Native(Zytel) vs Native(Stainless)

I've never owned a spyderco but I like the looks of the native. I would like to hear everyone's opinions on the native.

To be honest the only thing that has kept me away from spyderco is the plastic handles. Do they break? I'm not sure I want to drop $60 on the stainless.

Are both sides of the blade sharpened? I can't tell from the picture.

Thanks,

AC
 
Sal Glesser

Sal Glesser

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AC_23 - Welcome to the Spyderco forum. Don't remember seeing you 'round here much. Thanx fer visitin'.

If you/ve never owned a Spyderco before, you may want to think about it. We do things differently than other companies. sometimes habit forming...we've had such compalaints.

The flse edge on the Native is not sharp, either model. The false edge sticks out of the handle when closed and to have it sharp would be dangerous. The swedge was created to remove some of the excess weight from the blade.

The plastic we use on the Native is very tough. I cannot remember ever hearing of one breaking. I would match our "Plastic" Native against any other lite weight folder in the world. In overall strength in general, lock strength, steel performance, factory edge, accessibility, reliability and the company that stands behind it. I do not think you would be disappointed in the knife.

But, probably better if you hear the comments of others. Since we make the knife, we are biased.

sal
 
Without a doubt, the Native is one of the best Spyderco designs. Very comfortable. The zytel model in 440-V rocks. Excellent value. I love the stainless version also, but the zytel version should hold up very well. I use and abuse mine all the time. This knife has no hint of giving up the ghost anytime soon.

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Dennis Bible
 
I cant't speak for the native design, but i can attest to the zytel handle durability. Zytel is a reinforced plastic. Very tough, yet light weight. I've had several old style enduras (replaced due to loss or theft, not damage). I'm not going to suggest using the handle for a hammer, but as a knife handle, its great. Firm grip in the wet or muddy, doesn't freeze up in the cold, and its not going to break on you under even more then abusive use. Hope that helps.

E
 
AC_23,

I have a stainless Native (II), and I really love that knife!.
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...That said, I suggest that if you can, to handle both the stainless, and the Zytel versions, and see which one "feels" best in YOUR hand.



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Dann Fassnacht
Aberdeen, WA
glockman99@hotmail.com
ICQ# 53675663
 
Absolutely! Glockman is right. You are always better off if you can handle a knife before you buy. The Native II has thinner handles and feels a little different than the Native. The Native II actually feels better to me, but it may not to you. Ideally we could handle all knives before we buy. Unfortunately for many of us there arent alot of knife stores nearby.

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Dennis Bible
 
I happen to own two of the zytel handle, GIN-1 steel models. I have NO complaints yet!!!
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Big-Target>>>>>I'm not called that because I'm an anorexic midget!!!
 
I originally bought a Zytel Native for one reason alone. I found one for sale in New York for around $45.00. I had read a lot about 440 V here on the forums. 440 V is one of the top steels being used in high end production folders. Knives made of 440 V generally run well upwards of $100.00 a copy, and this was my chance to play with the steel for less than 1/2 the cost of anything else.

In the process of playing with the steel I have fallen in love with the knife. To me this is the perfect knife for tip up carry. If it were any larger I would have to shift my grip to get to the hole. My only problem is that the one I got is serrated, I guess I need at least one serrated knife but I may need a plain edge as well.

I will admit that Zytel is not my favorite handle material, I wish the native was available in 440 V in something else a little fancier but I think Sal has about as much on his plate as he can say grace over, so I won't suggest it. By the way, If you do manage to brake the zytel handle I would really like to see the pictures. I'm sure it can be done, but you are going to have to work at it.


Mike
 
I recently won a Zytel Native from Cumberland Knives and it's a surprisingly nice knife.

Some Zytel handled knives can feel cheap or fragile, but the Native has relatively thick handles and a nice heft. Plus, the tolerances and blade steel are not something you would expect to see on a knife that retails for only $70.

Has the Native II come out in just plain edge yet? I'm sure that would look really classy. You might want to consider a combination of serrated Native I and plain edged Native II if they exist.
 
Thanks for all of the replies everyone, they have been a big help. One last question.

50/50 or plain edge? I like a partially serrated edge because it come in handy the only problem is if you need to cut something precise I find it a little difficult with a 50/50 blade.

Who has the best price on the net for the native?

Thanks,
AC

 
AC_23,

Something I've noticed between the Stainless, and the Zytel Natives:

It seems to me the the Stainless (NativeII) has alittle less than a "50/50" (40%) serrated blade, while the Zytel version has alittle more than a "50/50" (60%) serrated blade.

(At least that's what I'VE seen.).
smile.gif
.

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Dann Fassnacht
Aberdeen, WA
glockman99@hotmail.com
ICQ# 53675663
 
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