Native 5 - the perfect pocket knife?

James Y said:
I'm having the same basic predicament, only my choices are between the G-10 or lightweight S35VN Native 5's.

Advice, anyone?

Jim
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I hated the G10 on my S110v. It was unnecessarily angular and painful. I almost gave mine away. Six months in a drawer but custom scales saved the S110V from its exile.

I love every one of my FRN Natives. My most carried knife at home in my stretchy shorts
 
Jenner 515 said:
Lightweight or Blurple G-10 for a S110v Native?
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Personal preference in the end.
Even though the FRN is indestructible by all counts, the G10 "feels" more substantial. Of course, with G10 comes weight. The FRN version is weightless in the pocket; you won't know its there.

So, is weight paramount or feel paramount?

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IMO they are both fine and I'd imagine the G10 version is tougher (mainly because of the fasteners) but I'm not so sure it's worth the almost $50 upgrade on an $80 knife.


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Yeah,

I have a black G-10 in S35 and a Burgundy FRN in S90v. I like the S110, just wondering as to handle preferences.
 
I'm leaning towards a PE S35VN lightweight. I've never owned a Native of any kind, and am not certain how I'd find the grip/having to use the choil. At least the lightweight is about $50 cheaper, to try the design out. I'm going to assume it's still pretty solid during cutting, even though it's linerless(?). Meaning as far as 'rock lock' during cutting. Maybe not as solid as the G10 version, but still solid.

Jim
 
James Y said:
I'm leaning towards a PE S35VN lightweight. I've never owned a Native of any kind, and am not certain how I'd find the grip/having to use the choil. At least the lightweight is about $50 cheaper, to try the design out. I'm going to assume it's still pretty solid during cutting, even though it's linerless(?). Meaning as far as 'rock lock' during cutting. Maybe not as solid as the G10 version, but still solid.

Jim
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I have the lightweight in S110V and it floats through cardboard boxes like cutting butter. No handle deflection at all. The FRN doesn't have a confidence building look, but it performs flawlessly. And, oh so light.

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I've opened several coconuts(harvested direct from the tree) with my N5LW. That's hard use in anyone's book. Not to sound like a fanboy, but I then sold my two Hinderer XM-18s and replaced them with a quiver of Spydies.
 
My favorite N5 is the lightweight version, especially in S110V. It really hits that magic sweet spot, not noticeable in the pocket, but a big performer in the hand. It's replaced many of the other folders I own to the point where I'm seriously considering selling them off. With the N5 I just have no need for bigger, heavier pocket knives. When I want something big and heavy to cut with, I'll use a 12" machete. For everything else the N5LW (or a Delica) is just fine.
 
I got a fully serrated N5LW from my wife for Christmas and I'm really digging it. At first I thought it might be too small but it's actually a great size with good ergos. I plan on carrying it with a plain edge.
 
bluemetalchurch said:
I got a fully serrated N5LW from my wife for Christmas and I'm really digging it. At first I thought it might be too small but it's actually a great size with good ergos. I plan on carrying it with a plain edge.
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Great ergonomics!
 
Sharpguy,

I see you have both types of Native 5. Have you ever tried to swap the blades between the G10 and the Lightweight versions? I was interested in getting the Maxamet version coming out this year, but I preferred the strength of the G10 liners. I'm willing to purchase both, and swap the blade, if it's possible.

Thank in advance,

shakyone.
 
shakyone said:
Sharpguy,

I see you have both types of Native 5. Have you ever tried to swap the blades between the G10 and the Lightweight versions? I was interested in getting the Maxamet version coming out this year, but I preferred the strength of the G10 liners. I'm willing to purchase both, and swap the blade, if it's possible.

Thank in advance,

shakyone.
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Hi shakyone! I have not tried a blade swap between a G-10 & LW. I've only had one LW apart. I'm fairly certain the blades are the same but I can not say for sure.

I can appreciate your preference for the G-10 and liners. It's definitely a solid knife and nice looking too. Have you ever handled a LW? They're amazingly strong for FRN and no liners. I'm actually considering getting rid of my black G-10 because it's so much heavier than the LW that I rarely carry it. If you haven't carried a N5 LW I would recommend buying the Maxamet LW and then using it for awhile before buying a G-10 knife to use as a donor. You might be more impressed with the LW than you think.

Also, if Maxamet turns out to be as popular as it seems like it will be, I would bet that Spyderco will eventually come out with a Maxamet N5 with Grey G-10. If I was in your shoes, I think I'd buy the Maxamet LW to use and hold me over until the G-10 version shows up someday.
 
There have been 7 Native5 models since December 2015 in 5 different steels with the Maxamet model due this month:

  1. Native5 CPM-S110V Lightweight Blue FRN
  2. Native5 S35VN CombinationEdge Lightweight Black FRN
  3. Native5 S35VN Black Blade SpyderEdge Lightweight Black FRN
  4. Native5 CPM-S110V Dark Blue G-10
  5. Native5 40th Anniversary Damasteel DS93X Thor Martensitic Damascus Fluted CF Sprint
  6. Native5 LC200N DLC ComboEdge Lightweight Red FRN Never Summer
  7. Native5 Maxamet Lightweight Stone Gray FRN
 
This knife is quickly becoming a favorite. I may have to buy the G10 version...

IMG_20161231_161236_zpstm5ci3eb.jpg
 
I also might have to pick up the G10 version one day. Still, for now I am completely satisfied with this FRN Native.

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The LW version is weightless in the pocket, and I'm talking about dress pants or even lightweight running shorts. It's not a big knife, but it's not tiny either (although it's as light as a tiny knife). Yet, my large hands get a comfortable, four-finger grip on the Native 5.

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