Native vs Sage?

N

NateReed

Joined
Jan 20, 2013
Messages
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I'm looking at specs and pics, but can't tell a difference (other than the different locks on the Sage and the weird grind on the Native). I guess what I'm getting at is: Do they have the same handle and ergos? They look really similar...
 
The Sage is a tad larger in handle and blade. Different county of origin and other than the Sage 4, different lock type. They feel very similar, but in my hand the Native 5 feels a little shorter and a little thicker than my Sage1/2.
 
One big difference that matters to some is the thumb ramp on the Sage's and the lack of it on the Native. Also depending on which Sage, and which Native, there are many different handle choices. Some don't like the FRN on the lightweight Native. The Native 5 is G10. I would go with the Sage 1 or 2 to start with.
 
If you're talking about the Native 5, go with that!
The Native LW is good too, but I don't like that one nearly as much.
Heard great things about the Sage 1
 
I asked because I want to get the Spyderco forum knife, which is a green G10 Native 5. Then I thought that the blade looked really similar to the Sage so I looked at both online and they appeared to be the same. So pretty much the Sage has a thumb ramp and the Native is a bit stubby?
 
The Sage1 fit my hand better than the Native5. That being said, the Native5 is probably better suited to harder use.
 
I'm definitely in the minority - but the Sage never worked for me. I felt the handle was a bit too high (top to bottom) and I could never grip it comfortably.
The Natve and the Caly series feel great though. In fact, the native is one of the best fitting knives in my hands. To each his own.
Sorry if this confuses you more.
 
foofie said:
I'm definitely in the minority - but the Sage never worked for me. I felt the handle was a bit too high (top to bottom) and I could never grip it comfortably.
The Natve and the Caly series feel great though. In fact, the native is one of the best fitting knives in my hands. To each his own.
Sorry if this confuses you more.
Click to expand...

That actually helped. I have kind of small hands, so it the grip on the Sage is larger it may not fit mine. And my Caly 3 fits my hands quite well
 
Does anyone have both where they can post up some side x side shots?
 
I traded my Sage 1 for a Native 5 and I am happy I did. The Sage 1 wasnt for me. I love the Native 5!
 
One thing I did not mention in my first post was the clips. The Sage's wire clip is the absolute best clip I have used. I think I am a bit more picky than most when it comes to clips. The classic hour glass Spyderco clip on the Native is a nice functioning clip, but they leave too much riding out of the pocket. The Native's clip is at least real close to the end of the handle, but the wire clip is the best.
 
This is a really tough choice.i would say almost impossible to choose one, but I'd have to go with the Native. I'd feel more comfortable using the Native in a hard use scenario simple because of the lock. When I grip the Sage my finger disengages the lock.
 
Sage hands down! Only because I don't like lockback's and the cf scales on the Sage are awesome
 
These pictures really make it confusing on first glance. Initially they appear to only have very minor differences. The biggest thing i can see is the lack of a thumb ramp on the Native. not really sure what else.

JD
 
I kept the Native and traded my Sage. No regrets. The Caly III is probably my favorite Spydie with the Native not far behind.
 
I have a Native 5 and I like it a lot. Sometimes it is nice to have a knife with a 'friendly' blade size and lock system while still offering a full 4 finger grip.

I have a Chaparral 2 that I don't carry because it is just too dang pretty.

I would like to get a Chaparral 1 and a Caly 3 to see how the stack up to the Native.
 
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