Sage 2 Ti or Native 5

[Surfingringo]

Hey WHite Lightening, yes, there is really no comparison between the 940 and pretty much ANY Spyderco IMHO. This is the result of spydercos "form follows function" design philosophy. I believe they value what a knife feels like in hand and how it performs much more highly than what it looks like. That's why it takes a lot of folks some time to warm up to the designs (aesthetically) but once they "get it", nothing else will do. Glad you are seeing the light. .

It's cool that you have the chance to borrow these knives first and see which is the "one" knife for you, but don't stress the decision too much. Ultimately you are going to end up with both...and many more!

 

[Sonnydaze]

I love the Sage series, particularly the Sage 3 in blue G-10. My favorite, however, is the Sage 2. It feels "warm" to me and is very comfortable to hold. I love it.
Sonnydaze

 

[shunsui]

Still have my Sage2, but sold my Native. They look almost the same, but I liked the ergos of the Sage much better.

 

[White.Lightning]

Well.......this was delivered this today- Spyderco Native 5 w/ custom scales

(Don't worry, its just on loan for a couple days so I can complete this review)

Initial thoughts:
-Well made, fit/finish is very nice
-Ergos are identical to the Sage. VERY comfortable in hand.
-Feels like 'more' knife than the Sage 2, even though practically identical in dimensions
-Lock up is tight and firm/solid
-Action is harder/tighter than the Sage 2- due to lock design? I never handled any other back lock other than my Buck 110/112
-I feel the knife could be improved if it had a similar blade shape to the Sage/Caly series with the ramped jimping

From here:
-My Benchmade 940 is for sale in the exchange to fund something new.
-I will likely end up getting a Sage 2, or possibly a Sage 1. I'm not a fan of the Sage 3 or 4.
-I don't think that the Native 5 is for me. It's a great knife, its comfortable, its stoudt....just not for me. Who knows, maybe a lock back design will grow on me someday.

Conclusion:
Both the Sage 2 and Native 5 are awesome knives. Throughout this process I realized what an ergonomic knife feels like. The Native 5 is exactly what everyone says it is- a lot of knife for the size. That is a good thing. The Sage series gives the end user the option to choose the lock style they prefer- frame, liner, bolt action, back lock. I don't think you can go wrong with either one if you want a good EDC sized knife that can handle all tasks IMO, at least for my duties. I've also grown fonder on smaller EDC sized knives. A 3" blade is more than adequate. Before this I always thought bigger was better.

That should do it. Hopefully this thread proves useful to someone who was considering these two knives like I was.

 

[MobileFireLord]

Have you tested Sage 3 bolt action?

I own quite a bit of Benchmade, and AXIS lock is something I have difficult time living without it. I have tried Manix 2 BBL, but it is a bit stiff compare to the hands that is used to AX

 

[PatrickKnight]

Do yourself a favor and try out a Caly 3/3.5 before you make a purchase. You will not regret it.

 

[White.Lightning]

-I am in the process of trading someone my BM940 for their Sage 2
-I sold my Tenacious.
-I also bought a used BM943 last week, and it should be delivered tomorrow.

So then my arsenal will be a BM943 and Sage 2. I firmly believe I will be satisfied with those two for a while. I know I will buy more knives. Throughout this thought process I eyed the Caly3/3.5 up a few times. I'm sure I will own one of those someday.