Question about Spyderco Native

C

cosine

Joined
Dec 13, 2005
Messages
706
Hi all! (newbie question)

I've heard that the Spyderco Native has gone through three generations of manufactoring. Could someone explain those three generation of manufactoring and the differences between the Natives made in those three generations?

Thanks.:)
 
Mostly in order, but not sure where the Native 2 falls in:

1. Initial 440a steel version. Sold as "first generation," ugly fit/finish. US-made. FRN (like zytel) handle. Earliest ones were G2 steel. Complex story, but it's kind of a sorry knife.

2. Regular Native 1 (but people rarely say the 1). Initially cpm440v, replaced later with cpms30v (improvement). Us made. FRN (like zytel) handle.

3. Native 2. Looks mostly like Native 1, but steel handle instead of FRN. Made in Japan, AUS10 steel.

4. Native 3 or 3D. Made in Japan, VG10 steel, FRN handle. The handle is more uniquely textured than the Native 1. It also has a more rounded shape.
 
You can also find special model Natives out there. Mine has a CPM 40V blade, G-10 handle scales and abalone inlay- and I know of another model with "root beer" inlay on the fully serrated version.
 
The first Natives were Gin-1 bladesteel (aka G2). After that came 440v. Then, of course, the current S30v. The Native II was made in Japan with SS scales and Aus-10 bladesteel. The Native III (aka Native 3D) is made in Japan and sports a wire clip and VG10 bladesteel. The original Native is better than ever and currently available at Wally World for less than forty bills. Spyderco must have came up with "a better mousetrap" if they're able to turn out such a quality product on American soil at such a bargain price. I personally prefer Seki Spydies but the Native inspires confidence that the folks in Golden aren't asleep at the wheel.

The BRK Natives are the red-headed stepchild of the series. A certain knife company was contracted to make the Native in America for Spyderco. They (of course) dropped the ball and turned out junk. Spyderco couldn't market the knives and hold on to their good name so they warehoused the parts until Blue Ridge came along with an offer. Spyderco liqudated the knives and Blue Ridge marketed them, that's what BRK does. They didn't know (or care) that the knives were sub-par. They flooded the market and the BRKs are still widely available at rock bottom prices. An interesting sidebar into Spydie history but certainly not something you would want to carry. They have 440a blade steel and were heat treated by a part time Burger World grill guy.
 
just bought one at walmart for $39,95. My only option here in town was the G&K store which gets $70.00!!!!!..go figure
 
I only have experience with a Native III, but I recommend it highly. Not only a great performing knife with great ergos, but unlike most Spydercos, it's a great looker (Let the flaming begin). It gets as much or more pocket time than my Delicas, which I consider the perfect knife.

The only reservation I have about the Native III is not the fault of the knife. I have small hands, and it's very beefy and seems like it would be better suited for someone with large hands.
 
Thanks for all the help everybody! I saw the Native at Wal-Mart, and wanted some info about it. I want a good knife, but have a small budget.

So, to recap: If I understand correctly, the Native at Wal-Mart is the original with S30v steel, and 40 bucks is a good price for that knife.

Again, thanks.
 
Welcome to Bladeforums!

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So, to recap: If I understand correctly, the Native at Wal-Mart is the original with S30v steel, and 40 bucks is a good price for that knife.

Again, thanks.


Yes! It is a GREAT deal. Run. Don't walk to your nearest walmart. You won't be dissapointed with this knife.
 
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