Merry Christmas to you too, Colquhoun
For daily carry purposes, the price difference between the FRN Native and the G-10 version is certainly not justified.
The FRN Native is a great model. It sports a CPM 440V blade, just like the G-10 model, for a ridiculously low price (most CPM 440V knives out there cost $100+!). It is lighter, making it a more comfortable carry (although the G-10 model is heavier, it is not an uncomfortable carry). The handle doesn't feel cheap in my hands, and it sports a really cool looking Spydie-web pattern that also aids in providing traction, thus eliminating slippery conditions.
You've probably heard about the advantages of G-10. Even better traction control, more solid-looking, solid feel, etc. However, G-10 Natives were designed as collectors pieces, and although they would work great as daily carry, the price difference is quite substantial to make you think twice about carrying a limited edition model. For example, how would you feel if during hard-use, or if you dropped the knife, the tip would break or the blade scratches heavily? If you bought the FRN version, which is very reasonably priced at around $43, you wouldn't care as much. If you bought the $132 G-10 version, you'd probably feel pretty bummed. I know I would.
Bottom line is: G-10 versions were designed as collectors pieces, FRN as daily-carry hard-use knives. I am such a big fan of the Native, that I decided to buy TWO BF Blue G-10 versions, one for collecting and one for daily carry (both with replacement silver clips), TWO black G-10 shell inlay Natives, again one for collecting and one for daily carry, and ONE FRN Native, to which I show no mercy. If I had to make your decision, I would go for the FRN Native without even pausing to think. In conclusion, both function just as well, so for daily carry and beating-up purposes, the FRN Native is the best choice hands down.
As for Sammie: The only other G-10 Native model out there is the BF (Bladeforums) Native with a BLUE G-10 handle. It is a limited-run collectors piece made not too long ago, only 500 made (250 plain and 250 serrated). You must post in the "Knives Wanted To Buy" section to have a chance at getting one. That's how I got mine. They are NOT cheap (around $125).
Good luck to you both! You've both chosen a heck of a knife.
-Flood
