Spyderco - Lightweight FRN or G10?

R

Rusty Shackelford

Joined
Jul 19, 2020
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145
I am getting ready to buy my first Spyderco knife and have decided on the Native 5 but I'm struggling to choose between the LW model and the G10 model. I am aware that both models have no liner but the G10 model still has brass washers at the pivot screw. I am wondering if the washers will make the G10 model have a smoother action and last longer before wearing than the FRN model with no washers. I really hate to pay +50% more for a heavier knife unless there's a significant difference in the action/durability between the two models.
 
I have the LW in S35vn . It works for me. You may also want to cruise the Spyderco forum here for info on longevity . The FRN models have been around for a long time, so something must be working.
And if you have any doubt about spending the money, I say Don't! Try the FRN. You can always save up and buy the G10 later.
 
I have the native 5 lw FRN. I LOVE g-10. Huge fan. But I have zero worries about the strength, durability or longevity of my LW FRN native. It's very smooth and opens very easily one handed. Locks up as solid as any lockback I've ever handled. No blade play in either direction.
 
I have two LW Natives & I doubt you'll see a significant difference in durability between the FRN & G10. On the other hand, if you're thinking you might like the G10 models better, then spend the extra money & get one. You'll be second guessing yourself if you don't. Personally, I wanted the Natives for when I need something smaller & lighter than my other EDC knives, so I went with the FRN.
 
Rusty Shackelford said:
I am getting ready to buy my first Spyderco knife and have decided on the Native 5 but I'm struggling to choose between the LW model and the G10 model. I am aware that both models have no liner but the G10 model still has brass washers at the pivot screw. I am wondering if the washers will make the G10 model have a smoother action and last longer before wearing than the FRN model with no washers. I really hate to pay +50% more for a heavier knife unless there's a significant difference in the action/durability between the two models.
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I've had a lot of spydercos over the years, both FRN and g10. I've come to appreciate the lighter weight and less bulky FRN versions much more. If weight is at all a concern, FRN is the way to go. I wouldn't even consider a difference in durability being a negative for the FRN. My most carried and used spydercos are the Salts in FRN. They are subjected to some pretty gross stuff, mostly my sweat. No issues with durability.

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I own about 16 Spydercos. 14 FRN, 1 G10, and one with aftermarket micarta scales. For me, I don't see the point of 50% price bump for G10 scales. I'm totally content with the durability and feel of Spydercos FRN.
 
IMO, the only advantage of G10 is the ability to take it apart for cleaning or new covers. Some models are pinned and you can’t do any mods.
 
Rusty Shackelford said:
I am getting ready to buy my first Spyderco knife and have decided on the Native 5 but I'm struggling to choose between the LW model and the G10 model. I am aware that both models have no liner but the G10 model still has brass washers at the pivot screw. I am wondering if the washers will make the G10 model have a smoother action and last longer before wearing than the FRN model with no washers. I really hate to pay +50% more for a heavier knife unless there's a significant difference in the action/durability between the two models.
Click to expand...


They're both functionally awesome, for the most part I would always take G10 over FRN, with the exceptions being for little gadgets that absolutely do not benefit from weight or feel.

You'll be happy either way, but it sounds like you might be happier with the less expensive FRN model. They're pretty much equivalent in every way and it doesn't sound like you will miss the washers much.
 
I really appreciate all the feedback, looks like my concerns about the lack of washers on the lightweight/liner free spydercos is unwarranted. It has also come to my attention this morning that the LW is also available in SPY27 for lust a little more than the S30V but I've never owned either steel so now I'm even more conflicted and choosing between 3 models haha.
 
Well, Larrin Larrin our resident Ph.D metallurgist, has made some charts to help sort through the variety of steels.

https://knifesteelnerds.com/2021/10...ness-edge-retention-and-corrosion-resistance/

Spy27 is *similar* to S35VN (if you skip to the last paragraph).
https://knifesteelnerds.com/2020/01/15/spyderco-exclusive-cpm-spy27-steel-analysis/

FWIW, I'd spend the extra $17 for SPY27. I'll take the bump up in toughness and sacrifice some edge retention. I have no problem sharpening and maintaining my knives.
I also like the cobalt blue FRN that comes with the SPY27.
YMMV
 
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gazz98 said:
Well, Larrin Larrin our resident Ph.D metallurgist, has made some charts to help sort through the variety of steels.

https://knifesteelnerds.com/2021/10...ness-edge-retention-and-corrosion-resistance/

Spy27 is *similar* to S35VN (if you skip to the last paragraph).
https://knifesteelnerds.com/2020/01/15/spyderco-exclusive-cpm-spy27-steel-analysis/

FWIW, I'd spend the extra $17 for SPY27. I'll take the bump up in toughness and sacrifice some edge retention. I have no problem sharpening and maintaining my knives.
I also like the cobalt blue FRN that comes with the SPY27.
YMMV
Click to expand...

Thank you for the suggestion and directing me to the articles, I had already ready read the 2nd one earlier after a google search on spy27. The blue scales actually go into the negative column for me tbh, I'd much prefer the burnt orange scales that came on the REX 45 productions and the black isn't bad but color will not be the deciding factor in my decision.
 
My first Spiderco was a Para 3 LW (FRN/SPY27) and it's a terrific daily lightweight knife. I won't bother getting a G10 Para3.
That said, I prefer a G10 Para 2 when I'm out hiking or want something with a bit more heft.
 
There are a couple of G10 versions with liners, for example in S110V. I can recommend these.
 
Well I ended up going with a Lightweight Spyderco but decided on the Chaparral instead, it ticks most of the right boxes for a light EDC for me at a reasonable price, hope I made the right choice, the N5 just seemed like more knife than I needed with that .125" blade stock.
 
You made a great choice. I carry my Chaparral Lightweight everywhere I go. It is ranger-banded to my credit cards, drivers license and some cash. In other words, its part of my wallet. It is a slicy knife. I would hesitate to do some things with it, but for my day to day use, it is the most practical knife due to weight, sharpness, edgeholding and the general ability to be carried everywhere.
 
I agree with gentleman, chap is a fantastic knife in lw, soooo easy to carry and slices like nobody's business. Also xhp is a top notch all rounder.
 
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