The Spyderco Native 5

Heartland_edc

Heartland_edc

Joined
May 4, 2015
Messages
947
I'm about to buy this knife for the 2nd time because I love it. I have no idea why I ever got rid of my old one. Its small, light, and comes in tons of great steels and handle materials. The blade is ground really well for a variety of edc tasks, and the construction on any version seems substantial enough for some pretty serious cutting. Ergos are great, and the choke up position allows for AMAZING control of the cutting edge. IMO, its an obvious excellent edc knife. A straight forward, simple cutting tool. So here's my question:

Why does it seem like the Native 5 is shoved to the back when it comes to the best edc knives around? The PM2, PM3, Manix 2, Delica, Griptilian, 940, etc etc all make just about every list I've ever seen, but the Native 5 rarely pops up. I know it's generally considered a great knife, but it always seems to fall short of making the "Celebrity list" of great edc knives. Maybe its just me thinking this. What do people NOT like about it?

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What do I not like about it? The same thing that suits you so well, the ergonomics. For me it has lumps in all the wrong places. I bought a Native before there was a Native 2 and I gave it away. I gave it a second try with the Native 5 and I gave it away too. Don't let me rain on your parade, I hope you enjoy your new Spyderco.
 
I think some of it is the backlock. It takes away from the fidget factor that so many enjoy. Plus there are many other Spydercos in that same size, specifically the Delica, which is lighter, a better cutter, easier to carry, and cheaper. Dont get me wrong, the Native is a great knife. I've had several myself, but they've been replaced by the Para 3.
 
The only thing I don’t really like about the Native 5 is that it’s relatively thick behind the edge compared to other Spyderco knives of similar size. From information online, it’s possible some versions are thinner than others. I agree it’s otherwise one of the best EDC knives for the price. I like it better than the Delica for the ergonomics.
 
It's a fine knife...just doesn't fit well in my hand unless I'm choking up on it. I just sold that s90/cf version...and honestly, I preferred the FRN versions to it. It had some sharper corners that didn't sit well either. I still have the Maxamet version because, well...Maxamet.
 
What do people NOT like about it? Maybe people already have several of Spyderco's leaf shaped blades and they have a self imposed limit on duplication.

I have a Native 5 in Maxamet, and I have a Military in S110V. I might buy one more leaf shaped blade, a Spyderco Manix 2 Lightweight Knife Gray (3.375" Maxamet). I'm not big on buying a lot of knives that look like each other...but I do like Spyderco's steels. Other than the Manix 2, I have three or four other Spydercos on my want to buy list....but none are leaf shaped.
 
I have the S90V/CF version and I love it. I'm looking forward to the LC200N Lightweight version. With my medium hand I get a comfortable grip without using the choil.
I wouldn't call the Native 5 leaf shaped. Part of its aesthetic appeal to me is that it doesn't have the common hump on the spine.
 
The Native 5 LW is probably my favorite knife under $100 with only the SE Pacific Salt giving it a run for the money (but not catching it!).

I bought one as a gift for my son...and kinda regret giving it away! I’m holding out for the LC200N to hit the streets and I’ll probably buy one again.

There was a praise thread here that ran for almost a year.

My Ultralight (Delica) with my son’s Ultralight (N5LW) on our way into Yosemite’s backcountry last fall (I had a tiny bit of knife envy—hahaha):
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The fact that it’s unpretentious about its greatness makes it even more awesome.
 
I have a love hate relationship with the native. As a practical and functional knife it's fantastic, but that leaf shaped blade....some days i don't mind it, but some days i look at it and just can't stand it's sloped leaf shape, just annoys me.
 
I personally like the Native 5 G10 version not the FRN models ...

It is a bit smaller but feels good even for my broad hand ... and of Spyderco folders I have tried the Native 5 is one of only 3 models that I have kept ... the others being Manix 2 and PM2 variations ...

I have to admit I have not tried the Millie but I think it would be a keeper for me if I ever try one.
 
I have a couple of the lightweights and think the Native's a great knife. I'll probably get the LC200N when it drops as well.

But... there's a lot of competition out there for it, even just within Spyderco's other offerings. Lately the Chaparral lw totally dominates as my edc of choice for the office/around town. (Thinner, slimmer, almost as much blade, wire clip :D)
 
Why? For me because I don't like backlocks and I have big hands. Grip/ergo wise the military is near perfect, the PM2 is very good.
 
I have owned two native 5’s. They are outstanding knives, so I don’t know what people wouldn’t like about them. They are a little pricey, but you get what you pay for. Of course my opinion isn’t the same as everyone else.
 
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