Sub 3" EDC: Spyderco Native 5 vs Benchmade 707 Sequel

R

Rux

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Sep 21, 2014
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Hi all.

I've been into knives for about 2 years now, first folder being a BM Barrage. Loved the Axis lock but traded it off as I didn't care for AO and didn't want to deassist and void the warranty.

Since then, I've gotten a regular Grip, Ritter Grip, PM2, Manix 2, Manix 2 XL, Manix 2 LW (BD1), Caly 3.5 (VG10) and an Endura. Some have gone, some have stayed.

After having so many mid-large folders, I'm looking for a sub 3" EDC for work friendly carry. For work, "pretty" isn't necessary (Gents folders, e.g. Chaparral) but even the Caly 3.5 is a bit too large, blade length wise so I'm in the market for a sub 3" for EDC.

I've narrowed it down to a Benchmade 707 Sequel and a Spyderco Native 5 in G10. Blade steels aside, can anyone with both chime in on their preference for one or the other and why? The 707 looks like a nice compact package and the Axis lock is fantastic but the Native shape and ergos have always appealed to me. I have largeish hands and the handle looks to afford a better grip. While a back lock isn't as exciting or fun as an Axis lock, I like them and for my purposes the fun flick factor isn't necessary.

They will be used for typical EDC tasks. Packages, string, envelopes etc. with maybe the hardest tasks thrown it's way is random outdoor tasks occurring and it happens to be in my pocket. In other words, not looking for a bushcraft beater but if I go to my buddies on a Saturday night and he gets a fire going, I'd like to still use it for the basic stuff around a fire.

Comparison pics would also be huge as out of all the "abc vs xyz" there is nothing I can find comparing these two. I'd be looking for pictures of overall dimensions and particularly the "footprint" of each knife on top of one another in the closed position.

Thanks in advance! ☺
 
The Dragonfly 2, its tiny but packs a punch. Here it is with some of its friends (the orange one)


 
The 707 leaves a much smaller footprint but carries a nice size blade for how small it carries. The Native 5 will give you more handle/ergonomics.
 
  • Spyderco Sage 1
  • Spyderco Sage 2
  • Spyderco Sage 3
  • Spyderco Chaparral CF
  • Spyderco Chaparral Titanium Stealth
  • Spyderco Caly 3
  • Spyderco Positron
  • Spyderco Native5 G-10
  • Benchmade Mini Griptilian G-10
  • Benchmade Mini Axis Stryker
  • Benchmade Sequel
  • Zero Tolerance 0900
 
I'm mad I got rid of my 707, great knife, great action, just wish I could get one direct from Benchmade with non aluminum scales.
 
What BMchurch said. With Large hands, the 707 will feel like a 3 finger grip, while the choil on the Native will give you a full 4 finger grip.
 
The Mini Stryker has caught my eye as well, although I'm heavily leaning towards the Native 5 G10. Mainly because I can't handle them first and I know the Native will provide a better grip for me
 
My experience with both is just what BMC said. The 707 is very compact and that includes the handle. It's a very easy carry, but you sacrifice some grip and comfort in cutting. It is a very thin knife overall. The Native 5 was much more comfortable for my medium to large sized hands. It's easy to open / close and the blade is very secure when closed because of the backlock. My issue with the N5 is that a 3" blade shouldn't have a <2.5" cutting edge. That choil they designed into the blade takes up too much of the cutting edge for my taste. Otherwise, it'd be an ideal smaller daily use knife for me.

Spyderco does a good job with S35VN. If you don't care about the sharpened length of the blade, then I'd recommend the N5.
 
I have both and love them both. The 707 is elegant - I'd almost put it in the "gentlemen's knife" category. The Native 5 is built like a tank. Even though its cutting edge is somewhat short due to the choil, I find it to be useful for most any daily task. I think either will serve you well. (I'd post a side by side shot but got no time this morning.)
 
I have both, carry the 707 more because it is smaller, if you look at the specs, it seems like it would only be a small difference but real world it is much more compact. I have the FRN native, as you can see below, the G-10 Native also weigh's almost twice that of the 707. I enjoy carrying the Native when I don't need to go compact, as the ergonomics are better. The 707 ergo's are not bad though.

BM707vsSPYNative.jpg


http://knifedata.com/QuickSpecsLaunch.html?searchState=%7B%22keywords%22%3A%22%22%2C%22pinneditems%22%3A%5B1000426%2C1008024%2C1025851%5D%7D
 
Thanks for the knifedata info. Interesting site. Although of note, the Native is listed as 3.7 oz on Spyderco's site.

Still undecided. My wife loves Benchmade and doesn't care much for Spyderco. I prefer Spyderco as a whole but have no issues with Benchmade. Leaning getting us matching BM's from KW and get "His" and "Hers" engraved on them... But I really like the Native. &#128514;
 
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I have the Native and I love it. As mentioned above, the finger choil gives you a full grip. Even with my big hands I feel like I can do detail work if needed. Personally, I think the Native looks better too.
 
I like both for different reasons. The 707 is a great toss it in the well of your pocket or carry around the house blade. Very small, very light, but a lot of blade for its size.

The Native is like a big knife in a small package. Immensely tough and capable with great steel and ergos. Obviously the better value.

If i could only have one it'd ne the N5.

20160331_093753_zpsar824kax.jpg


20160331_093703_zpsazo5yfif.jpg
 
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I would say the 707. I have owned both. I really like the Native 5 but it pisses me off that there is so much handle and not much cutting edge. Since there is a finger choil on the Native 5 you get even less cutting edge.

I would pick the 707 all day over the N5 most days. The problem IMO is the price. I don't think the 707 is worth $140. I also like S35VN over 154CM so that makes it kinda tough.

blades&wrenches said:
I like both for different reasons. The 707 is a great toss it in the well of your pocket or carry around the house blade. Very small, very light, but a lot of blade for its size.

The Native is like a big knife in a small package. Immensely tough and capable with great steel and ergos. Obviously the better value.

If i could only have one it'd ne the N5.
Click to expand...

Great comparison pics.
 
If get the Native 5 with G10 handled if I were you. I have one and it'd an awesome knife. Its also made in USA if that matters to you.
 
I agree with some of the above posts about the Spyderco ergo's on smaller folders. Got my first Native (Native 5 G10) today and is reeks of quality and toughness.

edit to add: A G10 Dragonfly is ALWAYS in my pocket too as a money clip. It is astounding what a phenomenal design that is, and the Native would go long before the DF if need be.







 
Just took three pic's of the Dragonfly 2 G10 in hand. I have largish hands, yet can comfortably get even my pinkie on board using the blade's fingerchoil. The way the bottom side of the grip is dished out allows the ring and "bird" fingers up and in, and the butt of the grip reaches out to the pinkie in what for me is a most natural, solid grip. It also puts the blade in a ready-to-cut downward cant.





 
I know the Native, Delicate, Dragonfly, Manix, and even the Manbug, have great handles and choils. I would rather have a shorter blade, and a comfortable handle, than stuff a big blade into a little handle I can't grip comfortably.
 
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