Spyderco Native For Hiking?

D

Dave568

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May 24, 2005
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I was just hoping to get some opinions on weather a Spyderco Native would be a good choice for a hiking/camping/general all around outdoor use knife. I want something tough that can stand up to some abuse, but I don't want anything that will break the bank. So for those of you who own or have at least handled a Native, do you think it is a good choice? I have read many great reviews of the knife in general, but I'm looking for something specifically for outdoor use. Also, should I go with the Native (CMP-S30V) or Native 3 (VG-10)? Price isn't an issue in this decision... I have never had a CMP-S30V blade, but I hear it chips a lot easier than VG-10. Is it worth it to get CMP-S30V over VG-10? Thanks.
 
I have two, and think they would be great knives for carrying outdoors.
Inexpensive and easily replaced.
Lightweight.
Locking.
Lanyard hole for secure carry.

As far as the steel, I doubt an average person could distinguish the difference.

Happy Hiking,
-Bob
 
i dont own one, but i think it would be a good choice. i would back it up with a multitool of some kind. maybe a vic swisstool spirit or a leatherman juice.

like the above poster, i think those two steels should perform equally.
 
Thanks for the replies so far. I'm definitely going to be backing it up with some other knives - I wouldn't go on any sort of extended hike without multiple blades. Right now I carry with me at all times at least a Spyderco Delica, Leatherman Charge XTi, and a Swiss Army Knife Camper.

As for the difference between the Native and Native 3... are there any other major differences between the two models other than blade steels? Any changes in ergonomics, etc? Thanks again for the replies.
 
Either models will do fine, and both will be excellent for hiking use. Also consider the Centofante and D`allara drop point, which are roughly the same price.
 
There were slight changes made to the handle shape. Not enough to make a real difference, but I bet that you'll have a preference if you get the chance to fondle them both.

Best Wishes,
Bob
 
The Native is a nice knife at a great price, but find it a bit small. For hiking and general use a basic BM 551 Griptilian would be my choice. Not much more money, but a bit larger.
 
My preference over two Natives for outdoors would be the 3D. It had a fatter, more shaped handle which creates a more solid grip. The VG-10 is an excellent steel for the field because it's quite easily sharpened. I gues it depends on your hand size for which one is more optimal.

However my Native 3D is something I consider for more urban carry. As AM said, look long and hard at the D'Allara drop point for a bush folder.
 
I'm doing a lot of reading on the difference between the two models, and from what I've read it seems like the Native Is in CMP-S30V that were made in Golden, Colorado have a lot more blade play than the foreign made Native IIIs. That seems odd to me, but just about everything I have been reading in the last hour is telling me this.
 
Since some people are recommending a large knife, such as the Benchmade 551, I was thinking maybe it would be worth it to go ahead and buy myself a Benchmade 552 RSK. It's got a 3.44" blade, CMP-S30V steel, and I know Doug Ritter, the one who worked with Benchmade to create this knife, definitely knows what he is doing and I would definitely trust any of his products. It's a bit more expensive (I could get almost 3 Natives for this price), but do people here think it would be worth it?
 
I picked up a Native specifically because it seems to be an ideal, all-purpose folder suitable for the outdoors. High quality enough to rely on, cheap enough to use hard if necessary. For camping and motorcycle touring, it will be paired with either a Leatherman Surge or Swisstool Spirit.
 
I have two Natives that I use for edc. They are good knives, but not imho tough enough for some of the things you would be using them for in the woods...they would be plenty good for 90% of things you would want to do, but then you would run into the other 10%...For a hiking folder, I would recommend the spyderco Manix, or the Ontario Rat-1, both are built like tanks, the spyderco will set you back about $120.00 and is made of s30v, the Rat-1 will only cost ya $59.00 its blade is aus-8 which isn't the latest super steel, but it takes and holds a good edge on the rat-1 and the rat-1 is nearly as durable as a fixed blade...think Al Mar Sere for comparison only less money. If you want the Rat-1, Cumberlandknifeworks.com is the place to buy.
 
I just got a Native for light hiking. Mine is flawless...absolutely no complaints about blade play. Its the Golden, CO S30V version. Before buying it I was worried about quality, but figured what the heck - its only about $40. Great choice. The blade is a bit small for some uses, but I've got no real complaints.

Someone mentioned a Manix. It's a great knife and it is built like a tank. Its a bit heavy. The Mini-Manix is by no means "mini" and might be a good alternative. Or, if you want to save weight, I'd reccommend the Paramilitary. It's probably Spyderco's best all around knife. If you are going to spend the money for a RSK, I'd go for the Para or Mini-Manix. The G10 will blow the plastic handles of the RSK away.
 
The Native is a great knife. I like the 3D version more because of the handles, they just fit my paws like a glove.

I wouldn't consider it suitable as a main outdoors blade simply because I don't think ANY folder can be a main outdoors knife. I might be an old fashioned guy (even though I'm 23), but outdoors and fixed blades go hand in hand in my book. A folder is a great back up and a great tool to have for fine work, but you need a fixed blade if you're escaping the great indoors.
 
Dave568 said:
Since some people are recommending a large knife, such as the Benchmade 551, I was thinking maybe it would be worth it to go ahead and buy myself a Benchmade 552 RSK. It's got a 3.44" blade, CMP-S30V steel. It's a bit more expensive (I could get almost 3 Natives for this price), but do people here think it would be worth it?
Click to expand...

I think the Ritter Grip is an excellent choice. Cabelas also has a version of the Grip in D2 steel which is also a good choice. If you want to keep the price down, closer to the Native, the regular Grip in 440C and now coming out in 154CM is fine also.
 
If you already carry a Delica, you don't need a Native, IMO. If you're set on it, then yes, it will do just fine for your needs.
And, if you're thinking of getting a Griptillian or Mini-Grip, take a look at the Spyderco D'Allara drop point.

Peace.
Alex.
 
I also have a Grip and a RAT-1. I like the Grip it has a good handle and locksup tight, takes and keeps a good edge, BUT I love my RAT-1 the handle, the full flat ground blade the liner lock is tight with no play in any direction. It opens smooth as silk and takes a wicked edge (AUS-8). It actually holds a edge very well, longer than my Cold Steel Voyager does. I has a higher rockwell hardness. I have been very impressed with this knife. It reminds me of the Timberline Wortac. Looks cheap but surprises the heck out of you.:D
 
I have one of the WalMart Natives in CMP-S30V and I think it's a fine knife. The only possible downside is that it is hard to clear sand/grit from the pivot. You can clear it by working the blade in and out while blowing in there but it is not as easy as clearing, say, a Military.
 
I love my special edition native and would recommend carrying one in the outdoors as long as you are aware of its limitations (ex. I would not baton mine). Be wary of the 3D native. I wanted one but when I handled it the clip bit into my hands wrong. Not that I am saying that it is a bad design- just that it would not fit MY hands. All of the flat scale Natives fit me well though.
 
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