Just got a Native

Full Tang Clan · Jan 21, 2001

I just picked up my CPM 440V lightweight Native today. It is such a terrific knife.

I was amazed at the opening/closing smoothness, and one handed closing has never been easier on a lockback. Even the FRN handles -- usually unexciting on any other brand of knife -- are great with the web-motif grip.

I must admit that I was horrified to see the blade come down towards my thumb when I was trying a one handed close with the edge pointing down. Phew! I was saved by that little choil by the tang. It is a great safety feature and it saved me a band-aid!

My only question is about the surface grinds of the blade finish. It seems be radiate in a multitude of directions almost like a light stone-wash finish. Is it supposed to be like that?

I'm used to the "clean" looking satin finishes, or bead blasts so I'm not sure whether this is a blade finish specific to Spyderco Natives.

Flood · Jan 21, 2001

Congratulations! You just got what I consider to be the best Spyderco knife, both in quality for money (where else can you get a CPM440V blade for $40?) and overall. You're really going to enjoy this knife!

To answer your question about the blade finish, I think that this is a characteristic inherent to CPM440V steel (at least as grinded by Spyderco). I also possess a Starmate, and the blade also looks similar in this way to the Native. I figure that it has to do with the steel properties, which possesses larger grain sizes. IMHO, it makes the knife look even more special and high quality. Anybody care to correct/inform/educate me?

-Flood

Full Tang Clan · Jan 21, 2001

Hey, thanks Flood! For a second, I was afraid that my knife may have been "around the block a few times". However, I guess the multi grind lines is a trait of Spyderco's CPM 440V blades.

It must be a great knife if you are that excited for me.

I'm assuming you have one too. Were you also blown away by the smoothness of opening/closing of this knife?

Unbelieveaable. I don't know if it's their best knife, but it is certainly a sleeper.

[This message has been edited by Full Tang Clan (edited 01-21-2001).]

Flood · Jan 22, 2001

Yup! Mine was also smooth as silk out of the box. It was my first Spydie and still my favorite! So much so that now I own 2 Blue BF G-10 Natives plain, 2 shell-inlay G-10 Natives plain, and one FRN Native. I almost always carry one in my right pocket.

The Native is a real gem of a design. It has so many advantages over other knives, IMO. If you do a search with my username, I'm sure you will find a wealth of info. on why this piece is so terrific.

Enjoy!

-Flood