Should I get the S30V Native?

K

Knight939

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Feb 14, 2003
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I know that to every knife knut out there the answer is obvious but I guess the question I'm really asking is can I justify buying an s30v native? To clarify things I was all set to purchase the new s30v native recently and then saw that the 3D Native was around $8 cheaper, made of VG-10 steel, and I liked the new shape of the handle so I picked up that one instead. Since I saved some money I was also able to justify (to myself at least) purchasing a CRKT M1 Lightfoot at the same time. Well the 3D Native is my steady companion and a superb cutter. I don't own any knives made with s30v yet but the 3D Native holds an edge better than any other knife I own. So, is the performance (edge holding ability mainly) of s30v significantly better than VG-10? Has anyone had the chance to compare the two steels yet? I currently own two Natives (the 3D and one serrated version in Gin-1) already and really love the design and functionality of the knife. I'd really like to purchase a knife with an s30v blade after reading all the great reviews of this steel and the Native is the knife that fits into my limited budget the easiest. If I do get the s30v Native I may have to hide the other two as my wife is really questioning my knife purchasing rational, she's just not a knife knut. Thanks in advance.
 
Short answer: yes
Long answer: I found that the Native in the old CPM440V cuts very aggressively. To prove the point, I was cutting some 550 paracord, and to prevent frayed ends, I heated a section of the rope, and then cut it. My VG10 Endura took some effort, but the 440V Native did the job in one go.
440V tends to stay sharp much longer. The only two times that I sent it back for sharpening (I'm not a good sharpener, and I'm too impatient for these two incidents) were once, lending my friend when they were installing the satellite on the roof, they manage to wreck the edge because the roofing tiles were very rough with crystal like things embedded in them. The other time that I manage to screw up a 440V is that I accidentally hit the blade against a ceramic pot's handle. It left a mark on the handle, but also dented one spot on the blade (I would've thought other steel would have been dented worse). Both times Spyderco fixed it perfectly.
 
If you already have and are happy with your Native III, I can't think that S30V is going to offer you that much more slicing goodness to justify its purchase. I have the S30V one and it's awesome, but I'll bet the VG-10 model is, too.

-Thom
 
i would have to answer with a resounding no. I personally like VG10 better then s30v and the difference between s30v and vg10 is minimal. I think you are better off buying another knife in s30v unless you dont mind owning a basic duplicate
 
I have a Native III and a S30V Native. I like them both. I give the edge to the Native III because of the handle, the blade shape, and the heft. Now the cutting ability may be better in the S30V, but I am not an expert on this. I own other S30V blades and they too are very good. I think you should get a knife with S30V, but you may want to try another style (Military, etc.)
 
Thanks for all the input. Although I'd love a Native in S30V I think I'll look for another knife with the steel. Possibly something else from Spyderco. I've found there aren't too many other makers that give you as much bang for your buck and really keep up with the latest high performance cutlery steels.
 
I got a Native III today, so i thought I would chime in.

I like the Native, but the Native III feels so much better. Of the two, the Native III will see more carry time. I like VG-10 and have never had any problems with its performance. VG-10 is one of my favorite steels. The handle of the Native III puts it over the top as far as I'm concerned.
 
How about a S30V Military?Best knife made followed by the Native.
 
I don't know. I own knives of both steel and the difference is very hard for me to detect in dayin/dayout usage. I carry the s30v Native as my primary EDC for months now, with a Merlin always around to.

I am really curious about the answers you get here too.:footinmou
 
IMO the S30V holds an edge much longer and personally I can get a better edge on it,that may have something to do with the grind though.
 
My serrated s30v Native sees some serious hard use. Daily. Not so much as a burp so far. Performs like a chainsaw. Simple bi-weekly touchups on the sharpmaker restore the violent edge in mere minutes.

I wouldn't trade this knife for all the tea in china. Get some!
 
Let me just add: If you're happy with your vg10 Native, just try s30v in a different model, namely the Military.

No matter what blade steel is used, Spyderco produces ONLY the very best. Even back in the Gin-1 days. Cheers.
 
Do you want the design with fancy steel, or just fancy steel?

The Native III (VG10) has a nicer handle, but I like the blade better on the S30V model - spine texture is a bit less extreme, tip grind is slightly different. If you really love the Native, and just want to bump up the steel, then the USA Native makes sense.

If you just want to play with S30V, then go for a different model. The Dodo is nice for EDC if you don't mind a wide knife in blue. Ergos are somewhat similar to the Native. Military is great if your local constable doesn't mind the length.
 
IMHO I agree with Calyth on this 1, I've had both and I still prefer the 440V over the S30V, I personaly can get a much better edge.
I love a toothy type edge on these steels.
VG-10 isn't as abrasion resistant as S30V but if you prefer a polished type push cut edge VG-10 is damn hard to beat.

My advice is to ignore the stares from the wife and say to yourself "she don't understand" and buy all the Spydies you want :D . Ron
 
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