Spyderco Native I vs Spyderco Native III

G

Greman

Joined
Jan 3, 2006
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31
Prob a 'noob' question but hey i'll ask it anyway. I'm from New Zealand and alas we don't exactly have the largest choice when it comes to knife outlets. Anyway I've decided it's time to get my first Spyderco and while i'm open to educated opinion on this I think I like the look of the Native's as they look to be a good EDC choice. So I went in and saw the Native I and Native III. There were some cosmetive differences in handle design (the III was molded in 3D) and the III has a VG10 blade while the I has S30V. Additionally the III is made in Japan while I is in the US.
So basically can anyone give me some advice as to whether there is any significant difference between the 2 models. The steel I can imagine might be a difference but I have to say I don't know myself what they are (yeah i said 'noob').:confused:
Help would be appreciated esp as I'm new to Spyderco's altogether.
Cheers in Advance
 
They definitely feel different in the hand. I have both and prefer the Native III for the following reasons: smoother action, more comfortable in the hand, wire clip, better grip.
 
The Native III is also a thicker handle, so it is bulkier in the pocket. The grip of the Native III provides more comfort IMHO, and will stay off fatigue longer.
 
thanks for your feedback guys. numberthree i agree with all your comments re ergonomics and the wire clip. can any one tell me if the blade steel differnce is relevant really. the price is so different that the III would be my pref as it's both cheaper ($169NZD for the III as opposed to $249NZD for the I) and my instant 'at a glance' pref. I think the diff could be at least partially due to cheaper manufacturing costs in Jap but I don't imagine that Spydy would toleratre a quality drop and so I figure the Jap productions must be ok.
 
I don't have both, but the S30V is supposed to hold an edge longer. However, some people say it's hard to sharpen and there seems to be some incidence of it chipping, though my Native hasn't. Personally, I'd just get the III if there was such a large price difference.
 
well i didn't take much convincing. i've just gotten home from getting the Native III and am now sitting typing and simultaneously playing and falling in love with my first spyderco. not that i really know an awful lot at this stage re just 'why' these are better. so far though i've noticed how sharp the OOTB condition is and damn if that's not awesome and scary. also have to note how solid and 'tool like' it feels. so yeah nice. now it's just a case of waiting out 'she who budgets' until i consider my next purchase..hmmm....any suggestions?:rolleyes:
 
Good choice Greman - I keep coming back to the 3D as a small utility/EDC long after the new knife honeymoon was over. It has the best ergos of any knife I have used and VG10 is my favourite steel by far. It has great edge holding and is easy to get razor sharp.

Next purchase? Get a Military.
 
Hey thanks people. It's great to get quick feedback and i'm also very happy with my purchase. it's just such a satisfying and reassuring handful to hold.
so a next a military you say? hmm well i guess i'll have to take a look and hunt out some reviews.
 
The NIII feels better in the hand, I would like the S30V steel on the NIII though. I believe that Sal did mention an overhaul of the Native to have a more NIII handle.
 
numberthree said:
They definitely feel different in the hand. I have both and prefer the Native III for the following reasons: smoother action, more comfortable in the hand, wire clip, better grip.
Click to expand...

Ditto. Sold the Native. Kept the III. However, now I find I like the Delica better.
 
sorry cutterl1 i'm not sure what you mean by pe or ce, could you please clarify thanks?
thanks Golbat there's some great pic's in that article, just a pity i couldn't read the text as it looked like a pretty thorough review. those pic's feature a plain edge model which looks pretty cool, mine is a combo edge with about the blade end third plain edge and the rest serrated.
i now have a duel edc setup. i work in an office and so i carry a Kershaw Scallion in blue aluminium as a it's a pretty, serviceable, small folder which doesn't scare the masses. however as soon as anything really needs to get done it's into the bag for the native. it just say's 'i mean business' and 'bring it on' like no other knife i've owned to date.
 
ok cutterl1 i just twigged to what you were talking about and am now liberally kicking myself. sorry about that.
so as to your question i got the CE Native III and like you i love it.
 
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