Natrix Copper

[Sharp Guy]

I took mine out of the mailbox when we got home last night. I haven't had much time to spend with it yet but so far so good. The detent is strong but manageable. For a flipper I'd much rather have the detent a little too strong than too weak. For me there's a happy medium. This one leans toward the strong side which is fine. It fires great!

Being a fan of smaller knives I like the size of the Natrix Cu. The size was one of the reasons I was drawn to it. It's about the size of a Spyderco Chaparral. I like that! At 3.343 oz (by my scale) the knife feels solid for it's size but not too heavy.

I'm not too sure about the edge profile/shape at this point. It's definitely different than what I normally prefer. It's like the belly is more toward the heal and then straightens toward the tip. I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing. Just different than what I'm used to. I like different sometimes. So I look forward to using this to see what I think. The edge is a little uneven but I won't complain at this price point. I took out my dial calipers and measured the thickness behind the edge and got .021". That's about what I expected considering the relatively thick (.109") blade stock for it's size. I usually run the factory edge for a while before reprofiling. I might go ahead and reprofile this one while watching football today.

This is my first knife with a copper handle. First copper-handled anything for that matter. I'll be interested to see how the color changes over time. I get a kick out of how the knife smells like a jar full of pennies. ☺

Overall I think this a really nice little knife, especially considering the price. I'm very happy that I decided to buy this one.

 

[Allengc]

Howdy folks! Been a reader here for some time. Joined up today just to comment on this new Natrix.

Firstly, a beautiful piece of work. Some are bemoaning the finish as though they were expecting a Polished Copper finish. It was obvious from the preproduction units that that was not going to be the case. I REALLY like the smooth stonewashed look that they chose and am very glad they DIDN’t go with the lined pattern that the early units had.

Like some, I’m finding the detent way too aggressive to the point that I virtually can’t deploy it one handed. Loosening the pivot does nothing but de-center the blade and is no help in flipping it. Anyone have a suggestion? I’m thinking I’m going to have to disassemble it and gently straighten the lockbar a bit.

I love the size. I prefer small knives and it’s right in the middle size-wise in my collection.

 

[Sharp Guy]

Like some, I’m finding the detent way too aggressive to the point that I virtually can’t deploy it one handed. Loosening the pivot does nothing but de-center the blade and is no help in flipping it. Anyone have a suggestion? I’m thinking I’m going to have to disassemble it and gently straighten the lockbar a bit.

Hi Allengc. Welcome to BF.

I found that with mine, I have to hold the knife in a way that doesn't put pressure on the lock bar. I have a couple other knives that are the same way. So it's an easy adjustment for me. An easy way to see what I'm referring to is to try deploying the blade with the knife in your left had. Hold the knife so your thumb is pinching the knife above the lock bar. It should be much easier to open the blade this way. When deploying the blade with my right hand I place my finger tips near the clip. I'd post pics to better show you what I mean but I started to reprofile mine earlier and it's out of commission at the moment.

 

[Allengc]

Hi Allengc. Welcome to BF.

I found that with mine, I have to hold the knife in a way that doesn't put pressure on the lock bar. I have a couple other knives that are the same way. So it's an easy adjustment for me. An easy way to see what I'm referring to is to try deploying the blade with the knife in your left had. Hold the knife so your thumb is pinching the knife above the lock bar. It should be much easier to open the blade this way. When deploying the blade with my right hand I place my finger tips near the clip. I'd post pics to better show you what I mean but I started to reprofile mine earlier and it's out of commission at the moment.

Thanks! Unfortunately, no go. I can’t deploy with either hand. You can tell the lockbar is tight when you close the knife. Rather than a soft ‘click’ at the detent, it’s a hard ‘Clack!’.

For now, it’s a two-handed opener. My finger tips are too sore from trying to work it in. I have a feeling I’m going to have to relieve some of the pressure on that dent at some point. Thanks for the suggestion though.

 

[Mo2]

Thanks! Unfortunately, no go. I can’t deploy with either hand. You can tell the lockbar is tight when you close the knife. Rather than a soft ‘click’ at the detent, it’s a hard ‘Clack!’.

For now, it’s a two-handed opener. My finger tips are too sore from trying to work it in. I have a feeling I’m going to have to relieve some of the pressure on that dent at some point. Thanks for the suggestion though.

Contact the vendor and get an exchange

 

[HappyDaddy]

Got mine today. Happy to report that it's exactly what I expected. The copper looks like copper. The grind is that of a $60.00 mass produced knife, which is to say, not perfect but more than acceptable. The detent is what I would consider "medium." I have larger than average hands and it took a little messing around to figure out the best way to hold the knife when opening it, but it wasn't a big deal. As with lots of frame locks (though oddly, not all), pressure on the lock bar seriously hinders opening. All in all, it's an attractive, well made, light duty utility type knife. Two final thoughts: I wouldn't recommend batoning with it, it would suck for "bush-crafting" and "survival"; and I have no idea whether it would pass a spine whack test, because I don't give a #&^$ whether it would pass a spine whack test.

 

[Rival1314]

Got mine today, and I'm very happy with the overall F&F and product.

Its small.....but I get the feeling its still very EDC task friendly. The action is fast and smooth on mine....but I'm very used to the sub-frame so no pinching issues here. I will say that my cutting bevels are off slightly...so based on what I read I should probably send it back and never buy another Kershaw again for this sin Really tho....for a $60 knife I think its fins, I plan on putting on a new edge, and the factory edge is still shave sharp.

I do like the finish out of the box...its a stonewashed/working finish that should patina very nicely. haven't decided if I'm gonna force it along or not...for now, I'll just carry it!

 

[Yimes]

Mine arrived today and while I have not had much time to use it I will say that centering and lockup are great and there is no blade play in any direction. The detent is strong but not overly so and the finish is really nice. The picture above shows flytanium scales on a PM3 that have had some time to patina. The Natrix scales are obviously new but look way better out of the box than the flytanium scales did when they were new. The Natrix scales already have a worn look and I am excited to see what develops over time.

 

[Allengc]

Well, for everyone with a tight lockbar, I recommend backing off the two screws that hold the pocket clip on. I have found it is a whole lot easier to flip now.

This actually makes sense because the lockbar is attached to the handle with FOUR screws. Two on the handle and two for the clip, all in a row. Loosening the clip screws, or removing it altogether like I did, has allowed the lockbar to back off at bit and not bite into the blade so much. Try this and let us know how it goes. It’s definitely working better for me.

 

[NG VI]

Just got mine, and I love it. I'll probably try to shine up the scales a little bit, but the pre-patina looks good as well. I can Spydie-flick mine easier than I can flip it. I failed my first couple of flip attempts, but nailed my first three fuller flicks and continue to do so.

I like it a bunch so far, the grind is decent though imperfect, and the backspacer needs to be replaced with something better looking, but the ergos and blade profile are great and it's a super cool little donger. The detent is nice, it's hard and sends the blade flying out, but still works well with the middle finger flick. Can't ask for more from a budget knife, the weight is notable but not bad because of all the milled internal pockets.

 

[grownstar]

Absolutely loving mine! Centering and lockup are perfect, and the detent is right where I like it. I've been carrying it at work the past few days and its already starting to look like mine! Great job, Kershaw!

 

[Badazzelanore]

Thanks! Unfortunately, no go. I can’t deploy with either hand. You can tell the lockbar is tight when you close the knife. Rather than a soft ‘click’ at the detent, it’s a hard ‘Clack!’.

For now, it’s a two-handed opener. My finger tips are too sore from trying to work it in. I have a feeling I’m going to have to relieve some of the pressure on that dent at some point. Thanks for the suggestion though.

It loosens up nicely. I flicked it for a few days and it has smoothed out now. Very satisfying. I also saw somewhere a guy said he left the blade half open over night or for a few days and it loosened the detent up. Might try that before going through the hassle of sending it back.

 

[Badazzelanore]

Im unhappy with the patina. It just looks dirty. I have a couple of copper flashlights and the patina always has cool colors, but this finish just looks bleh.

Has anyone taken the scales off? I want to take them off and polish them but Im afraid of the bearings falling out or difficulty putting it back together.

 

[dkb45]

I did come across an unexpected problem. In trying to take the knife apart to put a blue green patina on the scales, one of the spacer screws completely rounded out. Sadly, poorly heat treated screws are becoming all too common on knives of all prices.

 

[Allengc]

Im unhappy with the patina. It just looks dirty. I have a couple of copper flashlights and the patina always has cool colors, but this finish just looks bleh.

Has anyone taken the scales off? I want to take them off and polish them but Im afraid of the bearings falling out or difficulty putting it back together.

I read somewhere that it’s a caged bearing. If so, there should be no problem with losing ball bearings as they scatter. That happened to me unexpectedly with my tiny Eros SS. Thankfully I got it all back together and it flips better than it did originally.

 

[jmh33]

Soo.. After waiting 7plus months.. I have had my Natrix for the past week.. And I just cant warm up to it.. Nope.. I tried.. I have large hands and for some reason I cant find the sweet spot while opening.. And speaking of opening.. The detent seems a little stiff.. If I keep moving the knife around in my hand I can open with little effort but it takes effort to find that.. Aint worth it to me.. Soo.. It will be going back..

And Congrats to those who enjoy their Natrix!!! John

 

[Insipid Moniker]

Im unhappy with the patina. It just looks dirty. I have a couple of copper flashlights and the patina always has cool colors, but this finish just looks bleh.

Has anyone taken the scales off? I want to take them off and polish them but Im afraid of the bearings falling out or difficulty putting it back together.

KVT uses caged bearings, so you should be good. Just in case, though, I recommend disassembling on a tray with a lip. That prevents anything from rolling onto the floor.

 

[3-1-1]

Mine came with considerable play in the closed position. The kind where the detent hole in the blade seems like its either too big or misplaced. Almost to the point that the tip could come out proud while still sort of captured by the detent ball. I have sliced my finger before on knives that had this issue when reaching in the pocket for it. So it went back today. Just mine or anyone else have this?

 

[Sharp Guy]

Mine came with considerable play in the closed position. The kind where the detent hole in the blade seems like its either too big or misplaced. Almost to the point that the tip could come out proud while still sort of captured by the detent ball. I have sliced my finger before on knives that had this issue when reaching in the pocket for it. So it went back today. Just mine or anyone else have this?

Mine has a little detent slop but nothing like you describe.

 

[NG VI]

Mine also has a sloppy closed detent, which is probably why the detent is so inconsistent and why it's so prone to locking up even when the lockbar is barely touched.