Native 5 switches from S35VN to S30V

[JimMD]

Reiterating the message that going forward the G-10 Native 5 will be linerless and lighter, the latest Spyderco byte newsletter also indicates that the Native 5’s steel will change from S35VN to S30V.

As stated in the newsletter: “This rolling change will be implemented as we exhaust our current inventory of parts, so some versions of the Native 5 will complete the switch sooner than others. However, the change will ultimately affect all standard G-10 and FRN-handled versions of this popular model.”

 

[lieferung]

I wonder what brought this about, I much like the liners and imagine the FRN version would be the goto for linerless.

 

[JimMD]

I wonder what brought this about, I much like the liners and imagine the FRN version would be the goto for linerless.

The swich to linerless construction was announced in the January newsletter, which cites positive customer feedback and the advantage of reduced weight. This presumes G-10 is strong enough without the liners.

If I ever acquire a Native 5, I’d prefer it linerless with either G-10 or carbon fiber, to balance weight with solidity.

 

[BMCGear]

One of the great things about the Native 5 was the s35vn. It offered something different.

I like the move to being linerless but wish they would've stuck with the current steel offering.

 

[JimMD]

One of the great things about the Native 5 was the s35vn. It offered something different.

I like the move to being linerless but wish they would've stuck with the current steel offering.

I'm with you there. By my original post I didn't intend to spark yet another debate about S35VN vs. S30V; I just thought people would want to know.

But since you bring it up, yes, the S35VN has been a unique aspect of the Native 5, especially in the entry configurations at their low prices. I also appreciate the value and uniqueness of CTS-XHP in the Chaparral. When Cold Steel announced their switch from CST-XHP to S35VN, I hoped we wouldn't see a similar move on Spyderco's part for their knives with CTS-XHP. I appreciate that Spyderco traditionally has offered a wide variety of steels. As a new knife enthusiast, I find it interesting to try different steels.

Now that I own a few knives, for potential new acquisitions I'm drawn to materials and design characteristics that differ from those of my current knives. Variety is nice. Although I've been thinking about getting a Native 5, I have a Spyderco back lock, and I have one knife with S35VN. I admit that recent purchases have spoiled me, including great deals on a CF/G-10 Chaparral, a SpydieChef, and a PM2 with M390.

Recently I succumbed and obtained a ZT 0609 for a good price. (Note to wife: That's the last one. No more knife purchases, really. P.S.: My birthday's in May.) It was compelling for several reasons – I had no ZT's, I have only one other flipper, it was a long cutting edge relative to the size – but also I'm interested to try 20CV. I've got to say, going forward I think I'm going to be reticent to spend >$150 on knives with S30V. Not because the steel alone determines the knife's value, but because there are a lot of good options out there, and materials partly determine cost. I kind of feel the same about G-10 vs. carbon fiber or titanium.

Maybe the Smock will wow me. A button-activated compression lock, interesting blade shape, and carbon fiber handle may add up to great value, independent of the steel.

 

[BD_01]

I agree that S35VN made the Native 5 more exciting. I’m sad to see that go, even though I’ve had good experiences with Spyderco’s S30V.

Personally, I find the LC200N Native 5 LW extremely exciting and I’m dying for them to hit the street!

 

[JimMD]

LC200N is a great all-around steel. Currently the SpydieChef is my favorite knife, and that steel is a big part of the appeal. I hope Spyderco expands their use of it.

 

[RipD]

We can get the Native 5 in LC200N, S110V, S90V, CPM-154/S90V, Maxamet and Damasteel (if you can still find one).

Given all these options, is the move from S35 to S30 really that big of a deal? On on unlabeled blade I'm not sure I could tell the difference between the two in usage or sharpening. Not saying there isn't a difference, but it doesn't seem obvious like ZDP or Maxamet does.

 

[bearfacedkiller]

Six of one, half dozen of the other for me. I cannot tell the two apart in my uses. I like variety in my collection so I am glad I have a Native in S35VN but in the bigger picture I don't think that the change is very significant.

 

[RipD]

I can't tell them apart in cutting - didn't mean to imply that. In terms of edge retention and sharpening, there's a difference for me. Maxamet cuts seemingly forever and ZDP a long time without getting dull. Sharpening them is very different than S30 or S35 in my limited experience.

 

[archieblue]

Linerless is definitely the way to go! There is one area where anyone would be able to tell the difference between S30V and S35VN, and that is in rust resistance. S30V is good but S35VN is outstanding.

 

[P2P]

Glad I’ve already got one in S35VN. The golden FRN models are awesome!