Spyderco Native

BJE

BJE

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Joined
Apr 12, 2006
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Can anyone tell me if a Spyderco Native is a good knife for $40? Also, how does it stack up against an Endura? What is the steel and handle material? How is the blade grind and overall feel of the knife? Has anyone torture-tested it yet, if so, what were the results? Please shead some light on this knife for me as I would like to get it this weekend if it sounds good.
 
Wal-Mart sells the S30v version with the FRN handles for $40, i'm assuming that is what you mean

it's great for the price, there are tons of threads on this though, specifically the Wal-Mart ones
 
yes tons of threads

yes it's a great knife for the money

the endura is much larger

if you want a knife the size and price of the Native you
should get one

blade steels on the two are comparable
VG-10 endura, S30V Native
 
The Native is Ok. It has a reasonably comfortable handle, a nice blade grind, and nice steel. On the downside, it is slightly more awkward to open than most other Spydies due to the close handle/hole relationship. My preference leans to the Endura as it fills the hand better, is easier to operate and, is easier to cut with due to it's longer cutting edge. Just feels more mobile and versatile in the hand. Just as easy to carry also, for the most part.

Is the Native worth $40? I think so. But I would prefer the Endura if I was only to buy one.

Knife selection is much a matter of preference. So, go handle these knives and one will likely feel more suitable/comfortable to you than the other. Although, truth be told we generally find a reason to own both.
 
Pros:

-One of the cheapest S30V knives
-Excellent ergonomics with or without using the choil
-Very easy to close one-handed for a lock-back
-Durable knife that can take a sound beating

Cons:

-The FRN scales feel a bit cheap with their lack of significant texture and due to a lack of washers, the opening could stand to be smoother, but it's not so gritty it'll bug you
-The blade is too thick IMO given the size and capabilities of the knife
-Pin construction means no dissasembly to clean or tighten the pivot
-Small opening hole that's partially covered when closed means it'll take a few minutes to get the feel of opening the knife


I'd buy one if I were you. It's a great knife, it's just the thickness + the grind kind of put me off. If it had the Delica 4 FRN texture and a higher hollow grind or even better a flat grind, I'd be much more enthusiastic about it.
 
I have a Native as well as the Endura. The Endura is the better knife IMO, my Native does not see much use for all the reasons rnhood mentioned.
 
You should at least see and handle an Endura and a Delica. They are priced comparably with the Native; the Delica is also comparably sized, and both have certain advantages over the Native.

Especially ease of opening.

While the Native is a great deal for 40 bucks, I personally like the
Delica a little more because it's a bit thinner and is easier to open
(because the thumbhole is fully exposed; unlike the Native.)

The Endura is bigger and a little more expensive than the other two.
 
I can't find any other Spyderco's locally except for the Native at Wal-Mart. I already own an Endura, and I am pretty happy with it except it is a little big and I don't prefer serrated knives (which mine is). I don't want to have to order anything off of the internet. Please tell me more about the Delica's, they pretty cool. Any suggestions?
 
for the most part i think the Delica is just a smaller Endura (i don't have an Endura though, there may be other subtle differences)

i think i'd EDC my Delica over my Native, but the Native's steel is probably better for hard use
 
I like the Native more than the Delica, but would prefer a flat ground blade to either. Considering the Endura, that is a longer blade, so it would depend on your temperment and legal/social considerations. If those considerations are not a problem, I find a 3.75 - 4 inch blade versatile enough and easy enough to carry for EDC purposes, although not strickly necesary.
 
Thanks for all of the input. I bought a Native at Wal-Mart, and I really like it. It does not have any of the problems a few other posts said that they are known for, I must have found a good one. I have one more question that I would really like to know the answer to. That question is, Is rust and corrosion a problem for the Native (I am not familiar with cpms30v steel)? If it were 440 or Aus-8, I would worry a little because the finish is anything but polished, and corrosion would be a problem, but I'm not sure about this new steel.
 
440 and AUS8 have good corrosion resistance. Better than S30V. S30V won't rust like a high carbon blade, but I wouldn't let it stay wet longer than you vae to.
 
BJE said:
Thanks for all of the input. I bought a Native at Wal-Mart, and I really like it.
Click to expand...

Great knife, especially for the money. Enjoy it. :thumbup:

Is rust and corrosion a problem for the Native (I am not familiar with cpms30v steel)?
Click to expand...

It is stainless, take care of it as any stainless. For some extra assurance, you can get some Sentry Tuf-Glide or Shooter's Choice FP-10 and wipe the blade with a few drops of it. Both protect against corrosion really well and are good to have when it's time to lube the pivot.
 
Hi BJE,

Congratulations on your purchase and thanx for the support.

The "satin" finish on the native is done by hand. It is far more costly to produce than a "tumble polished" finish, but more "quality" to the trained eye, because of the skill required to do it. But this type of finish leaves crisp grind-lines usually rounded by tumble finish.

The S30V blade will not be as corrosion resistant as AUS8 or 440C (probably closer to 440A), combined with the satin finish, it will need some attention, eg: rinse off salt water or corrosive foods. Other that than, oil the pivots once in a while, keep your lock mechanism clean (like most knives) and enjoy.

sal
 
I've EDCed one since they came out at Wally World. Amazing deal for $40. I've got a Native III on the way and I'm anxious to compare them side by side.

Frank
 
SilverFoxKnows said:
I've EDCed one since they came out at Wally World. Amazing deal for $40. I've got a Native III on the way and I'm anxious to compare them side by side.

Frank
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I have both a Native I and III.
The III is a bit thicker than the I.I cary the III as a dressed-up EDC.My III is the 3/4 serration model.I find the Vg10 is a very good steel that cuts well and is very easy to sharpen.I've had it anywhere from the woods to out on the town and it fits the edc role perfectly.
the Natives are great.Enjoy.
Just my .02$(cdn):p
 
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