Native Re-handling

[Kyp Degal]

Hey all. I finally broke down and bought a Wal-Mart Native today. I asked to look at one, and once I got it in my hand, I just couldn't resist.

This is my first Spyderco knife, and I must say I'm impressed. I've been EDC'ing a BM Mini-Ambush for the last several months, and before that a CS Gunsite II. I believe the Native will be my new EDC, however -- I love the ergonomics of it. The finger choil is awesome for finer cutting, and the blade is just the right length for my normal, daily needs. (Thanks to Sal Glesser and all the other guys and gals at Spyderco -- and Wal-Mart -- for A. Designing such a great knife, and B. For making it widely available at such a low price and at such a location as to make it easily accessable to the average consumer.)

So, on to my question. While I love the Native as it is, I'd love it even more with G-10 or Micarta scales. My other locking folders have FRN scales as well, and I'd really love to have one with Micarta or possibly G-10. The Native seems to fit my needs perfectly, except for this.

So, is there any way that the Native can be re-handled in one of the above materials? I'm not exceptionally knowledgable about such things and I know there are many members that frequent this forum that are, so any assistance would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance for your replies.

Josh

(Just as a side note, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the Native as it is. I'd just love it even more with Micarta scales. )

 

[Vivi]

STR on the forums should be able to do this for you. I'd be interested in the price myself, as I've long wanted a G10 Native.

 

[dpimpc]

His price is very reasonable for the quality of worksmanship and materials you get. I wont say it here because it is not mine to share, but it is a good deal. If only I was better at saving my money! :thumbup:

 

[Trihonda]

Well, I too would push for a G-10 native version... However, since I can't forsee this happening, I simply went out and got many more Spydercos. The Native was one of my first, and I've been feeding my addiction ever since (with more spydies than I'll ever use). Best of luck (and hide the wallet).

 

[bh49]

You can upgrade your Native to G10, but I think it would be more money efficient to buy in addition G10 Native (time from time you can see them on e-bay or forum), or Mini-Manix or Caly3, all of them around $100.

 

[Kyp Degal]

STR on the forums should be able to do this for you. I'd be interested in the price myself, as I've long wanted a G10 Native.

Alright, thanks! I'll look him up. I remember hearing of, and seeing some of his work awhile back, if I'm not mistaken. Merely slipped my mind.
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His price is very reasonable for the quality of worksmanship and materials you get. I wont say it here because it is not mine to share, but it is a good deal. If only I was better at saving my money! :thumbup:

Sounds like STR is definitely the guy to talk to, then. Thanks.
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Well, I too would push for a G-10 native version... However, since I can't forsee this happening, I simply went out and got many more Spydercos. The Native was one of my first, and I've been feeding my addiction ever since (with more spydies than I'll ever use). Best of luck (and hide the wallet).

Thanks. I'd been eyeing the D'Allara, but it seemed a bit big, overall, for daily carry for myself. Though now, after holding the Native, I can better appreciate the Spyderco ergonomcs, if that makes any sense. So I'll probably pick up a D'Allara before long. Then a Manix, etc. . My budget's going to suffer, I can see now...
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You can upgrade your Native to G10, but I think it would be more money efficient to buy in addition G10 Native (time from time you can see them on e-bay or forum), or Mini-Manix or Caly3, all of them around $100.

I've seen the blue G10 Natives, but truth be told, I'd much rather have black. And I don't really care for the black G10 Natives with the shell insets, too fancy for my tastes. Also, I was actually leaning more towards some nice black canvas Micarta. I love it on fixed blades, and I think it would somehow suit the Native quite well. Thanks for the suggestions, though. I'll check them out.

 

[Trihonda]

Ya, the more I think about it, you might be better off simply keeping the native as is, and looking at another knife in the G-10 family. The Manix duo are amazing. I was really scared about the size of my Manix, but once it arrived I fell in love. It's a nice, heafty folder, but it's not too heavy or bulky for me. I actually feel the D'Allara more while EDCing it. And the D'Allara is probably lighter... And in FRN, not G-10.

There's a bunch of other models in G-10 you can keep an eye out for. But if you're heart's set on customizing your Native, then that's your call... I'd just personally rather have a nice G-10 EDC knife (like you mentioned), AND have the original Native as a user. Best of luck.

 

[STR]

KYP, your Native can certainly be upgrded to titanium liners and Micarta scales. I've lost track of how many I've done noq but its been a few. The black bladed ones are particularly challenging because the blades scratch up so easily. I've only done two of those ones. Here are pics of those two in bead blasted black canvas micarta with titanium liners in .040 thickness. I anodized one set blue along with the custom made pocket clip I did for it at the owners request. The other serrated blade one is bead blasted for both liners and handle scales.

STR

 

[Kyp Degal]

Wow! Those are really nice! Almost exactly what I'm wanting. That black canvas Micarta is sweet!

Just a couple questions; one, would it be possible to use the original clip and the same style lanyard hole, as I really like the design; and two, it seems from the pictures that the blade pivot screw would be adjustable -- is that correct? That would be a definite plus. Thanks so much, Josh.