Native handle question...

Flood

Flood

Joined
Jul 31, 2000
Messages
274
You guys have been amazing in providing informative responses in the mid-sized tactical blade thread. Great help as always from knowledgeable people. But, "unfortunately", since this thread has branched a bit into Native knife discussion, I was wondering from all you Native lovers:

What handle material do you prefer? I'm really stuck on this, since I decided to get the Native, but can't decide on the handle: black or SS. It looks so elegant in SS, especially since it's a "spear point", yet I've heard that it's slippery in this material, thus proving less effective for tactical and utility chores. Also since this knife does not ride low and is also tip-up carry, it is not very conspicuous in clip-pocket carry (plus I guess a SS handle peeking up looks less conspicuous than the black handle).

Any thoughts about preferable handle material, and comments about conspicuous carry and safety of tip-up carry?(wouldn't want to lose my fingers as I draw the knife). Also, what are your thoughts on SS handles in general?

Thanks from a hopelessly undecided Spydie fan,

-Flood
 
My favorite handle material by far is the blue G-10 on the BF native. Very grippy. (The color is cool too!)
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Ben

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"If you're upside down and burning, you probably went too fast."
 
I carry my Zytel Native without the clip; usually in a homemade horizontal belt sheath or just at the bottom of a pocket. It's possible to carry it in a fob pocket, but it's not very secure. You might also consider carrying it in a neck sheath. If that method of carry appeals to you, the Native would be a good knife for it.

Clipless carry is my preference because of the reasons listed above (tip up, high profile). Plus, the handle feels much better without the clip and, since the handle is fairly wide, it's not difficult to open the knife sans clip.

I don't have an SS Native, so I'll let someone else cover that knife. I'm guessing though that you could get a pretty good grip on it. Even though it's SS, the handle has deep cutouts and a shape that molds to fit your hand.
 
Thomas,

IIRC there were only 700 of the blue G10 Natives produced. 200 went to the collectors' programme, 300 were specially engraved and sold through BladeForums and I believe the last 200 went to selected dealers. They do turn up occassionally in the "For Sale" Forum here. BTW it is an excellent knife and well worth the effort of tracking one down. I can't sell you mine as my eldest daughters has already claimed it as part of her inheritence
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.

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Clay

Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow....in Australia it's tomorrow already.
 
Another vote for the G-10 handled Native as best. The Native in any handle configuration is an outstanding general duty piece and all work well in a neck sheath.
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Mike
 
The blue Native is nice but recommend the black zytel Native since it is cheaper and easier to come by. Frankly, I believe that a black handle and clip would be much more inconspicuous than shiny stainless steel. Zytel is also much lighter and provides a much surer grip. Also, the zytel model is CPM 440V blade steel which is probably a bit tougher than the stainless steel's AUS 10 blade steel.
 
Blue G-10 Native comes with blue clip, not stainless, and was the first Native to come in 440V. G-10 locks in hand better when wet than zytel. Zytel Native is less costly, but given the chance to get one , I'd opt for the G-10 version. I have all three versions and the G-10 is by far my favorite.

Mike
 
Well, I've already sent of a Zytel Native, but I am definitely hard-pressed to find a Blue G-10 Native. Anybody has any clues as to just where I might find one and possible pricing?

Thanks,

-Flood
 
Flood,

You won't go wrong with the Zytel model, it's still a great user, but keep your eye out for the Blue G-10, you'll be happy if you can get one.

Mike
 
440V is a more "functional" steel, G10 is a good compromise as far as weight, and the finely textured surface of the G10 is a no brainer! Blue G10 Native with 440v steel is the way to go for a user!

L8r,
Nakano
 
Mike Sastre humbly forgets to mention that he makes a superb neck sheath for the Native!
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Ben

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"If you're upside down and burning, you probably went too fast."
 
A G10 Native? Wow!
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Gotta check this one out! :ccol:

Sam

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have spydies
will travel...
 
I carry my Native in Zytel all day.
I also have an SS Delica (about the same size),but it is often left at home, due to the (small?) difference in weight.
Go with the Zytel version.
I just love the blade shape of that knife!
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I have the SS AUS-10 knife. It feels very strong and takes a fantastic edge. I like the very strong feel of it. I think it feels 'right'compaired to the Zytel model. I will probably get the CPM440V model at some point. Only the weight and weakness for getting marked count against it. The handle seems easy to grip, not very slippery at all.

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Gee thanks. Now you've REALLY made me want that knife. Not only has the Zytel version been my favorite daily carry and overall, but now you make me drool for one of these!

Honestly, I always wanted to see a picture and didn't know James possessed one. Now I'll have to think about how to bribe or extort a fellow forumite for one.
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Dammit, I want a BF Blue G-10 Native yesterday! I always wanted a BF blade, and this represents the ideal knife. You want reasons? 1) It's my favorite daily carry 2) Made by my favorite knife company 3) It has a blue handle, and blue is bar none my favorite color, not to mention that all these black knifes are getting to be quite repetitive. ARRGH! I MUST HAVE ONE!!!

...and I'd take good care of it too. For example, I'll always sleep with my knife next to me (don't have a wife yet, but if I did I'd favor the BF Native and she would get the couch). I'll buy a small separate pillow for it and let it rest comfortably in it. I'd also take it out for a walk to the park, and I swear I won't stare at the ladies who pass me by (they'd probably admire my knife anyway) lest my BF Native get jealous. Then I'd take it to see a movie(I'll let my BF Native pick the movie), and take it for dinner at the best restaurant (I'll let it cut a big juicy steak). I'll always clean it and care for it properly, using it only for mild tasks such as cutting fruit and such...nah, maybe I'll just carry it and admire it, appreciating it much more than a Sebenza or another of those "inferior" knifes.

By the way, did I mention that I MUST have one? Oh, I did? Well, just checking.

-Flood
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P.S. Does that BF Native also come with a plain edge? (pictures would definitely be appreciated, not to mentioned drooled over).
 
My vote's for the G10 of the BF Blue Native. I just bought one of the 440V Native's with the Zytel handle. I've very glad to have a work knife, but I don't like the grip nearly as much. I would like it better if it had the same square edges of the Blue Native. That seem to fit my hand a little better. I don't like the Native in SS - just seems too heavy. Besides, the clip can be reversed on the Zytel and I am left-handed.

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Knowledge without understanding is knowledge wasted.
Understanding without knowledge is a rare gift - but not an impossibility.
For the impossible is always possible through faith. - Bathroom graffiti, gas station, Grey, TN, Dec, 1988

AKTI Member #A000831
 
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