Native v. Mini Grip

KeithAM

KeithAM

Joined
Dec 15, 2003
Messages
3,154
This would be my next purchase. They cost about the same at NGK (about $52-53).

Native:
S30V blade
lockback
linerless FRN

Mini Grip:
440C blade
Axis lock
dual steel liners

It would be for EDCing, cutting cardboard, opening mail and packages, etc. How do you weigh these features?
 
Native all the way.

As much as I like Benchmade Axis locks, in my opinion the Native is far superior.
 
I've really come to enjoy the Native as my EDC chore knife. I do own a Mini Griptilian, but mostly because I like the full-sized Griptilian and also like to collect both sizes of any knives that come in big and little versions. In short, of the two I think that the Native is a better user. But DO save up for the large Griptilian (if you haven't already) as it's better still than the Native IMHO. -- Bear
 
I'd probably go for the s30v steel on the Spyderco. Native is a tad lighter too and will probably never need any service whereas the omega springs on the BM will probably break sooner or later and need to be sent in (no biggy but stillkind of a PITA).
If you find yourself needing an extremely stout little knife(Although the Native is plenty stout too) or constantly having to reach for and open & close and return to pocket, especially if quick one handed operation is key, say while your on ladders and stuff, I'd get the mini grip. Both can be opened and closed one handed, but the mini grip IMHO, smokes ANYTHING in terms of ease/speed of use w/ one hand.
On a side note, and this may seem stupid, but the mini is almost addictive as crack once you learn how to flick it open and shut and the Spyderco's always give that satisfying "CLACK!!" when you open 'em...pretty cool either way you go, both are superb little pocket knives. I dunno about you but I think I fiddle with my knives more than I use them!
I wound up buying both and wouldn't think of getting rid of either one.
 
Get the 556 Mini-Grip. I've had a couple of both, and I like the Benchmade ALOT better than the Native as it feels ALOT better and more solid in MY hand. Also, due to the Axis-lock, it is smoother in opening and closing...And I prefer dual thumb-studs to "the hole".
 
I have owned both and they are great knives. The Native has better steel, but unless you are really into to testing steel, the difference won't mean that much day to day. More importantly, both the Native's S30V and the Mini Grip's 440C are very easy to sharpen. I think both are comfortable, so that's a draw to me. The S30V Native is probably the easiest opening lockback on the market but the Grip is slicker because of the axis lock.
Remember that the Native is a hair over 3" which theoretically could cause problems, but I doubt it. The Mini Grip is more like 2.75" which should let some folks rest more easily.

At the end, I think it's a pick 'em situation. If you can swing it get both for like $115 if you can. They are really nice to rotate or carry at the same time. :)
 
I haven't owned the Native nor the Mini-Griptilian, but I think I know a bit of both.
Pros of the Native are:
  • Better blade steel
  • Lock is less prone to defects
Pros of the Mini-Grip:
  • Dual steel liners
  • Flickable Axis-lock
Well, after thinking about it I can't make a choice either :grumpy: :rolleyes:
I suggest you buy them both, and if you can't do that: toss a coin. Buy one now, save some money and buy the other one in six months :). They won't disappoint you.

Shiden


Audentis Fortuna Iuvat
 
I just wanted to say the steel liners is a non issue. I have NEVER heard anyone say they managed to break unlinered FRN under normal use or even abuse. (Although with abuse anything is possible)

I can't comment as I have only owned the Native, but I do think the Native is a good knife for the price.
-Kevin
 
Morgoth412 said:
I just wanted to say the steel liners is a non issue. I have NEVER heard anyone say they managed to break unlinered FRN under normal use or even abuse.
Click to expand...
You're right about that.

Shiden


Audentis Fortuna Iuvat
 
The Native is now my EDC I haven't come across a better folder - easy to open solid as a rock and the blade design is made to cut. The thing I really like about the Native is that it is simple - what can go wrong with it? In S30V it is a powerful combination.
 
I have had a mini grip for almost two years, and a native 3 since january. I wouldnt give either one up, and love both equally. I tend to use the minigrip in situations at home or work where Im cutting things quickly, where the axis lock can be whipped open, slice some tape or other material, and return to my pocket. I use the native for more long term chores, not due to greater strengh, but due to the broader blade giving more to work with and push on, ie plastic ties or pieces of wood.. My advice is handle both, flip a coin, buy one, and start saving for the second. Thier both among my favorite and most carried knives, even though I have many more more expensive ones.
 
I like blades you can close one handed too. Opening one handed is great, but if my other hand is holding something, I want to be able to put the knife away as well. That means a lockback isn't my prefered choice (unless there is some crazy technique I need to learn).

Also, I'm not a fan of linerless FRN as it feels a bit "cheaper" because it can be pinched slightly. I'm sure the Native would not fail you, but those are just my opinions. I just bought a grip last night after playing with it in a store. the Noryl handle (or whatever it is called) is grippy, but does feel rather plasticy. Still, it feels slightly better to me than the Endura and Dragonfly linerless FRN handles which probably have a similar feel as the Native.
 
kbog said:
I like blades you can close one handed too. Opening one handed is great, but if my other hand is holding something, I want to be able to put the knife away as well. That means a lockback isn't my prefered choice (unless there is some crazy technique I need to learn).

Also, I'm not a fan of linerless FRN as it feels a bit "cheaper" because it can be pinched slightly. I'm sure the Native would not fail you, but those are just my opinions. I just bought a grip last night after playing with it in a store. the Noryl handle (or whatever it is called) is grippy, but does feel rather plasticy. Still, it feels slightly better to me than the Endura and Dragonfly linerless FRN handles which probably have a similar feel as the Native.
Click to expand...

If I could address just two things here that I disagree with:

1. FRN handles on Delica/Endura aren't that similair to the Native. I don't own a Native III, but on the Native the FRN is really thick and making it "pinch" a little is possible, but alot harder then on a Delica.

2. Spyderco lockbacks are designed to be closed one handed. You ARE missing the the crazy technique. ;) You hold the knife regular, then place your index finger near as possible to the edge of the handle. Then adjust your grip and push down the lock bar. Finally flick the knife closed so the choil hits your index finger. Close one handed the rest of the way. (Sounds hard, becuase my explanation is crappy...,but in actual use is VERY fast.)
-Kevin :)
 
Having never handled a Native, I only had the other 2 FRN Spydies to go on. Sounds like the Native is better than those in your opinion.

That technique DOES sound wicked. I am trying to imagine it, but can't. I will take your word for it though. So I'm glad you addressed that because it was one of the main reasons why I have avoided the Spydies thus far (that I can only get my hands on the Dragonfly and Endura which I am not crazy about...

Sounds like I need to practice with one. Damn. Need to own one now... :rolleyes:

The griprilian I handled was very much intuitive for me. I tried it once to open and close one-handed and it simply worked. Very fast too. So I bought it! :)
 
kbog said:
Having never handled a Native, I only had the other 2 FRN Spydies to go on. Sounds like the Native is better than those in your opinion.

That technique DOES sound wicked. I am trying to imagine it, but can't. I will take your word for it though. So I'm glad you addressed that because it was one of the main reasons why I have avoided the Spydies thus far (that I can only get my hands on the Dragonfly and Endura which I am not crazy about...

Sounds like I need to practice with one. Damn. Need to own one now... :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

This might suprise you but... I EDC'd my Delica over all my knives, including the Native. Sounds nuts right? :D

I never understood the whole Spyderco fetish that many people had on here till I actually started using my Delica. The Delica is ugly. The Delica looks cheap. The Delica just looks and feels like a blah, ok type knife. :p But it WORKS! :eek: I can't explain, you just have to experience it.

The Delica kind of molded to my hand, and the blade sliced everything like it was air, and seemed to retain its edge forever. Never failed me and I really grew to love that knife.

Why the Delica over the Native? Well the Native is better looking and better feeling. Not to mention alot smoother and with better steel... :cool: But it never "fit" my hand like the Delica, and the blade didn't seem to slice as well as my Delica. Also, I'm not a fan of 440V,S30V,D2, ETC. They take what seems like ages to resharpen everytime I dull one... The VG10 sharpened alot quicker and held its edge almost as long.

I suppose that stories like mine about the Delica are the essence of Spyderco. It is a company that makes products that simply work. They work overtime making sure every knife has the top knotch materials for the money and that their quality is above all others in the price point. Their customer service is legendary. Their knives aren't pretty (more like fugly) but they have superb ergonomics, blade grinds, and fit.

My taste in knives has changed alot. I'm more into SAK's now, and slipjoints. But I do still love Spyderco, and they are the last "one hander" company I will continue to collect from.

You should stop into the Spyderco forum from time to time. Talking with Sal is great. He listens to all of our suggestions and will go out of his way for us everytime. All the rest of the group over there are informative and helpful too.
-Kevin
 
Morgoth412 said:
I just wanted to say the steel liners is a non issue. I have NEVER heard anyone say they managed to break unlinered FRN under normal use or even abuse. (Although with abuse anything is possible)

I can't comment as I have only owned the Native, but I do think the Native is a good knife for the price.
-Kevin
Click to expand...
I haven't broken a FRN knife, but I used a Zytel folder with no linners. It lasted for years but after around 6 years it really loosened up and had play. I'm guessing the holes became out of round. Zytel/FRN not sure if there is a difference or not. Something to concider anyways.
 
I have both - S30V native and 556 mini-grip (D2 cabelas version). In my use and testing, they fall out like this:

Native - S30V blade will hold its edge longer than the 440C in the currently available mini-grips, although the 440C is no slouch. I find it to take much more force to cut cardboard with the native relative to the 556 (blade geometry, the native has a shallow hollow grind with a thick blade), but the native seems to whittle wood a little easier than my 556. I am not worried about the strength of the FRN, I don't abuse my knives or pry with them.

Mini-grip - much smoother action, a much more precision-oriented manufacture. Handle is a little better fit ergonomically in my hand. It also rides a little lower and less obviously in the pocket.

Both are simple to open and close one-handed, both are good choices for EDC. Personally, I carry the 556 more than the native.
 
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