Native question

[Paradiggum]

So I've been a Spyderco user for about 15 years. 11+ of that with the same CE Delica. I've got many Spyderco blades and recently just got 6 D4's and a Tenacious and Persistence.
I preface my question with the above because I wanted to let you all know I already know Spyderco quality and am a fan.

I was over at a friends house the other day and he opened a drawer and I spied a couple of Natives just sitting in there. I said, "Whoa, why have I never seen you carry those?" He replied, "They're junk." So I snagged one and while it looked clean it felt like it was full of sand and the other didn't totally open all the way when it locked. These were certainly not the Spydeco knives I'm familiar with. They said, "1st Generation BRK" on the blade if memory serves me right.
Was there an issue with the first generation of Natives or could these be fakes? He said he got them from an online retailer.

Any ideas?
Thanks

 

[The CoPilot]

Check out this link and scroll down until you get to "The Infamous BRK Native". Should clear up your questions.

http://www.paulberetta.com/

 

[Paradiggum]

Ah, that makes more sense then. Thanks for the link.
I figured something was odd because I've got at least 2 dozen Spyderco knives and they're all smooth as can be and fit and finish is first rate.

I know years ago he had an actual Spyderco Native because it was a nice knife. He said he found these on sale after he'd lost that first one.