How tough is Native III?

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x2x3x2

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Aug 26, 2006
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What do u guys think of the Spyderco Native III for most camping tasks?

I was thinkin to either get that or the LM e305x.

Native III is VG10, e305x is 154CM, which one would u guys take?

How does the Native "front lock" mechanism work?

Also, for the combo edge blades, how do i sharpen it?
 
I love my Native but for most camping tasks I use a bigger blade like an Endura, or Manix. A Native in S30V is my current EDC and I am very pleased with it, but it's short blade length hurts at most outdoor camp type tasks. For a small pocket knife it is an excellent value. I would also recommend a waved Delica 4 for a small workhorse.
 
Cool, so u have a Native III, they come in S30V? i only managed to find them in VG10 tho...

Anyway, how does the front lock mechanism work on the Native? How does it compare to liner lock style?
 
Sorry, I screwed up I have a Native I in S30V, not a Native III in VG-10. Apparently the III only comes in VG10

I would get the VG10 bladed model if you can find it. I like the S30V model, but prefer Spyderco's VG-10 - it gets sharper and sharpens easier.

The lock is the typical lock back spyderco - the best inexpensive lockbak in the industry. Great knife although I am gaining an appreciation for my waved Delica 4 - What a tough little knife!!! Check out a Delica 4 if they have it.

Some prefer the Native's finger choil, some like the more traditional grip of the Delica. I like them both.

Also, I would not buy a combo edge Native - blade too short.
 
The Native is plenty tough for real knife duty. It feels nice and solid. However, its lack of liners makes it a questionable choice in a hard use application.

I think, in real life, the Native is plenty tough...

But if you really need a TOUGH knife for not much dough, you need a D`allara Drop Point. Poor man's Manix, most definitely.
 
The Native III has exceptional ergonomics, with the rounder handle, a trait it shares with the D'Allara drop point. I don't think the lack of liners leaves it weak, though.

The Native is not a large knife. You might want something with a 4" blade for camping, but the Native is great for daily use, and the forward finger choil gives you tremendous precision in using the tip.

I wouldn't recommend a combination edge for camping. Depending on how well equipped you mean to be, a saw, hatchet, large fixed blade, or even a small second folder with full serrations might be a good idea.

When in doubt, you can always fall back on Spyderco's longtime flagship model, the Endura (or its smaller version, the Delica). The latest incarnation, the Endura 4 and Delica 4 have steel liners and a less delicate tip. You can also get them in a spearpoint version as the Endura Wave and Delica Wave.
 
Thanks for the recommendation on D`allara, will check that out.

Btw, how will the lack of liners affect the use? Im pretty new to this, sorry =p Does this mean that the Native's blade does not lock in the open position n can close easily?
 
Liners have nothing to do with use. Two knives, otherwise identical, will work the same, but the one with liners will be somewhat heavier. To some people, this makes them seem sturdier, but the difference is often illusory. For really heavy work with a large knife, liners do stiffen the knife, which can prevent lock failure.
 
i see, thanks bro.. i just ordered a Manix actually... but i couldnt bring myself to abuse it =p so thats y im looking for a cheaper one, which i wont feel guilty abusing... im still a student so the Manix was a pretty expensive toy for me
 
I understand your concern for the Manix, but it can handle for more than the Endura, Delica, or Native in terms of abuse. ;)
 
x2x3x2 - USE YOUR MANIX!!! I would highly recommend that you not make it a safe queen. This knife was meant to be used and abused. IMO it is a waste of an awesome knife if you don't carry the Manix camping. I would understand if it were a $400+ knife, but come on it's only $115. Some shoes cost this much, would you not wear them if you owned them?? I use my Manix or Endura for camping. The Native is usually with me for smaller cutting chores, but nothing cuts like a Manix!!!
 
It would be a sin not to use the Manix. It's pretty close to the perfect folder for camping. That would be like Thor not using his hammer to smite his enemies, because he doesn't want to get it dirty. Be a god!!! Use the Manix!!!
 
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