Native 5

coop1957 · Sep 25, 2015

bh49 said:
I have both FRN and G10 (as well as CF, Fluted Ti and DIW). I strongly prefer G10 and carry one or another variant of N5 daily almost since they came out. I love the knife. I do not mind an extra weight, feels good in the hand and I love the look of liners.

I use my G10 N5 quite often, twice a week breaking down boxes, cutting fiber glass reinforced tape. Once chop into pieces a box from elliptical with very thick cardboard and never felt that edges on G10 uncomfortable.

I concur. I like heavier knives. When given a choice I'll go heavy. I like the Native 5 G10 over the LW frn. I like the G10 Manix 2 over the LW. I like the Dragonfly G10 over the frn. Exposed liners are way better than nested liners. Not a Nuthing Fancy light weight fan. Wish Spyderco would bring back the G10 Delica & Endura.
Obviously not a big fan of skinny jeans.
Who else likes a little heft?

blanex1 · Sep 28, 2015

i have been carrying my gayle bradley 1) because of its heft,and really like my native 5's in G-10 way better than the FRN model,i like the feeling of having a little more weight in my right pocket and knowing i have a knife in there!feels goooood.:cheerful:

barkingtree · Sep 29, 2015

The FRN carries like a ghost..if you will you just don't know its there until you need it. I love the knife.
It was stiff for a while has a big lockbar and thick blade. Some of the H- mating on the blade/lockbar on these FRN are not
always perfect with the handle but the lockup is consistent from knife to knife AFAIK. I sold my Mini barrage after I got this one.
That's says a lot ..for me.

SBaker34 · Sep 29, 2015

I suggest g10, It'll be a lot smoother, due to riding on washers, and much stronger.

Gurba · Oct 1, 2015

I've got a Native with 440v blade. I don't really see those around much. Would love to have another one untouched since mine has been sharpened many times over the years.

coop1957 · Oct 1, 2015

Gurba said:
I've got a Native with 440v blade. I don't really see those around much. Would love to have another one untouched since mine has been sharpened many times over the years.

You gotta post a pic of that bad boy.

Ruarch · Oct 2, 2015

coop1957 said:
You gotta post a pic of that bad boy.

+1

To the OP. I think everyone has their own preferences. I prefer G10 with larger knives and as the knives get smaller the more I prefer FRN. But that is just me, YMMV.

hollar44 · Oct 2, 2015

Light weight I would prefer

Nasgul · Oct 4, 2015

I actually only have the FRN Native 5.
So I'll compare handles materials with the D-Fly.
I really like both FRN and G10 !
G10 make you feel the knife is stronger. The hand feeling is really nice ! A little preference on it compare to FRN.
So i'll think it would be the same with the Native.
But if you consider/mind the weight. FRN is a great choice !!
As Barkingtree said, the FRN carries like a ghost !!