Tell me about the Native Chief.....

J

JBoone

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Dec 30, 2012
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Looking at the either the M390 straight from Spyderco or the XHP exclusive. Have read good things about this model and am on the fence in trying out the model.
My largest Spyderco is a Military (CF Frame Lock S90V) that does not get carried very often but I like it a lot and find that it carries well.

A M4 PM2 is in my pocket right now, but I rotate between this and my K390 Endura lately. Big fan of the delica as well, so the back lock on the Chief is fine with me.

Just wanted to gather some thoughts on how the Chief carries, feels in hand, strengths and weaknesses, etc. Very familiar with M390, the XHP not so much but more interested in comments on the Model itself (as opposed to the steel).

Thanks
John
 
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One of my top three favorite knives of all times. I own a Rex45 model and an M4 model. I think the long thin blades lends itself well to tool steels.

The Cutlery Shoppe XHP is one of the best deals around right now, if you want to try the model out.

They slice like razor blades, allow you to grip pretty much however you want, no matter hand size. I have a size large hand for reference. At first I thought the tip would be super fragile, but it’s no more so than any of my PM2s or Delicas is practical use. If you actually do a lot of cutting and use your knife to slice, they are great.

The backlock is the most solid I’ve felt on any Spyderco I’ve handled. They carry in the pocket much smaller than they actually are.

If Sal ever makes a salt version with LC200N or Magnacut, I’ll purchase immediately.
 
I've got the REX45 variant. Amazing ergos, lightweight for its size, carries small in the pocket, and cuts like a damn laserbeam. It's FANTASTIC for food prep! When open, it sort of feels like holding a small sword though. Very stabby compared to what I usually carry, so I don't carry it very often.

The hype around the Chief is real. It's a great knife, it just comes down to your personal carry preferences.
 
I think I have all the varieties, it’s one of my favorites. The only down side is the thin tip, it doesn’t do well for prying. Ask me how I know, broke about an 1/8th of the tip on my Rex 45 trying to take a cover plate off a tub/shower faucet. Didn’t know it was epoxied on.
Pic for comparison

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I own over 160 Spydercos, including 2 Native Chiefs -- G10 S30V & CF S90V.

I don't "use" any of the knives in my collection, so can't tell you anything able the steels. LOL! ;)

As far as feel & carry is concerned, the knife is most like the Spyderco Police and the ZT0452. They all have thin handles and blades shapes that follow the lines of their handles (or vice versa) and they all look like small swords in the open position.

The NC is feels light in the hand and the balance is excellent. G10 will provide a better grip but I prefer the feel of CF. The thin profile of the NC makes it easy to carry in my pocket; easier than the Millie which is wider and takes up more pocket space.
 
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I have the native chief in XHP. A really great knife. I also have one of the new PITs in M390. So far. have not seen any great difference in performance between the steels. Bottom line. A native chief in M390 should be a great knife. Good steel, not reequiring frequent resharpening.
 
I have been liking the XHP version - I would love it in Cruwear, but it is a tall, thin blade that you can hold many ways.
 
I love Spyderco’s XHP!
It’s at a perfect spot for me on the edge retention vs sharpening effort curve.

XHP is sometimes referred to as semi-stainless. I’ve never had any staining or rust issues with my XHP, but I take reasonable care of my knives. The rumored “less stainless than stainless” has kept me from gifting XHP to my family members though.

My XHP family (in the rain):



I just purchased my first Native Chief, the M390 sprint. It’s well built, solid feeling, good in hand, light and small-in-pocket for it’s size. Slicy too. It’s a good knife, but somehow it’s just not my groove. For whatever reason, I fancy the Endura more.

 
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I thought about a Chief but got a Resilience Lightweight instead. Check it out before you decide. I'll spend any amount on a good knife but at 65% the cost of a Chief it made sense to me.
 
For EDC it would not be my only knife. But if traveling with friends I absolutely love it. Amazing at being a slicey blade. Right tool for the job. One slicer, one prybar, and one stabby wtf knife. Granted not everyone has use for a 8" prybar but get yourself a 3" keychain model and carry a chief.

If you like to pry and twist with your knife and you only carry one than move along.


view
 
el gigantor said:
I've got the REX45 variant. Amazing ergos, lightweight for its size, carries small in the pocket, and cuts like a damn laserbeam. It's FANTASTIC for food prep! When open, it sort of feels like holding a small sword though. Very stabby compared to what I usually carry, so I don't carry it very often.

The hype around the Chief is real. It's a great knife, it just comes down to your personal carry preferences.
Click to expand...
Food prep! The very reason I was looking at the chief!
 
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