Spyderco Native: How Much Hype?

C

Confederate

Joined
Sep 5, 2005
Messages
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I've seen a number of rave reviews about the Spyderco Native and have seen some incredible collections people have; however, I wonder how much hype there is about S30V. Have there been any tests or reviews on them? Most of the ones I've seen aren't being used hard on a daily basis, although I'm sure there must be plenty of users here who must carry and use them.

As I understand it, S30V is a little more difficult to sharpen, but it does sharpen to a much finer edge than most knives with its blade size. But how susceptible is it to chipping and is plain edge more popular than serrated?

Finally, what about its toughness and corrosion resistance? Does it tend to be brittle in comparison with softer steels?

Thanks!

blackbladedNative1.jpg

If I could have my pick, this is the one I'd choose.
 
The Spyderco Native is one of the best knives around, IMHO. Of the 5 that I have, there have been no problems with chipping or sharpening. The S30V holds an edge a bit better than VG-10 and touches up very nicely. The secret to sharpening is to do frequent 'touch ups' rather than let the knife get really dull.

I have nothing but good things to say about the Native and it is part of my EDC rotation.
 
S30V chipping is one of those hot button topics one these forums. I've read and seen pictures of S30V blades with chips in them from supposedly light cutting tasks. I also know of a few members who've been using some S30V blades hard on a consistent basis and I haven't read any complaints from them.

I've read that for the chipping blades, after a little sharpening the chipping goes away and stays away. I haven't had any chipping issues with any S30V blades that I've had, but I've never really used my knives hardcore on a consistent basis.

Oh yeah, I'm very partial towards Spyderco and I'm not a fan of the S30V Native. I don't really like the ergos. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on a Native III one day though.
 
S30V seems to have mixed reports here. But I have no complaints at all with my S30V Native.
 
I think the Native is a good value, but not really that great a knife. I like the S30V; it's easy to sharpen if you maintain it, and it takes a nice edge. The knife looks good, and is a good overall size. The beefs I have with it: The plastic feels cheap and flimsy to me. probably fully functional, just not nice. The action is not smooth and nice, but it works. I don't like lockback knives, but that's personal taste. The hole doens't work all that well for me as far as ease of opening goes; I like a knife that's easy to open and close with one hand. The only real problem I have with the Native is that it can't be taken apart for cleaning, lube, etc. I use my knives with raw meat, gross plumbing tasks, dirty outdoor tasks, and any number of other unsanitary jobs, and the thought of not being able to get that jive out is really nasty to me. That said, if all the knife is used for is cutting boxes and string, no big deal...
 
I think the Native is a tremendous value, like all Spydercos seem to be.

The one I had wasn't for me, only because it failed a couple criteria for an EDC, namely that it's too big for me, personally, to carry in a pocket comfortably, and I wasn't 100% awed by the handle ergonomics and setup as I was by the Griptilian. I'm sure there are plenty of people who would argue with that, but that's my honest opinion!

However, I think it's a great knife, especially for folks with larger hands wanting to carry a compact folder that's comfortable to use. And from what I've seen of S30v it's a fantastic steel, hype or no.
 
I do not understand how folks have a tough time opening or closing the Native.
I have meat hands with fat fingers and it works fime for me.

Love my Native , one of my favorite EDC's.

I also tend to think though , that the feel of the handle feels a little cheap , it would be nice to see one in G10. :D
 
To me it's a good knife at a great price {wally world}. As far as the steel i wasn't that impressed by it but also had no complaints with it. I'd have preferred they used aus 8 instead but i realize i'm in a minority there.
 
I do not understand how folks have a tough time opening or closing the Native
Click to expand...

I have a harder time opening the native than opening most other spydies, but it is still easier to open than most thumb stud knives. however, this fact alone is why I don't EDC the native. love the steel though.
 
My experience with S30V hasn't been good -- including an S30V Native that chipped so badly it couldn't even be properly sharpened -- but I get the impression early heat treat problems with the steel have mostly been worked out in the last couple years.

But the Native itself IMO is a very fine design, it feels good in hand, has the Spyderco 50-50 choil, and a good size for EDC. There are other knives in the price range I like better now, but if I wanted one I'd pay the few extra bucks for the Native III, which (IIRC) has a wire pocket clip and Spyderco's generally excellent VG-10.
 
I have the S30V Native and the Native III. I like both for EDC. The wire clip had to be bent back into shape several times as the clip gets sprung easily. Great knives and tough as nails. I prefer the Native III, both for the shape of the blade and shape of the handle. Only other problem is that mine are stiff as a post.
 
I do not see any Hype about Native. I have for about two years, it is my least expensive EDC and I still use it. Great ergos, great piece of steel, good lock.
What else we can wish for $40?
Blade chipped in the begging, I cut into stone, resharpened it, no problem since than. I will recommend this knife to anybody, who is willing to buy a knife for cutting under $70.
 
I don't know what you mean by "hype". The Native is just a good all around knife (for me and quite a few others). The Native III was the first Spyderco I ever purchased and that was over a year ago. The Native III is my favorite because of the handle and the wire clip. Also I like the design of the blade. The VG-10 steel is holding up quite well, no issues whatsoever. I've only touched the edge up a couple of times since I've had it. The knife is just the right size for my EDC and the larger rounded handle fits my large hand perfectly. The choil gives me a couple of different handling options as well. Not too big and not too small and has performed flawlessly at every task that I've put it to. Just used it during a tree rat hunt (squirrels) and skinned out about 10 or twelve squirrels, cut through the leg bones (tough little buggers) and for grins, proceeded to shave the hair off my arm. I've been so impressed with it that I've started a Native collection. For $40-$50, this knife is very tough to beat for the quality of knife you get.
 
$40 S30V folder. If it fits your hand, it's a must have knife. I think I read that S30V was Paul Bos' favorite steel. End of thread.
 
I went to a Wal*Mart in Cumberland, Md., last night and handled one of the knives. The blade didn't seem eeeech! sharp, but I imagine a few swipes might fix that. I also noticed they were selling the Native for $42.95 while the website advertised it as $39-something. What's with that? I also assume that's the cheapest place to buy one, which is a pity because had it been black, I probably would have bought it.

For a baby 3-incher, I'm very happy with my Cold Steel Voyager, my CRKT M1 Titanium, and my CRKT M21. For nautical nylon cord and other tough cutting jobs, I could see using the higher steels; however, the primary thing holding me back is the number of people who are telling me that the S30V is simply overhyped.
 
My Native is going elk hunting with me this weekend for field dressing duties, along with my Spyderco folding saw for the bones. It's cheap, tough, stays sharp . . . what else could you need in the field?
 
Confederate said:
I went to a Wal*Mart in Cumberland, Md., last night and handled one of the knives. The blade didn't seem eeeech! sharp, but I imagine a few swipes might fix that. I also noticed they were selling the Native for $42.95 while the website advertised it as $39-something. What's with that? I also assume that's the cheapest place to buy one, which is a pity because had it been black, I probably would have bought it.

For a baby 3-incher, I'm very happy with my Cold Steel Voyager, my CRKT M1 Titanium, and my CRKT M21. For nautical nylon cord and other tough cutting jobs, I could see using the higher steels; however, the primary thing holding me back is the number of people who are telling me that the S30V is simply overhyped.
Click to expand...

Confederate, my lack of reverence for fancy steels can be documented here. Buuuuttttt, I'll tell you this. This Native w' s30v will hold an edge. It loses it's shaving ability real quick. That said, it stays sharp enough to cut well for a long long time. It has been described that as it dulls slightly, the edge becomes like a mini serrated blade. That is my experience. Serrations don't shave well, but they cut like heck.
 
Confederate, my lack of reverence for fancy steels can be documented here. Buuuuttttt, I'll tell you this. This Native w' s30v will hold an edge. It loses it's shaving ability real quick. That said, it stays sharp enough to cut well for a long long time. It has been described that as it dulls slightly, the edge becomes like a mini serrated blade. That is my experience. Serrations don't shave well, but they cut like heck.
 
That's a good take, SD. Thanks. I guess what you're saying
is that there's a bit of microchipping that actually aids in cutting.
I've heard similar things about Damascus. As it's used, the edge
kind of chips along around the layers, always making it sharp
to a point, if you'll forgive the expression.
 
Confederate said:
I've seen a number of rave reviews about the Spyderco Native and have seen some incredible collections people have; however, I wonder how much hype there is about S30V. Have there been any tests or reviews on them? Most of the ones I've seen aren't being used hard on a daily basis, although I'm sure there must be plenty of users here who must carry and use them.

As I understand it, S30V is a little more difficult to sharpen, but it does sharpen to a much finer edge than most knives with its blade size. But how susceptible is it to chipping and is plain edge more popular than serrated?

Finally, what about its toughness and corrosion resistance? Does it tend to be brittle in comparison with softer steels?
Click to expand...

So are you asking about the performance of S30V or are you asking about the Native design? To ask about both in one thread is a bit complex to answer.

The Native is a very nice design. I have a Native III and EDC it frequently. It is a good 3" design for about $50. My one negatory on it is that I have to use the choil to really hold it comfortably. This shortens the effective length of the blade but provides excellent control for cutting.
Here is a good recent thread on the Native. Lots of satisfied customers:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=504271&highlight=native

S30V is a premium steel. There have been some reports of S30V chipping. There have been some reports of S30V Natives chipping. There have been a lot more reports of S30V and S30V Natives not chipping.
Here is a nice thread about the performance of S30V
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=500747

Here is a thread specifically about S30V chipping
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=388310

None of it sounds like Hype to me.
 
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