Native 5 Opinions

Kalsu

Kalsu

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Joined
Oct 26, 2010
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I have been looking at various Native 5 models lately. Both in G10 and FRN. I like the looks of the knife , but for some reason I just can't seem to convince myself to purchase one. So I came here to ask you guys what you think about the Native 5 and your experiences with it. Just for a little extra back ground I really like my PM2 and Gayle Bradley 2. I am just curious as to what everyone thinks of the Native 5.
 
The handle is just a little off for me. I have larger hands and it just doesn’t fit right. I can see it being a great design for lots of people though.
 
Ive seen a pre order for the native in Lc200n blade steel. That’s probably what Im going for for my first. It is on the small side for me for a work carry or an “everyday” carry folder. But the salt style native would make a great backup or pool/beach/boat carry blade.
 
The native is in my top 3 of all time. Bought my first one about 15 years ago (it was an all stainless model) and now I carry the updated N5 LW almost every day. IMO it’s top of the heap in the 3” group, which is my ideal size for carry. You really have to use the choil otherwise it just doesn’t feel right, when nested in that choil it’s ergos are untouchable. Plenty of good steels to choose from. So if you dig 3” blades I would recommend trying one
 
The smaller size was a little concerning for me, but honestly not a deal breaker. I don't have really large hands so the handle size would probably be okay. I do like the fact that it is made in Golden, Colorado USA Earth.

I usually carry a fixed blade (FiddleBack Forge Hiking Buddy, OKT Mamushi etc) and thought that the smaller size of the Native 5 might compliment that well.
 
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I bought the Knifecenter S90 liner delete model and love it. Never really looked at the Native 5 but am really really impressed. I love the sub 3" blades that I can still get a full grip on.. Very solid and light. Backlock is excellent and it has a cool blade shape. Lots of good versions of the Native and they seem to be priced reasonably.
 
If you like to play and flick the knife open this knife is not for you. their are other choices in that genre that are more fun to play with such as the Domino, Dice and the Sage series especially the 5.
I had the Native Blurple S110 and I would have kept it except for the fact that I could not play with it. The only knives that I own that i can't play with are my fixed blades. as far as I am concerned the Domino should be your first choice. Its an amazing knife. It is multi purpose, A gentleman's knife, an EDC knife and fun to play with. it is also very ergonomic and fills the hand. I always thought that the Native was too small to get a really good grip on. Now the Shaman is a different story, It does everything right.
 
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It's a nice, smaller work knife. I have to admit I almost never carry mine at this point, as my FRN Chaparral has almost entirely displaced it as it is a much better slicer.
 
I’ve owned the LW Maxamet and Fluted Ti version and honestly found myself liking to carry and use the LW more. The Ti version is quite stunning to look at though. The design is one of my favorites. Ergos are an A+ for me. I’m a sucker for a forward finger choil. I’d say go for it. You just need to figure out which of many variables suits you fancy.
 
It’s small but fits my med size hand perfectly. The FRN feels fine IME.

Not my favourite Spyderco, but I use it a lot.

FRN/S35VN is a good combo and still inexpensive IMO.
 
I prefer the FRN version. Doesn’t look like much on paper, but it is lighter. IWB of board shorts swimming, jumping, lighter is better.

Gonna try swapping the blades.

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I found some pretty good prices on line. I figure why not? If nothing else I am sure my son would love it.
 
It's one of my favorite EDC knives, behind a mini-grip. The choil allows it to fit larger hands but maybe not XL or larger sized hands according to some people. I like it more than a PM2 by a fair margin as it carries far better in pocket, especially when sitting in an office.

The native has been described as the greatest production execution of a backlock offered by spyderco. It's just been updated and perfected so much over time that it's become a truly superb knife.

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Probably the knife I carry the most and I don't even really like choils. The size is perfect for my uses, the handle is a little wider than the Delica which affords a better hammer grip. N5 lock has minimal rock, USA made, etc. FRNs are my favorites.
 
I like the Native as an EDC but it's too small for most food prep in my opinion, the Manix is a better fit for that. I wish they made an XL Native, same blade shape but around 3.5"...and no, that's not the Shaman, I mean an exact copy of the Native just scaled up 1/3.
 
I don't own a Native but have handled the Native 5 LW and I did like it and you can pick it up in S35VN, S110V, or Maxamet
 
Knives are so personal it's hard to know from other people's opinions. I have a Maxamet lightweight which I don't carry often but like a lot. Ergos are good and the utility to weight ratio is fantastic. That blade will cut forever and 2.5 oz.

Emjay's comments are right on - if you like to flip it open, consider something else.
 
I absolutely love my little LW native with 110V. I got it to complete my 110v spyderco collection I was trying to make, not thinking I'd like it, but I carry it every day. The native with liners just felt too heavy, for the size, to me. While the light weight isn't as smooth, I really appreciate the lighter weight in gym shorts and around the house.
 
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