Native 5 lightweight just hasn't grown on me am I alone?

S

SBaker34

Joined
Jun 16, 2010
Messages
793
I ordered a pair of forum native 5s, one had pivot looseness, and a issue with a screw, so it needs to go back, but even with my perfect copy, I'm not in love, the good copy feels pretty smooth and has a nice backlock click. But it feels a compromise, The linerless FRN flexes giving it a less than premium feel., I question the additional strength the backlock provides without liners. I'm just not completely sold, and honestly scared to buy a lightweight s110v manix because of it. I'm not sure if its the linerless backlock deployment I dislike or the linerless FRN itself.
 
I bought a Forum Native 5 recently and have no problems with the fit or finish. It is a nice knife BUT I just don't get excited about handles less than about 4 1/2 " and blades less than about 3 1/2 ". I have a few such as a Salt 1 and Tasman which I carry on a wade belt fishing. I have a Delica which is also too small for my preference.
That's my issue not the knife. I probably won't buy another smaller blade tho.
 
I don't think you're alone, and you might not even be in the minority, but Spyderco gets MANY requests for linerless FRN/G10 via their forum. For me, I don't mind the extra weight liners carry for the rigidity they provide, so I guess I'm with you on that one. However, I'm confident Spyderco did ample testing to ensure that you needn't be "worried" about any of their designs, but you're correct that it's a compromise, and maybe not one you prefer. As a side note, I do have to say that this run of Forum knives seems to be having F&F/assembly issues, which is unfortunate.
 
Different strokes for different folks.

For me, the Native LW is an ideal fit. I've used both liner-less Native and Manix2 LW's in cutting up lots of old carpet recently and both performed flawlessly, especially the Manix2 in S110V.
 
I bought a native light wight and didn't like it at all . Felt cheap and didn't like the blade finish that said I feel the same for the manix and the dragon fly in FRN . I just don't like the way they feel in hand . I do like the FRN on the Delica and the Endura . In my opinion if you don't like the feel of the Native you won't like the manix LW once I get a G10 knife and like it it's hard to get use to a same grip with different wight . The Spyderco light wight is not for every one . So I guess that make three of us .
 
I don't have the forum Native, but rather a regular Native 5 lightweight. When I first got it I was very unimpressed with the scales, they didn't feel as nice as my Enduras. I like the lightweight and knife a lot, and I have gotten used to the scales. I don't notice flex, but I could see how they might seem cheap. Still a great knife, but I'm looking into new scales.
 
For me it's a perfect EDC folder; light, flat, great blade steel. I had no delusions about the FRN handles because I have many other Spyderco models with them and like them fine. I'll put it this way, I have the CF S110V model as well, but I'm more likely to carry the LW for the reasons I gave above. Put it in the pocket and it disappears but it's there when needed. I think the lightweight is a great option to the other Native 5 models and fits nicely into the lineup.
 
FW JSB said:
For me it's a perfect EDC folder; light, flat, great blade steel. I had no delusions about the FRN handles because I have many other Spyderco models with them and like them fine. I'll put it this way, I have the CF S110V model as well, but I'm more likely to carry the LW for the reasons I gave above. Put it in the pocket and it disappears but it's there when needed. I think the lightweight is a great option to the other Native 5 models and fits nicely into the lineup.
Click to expand...

^^ I agree... It is a refined, light weight, lower cost iteration of a successful G10 model. I like mine quite a lot.

On the other hand to the OP, I hear what you are saying. Some models sometimes just don't resonate with me. I have a Superblue Delica for instance, and even though I love the steel, and have no problem with the Delica platform, it just does not get carried often, not really sure why. Maybe because I like the Superblue Stretch more. Hopefully one day I will rediscover it.
 
I just have the Native LW and love it. I got it on a trade from my brother who never carried it.

Sometimes it gets pocket time over my PM2, Sebenza, and other models.

The only complaint is that my hands sometimes feels to big when I'm opening it. Once open it feels very nice. I would give it an 8/10 and would love to try the 5 with the ffg but don't think it would be that much of a difference
 
For straight up EDC I have never had issues with linerless and in some ways prefer it. Both have advantages but at the end of the day, even the FRN models like the Delica4 etc with steel liners will not hold well to "hard use" and abuse anyway. For my cutting and slicing UTILITY tasks, either will do.

Been using linerless Natives for over a decade with no issues. Carried a Pac Salt yesterday and it did just fine. But hey, there are options because everyone is different.
 
^
Mind you there are only what... four Spyderco models that are linerless in their entire catalog? Easy solution there.......
 
I haven't handled a FRN Native 5 yet but I'm planning on eventually getting one in SE. I do have a CF/S110V Native 5 sprint and maybe it's because it's not broken in but I'm not all that impressed with its mechanics. It's a very stiff lock which puts pressure on the blade when opening, the lock is hard to press and needs to be pressed in very deep compared to all the other back locks ive had. Although i like the blade shape and feeling in hand, it's a very heavy knife for its size too so I'm very interested in handling a lightweight.
 
Seeing how many they still have in stock I'd say quite a few agree with you.

I haven't bought one yet..the Native is cool knife but sometimes it seems Spyderco is infatuated with the Native as a forum knife..there have been 6 Forum Natives done.

They probably made 1200 of these so they will be easy to get for awhile.
 
i don't own this forum one,but have there black FRN version,never a problem,but the spring seems rather strong!more so then on any other version of the native 5!even the G10 model has weaker spring tension then this model!maybe some thing to do with heat treatment to the springs,but over all i like this LW version of the 5.
 
I preordered the LW Native day they became available at GPknives. I got one of the first shipment of 25 they got. (I called and tried to get another one when mine shipped but they were all spoken for.)

I love mine. The bi-directional FRN is great when your hands are wet. And it's easy to pull out of your pocket. It doesn't scare people yet gets the job done. It's light and carries well.

The only thing I'd like is a lower ride in the pocket.
 
Last edited:
I understand the FRN handles feeling light and flexible, but tbh I've never experienced any issues. Of all the spydercos I've owned and carried, the LW Native has been the one that felt the most put-together and solid of the bunch. It locks with authority and has fantastic ergos and a great-shaped blade. I'd like to think it would grow on your the more you use it.
 
I am spoiled by the Native 5 G10 and just haven't felt the need to try a lightweight. I'd take one, but I doubt it would kick the G10 out of my pocket. It's my favorite Spyderco to date.
 
No Native has grown on me because the Caly 3.5 is just a superior knife. I really wish they would start this knife back but in Golden. I truly believe that if the Caly 3.5 had gotten all the preferential treatment the Native gets it would be appreciated for its greatness
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top