Native 1 or the new Native III?

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May 8, 2007
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Okay, I'm thinking about getting a spyderco Native for outdoors when I go camping, hiking, and EDC. Should I get the one in vg10 or s30v? I have had a couple of good knives in s30v and I have nothing but good things to say about them. I never had any experience with the new v10 steel. Is the old native better than the Native 3? What the difference between the two besides looks and steel?
 
The Native III has a fuller rounded handle than the Native II's. It's a personal preference for some. As for me, I have large hands and the Native III fills them up better for me. Also, if you notice, the blade swedges are different as well. VG-10 is an excellent steel as well.
 
I would also suggest trying the Native 3 since you're talking about an outdoor knife for the most part. The handle on the Native 3 may be a bit more comfortable for hard or extended use. And VG10 steel is an excellent outdoor steel, IMAO.

I have 3 Native 1s. S30V makes a great blade, but the thin, flat handles make them less than useful to me because they're hard to hold and control. The only one I use has been modded to have a thick G10 handle.
 
I recieved a native 1 on a trade, and i do like the s30v it stays sharp for a long time. The handle is a bit awkward for me, and there is a bit of vertical play when locked. its still a great beater outdoor knife though. From what i hear the III has a better handle.
 
I have different opinion, I found the Native 1 handle fit me perfectly and VERY comfortable holding it, and I really like S30V steel. But since the OP is planning to use it outdoor, the bigger handle might do better.
 
I like my Native 1. No problems with the handle for my medium to large size hands. Plus it's made in the USA. Nothing wrong with VG-10 though, I'm sure the Native 3 is equally good. If cost is an issue you can pick the Native 1 up at some Wal Marts for $40, or order it from the website and pick it up in the local WM with no shipping fee.
 
I have both... I haven't noticed any performance difference as far as the blade steel goes. The grip is a personal thing, or situational thing... sometimes thinner is better; sometimes thicker and comfortable is cool.

One thing that I did notice: My Native opens fairly easily but my Native III is very stiff.

Get both! They're inexpensive!

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
pkdmslf said:
The Native III has a fuller rounded handle than the Native II's. It's a personal preference for some. As for me, I have large hands and the Native III fills them up better for me. Also, if you notice, the blade swedges are different as well. VG-10 is an excellent steel as well.
Click to expand...

Agree with all those. One other difference. The III has a wire clip. The I has a solid clip. I really really like the wire clip.

IIRC PKDMSLF said in one post that the Native III is his favorite of all his knives. And whether I remembered aright or not, the III is my favorite of my EDC blades and finds its way into my pocket more than any other.
 
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