Also known as the Delica's evil twin. The Spyderco Native sports similar specs of 7" OA length and 3" blade. This is a plain Zytel 440V model, also available in Gin 1, which is just as good.
This is the companion to my plain stainless AUS 6 Delica. The Zytel is thick, 1/2" thick and is tip up with an angled clip. Closed, it's really small in comparison to the Delica, compact and boxlike.
Once open well, this thing is quite amazing. The zytel finger groove is big enough for a gloved hand. The lock bar is equally as large while the Volcano Grip texture is more like on the CS Voyager line. The clip is indented in the middle like the Gunting.
The lower part of the blade and the top of zytel ramp forms another finger groove with a choil with matching filework for the thumb. Interestingly, the Spyderhole is the same size for the Native and Delica but accessing the hole is easier on the latter. The Native gives the opportunity to choke up for closer work. The handle is more condusive to ice pick grip with edge in or out and for bigger hands in general.
The action is really loose, the pins are off a bit but there is no blade play yet, hopefully never. No inertia openings for this knife either.
Then there's that little swedge that's a possibility for you backcut freaks. It's spearpoint blade offers a bit more alignment on a thrust. The Native also is easier to use as a fistload. Overall, I think the Native is more the fighter of the two. However, each is a good choice as a back up to each other or a larger knife. I also think it's a good "transition" knife for Tekna dagger and Cold Steel fans. As well as a good back up for Gunting and Starmate owners.
Observations, people want/wanted a bigger Native to come out, the Chief. I now understand why, even though it's a full 7", it just looks small. G-10 really is a better material for this knife, just a bit better than stainless steel and almite in terms of grip. Overall a real good knife but c'mon Spyderco, make the Chief.
[This message has been edited by Smoke (edited 12-03-2000).]
[This message has been edited by Smoke (edited 12-03-2000).]
This is the companion to my plain stainless AUS 6 Delica. The Zytel is thick, 1/2" thick and is tip up with an angled clip. Closed, it's really small in comparison to the Delica, compact and boxlike.
Once open well, this thing is quite amazing. The zytel finger groove is big enough for a gloved hand. The lock bar is equally as large while the Volcano Grip texture is more like on the CS Voyager line. The clip is indented in the middle like the Gunting.
The lower part of the blade and the top of zytel ramp forms another finger groove with a choil with matching filework for the thumb. Interestingly, the Spyderhole is the same size for the Native and Delica but accessing the hole is easier on the latter. The Native gives the opportunity to choke up for closer work. The handle is more condusive to ice pick grip with edge in or out and for bigger hands in general.
The action is really loose, the pins are off a bit but there is no blade play yet, hopefully never. No inertia openings for this knife either.
Then there's that little swedge that's a possibility for you backcut freaks. It's spearpoint blade offers a bit more alignment on a thrust. The Native also is easier to use as a fistload. Overall, I think the Native is more the fighter of the two. However, each is a good choice as a back up to each other or a larger knife. I also think it's a good "transition" knife for Tekna dagger and Cold Steel fans. As well as a good back up for Gunting and Starmate owners.
Observations, people want/wanted a bigger Native to come out, the Chief. I now understand why, even though it's a full 7", it just looks small. G-10 really is a better material for this knife, just a bit better than stainless steel and almite in terms of grip. Overall a real good knife but c'mon Spyderco, make the Chief.

[This message has been edited by Smoke (edited 12-03-2000).]
[This message has been edited by Smoke (edited 12-03-2000).]