjoy the form factor of the Sage 5/Native 5. The Sage 5 feels more refined to me, however it could be due to the Sage 5 being the G-10 model and the Native 5 being the salt/MC version w/ the FRN scales. The Native 5 feels very utilitarian. It locks up tight, but had some blade wobble when closed, and is not super smooth when opening and is tougher to open - some of that is the back lock, some of that is from the knife not yet being broken in.

I'm actually more a fan of the backlock than the compression lock, because the backlock is ambidextrous and since I am lefty, I find the compression lock awkward in use for being lefty, so I carry it weak-side and it is my righty pocket carry.

I'm glad to hear of the discussion on the ball locks popping up. I used to carry a D'Allara and it was a fantastic knife from several design standpoints. One of them was the lock.

I'd be curious to hear from Sal/Eric about their thoughts on the Ball/CBBL versus the compressor or back lock. Does the compression lock generate more warranty returns due to back lockup/lockstick issues in comparison? Easier to manufacture or the same? I'm a big fan of the ball/axis type locks for their ease of manipulation, ambidextrous nature and strength and it wouldn't hurt my feels to see this lock show up on more of Spyderco's current lineup like the Sage or Native models.

I feel blessed as it is, with all the models and variants we have in a myriad of steels, so any further exploration of features should never be taken as a complaint, and is also generally how I see all the requests here as well. A CBBL lock-equipped Sage 5 could be that mini-Manix that some of us have been talking about. Give it some K390 and it would be a ripper.

[SpeedHoles]

Right now I'm carrying the Sage 5 R121 and it is my first Sage. Also recently picked up a Native 5, Manix 2, son has a Para 3 and daughter has the Chap so I'm able to compare from these popular models that can fit the role of a small/med ECD.

I really enjoy the form factor of the Sage 5/Native 5. The Sage 5 feels more refined to me, however it could be due to the Sage 5 being the G-10 model and the Native 5 being the salt/MC version w/ the FRN scales. The Native 5 feels very utilitarian. It locks up tight, but had some blade wobble when closed, and is not super smooth when opening and is tougher to open - some of that is the back lock, some of that is from the knife not yet being broken in.

I'm actually more a fan of the backlock than the compression lock, because the backlock is ambidextrous and since I am lefty, I find the compression lock awkward in use for being lefty, so I carry it weak-side and it is my righty pocket carry.

I'm glad to hear of the discussion on the ball locks popping up. I used to carry a D'Allara and it was a fantastic knife from several design standpoints. One of them was the lock.

I'd be curious to hear from Sal/Eric about their thoughts on the Ball/CBBL versus the compressor or back lock. Does the compression lock generate more warranty returns due to back lockup/lockstick issues in comparison? Easier to manufacture or the same? I'm a big fan of the ball/axis type locks for their ease of manipulation, ambidextrous nature and strength and it wouldn't hurt my feels to see this lock show up on more of Spyderco's current lineup like the Sage or Native models.

I feel blessed as it is, with all the models and variants we have in a myriad of steels, so any further exploration of features should never be taken as a complaint, and is also generally how I see all the requests here as well. A CBBL lock-equipped Sage 5 could be that mini-Manix that some of us have been talking about. Give it some K390 and it would be a ripper.

The Sage 3 had a bolt lock that was ambidextrous. (Also had a slightly taller handle as a result).

And yeah, the D'Allara was a great example of that lock.
I personally liked it a bit better than the lock on the Manix 2.

[Wallach]

Funny the timing of this thread vs Reveal 17. Guess they were just waiting for the button-release compression lock to be ready!

[hobbyist]

Funny the timing of this thread vs Reveal 17. Guess they were just waiting for the button-release compression lock to be ready!

I’m thrilled about the sage 6. The smock lock is my favorite. S30v is a fine steel.

[Red Leader]

Right now I'm carrying the Sage 5 R121 and it is my first Sage. Also recently picked up a Native 5, Manix 2, son has a Para 3 and daughter has the Chap so I'm able to compare from these popular models that can fit the role of a small/med ECD.

I really enjoy the form factor of the Sage 5/Native 5. The Sage 5 feels more refined to me, however it could be due to the Sage 5 being the G-10 model and the Native 5 being the salt/MC version w/ the FRN scales. The Native 5 feels very utilitarian. It locks up tight, but had some blade wobble when closed, and is not super smooth when opening and is tougher to open - some of that is the back lock, some of that is from the knife not yet being broken in.

I'm actually more a fan of the backlock than the compression lock, because the backlock is ambidextrous and since I am lefty, I find the compression lock awkward in use for being lefty, so I carry it weak-side and it is my righty pocket carry.

I'm glad to hear of the discussion on the ball locks popping up. I used to carry a D'Allara and it was a fantastic knife from several design standpoints. One of them was the lock.

I'd be curious to hear from Sal/Eric about their thoughts on the Ball/CBBL versus the compressor or back lock. Does the compression lock generate more warranty returns due to back lockup/lockstick issues in comparison? Easier to manufacture or the same? I'm a big fan of the ball/axis type locks for their ease of manipulation, ambidextrous nature and strength and it wouldn't hurt my feels to see this lock show up on more of Spyderco's current lineup like the Sage or Native models.

I feel blessed as it is, with all the models and variants we have in a myriad of steels, so any further exploration of features should never be taken as a complaint, and is also generally how I see all the requests here as well. A CBBL lock-equipped Sage 5 could be that mini-Manix that some of us have been talking about. Give it some K390 and it would be a ripper.

The Sage 3 had a bolt lock that was ambidextrous. (Also had a slightly taller handle as a result).

And yeah, the D'Allara was a great example of that lock.
I personally liked it a bit better than the lock on the Manix 2.

Me too. It was a great knife. I had it back before I was a 'knife nerd' or had 'seen the light', and eventually sold it. If I had back then the awareness I have now, I'd still have it.

From the recent 'Shot Show 2025 Sypderco' video on ytube, a good chunk of the comments were asking Spyderco to put the Manix lock on more knives. Can't say I disagree with them, but as a lefty I'm biased (towards better knives)

[Wartstein]

I personally think that it is a great move to give models that just "work" more variants and steel options, rather than focusing too much on designing new ones (which is nice too, don´t get me wrong, just not as top priority).

To me this is even more true for the Chaparral FRN than the Sage 5 - so glad that the former apparently / hopefully will offer more options, and this is sure true also for the Sage.

When it comes to the Sage: Now that the Sage 6 with the button comp.lock exists I somehow wish that that one would have gotten the LW treatment and become the platform for more variants. But that´s of course not a complaint by any means, the "5" is very intriguing too.

[aicolainen]

When it comes to the Sage: Now that the Sage 6 with the button comp.lock exists I somehow wish that that one would have gotten the LW treatment and become the platform for more variants. But that´s of course not a complaint by any means, the "5" is very intriguing too.

There could be some licensing-/shiny footprints issues going on with the button compression lock that makes it a little less ideal as a base model. I hope I'm wrong as it would be nice to see more knives with this option, but for anyone who really wants this implementation of a CL, I'd secure a Sage 6 asap and just hope for more to come, rather than the other way around.

[aicolainen]

First I want to start out saying I’m delighted by this.

I’ve always thought the native 5 was the form factor that demonstrates a variety of steels, the chaparral was about scale material, and the sage was about locks.

But recently ish I’ve noticed the sage is getting the hot steels, and is becoming a lot like a compression lock native.

I wonder the reason. But again I love it.

My impression is that the US based models, especially the popular ones, have been blessed with most steel options. This makes sense, as this is where Spyderco has the most control over the process when new steels are implemented.
Now there has definitely been some capacity limitations in Golden, and with the Taichung OEM seeming to be very capable, it kind of make sense to utilize their capacity in new ways.
I haven't thought of this development as a new identity, but rather organic evolution of a (seemingly) popular platform. The lock variations is a cool concept, but ultimately it's more geared towards collectors. With the Sage 5 sticking around long term it becomes a much more appealing option as a user knife (even for me, who isn't a big fan of CLs). By appealing to a broader market you get more volume, with volume comes steel variations.

[Wartstein]

There could be some licensing-/shiny footprints issues going on with the button compression lock that makes it a little less ideal as a base model. I hope I'm wrong as it would be nice to see more knives with this option, but for anyone who really wants this implementation of a CL, I'd secure a Sage 6 asap and just hope for more to come, rather than the other way around.

Perhaps that´s the case...

As said: I am actually happy that Spyderco goes beyond the original concept of Sage and Chaparral (displaying different lock types resp handle materials) and do not complain at all that now the Sage 5 LW offers variants!

A Sage 6 LW (so with FRN handles) would just be even better for me, since the button should remedy two of the three slight "issues" I have with the comp.lock.

Will I get a Sage 6? I am intrigued, no doubt... but then CF is probably my least favorite handle material out of the main ones, so not sure yet.

[wrdwrght]

I think the Sage 5 Lightweight was the gateway to the Sage becoming more than it was initially envisioned to be.

Sal has recently said as much on more than one occasion.

I, for one, do not object to S30V in the “lock-line”, but am glad to have M4, Maxamet, REX121, and soon SPY27 in FRN.

[Wallach]

Figured I'd just put this here since this was the only thread I posted about those Sage AWT scales.

After about a week of carry, I actually wound up removing the AWT scales and putting the original FRN scales back on. First Spyderco I've ever done that with. Mainly I think it was down to two factors: the "aggressive" texture they are now using, and the pivot sensitivity when using them compared to the FRN scales.

The texture they're using now isn't that bad compared to some pocket shredders I've had in my day, but it still wound up being worse trying to get the knife in and out of the pocket sometimes. Felt like it was more of a problem on the removal, as you have to put a bit of pressure on the clip to get a good purchase on it and that made the problem worse. They probably need to consider offering a "landing pad" milling option for the pocket clip if they continue to use this pattern on future scales.

Mainly though I felt like the thickness around the screw holes seemed slightly off; I could get it to where it had no blade play, but to do so required you to tighten the pivot such that I had only the tiniest margin to get decent closing action without introducing play. This isn't an issue at all in the FRN scales, so my assumption is that they're a tiny bit too thick in the screw hole cutouts or something.

It also just wasn't as transformative as it was with other LW models that are linerless. Moving from, say, the Native 5 LW to AWT scales makes a massive difference in feel. Not only do you get the material upgrade, but you also get to put the PB washers back into the knife, which vastly improves the action compared to the stock LW. Here, the entire internals are exactly the same, so if the texture and action aren't an improvement, there's really not much more the scales can offer I guess.

I'm not too disappointed because the scales are still very well made - I'll almost certainly buy from them again for other Golden LW models - but for the Sage I can't quite recommend them as fully.