Will,
I can't answer all your questions but will give a few of them a try.
Spyderco makes two models of the Native, the Lightweight has the 440V blade. The other is Stainless Steel handle and the blade is not 440V. (I just took a quick look around for a Spyderco catalog but no luck finding one.) I think the steel handled version is GIN-1, but I'm not sure, I do know it is not CPM 440 V.
Spyderco changed to 440 V in the lightweight somewhere around a year and a half ago. If the knife has the round notch removed from the backlock (ala 2001) it is 440 V. Otherwise I guess you have to open the blade and look at the markings
The old GIN-1 Lightweight Native is recent enough that it may still be around on some dealer's shelves.
I don't know what the difference in retail price between the two is, but I did recently buy a 440 V Native from a shop here in town for just under $50.00 (plus tax). I would assume that an older GIN-1 LW would be cheaper, either because the dealer bought out existing stock, or because he had a few on hand when the new 440 V Native came out, and hasn't been able to sell the old ones.
The only G-10 Natives I know of are the old blue BF Natives, and the recent black model with the inlay. Both of these have 440V blades.
I have got to tell you that the new Native has to be the deal of the year. Where else can you get a knife with 440 V blade for under $50.00! This is completely aside from the fact that the Native design is about perfect for a medium size folder.
Mike
