Spyderco Native 5, does it beat the Delica?

M

Mr. Sogetsu

Joined
Jun 11, 2006
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Am I the only person on here that really doesn't care for the Native 5 that much? Especially when I already have a Delica?

About a month ago I decided to seriously look at the Native 5; I figured "G10, thick lockbar, S35VN, and a nice looking profile. How can I not like this?" I bought one a few days later after I needed another lockback Spyderco since I lost my Spyderco Delica(FFG green) a couple months earlier. After I got the Native 5, I opened it up a few times a week, but I never really felt the desire to use it. I wasn't sure I liked it so I figured it would grow on me. Last week I found my Spyderco Delica(was back at my parent's place after I moved) and I was finally satisfied with my lockback Spyderco itch. Something about the Native 5 just doesn't feel right like the good ol' Delica. I feel like I should really like the Native 5, but I definitely think the Delica might be a better designed knife overall, even if you consider the value of the Native 5. Really want something else in the Delica size-range, but the Native 5 missed it's mark for me. Should I sell/trade it for a Junior? Or maybe a ZDP 189 Delica?
 
Maybe try a zdp/cf caly 3 if you tend to like the slightly slimmer profile of the delica over the native. The sage series is the same size as well and features excellent ergos a bit like the native but less extreme in my opinion. The sage series features a variety of locking mechanisms and handle materials and is made in spyderco's spectacular Taichung Taiwan factory so build quality and fit and finish are absolutely world class. The delica, caly3, and native are spyderco classics, but in my opinion, the sage series is more rounded.
 
Neither is my ideal knife, but the Native V would be a closer to it than the Delica for no other reason than it having a 50/50 choil. Personally, in that size class, I'll take the Chaparral over anything else. It's thin and light, has great ergos, cuts like a demon, and looks great too.
 
It all boils down to personal preference when it's all said and done. But truly Brother I do myself find the Native model ( I'm including the old and newest models) to be superior to the Delica in many ways. I find the Native to be better equipped for rough work. The Delica is a great blade as a general use, everyday pocket knife.>> but I find the Native to be a real brute of a small knife for rough jobs.

I do wish that they would make the Native available in more blade steels other than what they offer now.
 
In 3" blade class Native5 is my champion, also it is one of my favorite knives ever. But there is no knife for everyone. There are several very popular models, which i do not care at all.
 
I think strictly speaking on ergonomics, the Native V is light years ahead of the Delica. I think the Delica is stuck confined to following the tradition of that knife, which is great for many people but I also think it represents and older way of doing things that isn't as refined as the Native V is, and I think ergonomics are the biggest drawback of the Delica. The way the finger "grooves" or cutouts are spaced only fits a certain percentage of the population, whereas the Native's handle will conform to any size hand and not have points sticking into your fingers.
 
I agree. The Delica's ergo's make it so the first hump in the handle catches me directly in the inside of my middle knuckle making any extended use uncomfortable. With a more 'normal' handle, the Delica would be fantastic. Native 5 is great, but I would like it more around 90.00.
 
samhain73 said:
I agree. The Delica's ergo's make it so the first hump in the handle catches me directly in the inside of my middle knuckle making any extended use uncomfortable. With a more 'normal' handle, the Delica would be fantastic. Native 5 is great, but I would like it more around 90.00.
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If they'd put a handle like the Centofante 3 on the Delica it would be an awesome knife.
 
I have both. They both get pocket time. I like the Delica because it is very light weight. I like the Native because it is more robust. I think I carry the Native more frequently, but that's just my personal preference. As with all knife choices, YMMV.
 
I like that style handle in the Chapparal and the Urban Slipit, It just doesn't feel nearly as good in the Native5 or the Sage size. I also don't like how the hole is somewhat obscured. I do like the steel, choil(though a bit too big imo), and the overall hefty/built of it. Maybe I just read too much into the hype of it. I think I will keep it around and use it, hopefully it will grow on me.
 
I agree with Deacon. I've EDC'd my Chaparral for at least 8 months now, no rotation 8 months straight and I have 25-30 knives on the drawer. Its that good. I do see an N5 in my future though
 
I don't have a Native 5 yet, but it is on my list. I really like the Native platformin general, this from a guy that doean't much like smaller knives. I've used a Narive for around 5 years on and off. I've had one in my tool box and it got stolen, someone agreed with me on that one. ;)

The Delica was one of my first Spydercos, bought one back about 20 years ago. It was my first knife over the $40 price point. I carried it and used it all over the place. Once while rappelling, a buddy got twisted up in the ropes and the harness was really putting the squeeze on him, I used it to free him. Both are great and it's a toss up in my book. You need at least one of each. ;)
 
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