If only 1 Native, which one?

Blue G10 if you can find one,if not the only way to go is the S30V PE.
 
S30V PE for sure.
VG10 is nice and sharp, but the S30V is an aggressive cutter.
 
That's a simple one: the S30V PE. The S30V is the best steel available so far and the PE is easy to maintain and sharpen. Besides, I like more the regular clip than the wire one at the VG-10 model.
 
For EDC, I'd also have to vote for the S30V PE one, smoothest action of any I've tried and the thinner handle makes it less noticeable in the pocket than the Native III. On the other hand, if I had a LOT of cutting to do, I'd probably grab the Native III because of the more hand fillng handle.
 
It doesn't exist yet. The plain-edged, S30V-steeled version with the flatter handle (like the current Native I), but the smoother upper swedge (like the current Native III), and the volcano-textured Fiberglass/Nylon handles (like the Delica).

Get that one.
 
Originally posted by thombrogan
It doesn't exist yet. The plain-edged, S30V-steeled version with the flatter handle (like the current Native I), but the smoother upper swedge (like the current Native III), and the volcano-textured Fiberglass/Nylon handles (like the Delica).

Get that one.
Click to expand...
I'd buy one.
 
I bought a pair of Natives as my first Spyderco knives. I bought the older one in VG-10 and the Native III in S30V with the intention of comparing the steels as well as the handle and blade shapes.

I love the look and feel of both knives. The older Native is more "pocketable" and the newer one is more comfortable in the hand. I think the Native III blade design is just a touch more pretty. The blade and handle shape of both knives is very appealing to me and is what prompted me to buy them (although I wouldn't have bought them if they weren't both premium steel blades).

As far as the steel goes, I haven't completed my comparison yet. The archery season for deer is open here and I arrowed a little 3-point buck last week. I used the VG-10 Native to field dress the deer. The knife was viciously sharp and stayed that way through the job. BUT, when I got home and cleaned the knife, I noticed two very, very tiny nicks in the blade edge. I don't remember contacting any bone or anything else that would have nicked the blade.

I got out the Sharpmaker and the diamond rods to work out the nicks. It took a little bit of time, but they're gone and the blade is extremely (!) sharp. I took that knife out of my hunting kit and replaced it with the S30V Native III. I'm anxious to get back out hunting so I can finish my comparison test!

Take it easy,
Bob Scott
 
I bought a pair of Natives as my first Spyderco knives. I bought the older one in VG-10 and the Native III in S30V with the intention of comparing the steels as well as the handle and blade shapes.

I love the look and feel of both knives. The older Native is more "pocketable" and the newer one is more comfortable in the hand. I think the Native III blade design is just a touch more pretty. The blade and handle shape of both knives is very appealing to me and is what prompted me to buy them (although I wouldn't have bought them if they weren't both premium steel blades).

As far as the steel goes, I haven't completed my comparison yet. The archery season for deer is open here and I arrowed a little 3-point buck last week. I used the VG-10 Native to field dress the deer. The knife was viciously sharp and stayed that way through the job. BUT, when I got home and cleaned the knife, I noticed two very, very tiny nicks in the blade edge. I don't remember contacting any bone or anything else that would have nicked the blade.

I got out the Sharpmaker and the diamond rods to work out the nicks. It took a little bit of time, but they're gone and the blade is extremely (!) sharp. I took that knife out of my hunting kit and replaced it with the S30V Native III. I'm anxious to get back out hunting so I can finish my comparison test!

Take it easy,
Bob Scott
 
native II, with the SS handles, i never took a liking to linerless FRN/G10 handles..
 
Another vote for the Native with S30V blade.
I love my Native III Forum knife with VG-10 too... but I like the S30V steel much better.
 
Well, thanks for the input. I got a native with s30v PE. This is one HELL of a knife for the money. I am soon to put it through its paces. I was always hesitant to get a knife with frn, but i kindof like it. Later, Josh
 
Newknifeguy,

Careful. Spydercos, especially those with FRN, Titanium, G-10, Stainless steel, Kraton-containing, and Micarta handles are addicting. The rest are safe, though.
 
I received a Native III yesterday from a trade, and I REALLY like this knife!..It feels really good in my hand.
 
For anyone who has a FRN Native III - has anyone noticed the following behavior: (?)

I bought my first one in June, and used it quite a bit, and loved it. A couple weeks later, while at a BBQ, my wife borrowed it to split apart some ribs because the knife she was given to use was so dull. Afterward, I did my best to clean out the sauce from the pivot, but it seemed to stay open (even if the blade was only 1/2" from the handle). So, rather than have it open in my pocket, I sent it to Spyderco for cleaning/service. They ended up sending me a brand new one, which was fine with me.

Here's what I noticed with the replacement. With almost no time spent as EDC or use of any kind, I noticed the same "stay open" behavior sometimes. There was no debris in the mechanism, but *sometimes* it would not snap shut like it should. It finally occurred to me that it only happened after it had been in my pocket (i.e. next to my warm body) for a while. Then, if I pulled it out to see if it would snap shut, it wouldn't. By comparison, if I left it on the counter for a while (i.e. away from body heat), the "stay open" behavior would go away, and it would snap shut even when the blade was over 1" away from the handle.

So, it seems (!?) like maybe the components would expand when warm, and then as a result, there is too much friction to allow the blade to snap shut - until the knife cooled off.

As I write this, that new (replacement) Native III is on its way to Colorado, with essentially this theory passed along in an accompanying note. As to what happens next, well, I'll find out.

But I'm wondering - has anyone else noticed a problem with the blade not snapping shut like it should?
 
I just checked my Native III, and I don't find any problems...There is plenty of tension on the spring in mine, and it snaps shut with vigor.
 
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