NATIVE - FRN vs. SS

F

Franco G

Joined
Dec 29, 2000
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399
I have a few questions about difference between the Native FRN and Native SS concerning the lock strength and handle sturdiness.
1. I have read that the Native FRN has very strong (heavy duty) and reliable lock (claimed by Sal). Is the same true for the SS version?
2. Assuming that both locks, FRN and SS, are the same, how about the sturdiness of the handles? My guess is that the handles would possibly break (disconnect from the blade) because the pins would break, not the handles themselves. Of course, the SS handle could wear faster then the FRN one, or vice versa, depending on the way of using a knife.

I am considering to use Native as a light 3" SD folder (cf. the review by Fred Perrin, pointing the importance of the blade finger choil which significantly reduces the risk of knife closing during stabbing). For that purpose the lock reliability/strength are important to me. For the SD purpose, I do not consider the difference between the specific steel (VG-10 vs AUS-10) to be very important.

Regards,

Franco
 
I found I greatly prefered the FRN version over the SS version (I own both), primarily because:

1) FRN version was much much lighter - very easy and comfortable to carry.

2) The FRN version just felt better in my hands, much more secure and comfortable grip.

Just my opinions of course. :)
 
Franco,

Good questions. I have the FRN Native PE and carried it excusively for the last (3)years as my EDC. The Native blade is more practical than it looks for many tasks. I have no lock play and no side to side play on this knife. IT seems Spyderco's FRN is very stiff and holds the blade and lockup very tight. I love the ergonomics of the handle and the choil is very effective at keeping a good purchase on the knife. The native clip has held up well also.

I do not as of yet own the Native in SS. I intend on picking one up as a poor-boy gentleman's knife. I love the look of the Spyderco SS models and also the added weight of the SS feels great in the hand. Also the SS version Spydercos seem to have slightly tinner scales. SS versions are beautiful knives.

The design of the Native is imho one of the best all-around knife produced also.

Now, in reference to your concerns about using a Native for self-defense. In my oppinion, I would recommend the Native in FRN for the following reasons:

1. I cannot discern any loss of lock strength from using the FRN.

2. FRN is alot lighter to carry all day everyday.

3. FRN version is cheaper by as much as $10 USD.

4. FRN will probably offer much higher slip resistance in the event it becomes wet during use(think oil, or blood), SS is by nature more slippery even when dry, whereas the FRN offers a very good pattern on the scales for gripping.

5. After three years of almost continuous daily carry the FRN scales show almost NO WEAR AT ALL.

Another great thing about the Native is the ability to switch the clip to either side to allow for left side carry. I once toyed with the idea of purchasing two Natives-one PE and one FS (don't know if that is even available at this time), to carry in both front pockets.

Either way I can highly recommend this particular knife for your needs.

Hope this helps....

Mongrel
 
I have the SS Native. The lock is quite strong, so no worries there. It is significantly heavier, and this is especially noticable if you carry it loose in the pocket of a pair of dress pants. Not as noticable in tighter fitting jeans or when pocket-clipped. My favorite Spydie for lightweight EDC is the Calypso Jr. - Lee
 
Another vote for the FRN Native... :D

I don't own an SS, but I prefer the FRN hands down. Why?? The weight. I find the more lightweight FRN Native very comfortable to carry in a horizontal sheath that I wear on my belt as a backup EDC to my Military. The grip is awesome and although my Native is a used and older model(GIN-1), the lockup on the blade STILL has that out-of the-box-quality.:eek: ;) :eek:
 
The grip and weight of the FRN Native are much more suitable to me than that of the SS version. It's my favourite spyderco folder right now. I can barely tell it's clipped to my pocket and the Spyderedge is just superb!! Not the most elegant or expensive Spyderco folder but definitely one of the most practical IMO.
 
You can't go wrong with the FRN Native. You can put fancy handles and inlays and push them as special editions, and that's all good for the collector.

But the truth is that this FRN knife is near perfection for me. Tbe fact that FRN keeps the price down is a bonus, but the truth is that the FRN works to the knife's advantage.

In spirit, it has a similar utilitarian cult appeal to its followers as a Sebenza. Only difference is that we don't have to take out a major bank loan to own a Native!
 
Thanx much for all of the positive comments. Many of us worked a great deal on the Native project. And the refinements will continue over time.

Franco, lock strength of a SS model will always be stronger than an FRN model. the very high lock strength quoted for the Native was on the SS model. Though the FRN model is well into our HD range it is not as strong as the SS. Both will offer reliable lock strength for just about any knife task to which they are put.

The SS version offers engraving capabilities and aftermarket possibilites, which is difficult on the FRN model.

sal
 
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