Spyderco Forums

Hello all,

Not to make this too long winded of a post, but, I believe the Native 5 has grown on me, preferably the lightweight. No, it doesn't open fast like a Manix 2 or Para 2, but it is functional. It has a strong lock back design and good ergonomics ready to work. Plus I prefer the closed back design compared to an open/pillar stand off design as I believe it has better ergonomics. The palm of your hand doesn't get caught in between the two scales of the blade. The finger choil works well and the blade shape is just a great one. It is the definition of "function over form" as I believe is one of Spyderco's motto's.

Keep up the great work with this one!

The Native is the No1 in my book. My summer rotation is mostly the Natives (and the Chap for urban carry only a couple of times a week). Does everything I want, nothing I don't.

Agree, I have a Native 5 LW Maxamet that while not flashy, just is the definition of a good classic knife.

I want to try a G10 version, 15V to be exact, buts some say it’s a bit “blocky”.

The Native is the Spyderco knife that I most wish worked for me, but it doesn't. Too bad, because it's a beautiful design. Looking at it, I can see how its ergos would be perfect for a lot of folks, maybe most. But it's just not comfortable in my hand.

I want the S90V fluted carbon fiber Native 5 so bad I can hardly stand it, but I'd never use it...

Coastal wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 09, 2025 5:31 pm

The Native is the Spyderco knife that I most wish worked for me, but it doesn't. Too bad, because it's a beautiful design. Looking at it, I can see how its ergos would be perfect for a lot of folks, maybe most. But it's just not comfortable in my hand.

Same here. I had a SPY27 LW, but I just wasn't feeling it, so I passed it along. Maybe I'll try a G10 version sometime if I find a deal on one.

I have an old G-10 S35VN, built like a little tank, it’ll be one that will be with me till the end.

Been wanting to try a Green serrated LC200N Salt.

I love the Native LW. Serrated LC200N is my main EDC for two years. Its light, compact, full stainless, strong lock, easy to disassemble, great ergo. I was worried about the infamous "blocky" handle, so I avoid it for years. Gave it a chance and it feels great on hand.

Last week I get the plain edge Magnacut version as well This one is very Hard to get. Its long tíme "out of stock". Very nice thin grind, slice like crazy. Magnacut is my favourite steel right now. Easy to sharpen, corossion rezistent, good touhgness and very good edge holding.
Planing to get some other Native LW in the future Great knife

benben wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 09, 2025 6:54 pm

Been wanting to try a Green serrated LC200N Salt.

I contemplate buying a Native Salt SE everytime a sale comes up. Really enjoy my Native 5 LW in DLC s30v, don't know why I keep putting off buying one with teeth.


The Native 5 LW is a joy to use, but I never love it more than when I take it apart to clean it.

WilliamMunny wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 09, 2025 3:38 pm

Agree, I have a Native 5 LW Maxamet that while not flashy, just is the definition of a good classic knife.

+1

That knife is just totally perfect for what it is. I don't use mine at all since I like to carry a large folder, but I take it out of the box sometimes just to handle it. There is something just right about all the dimensions, the way it handles. Sal just nailed that one.

I don't actually know if mine is the LW version but it is the Native 5 Maxamet Sprint Run if I recall. Grey scales.

kobold wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 09, 2025 2:43 pm

The Native is the No1 in my book. My summer rotation is mostly the Natives (and the Chap for urban carry only a couple of times a week). Does everything I want, nothing I don't.

I agree. Great blend of size and function.
Many great Spyderco‘s but N5 is in my book the favorite.
Would love to see a sprint run in red and green G10 (each color per side) and Micro Melt PD1.

benben wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 09, 2025 6:54 pm

I have an old G-10 S35VN, built like a little tank, it’ll be one that will be with me till the end.

I just bought an S35VN with full liners and G10 on ebay. It hasn't arrived yet. But I had been looking for one for awhile at a decent price. I'm looking forward to trying it out. I was not a fan of the LW Native 5. I generally prefer knives with a little more substance to them

I tried the lightweight version and didn't like it. I took a chance and purchased a set of blemished AWT scales and they completely transform the knife. 10/10!

8th_Note wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 16, 2025 1:31 pm

benben wrote: ↑

Mon Jun 09, 2025 6:54 pm

I have an old G-10 S35VN, built like a little tank, it’ll be one that will be with me till the end.

I just bought an S35VN with full liners and G10 on ebay. It hasn't arrived yet. But I had been looking for one for awhile at a decent price. I'm looking forward to trying it out. I was not a fan of the LW Native 5. I generally prefer knives with a little more substance to them

n51.jpg
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You're gonna love it! Ounce for ounce it has to be one of Spyderco's stoutest / strongest knives!

The Native 5 LW in S35VN was probably my second or third Spyderco and I still love the design, even though it has fallen out of my regular work knife rotation in recent years (it's been supplanted by the Lil' Temperance 3 LW in K390, which fits my hand just a bit better and comes in an excellent steel that is unfortunately unavailable in the regular Native 5 line-up). The Native 5 is just a solid working folder overall, and in terms of aesthetics, it's probably my favourite Spyderco folder, with its beautiful flowing lines. It's als a great "folding mule" platform for trying out many of the steels in Spyderco's production line-up, as there are currently regular production models in S30V, S90V, S110V, SPY27, Maxamet, MagnaCut, and LC200N, and an upcoming production model in Cru-Wear.

S90v fluted CF is hands down one of my favourite. Every time I carry it I always think that if I had one spyderco to pick to be the one and only it would certainly be in the running.
Love to get my hands on a magnacut LW but hard to find in Canada.

I like the Native 5 but only have two lightweight models in SPY27 and S110V . Eventually the S90V CF and a Magnacut SE will probably happen . I like a smaller knife in right pocket for close up cuts and frees up my left for larger knives . MG2

Native 5 is a great working knife. Not as fun and sometimes I mis blade length, but practical to carry and great ergonomics.
Only the LW version for me makes sense.

I got the Maxamet with AWT scales and a Magnacut Salt SE. Considering a 15V LW.

I like the Native 5, both lightweight and G10. I'm hoping to add a 15V variant to the group when it comes out.

A friend of mine said something like, "the Native 5 is the best pocket knife for knifing" and I heartfully agree.
It's my favorite Spyderco model these days. Variants of the Native 5 probably make up a quarter of my knife collection.
The Native 5 is a masterclass on ergonomics. It's like it was made for my hand. I've never felt like I had to figure out how to hold it. It just works without any conscious thought on my part whatsoever. It's a masterpiece. Even the lightweight Native 5s are brilliantly designed. I don't think any Spyderco is easier to take apart and clean than the Native 5 lightweight.