Native or Endura????

K

kphunter

Joined
Mar 26, 2004
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42
I'm looking to purchase a folder, and I've narrowed it down to the Spyderco Native S30V or the Endura VG-10. I prefer the steel and look of the Native, but like the longer blade on the Endura. The price is about right on both, don't want to spend much more.

Any thoughts?

KP
 
The Native really worked well for me both times I owned one. The Native fit my hands very well and the blade shape was versatile enough for most any task.

I have a Pacific Salt now and really like it, too. It has the same handle as the current version of the Endura. Between the two, the Native feels better in my hands but the Salt really fills a need for me - it being practically impervious to rust. The blade shape on the Salt is very nice, too.

I seem to be unintentionally talking you into considering a Pacific Salt. If you do not need the corrosion resistance, go for the S30V or VG10 steels.

Personally I would opt for another Native, between the two, but that is just me.

What kind of things to you anticipate using it for?
 
cmd:

Thanks for your reply. The knife will be used for hunting and everyday use. I won't be using it much in wet or humid conditions, so I don't think corrosion resistance will be an issue. If the blade does become wet, I try to dry it off and oil it as soon as possible.

What steel is in the Salt blade?

KP
 
H1 is used in the salt. It isn't resistant to corrosion, it is impervious.

I haven't handled a native.

The endura has a good sized blade and handle, but it's really slim in the pocket. VG10 is easier to sharpen than S30V IMO. The native has a good finger choil and I love finger choils.

Get both.

I don't think you will be dissapointed by either one.
 
I like the Native (and Centofante) A LOT more than the super popular delica and endura models. I like how both of those feel in my hand a lot more, ergonomically, and I think they both just feel a lot higher quality in handle materials (even if they are all the same material, which I believe they are). I think it's texture of the delica and endura handles I don't like. Reasonably grippy, but I think it's ugly. It's really hard to beat S30V for ~60 dollars on the Native too.

I use max ~3.2 inch blades on all of my EDCs and it works perfectly for me. I don't think Joe Average needs anything longer.

My vote goes to the Native S30V--also take a glance at the Centofante III (VG10) if you get a chance, I really think that knife is Spyderco's best value.
 
If your using it as a hunting knife I would tell you to check out the centofante III like Artfully Martail said. It has a much more curved blade then either the native or the endura, it has a grooved thumb ramp, and the handle is plastic so its light. I own the Centofante III (just got it) and the endura, and I do hunt. For what you describe I like those two. The native is a nice blade and would hold up well I just think the thumb ramps on the two I mentioned the fact that they have longer blades, and the Centofante more curved, imho think they would do a better job.
 
The only gripe I have with the Centofante III is the spider logo on the handle. Is that standard on this model, or can you get the knife w/o it?

KP
 
As far as I know, all Centofante IIIs have the chrome "spyder." I personally like it though, so it might grow on you.
 
For the uses that you described, I'd actually go with the Native 3d in VG 10. I like the ergonomics better, and my experience has been that VG 10 holds it's edge better than S30V. YMMV.

The others are good knives also, I don't dislike any, but that would be my first choice.
 
Hi kphunter,

From what you describe I would vote against the Centofante because it is one of the Spyderco designs that does not have a pronounced choil for the index finger.

Between a Navite or a Native 3D? Which ever fits your hand better would be the right choice. The Native 3D has a more thick and rounded handle but the Native has a handle with more "feedback" for the exact angle of the blade.

It would be surprising to find someone recommend the Endura by itself for use in general hunting tasks because the current blade shape is not at all well suited for skinning.

Between VG10 or S30V by Spyderco? Both are great, try not to let that difference push your decision one way or the other.
 
If you have to get a Spyderco, by all-means, get a Native 3-D...Otherwise, get a Benchmade 556 Mini-Griptilian or the slightly larger 551 Griptilian.
 
Get the Native I (C41PBK).

Great knife and it's in CPM-S30V and made in Golden Colorado.
 
You've picked two winner knives. You will be happy with either one.

I like the ergonomics of the Native. However, I like VG-10. It is easier to sharpen. It takes a very "toothy" scary sharp edge quickly. However, S30V will stay sharp longer.

I'd pick the Endura by a hair because ease of sharpening is more important to me.
 
For hunting and everyday use, the Native would probably be better than the Endura.

And I would, as some of the others here have, recommend the Native III over the standard Native.
The comfort in my hand is like night and day.
The Native is just not comfortable for me to use much.
But the Native III feels perfect!

Happy hunting,
Allen.
 
You will own both eventually so it probably doesn't matter which you buy first. Though I am not sure that either of these designs is the one for hunting chores unless you are talking about a folder to carry while hunting as opposed to a folder to use for cutting up animals. I also would recommend not making your decision based on steel type, s30v and vg10 from Spyderco are both awesome.
 
I'm leaning toward the Native III. Anyone recommend an online store with great prices and customer service?


KP
 
My first Spyderco was the Native in S30V. I still VERY MUCH like this knife. It is the one I still carry often. I just got a 80mm Manix and switch between the two.

Ron
 
Newgraham Knives ( www.newgraham.com ) has some of the best prices, good service, and will check your knives out ahead of time for you if you call them, and I highly recommend you do. Good guys, I've ordered maybe six knives from them.

Here's a link straight to their natives:

http://www.newgraham.com/nativeiii1.htm

C41BK.jpg


They carry them in non-black blades too on another page.
 
Between the Native III or the Endura, I'd pick the Endura. But both are fine products. Just depends which one feels more comfortable to you. Yes, there is a difference in steels, but I doubt that a casual user such as myself could ever detect the difference; neither steel is low-end.

In addition to NewGraham, you might check prices at www.knifeworks.com and www.knifeoutlet.com .

Happy Shopping,
Bob
 
I happen to like the Natives I got a II and III I like the III better just like the feel of it better
 
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