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BRK Native
- Thread starter u812
- Start date
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2001
- Messages
- 1,794
I have to admit that although I was disappointed in the ones I saw (due to not being of the Spyderco quality I've come to expect), I am happy with the one I kept, and I may even get another. Yes, it is a good "beater" knife, but also represents a "collector's piece" of sorts. One which Spyderco might want to forget, but one nonetheless! 
I think it's worth the $24, and is about middle of the pack compared with other pocketknives of the same price. For the record, those to whom I sold my other five are very happy with them. (Of course, the one I kept was one of the better ones.) All six locked up tight and were safe, but had varying degrees of "smoothness."
Again, a serious collector should consider getting an example. Native collectors have more reason. I believe these are the only Spydies with 440A steel, the blade etch is cool, and the story behind them is instructive. Something tells me Spyderco won't ever do this again.
Karl
I think it's worth the $24, and is about middle of the pack compared with other pocketknives of the same price. For the record, those to whom I sold my other five are very happy with them. (Of course, the one I kept was one of the better ones.) All six locked up tight and were safe, but had varying degrees of "smoothness."Again, a serious collector should consider getting an example. Native collectors have more reason. I believe these are the only Spydies with 440A steel, the blade etch is cool, and the story behind them is instructive. Something tells me Spyderco won't ever do this again.
Karl
glockman99
RIP Dann, you were a good guy.
- Joined
- Jun 12, 2000
- Messages
- 21,269
To be totally honest; Since those BRK Natives came out, I'm afraid to buy a Native "sight-un-scene" for fear that it won't be a "true" Spyderco, with the TRUE Spyderco quality that I've come to know...
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2001
- Messages
- 1,794
Things to watch for which would indicate a "First Generation BRK (Blue Ridge Knives) Native":
"first gen"
440A steel
BRK (or, "Blue Ridge Knives")
"made for Spyderco by Camillus"
the blade etch announces "First Gen BRK"
That's about it, I think. Technically, the locking/pivot area of the tang is smaller (possibly less strong?) on these as well, but some folks wouldn't honestly know that difference. Also, the tops of the FRN handles are sometimes ground down to better "match" the tops of the open blades and rocker bar. As has been mentioned, the steel finishing is not as good.
For a serious working knife, the GIN-1 Natives (100% Spyderco made) are miles ahead. Get a used one in good shape for about ten dollars more.
The "First Gen BRK Natives" are merely "serviceable $25 knives" with the Spyderco name on them. If you collect Natives it's a cool piece for the price. If you value Spyderco quality, it's anywhere from "a decent beater," to "interesting," to "junk." 
Spyderco messed up on this one. Maybe they should have offered the blades alone for sale for those who wanted to play with them?
Or just buy the knife and tear it up for the blade! Craft your own "custom" piece, if you have the tools, ability, and desire. Use the rocker lock bar, or maybe it would make a better linerlock? For an easier job, make it a slipjoint! You could do worse.
Unless you're a "440A is barely good enough for my spoons steel snob."
Karl
"first gen"
440A steel
BRK (or, "Blue Ridge Knives")
"made for Spyderco by Camillus"
the blade etch announces "First Gen BRK"
That's about it, I think. Technically, the locking/pivot area of the tang is smaller (possibly less strong?) on these as well, but some folks wouldn't honestly know that difference. Also, the tops of the FRN handles are sometimes ground down to better "match" the tops of the open blades and rocker bar. As has been mentioned, the steel finishing is not as good.
For a serious working knife, the GIN-1 Natives (100% Spyderco made) are miles ahead. Get a used one in good shape for about ten dollars more.
The "First Gen BRK Natives" are merely "serviceable $25 knives" with the Spyderco name on them. If you collect Natives it's a cool piece for the price. If you value Spyderco quality, it's anywhere from "a decent beater," to "interesting,"
to "junk." Spyderco messed up on this one. Maybe they should have offered the blades alone for sale for those who wanted to play with them?
Or just buy the knife and tear it up for the blade!
Craft your own "custom" piece, if you have the tools, ability, and desire. Use the rocker lock bar, or maybe it would make a better linerlock? For an easier job, make it a slipjoint! You could do worse. Unless you're a "440A is barely good enough for my spoons steel snob."
Karl