Native 5 vs PM2

If I could butt in, let me just say this

N5 = Slightly heavy (you actually know its in your pocket)
P2 = A bit too big (Will most likely touch your thigh through your pants)
Chaparral = Perfect for EDC (Its like its not even there when clipped)
 
Two totally different knives... and I love them both. IMHO, the Para II is probably the best "all-around" edc/utility folding knife design. It's light, thin, good overall size, perfect blade to handle ratio, etc... I could go on but its just a great knife.

I just got a Native V about a month ago. I had been putting off the purchase for a long time because I had never been a big fan of the Native. I've handle a few different generations and just never care for the ergos. That said the Native V is a huge improvement to the overall evolution of the design. I've been very pleased with the Native V, it's a robust 3" folder with a very easy to operate lock. It feels like a tank and is extremely "pocket-able".

I have to say both knives are great and I rotate between both of them. I'd probably lean more towards the Para II in terms of my "favorite" but the ergos of the Native are really improved with this latest generation. It mostly comes down to your preferences and requirements. Either one will serve you well.
 
redfeenix said:
If I could butt in, let me just say this

N5 = Slightly heavy (you actually know its in your pocket)
P2 = A bit too big (Will most likely touch your thigh through your pants)
Chaparral = Perfect for EDC (Its like its not even there when clipped)
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While I don't find the Para2 to be too big (at least not for me)... if I did and was looking for an alternative, your recommendation of the Chaparral is solid!!!:thumbup:

If I was looking for a nice back lock EDC and it was between the Native5 and the Chaparral I would probably go for the Chaparral CF. It's a bit smaller and lots lighter (2oz lighter!) than the Native5, has a great choil like the Native5 (and the Para2 for that matter) and comes with that great deep carry wire pocket clip. Plus it has a nice little thumb ramp which is missing from the Native5.. And the Chaparral CF is a touch less expensive than the Native5.

Or, the Sage1 CF for that matter. Again, lighter than the Native5 but very similar size-wise (liner lock though).

Both Chaparral and Sage1 are Taiwan built, though... and the Native5 is USA built... so take that into account if that's important to you.
 
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Both great knives, and each one of the very few that I've never once regretted or had second thoughts about after getting it in my hand. I already own two PM2s, and I'd love to pick up another G10 Native 5 if they release any sprints/exclusives in steels other than S35VN.

Here's some comparison pics:

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g4Ekg.jpg

G7Vkp.jpg


Hope those help at least a bit. Glad I'm not the one having to decide! :D
 
jon1all said:
While I don't find the Para2 to be too big (at least not for me)... if I did and was looking for an alternative, your recommendation of the Chaparral is solid!!!:thumbup:

If I was looking for a nice back lock EDC and it was between the Native5 and the Chaparral I would probably go for the Chaparral CF. It's a bit smaller and lots lighter (2oz lighter!) than the Native5, has a great choil like the Native5 (and the Para2 for that matter) and comes with that great deep carry wire pocket clip. Plus it has a nice little thumb ramp which is missing from the Native5.. And the Chaparral CF is a touch less expensive than the Native5.

Or, the Sage1 CF for that matter. Again, lighter than the Native5 but very similar size-wise (liner lock though).

Both Chaparral and Sage1 are Taiwan built, though... and the Native5 is USA built... so take that into account if that's important to you.
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This matters very much to me. Its why these are the only two models I am trying to decide between, if its not made in Golden I have no interest in owning it.

Thank you so much for the side by side really puts the size difference out there.
 
Fair enough...then give the PM2 a shot...if you don't like it you should have little problem unloading t! :)
 
PatrickKnight said:
This matters very much to me. Its why these are the only two models I am trying to decide between, if its not made in Golden I have no interest in owning it.

Thank you so much for the side by side really puts the size difference out there.
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That's your choice, but do keep in mind the fact that the very best built spyderco knives come from the Taichung Taiwan maker. Taiwan isn't china and the materials used are produced in the US and shipped to Taichung. The Taichung maker was chosen to produce spyderco's highest end knives like the Southard, techno, tuff, and Gayle Bradley because they are meticulous and they're quality is absolutely world class, not because they're cheap. Again, the choice is yours, but if you limit yourself to just Golden made models you're missing out on some incredible knives.
 
mkjellgren said:
That's your choice, but do keep in mind the fact that the very best built spyderco knives come from the Taichung Taiwan maker.
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I think that as many people will agree with you, that many will challenge your statement. I owned several Taichung made knives and all of the exhibit outstanding F&F, except Navaja, which came with scratched bolsters. Also I cannot complain on any of my Golden made spydies. Both Native5, five Dodos, three Milys, Spyker, couple Paras, three UKPK are near perfect. I never had a problem with my Italian or Moki made knives either. But there were couple issues (out of 100+) with other Japanese made knives.
 
mkjellgren said:
That's your choice, but do keep in mind the fact that the very best built spyderco knives come from the Taichung Taiwan maker. Taiwan isn't china and the materials used are produced in the US and shipped to Taichung. The Taichung maker was chosen to produce spyderco's highest end knives like the Southard, techno, tuff, and Gayle Bradley because they are meticulous and they're quality is absolutely world class, not because they're cheap. Again, the choice is yours, but if you limit yourself to just Golden made models you're missing out on some incredible knives.
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Exactly, the models are fantastic and extremely high quality with outstanding fit and finish. :)
 
PatrickKnight said:
This matters very much to me. Its why these are the only two models I am trying to decide between, if its not made in Golden I have no interest in owning it.
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I can respect that, so I won't try to give you a lecture on what you're missing:p I'm sure you know all about the other knives, but some just can't get past why some don't want them. Just overlook it. I have a Sage1, but won't tell anyone what they are missing.


I like the PM2 alot, but have not gave the G10 Native a chance yet. It just seems a bit heavy for the size to me, but I'm sure its a really great knife.
The thin tip of the Para does give the blade alot of distal taper, making for a knife that will cut with the best of them.

I woud just narrow it down to the size you think you would like the best. Can't go wrong with either,
 
I must wonder how much the Taiwan models would be if they were made here with the same quality. Very well built knives from Taiwan.

Always happy to support U.S. made and most of my knives are from here, but I wont overlook foreign gems.
 
mkjellgren said:
Again, the choice is yours, but if you limit yourself to just Golden made models you're missing out on some incredible knives.
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Sorry guys, I am getting a little irritated with this "missing" staff. All of us have to make choices in our life, all of us limiting to something and all of us missing something.
BTW, I bought Sage1 when they came out, but never liked it and sold it few month later. Never missed it. There is no knife for everybody.
I do not see anything wrong in buying only US made knives, but was discussed about million times. All of us have to make choices. Some people do not buy carbon steel knives, somebody are not buying slippies and so on.......and all of us missing something and finding something else.
FCM415 said:
I must wonder how much the Taiwan models would be if they were made here with the same quality. Very well built knives from Taiwan. Always happy to support U.S. made and most of my knives are from here, but I wont overlook foreign gems.
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probably they will cost the same. Sal commented on few occasions that this maker is expensive. IIRC these models are made in Taiwan due to lack of capacity in Golden.
 
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bh49 said:
Sorry guys, I am getting a little irritated with this "missing" staff. All of us have to make choices in our life, all of us limiting to something and all of us missing something.
BTW, I bought Sage1 when they came out, but never liked it and sold it few month later. Never missed it. There is no knife for everybody.
I do not see anything wrong in buying only US made knives, but was discussed about million times. All of us have to make choices. Some people do not buy carbon steel knives, somebody are not buying slippies and so on.......and all of us missing something and finding something else.

probably they will cost the same. Sal commented on few occasions that this maker is expensive. IIRC these models are made in Taiwan due to lack of capacity in Golden.
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Why did you qoute me:confused:

I feel the same as you, and thats why I said what I did, and told him to overlook peoples commits about how he is missing out.
Re-read my post again.

It also irriates me a little when one can't mention they won't buy non US, without others feeling the need to chime in and tell them what they are missing. People should be able to buy what they want, with no explanation needed IMO.
 
Ken44 said:
I feel the same as you, and thats why I said what I did, and told him to overlook peoples commits about how he is missing out.
Re-read my post again.
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I am sorry, probably I read too fast.:o
 
There are some models I like that are not made in Golden most of all the Sage series. The reason I only want to buy the Golden models is I do my very best to buy USA made when ever I can. Not saying there is anything wrong with the other models just my personal taste to buy only American made knives.
 
Pat I also choose to buy The golden models .You can get some really cutting edge Golden sprints if you keep on top of things.I own almost all the PM2 sprints and have been carrying the Native 5 since it came out.If I could choose only one knife to carry while wearing any type of clothing on it would be the N5.This thing is a jem and built like a tank, and Made in USA.I really like the s35vn,but not as much as some of the sprint steels.I can't wait for some N5 sprints.May bee you should consider waiting also?There are other knife makers besides Spyderco that produce in USA, so yes we have choices and it's up to you what you wan't do with your hard earned money.Have you checked out the ZT 0560 if you are looking for a larger folder? Made in USA!
 
I acutally had a 550 that I gifted to a friend not because I thought it was in anyway a bad knife but because I am trying to find a lighter weight knife. Having been looking more and more into the Spyderco line I think I may venture into the Sage line. I am really liking its size seems very comparable to the Native but has true one hand opening and closing with the liner lock. I also think its a very good looking knife with the leaf shape blade and CF scales. As you can tell its the Sage 1 that has really peaked my interest. What are you guys thoughts on the Sage 1 for an EDC knife.
 
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