Native

[Wrace]

Been away from the forum for a couple years after receiving the recommendation to purchase a native I never looked back and it has been my constant work companion ever since. I love the blade style on this thing as I use my knifes pretty hard and you can almost pry the head off an engine with the native. Not that I've ever tried that of course... My fingers are not so dexterous anymore and I love the big blade hole and large handle relief making it easier for me to open the thing. Finally I really like the rough handle material (hands are often wet/muddy) and the light weight of the whole package.

The one thing I have never liked is the clip. It really tears up stuff and seems to get hooked on things very easily. I would much prefer a wire type clip that did not flare out at the bottom.

So this happy story seems to have come to end as my native has been missing for a couple weeks now and it looks like I will not find it again. Thus I return for some up to date education on the native...

- do they still make the native? Hopefully just like the original?
- can you still get the native from walmart? If not is there a forum vendor I should look at?
- is there an improved clip design, or can you buy an aftermarket clip for these things?

bonus endura question

- last time I was here you guys talked me into buying a calypso I think it was, purple handle and some odd blade material? I like this knife as well, but after reading through a few threads I think I might like to try the endura in addition to a couple more natives. Do they sell the endura at wm or other store fronts? Otherwise, is there a forum vendor I should look to?

Thanks
Wayne

 

[chamenos]

Yes! The Native I is still in production, unchanged since two years ago AFAIK. It's still available at Walmart, and most here would recommend New Graham. Ebay is another option.

There's a version of the Native called the Native III that's manufactured in Seki City, that has a wireclip and a VG-10 blade instead of S30V, so you might want to look into that.

I don't think Walmart sells the Endura, again your best bet is New Graham or eBay. Good luck!

 

[pkdmslf]

Depending on what you're willing to pay, wait about a month or so. The new Native IV is slated to be released. Carbon Fiber handles, screw construction, steel liners, VG-10 steel with full flat grind. A higher end Native. IIRC it may also be made with FRN handles at some point.