BM 735 or Sp. Native?

ejt

ejt

Joined
Feb 5, 2002
Messages
89
Love the solid feel, nice hand fit, 440V, and easy price of the Spyderco Native. Love the lines, appearance, appeal of the BM 735, black blade, and 154 CM ain't chopped liver (but can chop livers). If this were simply a practical matter (which we all refuse to admit, even to our therapists, it isn't!), the Native, at half the price & all the performance, would win. Who can tell me why I should be an idiot & spend twice as much for the 735? ;) Any users with real world advice on the BM axis locks or the 730/735 in particular? Native feels pretty solid when it locks....

What I really need is for you to tell me I can only hold one at a time, the money looks better in my pocket than the knife, just use the ones I have until they wear out, and then get the cheapest one that works. Repeat after me: It's only a tool. It's only a tool. It's only.....
 
There are a couple of reasons to choose a 735. It has a larger handle that can provide a number of different grips. It also has a longer blade and cutting edge which could come in handy. Finally, the axis lock is smoother and quicker opening (it is also a bit less likely to cut your fingers).
 
I'll chime in for the Native. I have one and it is an amzing knife. The nice choil on the blade means that you won't ever be cut by the blade closing (spydie's locks are very strong, so i can't see that being an issue anyway). It also is simple (no omega springs to break) and very well designed. The blade shape is excellent for most uses and the CPM440V is a stellar edge holder. I continually fall in love with this knife...
 
I have both I really like the axis lock.

Still I would have to say get the Native, I use it a LOT more, don't quite know why.

Ben
 
The Native might just be the best buy in knives of it's type, and the company can't be beat. The BM 73X is a good design well executed, the axis lock is fairly simple (springs exist in lockbacks, after all), from a solid American company. Buy the one you really want, you don't need an excuse ;)
 
ET,
I’ll try to explain the difference because BM 730 Ares (and clones) and SPYDERCO Native are very different knives. Steel choice, lock format and handling comfort is the question mostly of individual preferences. Both manufacturers make top-notched quality products and you can rely on SPYDERCO back lock as well as on BENCHMADE axis lock.

The main difference is in knife basic construction. The 730 Ares is “full-program” folder with the machined G-10 handle supported with double steel liners. The Native is lightweight folder with injection molded handle of glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite and without any metal liners at all. This makes Native lighter and less expensive in manufacturing. On the other hand this makes Ares initially stronger on hard use or probable abuse. Please note that 730 is also twice heavier than Native.

So this comparison is some kind of apples versus oranges. Much more adequate would be comparisons like BENCHMADE Ares versus SPYDERCO Temperance or, say, BM Ascent series lightweights vs. SPYDERCO Native. In this case also prices would be comparable.

For usual daily tasks the strength of decently made lightweight folder is quite enough, so the decision depends on what you are awaiting from your tool. No question that “full-program” folder can do more than lightweight one, the question is only how much do you need.
Because you are quite right – all knives are tools only and no one can perform your tasks instead of yourself.
 
I was recently debating between the same two knives. I chose the Native simply based on price. I'll probably end up with both, but for around $50 you get the 440V, excellent ergo's, cool grinds, lightweight, and I must admit I have a fondness for lockbacks, and Spyderco does them very well.
-Paul
 
I'd go with the 730 series. It's a solid overall performer. The fact that it has been introduced in so many different "incarnations" would seem to indicate that it has been a very good seller for BM.
 
I got a Spyderedge Native in the mail this morn, i don't have a 730, but i do have a couple of BM's. First of all, the Native looks like a top-quality piece, i was expecting cheap-looking FRN, but it actually looks a lot better than the standard volcano-pattern. Also i've come to expect much better fit and finish on Spyderco knives than Benchmade, reasons to buy the BM would be the axis lock (slick, solid feel, easy to use, but i'm not convinced it will stand up to the amount of abuse a good lock-back like the Native will) and perhaps handle comfort (depends on what you find more comfortable), personally i don't think you could go wrong with either, the 730 has the axis lock and the Native is a Spyderco.
Happy shopping :)
 
If FRN is'nt your thing, or you don't think it's strong enough. you could go for the Native II.
AUS-10 blade and all stainless steel handle!

And don't forget the Spydeco thumbhole for easy opening.

Happy hunting,
Allen.
 
Both are great knives, but I put them in different categories. The 73X is a hard use/defensive blade, while I see the Native as more of a lighter use knife. Without liners, the Native won't be as strong as the BM, and I've heard of a lot of fragile, 440V Native tips breaking.

I have a 730CFHS and a blue inlay Native and carry both. The Native is much more sheeple friendly and is great for small tasks. The 730CFHS is closer to a full-size, all-around use knife.

The Native handle has that point in the middle that I began to find uncomfortable after using it a lot, so I reshaped the handle and I find it much more comfortable now. I've also found 440V to be a bitch to sharpen, while I don't have a problem with M2 or 154CM.

Both are great knives, but I carry my 730 more.
 
I agree with SM's "full program" folder assessment. These are two very different knives in many ways.., but also both very nice pieces.

The only problems I've ever had with an Axis Lock is "lint" that can goof up the mechanism, but the lock is definitely strong. Exremely strong!

For most folks.., I'd say the Native will do anything you ever have to do with a knife, so it just becomes a matter of what you want, and how much you are willing to pay.., but I do think it's an apples and oranges deal given the obvious advantage of the double steel liners of the 730. If you are someone that is gonna really beat up on any EDC you carry.., then I'd go with the BM.., but I really doubt that most need anything more than a Native.


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
Another vote for the Native.

Price is very reasonable for this knife. I have also found that many KnifeKnuts use the Native as their work carry. That must count for something, shouldn't it?;)
 
I have two Natives (FRN and G-10). The Native is a great knife design, well executed by Spyderco. You wouldn't be disappointed!!!
 
Do I get to vote twice in this revived thread? These two knives are really not in the same catagory. The Native is a small utility knife and the 73X is a full-blown tactical/utility/serious-use-type knife. Yes, you will pay twice as much for the Ares, but you ultimately get what you pay for.;)
 
I will have chime in and vote for the 730. I have one of the limited run ones with the carbon fiber handles and M2 blade. It is one awesome piece and gets more pocket time than any knife I own.
 
The Native FRN plainedge, my favourite all-purpose knife (right now, at least). The BM 730 is nice, I thought of buying one recently, tried one in the store, but didn't buy.

Why the Native over the 730? The Native is/has: cheaper, better grip/ergonomics, thinner handle for IWB carry, lighter weight, plenty strong in blade and lock and handle, better blade length for me, thumb-hole is better than thumb-stud, ... and I just like it better, regardless of price.
 
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