Fluted TI Native 5

[yablanowitz]

A few days back, Sal asked if I would review something for him. I replied that I would be honored to do so, and a short time later the UPS man dropped off a package from Golden. In it was the new Fluted Titanium Native 5.















While I'm not the pickiest person around, I went over the knife closely (far more closely than I normally do) and didn't find anything to fault in the fit and finish. In fact, the bit of jimping on the end of the lockbar is so well done that I didn't even notice that little touch on my first look.





Overall length is 6 7/8" open, with the blade length being 2 15/16" to let it pass where blade length is legislated to below 3". The handle is on the thick side, measuring 0.412" at the thickest point excluding the clip. The phosphur bronze washers are visible through the clip screw holes, which might be a path for dirt to enter the pivot area, but should provide a handy path to flush it out as well. The edge was ground at 25° included which, while shaving sharp out of the box, proved a bit too thin for the S35VN to stand up to our local hardwoods. At least the edge rolled rather than chipping. The blade thickness behind the edge averaged 0.025" thick, rather chunky for my taste, but reasonable for a tactical knife, I suppose. It certainly minimized the damage caused by the knots in the ash that I used for testing. Once I cut a new secondary bevel at about 35° included, the knife cut quite well, with no further damage to the edge. It was surprisingly comfortable to use as well, with no noticeable hotspots in an hour of constant cutting on some very hard wood.

[yablanowitz]

In the past, I've never understood the love people have for titanium handles on knives. After handling the new fluted Ti version of the Native 5, well, I still don't. Not that it isn't a nice knife. It's pretty, even to the eyes of the non-knife people I've showed it off to. It's comfortable in hand, and the machined surface offers good purchase without being abrasive. It feels very solid and capable,and it performs well. At 118 grams, it is the same weight as a carbon fiber Military, a noteably light knife. Therein lies the rub for me.



Somehow, being the same weight as something that much bigger just doesn't make it feel very light to me. While it carries well enough in the pocket of jeans, it might not fare as well in dress slacks. I can't be certain, since I don't own any. The thick handle and square corners make it uncomfortable to carry clipped in waistband unless you favor loose pants held up by suspenders.

Overall, it's a nice, dressy knife that is also suitable for real use whether you're a cubicle dweller or a construction worker. I'm sure the Native fans and titanium fans will both be thrilled.

[rnbtexas]

That one is nice. I like the jimping on the blade - lock bar.

[kreole]

Does it feel chunky or blocky in the hand? The spine shot makes the handles look quite thick, and the edges don't seem beveled at all.

Thanks for the pictures

[Mike157]

Thanks for the great review and excellent pictures Jack. Seems like you covered all the bases. Anxiously awaiting the arrival of mine. Mike

[yablanowitz]

Does it feel chunky or blocky in the hand? The spine shot makes the handles look quite thick, and the edges don't seem beveled at all.

Thanks for the pictures

The handle is quite flat on the spine side, but nicely tapered on the belly. The flat back make a nice, broad surface for your thumb in a saber grip, which is about all I used with it.

[Steel130]

Looks nice. Nice write up as well. That is an awesome honor to have Sal sending you something, congrats!

[jtoler_9]

Thanks for the review. I have been wondering when we would see more. Any word on if this model will ever get a steel upgrade?

[PurpleGold]

I have the g10 native 5 and I absolutely love it. I can't wait to get my hands on the fluted ti version.

[Gadgetman7]

Great review. I routinely carry either 6 ounce multitool or large knife so the weight won't be a problem. I've been waiting for one of these for the cities that have a three inch limit. I just wonder when it's actually coming out.

[powernoodle]

I've never understood the love people have for titanium handles

I think its the bling factor, and just the subjective enjoyment of owning something that could have been made from a downed SR-71 Blackbird. Objectively, and in terms of functionality, I have a difficult time justifying titanium. It is heavier, less grippy and more spendy than G10, FRN or other traditional materials. The Native 5 titanium is certainly a good looking knife - and thats its forte - but I view it more as an artsy, blingy knife than one whose primary role in life is function. And there is nothing wrong with that. But I don't think we'll be seeing many of these on construction sites.

[austonh]

Certainly a beautiful knife

[gooeytek]

I need it. I need more titanium.

[FCM415]

Dang, it is beautiful. I know it's cliche round here but I gotta pull some tricks to elude the wife seriously...On the Native alone I got my eyes on the Fluted Ti, Native5 in FRN, and the supposed larger Native5 Titan. That's just for the Native series!

The fluted design should help with not only grip, but in offsetting scratches not to mention aesthetically it's niiice. Pocket jewelry that is also built like a tank. What's not to like?

[redfeenix]

Sal must really respect your opinion for him to send you such a beautiful knife, thanks for the pictures and the review. Short and to the point . Sadly I can't own one of these for a while, way too pricey. Is this a sprint Native or production?

[dark impaler]

...supposed larger Native5 Titan...

I'm all ears on that one. Was using my native 5 the other day
and just thought, man, wish the blade was a bit longer.

To yablanowitz, thanks so much for the review and pics.
Didn't realize that the spine would be so thick and block-like,
was thinking that the edges would be tapered like on the fluted
ti military. If that is the finally rendition of the design...now,
I'm having reservations about picking it up as a keeper, was
really looking forward to it, too.

[Algonquin]

Great review! I thought the G10 was a nice upgrade to the FRN, but the Ti takes the N5 to a whole new level.

[Sal Glesser]

Thanx much Jack. Appreciate the review.

sal

[N. Brian Huegel]

Good review Jack!

Impressive work from Three Rivers and Golden. I especially like the knurling that Halpern puts into the flutes. Their expertize is amazing. Just wait until you see their faceted handle on the Chaparral.

[viper89]

Love the Native especially with the ti. I want one and perhaps I will get one soon enough. Great review. Thanks.