Sage 3 vs Native 5

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Bruennis

Joined
Jul 25, 2015
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120
I'm finding it extremely hard to pick between these two. I can only buy one. I prefer the bolt lock of the Sage over the lock back of the Native for ease of use. Both have 3" blade lengths however the Sage has more cutting edge but Native has S35VN steel. The Sage is lighter however I'm indifferent on the carbon fiber/G10 laminate scales and prefer the full G10 scales on the Native.
 
It's always hard when you have to choose between two great knives. People here can make suggestions but what we like might not necessarily end up being the knife you prefer. I say look closely at the specs (size etc) for both and decide which one you want most. Then save up and buy the other later on down the road.
 
Great question. I'll be watching with interest as I've been pondering the exact same thing in the last 2 weeks. They are both quite similar in many ways.
Good luck.
 
Bruennis said:
How does the cf/g10 laminate handle feel? Grippy? Plasticky? Is the fit and finish comparable to the american made native?
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The fit and finish is incredible, it is very precise, smoother than my (3) different Natives, no blade play, easy to use lock. It's mechanically perfect.

The handles have more texture than the older smooth CF used on the Caly 3, and it is lighter and warmer to the touch than G10. The square patterns are raised, but overall it is still fairly smooth.

The shape of the handle is perfect, everything I love about the Native, but less restricting.
 
Bruennis said:
How does the cf/g10 laminate handle feel? Grippy? Plasticky?
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The laminate feels smooth but not what I'd call slippery, yet it's not really "grippy" either.


Bruennis said:
Is the fit and finish comparable to the american made native?
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Fit and finish on the Taichung knives is typically excellent. The exception being the finish on the blades isn't (IMO) as good as the finish on any of the other Spyderco knives I have. The blade finish on the USA knives is by far better than any of the others.
 
my 1st choice would to go for the native 5!as i have a special place in my hart for this little folder!i don't own the sage 3,but have a sage 1 opens vary fast and fit and finish are up there with other taichung offerings,the CF laminate has a bit of grip!nothing like G-10 though,i would think the sage 3 bolt would be even faster to deploy though,i would add the jimpping on the USA.made knifes is better!take your time.:eek:
 
Native 5. I have had both. The Native is smaller in the pocket. Ergos on both are great. S30v and s35vn are similar enough. I like the wire clip on the Sage better but overall I like the Native better. They are both great and you could always trade one for the other in a pinch on the exchange.
 
I went through the same debate a while ago and while now I own both knives and I can tell you from experience that I prefer the native5. I like how the lock back is seamlessly integrated into the stainless steel Backspacer that thing is a work of art. I also prefer the slight taper that the blade has on the native5 and I like the more concealed blade design when in the closed position it takes up less pocket space and I dig that.
 
I struggled with this decision too and ended up with the Native 5, but I ended up preferring the Lightweight FRN version. I really enjoy how small and lightweight it is, with no sacrifice in performance IMO. The lock is kind of a marvel, too, maybe not as flashy as the Sage's bolt lock, but I really enjoy how beautifully and solidly it functions. The swedge on the Native is also very appealing to me for some (probably totally illogical) reason.
 
I strongly prefer Native5. I never owned Sage3. I had Sage1 for about a year, but it never made into my pocket. Currently I have 3 Native5 in use:2013 forum knife for every day use, Ti Fluted and S35Vn with desert ironwood scales for special occations. N5 has has terific ergos. it fit into my hand like a glove.
 
Hate to do this to you good folks but do your picks change if I include the Chaparral? I'm leaning towards the Native 5
 
Earlier today, I had no feedback. As you can tell, the Native is pretty high talked about..
So in the last couple weeks, I started looking for one.
Well, it showed up today!
100% I can understand why it's highly regarded!

No way it's coming out of my pocket! Not in the next week, atleast..

I can carry it to work, to eat, to hunt, to church(Which was the Sage 1 or Chaparral's place)!

I'm not carrying the Sage or Chap to work.. Construction/heavy equipment operator..
Office job, sure, they are perfect for the office and slacks. The wire clip is descreet.

As far as I can tell, the Chaparral is a smaller, more delicate, Native.
The Native might be kicking the PM2 out of my pocket.. Atleast for a little while.
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If the Native 6 has a compression lock, I'm trading in a couple of my PM2's! Lol..
But I'm also waiting for the Sage 5.. :)
 
Bruennis said:
Hate to do this to you good folks but do your picks change if I include the Chaparral? I'm leaning towards the Native 5
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I just got a Chaparral and I love the small size. It's like a mini Sage 1 except it has a back lock instead of a liner lock. I'd actually prefer if the Chap had a liner lock and I understand about lock strength and all that but for what I'm going to use a gentleman's folder for the liner lock is plenty strong and easier for me to operate with one hand. That said, I'd still prefer the Native 5 for EDC. I really like my N5 lightweight and have a G-10 version coming that should be delivered tomorrow.

If you're anything like me I have a feeling you're going to end up with a few more Spydies that you originally intended. There are so many different models and each had features that are appealing. It's fun to get a new one that you haven't tried and compare to the ones you already own. They're like Lay's potato chip, betcha can't have just one!

winnerone23 said:
If the Native 6 has a compression lock, I'm trading in a couple of my PM2's! Lol..
But I'm also waiting for the Sage 5.. :)
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A compression lock Native would be great! Being a fan of the Sage series I'll be really looking forward to the Sage 5. Still need to get a Sage 3 first though.
 
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I have the Native 5 light weight and the Sage 1. Both great - the Sage has a better feel to it. But I guess you are thinking the G10 Native? Can't help you there.
 
I have two Native 5, one Native 5 Lightweight and two Native Lightweights, 5 total. All different colors with 4 different steels, so I do like the Native line. But my Sage 3 is soooo much smoother to deploy than the best opener of my Natives making it no contest in that department. Ergos...pretty much the same.
Because of ease of opening and the wire clip allowing the Sage 3 to ride lower in the pocket, I would choose the Sage over the Native.
 
Sharp Guy said:
A compression lock Native would be great! Being a fan of the Sage series I'll be really looking forward to the Sage 5. Still need to get a Sage 3 first though.
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Well, after looking at this..
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I'm going to have to say the lil maniac(pm3) is going to be awfully close to a compression lock Native..

So I'll be looking forward to the Sage 5 and lil para.. [emoji41]
 
Went with the Sage 3. Should be here in 5-8 days. Handled them both and just found the Sage to be a smidgen nicer overall, the bolt lock too unique and effortless to operate. The scales took some warming up but are quite attractive in person and just slide into my pocket.
 
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