Native - partially serrated or plain edge?

J

Jeff/1911

Joined
Mar 22, 2001
Messages
1,224
Like the title says...

The Native is definitely one knife I will buy soon, likely next. I have already decided to get a plain edged lightweight Calypso Jr. too, so I'm trying to decide...do I buy the Native plain edged too? Then I could truly compare these two blade styles in terms of performance (kinda' fun) or should I buy it 35/65 (p.e/serrated) so that it would fill a different niche.

Does anyone out there find the 35/65 blade useful by design? Current Native owners - which did you select and how does it work?

Thanks, Jeff/1911.
 
I agree with Paul. I don't like serrated edges. In my profession (software development) you seldom cut anything more aggressive than an envelope or a parcel...
 
Jeff,

Get whatever suits you and don't worry what the rest of us have. My Native is plain edged, however this doesn't mean all of my knives are. For example, I also have a fully serrated "Q". My other knives are a mix of plain, and partly serrated.

It really depends on your needs. Many traditionalists will insist ONLY on plain edges and avoid serrations like the plague citing that plain edges can do anything a serrated edge can do, and that serrations serve no purpose.

However, some people do think they are useful. There was an interesting article written about the usefulness of serrations. The author was some guy named Sal Glesser. Ring a bell?

Serrations may not be as versatile, but they do work quite well for, say, defending yourself against an oncoming attack by a bagel, rope, or other fibrous material.
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Some survival books say to make sure your knife has a serrated section as well as a plain section. If the knife is partly serrated I prefer 60% plain, and 40% serrated since you will probably use the plain section most often.

If you plan on collecting and reselling, you are better off getting a plain edge to appease knife knuts that don't want to buy serrations, or badly re-sharpened serrations.

Lastly, consider sharpening the knife. Are you going to send it back to the factory, or do it yourself? Are you good at sharpening serrations?

The best answer is get the one that suits your needs. After all, you're the one using it.
 
Folks, I appreciate your feedback. Full Tang Clan. I am most pleased to have your objective overview of this topic. You're absolutely right, of course. I keep thinking "If Sal thinks serrations are so good, then am I missing out on something by not buying a Spyderco with them on the blade...?".

But the fact is I already own one serrated Spyderco knife; a fully serrated G-10 Rookie. It works great, but do I really need another serrated blade? Probably not.

I does help me a great deal to have you work through the thought process with me like you did. Thanks a lot. I'll post back later to explain how my new Native works, once I get it. Cheers, Jeff/1911.
 
I have a blue inlay, plain edge Native and am very happy with it. I prefer a plain edge on a knife like the Native. I'll probably get a different fully serrated knife soon.

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Jason aka medusaoblongata
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"Is not giving a need? Is not receiving mercy?" - Thus Spoke Zarathustra
"Cutting his throat is only a momentary pleasure and is bound to get you talked about." - Lazarus Long
"Knowledge is not made for understanding; it is made for cutting." - Michel Foucault
 
I bought the partially serrated Native myself, for no other reason than I thought it looked better than the plain edge, just my preference on this knife. I have also sharpened it on the 204 sharpmaker following Sal's video instructions and it works just fine.

Another knife mentioned was the Calypso Jr lightweight. Now this one I prefer in the plain edge, I just think it suits the blade shape better.

I also have 2 Delica's, a plain edge and a fully serrated. Love them both.

So I think it doesn't really matter as long as you are happy with what you go for. I am sure you will love the Native whichever you choose
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"There is no reality, only perception"
 
Ian,

I agree with the nice looks of the partially serrated FRN Native, too. When I consider my "future collection" of Spyderco's I try and match them up somehow, as to various purposes...but appearance of the knife is important to me.

I am presently buying a Calypso plain edge, and will eventually get a Calypso Jr. FRN plain edge. I had pretty much decided to buy the Native (my next knife) with a plain edge...but the plain edges would soon be starting to pile up. The fact that the Native is available in partly serrated form makes me think that this might be a great all around "do-everything" design that might really benefit from having (some) teeth on the blade. One to quickly drop into (or onto) my pocket when I can't decide what else to bring along with me. It's actually the only partly serrated blade that I like the looks of; otherwise I like them plain or fully serrated.

I think that's it then. If I am going to have the Calypso Jr. FRN with a plain blade, which I think is a "fitting" design match then perhaps the best thing to do here is to get a partly serrated Native so it's got a bit different application or "specialty" purpose. The Calypso Jr. and Native are very close to the same size. Besides, if later I decide I should have bought the plain edge instead, I'll just buy one of those too. I could always use the combo edge Native as a nice gift for a friend. Thanks for your response. Jeff/1911.
 
Jeff/1911 - If appearance of the knife is important to you, take a good look at the inlaid Natives. G-10 handles with shell inlays. One of the most beautiful knives I own, and one of the most beautiful production knives I've seen. They cost a bit more, but damn they're gorgeous. I didn't originally buy mine because I knew the Native was the knife for me, I bought it because it looked so damn good I couldn't resist. After carrying it for a while I discovered the other half of the Native's beauty, the thing cuts very well.


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Jason aka medusaoblongata
-----------------------
"Is not giving a need? Is not receiving mercy?" - Thus Spoke Zarathustra
"Cutting his throat is only a momentary pleasure and is bound to get you talked about." - Lazarus Long
"Knowledge is not made for understanding; it is made for cutting." - Michel Foucault
 
Jason, that is a good suggestion. Is there anywhere on the web that you know of that has a clear picture of one of these inlaid knives? I can't tell much from the small pictures on spyderco's products page, but I'm quite interested. Thanks, Jeff/1911.
 
Always check eBay for pictures. They don't always have everything, but they do have a lot. There are pretty good pictures of the serrated one w/the rootbeer inlay, but unfortunately the picture of the plain edge blue inlay isn't very clear. Bladeart usually has clear pictures.

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1139758655


[url="http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1140247833"]http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1140247833[/url][/url]


[url="http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1140566683"]http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1140566683[/url][/url]


------------------
Jason aka medusaoblongata
-----------------------
"Is not giving a need? Is not receiving mercy?" - Thus Spoke Zarathustra
"Cutting his throat is only a momentary pleasure and is bound to get you talked about." - Lazarus Long
"Knowledge is not made for understanding; it is made for cutting." - Michel Foucault
 
Alan2112, Medusaoblongata - Thanks for the reference to the images.

Medusaoblongata - I have been checking ebay every so often for images of various knives, hadn't for a few days. When you do this, do you search for Spyderco...or do you make the search more specific?

Jeff/1911.
 
I just did a search for "Spyderco" and got 223 hits. A search for "Spyderco Native" got 7 hits. When looking for one particular knife I'll type in the name of the knife - it's just more efficient that way. When I'm just looking for deals I'll search for "Spyderco" under $50 or so and see if anything good comes up. It usually does and I usually get outbid because a lot of people know what they're worth. I got my blue inlay Native from Ronybear on eBay for $90 + shipping. I've seen them cheaper on the for sale forum here, but you have to be patient, diligent, and quick.

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Jason aka medusaoblongata
-----------------------
"Is not giving a need? Is not receiving mercy?" - Thus Spoke Zarathustra
"Cutting his throat is only a momentary pleasure and is bound to get you talked about." - Lazarus Long
"Knowledge is not made for understanding; it is made for cutting." - Michel Foucault
 
I fell in love with the Native blade shape when I first saw it over 2 years ago. I wanted the origional Gin1 part serrated model. As luck would have it I never got the chance to get one. I settled for the Native II part serrated in 10a (thanks Sal for using a better steel than 6a!!!!
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)

Well the stainless steel scales have had only a light pocket carry and they are scared like my tiger in Black and White! That is the great thing with FRN and G10, they don't show the battle marks! The Native II is also a bit heavy for a daily carry blade (until I got used to my LCC D/A). It has not had the use it deserves. Well I jumped at the chance for a FRN CPM 440V Native and have bought one. I can't wait to get it! I decided on the plain edge format. However I must say I prefer the LOOK of the part serrated model over the plain edge. However as a KnifeKnut I find the larger blade area of the plain edge better for daily use. Yes I know that serrations add 10% more blade area, I am refering to the area of the blade USED most often, the plain edge.

As to resharpening edges. I find a serrated edge far more simple to sharpen than a plain edge, and I have no trouble with a plain edge! I think it is because I started with a couple of fully serrated Spyderco knives and practice quite often with our Pro Culinare serated knife! I cannot understand why some find serrations such a difficult edge to sharpen. I can sharpen a serrated knife just as quickly as any plain edge.

But then I am definatly not a normal person
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Wayne.
"To strive to seek to find and not to yield"
Tennyson
Ranger motto

A few useful details on UK laws and some nice reviews!
http://members.aol.com/knivesuk/
Certified steel snob!
 
General,

I appreciate your response. I also like the looks of the partially serrated Native blade (particularly w/ the FRN handle) but was concerned that it wouldn't have enough of each type of edge to do much with. I've been thinking that I will likely buy all-serrated or all-plain edge styles instead of partially serrated for future Spyderco knives purchased, with some kind of pre-decided role in mind for each. This "role" also helps with the seemingly necessary justification process for me.

I also appreciate your explaining about your experience with sharpening serrated blades...I was unsure about doing this. Do you use the Spyderco sharpmaker for this job?

Jeff/1911.
 
Yes I do. If you want I can tell you what I do or alternativly I can post it up here.

I agree on the part serrated standpoint now. You get the best/worst of both worlds. Not enough of either to do the job right. However some blade are better suited to a half serration pattern. A blade like the MOD CQC MK1 IMHO is a better knife for it. If a knife blade is less than 3.5" I won't even consider it as a half/half type.

I began loving all things serrated, then when I started using blades for work and not thinking how bad a wound a serrated knife would make, I went to a half serrated pattern. Then I found that was better, but not as good as it aught to be. Now a plain edge is my first choice for most blades. If I need a serration, I will carry me Endura 98 fully serrated blade
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Man if that don't get the job done a treat!
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Glad I could help in some small way!

------------------
Wayne.
"To strive to seek to find and not to yield"
Tennyson
Ranger motto

A few useful details on UK laws and some nice reviews!
http://members.aol.com/knivesuk/
Certified steel snob!
 
General,

Thanks for your thoughts, and the benefit of your experience. My next fully serrated knife will likely be a Spyderco Police model. I was going to buy this one plain edged, but now I think I may go the other way...perhaps I'd better get one of each. Jeff/1911.
 
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