Recommendation? Native 5 ergos vs TRM Shadow

B

benhar

Joined
Apr 17, 2012
Messages
92
Can anyone speak to the ergos of the Native 5 vs TRM Shadow? I know there’s some apples and oranges here, but I’m specifically looking for something ergonomic with a finger choil, and comfortable in a pocket that’s shared with a cell phone. Wanted to like the Para 3, but I think I prefer a flat spine versus the hump.

For what it’s worth I scored a Pyrite for $40 a couple weeks ago, and ergonomically it’s just about perfect for me. Just haven’t decided if I want to stick with a budget blade or not.

Thanks!
 
Spyderco's Native 5 is a brilliant design IMHO (mine is in S35Vn). Light, very solid back lock, useful blade, easy opening (Spydie hole), almost forget it's in your pocket.
 
Native lightweight is a total homerun. My favorite spyderco design and I much prefer it to the pm3. Fantastic lock back and quick and easy one hand operation especially when the action breaks in.

I’ve only handled TRMs so can’t speak to pocket time but they have a pretty big following
 
benhar said:
Can anyone speak to the ergos of the Native 5 vs TRM Shadow? I know there’s some apples and oranges here, but I’m specifically looking for something ergonomic with a finger choil, and comfortable in a pocket that’s shared with a cell phone. Wanted to like the Para 3, but I think I prefer a flat spine versus the hump.

For what it’s worth I scored a Pyrite for $40 a couple weeks ago, and ergonomically it’s just about perfect for me. Just haven’t decided if I want to stick with a budget blade or not.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
If you're a fan of the Pyrite, you might want to check out some of the special edition upgraded versions. Do a web search for "Perfect Pyrite" and check out some of the varieties that CJRB is offering at that Kickstarter. Also, a lot of knife vendors have limited edition versions of the Pyrite, for instance Knifecenter has a Pyrite with titanium bolsters and black micarta inlays. The number of knives that Artisan/CJRB can churn out is staggering. I was kind of out on Artisan/CJRB until I bought the Knifecenter Pyrite and I really like that particular knife.

To answer your question; I don't have a Shadow but I have a TRM Neutron and several different flavors of Natives. The Native is my favorite Spyderco and I'd say the ergos between the Native and the Neutron are fairly similar. I don't have one, but I suspect the Neutron 2 (Newtron) with the ability to lap the liners and have sculpted scales would have better ergos than the Native. I've heard the Shadow has the ergos of a Neutron 2 with a finger choil. Hope this helps.
 
Thanks all! Not sure if I’ll keep it but I saw Shadows available on TRM’s site and jumped. I think my biggest concern is the $$$, because my Bugout recently jumped out of my pocket who knows where, not sure I deserve an even nicer knife!

Figure worst case sell it to hopefully break even.
 
benhar said:
Can anyone speak to the ergos of the Native 5 vs TRM Shadow? I know there’s some apples and oranges here, but I’m specifically looking for something ergonomic with a finger choil, and comfortable in a pocket that’s shared with a cell phone. Wanted to like the Para 3, but I think I prefer a flat spine versus the hump.

For what it’s worth I scored a Pyrite for $40 a couple weeks ago, and ergonomically it’s just about perfect for me. Just haven’t decided if I want to stick with a budget blade or not.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
I say you answered your own inquiry by your declaration about the Pyrite. It's prefect for you, so why replace what already suits you? Calling something budget doesn't make it valueless. Stick with what you have and already love and I guaranty you, you'll thank me later.
 
benhar said:
Thanks all! Not sure if I’ll keep it but I saw Shadows available on TRM’s site and jumped. I think my biggest concern is the $$$, because my Bugout recently jumped out of my pocket who knows where, not sure I deserve an even nicer knife!

Figure worst case sell it to hopefully break even.
Click to expand...
How has your longterm use of the Shadow been vs the Native 5? I love my native 5 and also have a nerd that I love. I’m considering the shadow or a bulldog at the moment. The bulldog looks more like the native 5 shape just looking at it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top