So what's the deal with the Native 5?

zl1

Gold Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2012
Messages
1,142
I can't find many YouTube reviews in English for whatever reason. Only issue I have come across is that one guy had edge issues with s35vn in particular, but other people seem to be okay.
Not too much out there that I've found on google. Is it not a popular knife? What do you guys think about it?
I'm thinking of getting one because I didn't really care for the Sage 2 but admired the strong lockup and this looks to be a pretty stout edc folder with similar proportions.
Tell me about it :D
 
I got one for about 9 months, the 35VN steel is great unless you do chopping a lot and it will fold to itself.
I have no problem with the steel but the clip.
First, the hole on the clip is not center to the pivot screw like enduras or police3.
An clip screws do not tightness after changing the way I carry a few time. (just emailed them)
 
I really like mine. I've had it for a couple of months, mostly use it for light tasks. Mine seems to hold an edge well, at least for my uses and it feels good in hand. I've never had a Sage so I can't compare, but it feels like a lot like a smaller Para 2 to me. It seems a bit more solid than say a Delica 4 FFG. I'd recommend it, it's one of my favorites.
 
The edge issues were isolated and the whole thing got blown out of proportion. Buy one, try it and you be the judge. See for yourself and you decide.
 
Never had any issues here. Solid 3" mid lock. A blade that seems quite socially acceptable most places... if.. it even matters.
I really dig this design visually as well as in hand.
Like RevDevil suggested, give it a shot
 
Last edited:
I've been considering one myself... the new S110V that is supposed to come out some time this year may well seal the deal for me (if I can find one... my bet is the S110Vs will be a HOT commodity).
 
It is the great knife. I EDC it for several month and absolutely love it. Currently it is my most used knife. No problem with edge retention so far. Sharpens nicely. I have two of them AND f&f on both up to the best Spyderco standards. Native5 kicked out Caly3.5 out of my pocket. I believe it tells something. I remember CTS review, it was based more on his emotions than on engineering evolution and wasn't consistent with other testings including Ankerson's. I wouldn't worry about it.
 
How does it the cutting edge feel?
I know its a 3 inch blade but the choil knocks it down to 2.5 right?
And is it flickable?
 
Last edited:
i love my native 5. i enjoy carrying it more than my para2. lockup is solid, and its smaller size makes it easier to carry. the 2.5" cutting edge coupled with the choil makes for an excellent precision cutter. mine isn't flickable as of yet, but some people seem to have worn it in so that it flicks very easily. i got the str clip for it and it buries nice and deep. all in all, i love the Native 5. for some reason it isn't as popular as the para2, but hey, that means they're easier to get :)
 
How does it the cutting edge feel?
I know its a 3 inch blade but the choil knocks it down to 2.5 right?
And is it flickable?

Is the "flickability" an important aspect for you? Personally, I don't see the need to do it. Open the knife in a calm and controlled manner, cut your material, put it away.
 
The edge issues were isolated and the whole thing got blown out of proportion.

Yes it was, and I couldn't believe how many judged the steel from a single video, from a single person. Seems some still are.
Sal, and Chris Reeve tested the steel and found no problems at all.

Crucible says it holds an edge about like S30V, and is a bit tougher.
I use a Para 2 with S35V, and can't tell any differnece in it and S30V. Both great steels.


Is the "flickability" an important aspect for you? Personally, I don't see the need to do it. Open the knife in a calm and controlled manner, cut your material, put it away.

Good advice.
 
Yes it was, and I couldn't believe how many judged the steel from a single video, from a single person. Seems some still are.
Sal, and Chris Reeve tested the steel and found no problems at all.

Crucible says it holds an edge about like S30V, and is a bit tougher.
I use a Para 2 with S35V, and can't tell any differnece in it and S30V. Both great steels.




Good advice.

According to my knife steel composition chart app, s35vn is supposed to be an improved version of s30v and its more resistant to chipping but won't hold an edge as well.
 
Is the "flickability" an important aspect for you? Personally, I don't see the need to do it. Open the knife in a calm and controlled manner, cut your material, put it away.
It's not a deal breaker for me, but I do not consider flicking a knife to be a wild maneuver. There's a time and place for everything.
You can't tell me you don't like to play with your knives :rolleyes:
Anyways, I ask because the knife supposedly has the same pivot bushing system the Paramilitary 2 does and I do like to flick that open with my middle finger.
 
Native5 is in my short list of absolute favorite Spydercos.

I'm stoked about future releases, and anticipate sprint runs in different color G10's and steels as well hopefully.

The guy who has a youtube vid you may be referring to is JDavis, he actually loves the Native5 as well.


That was an AWESOME review... Read it before I ordered one.
 
It's not a deal breaker for me, but I do not consider flicking a knife to be a wild maneuver. There's a time and place for everything.
You can't tell me you don't like to play with your knives :rolleyes:
Anyways, I ask because the knife supposedly has the same pivot bushing system the Paramilitary 2 does and I do like to flick that open with my middle finger.
Well you have to remember that the native IS a lockback so there is some friction by way of the locking design meaning that the smooth deployment of the para2 may be elusive for the Native
 
Well you have to remember that the native IS a lockback so there is some friction by way of the locking design meaning that the smooth deployment of the para2 may be elusive for the Native

Don't all or almost all locking systems present some amount of friction for opening? Liner and frame locks rub against the blade while opening.
 
In my experience the Native is a solid performer. I bought a few from wally world a few years ago when the were $38.00 a piece and had S30V to boot. They are good stuff mainord!
 
Back
Top