Thinking about getting a Spydie need help

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thantos1858

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Jul 3, 2009
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Hey guys, I have been thinking about finally getting my first spyderco knife and need some advice. The one I wnat to get is the Native, but there are many generations and I don't know which to get. Does anyone have experience with the Natives, and which to get.Thanks
 
The Native is a nice knife. I have the s30v model w/ FRN handle that was made in Golden CO. It is a little slimmer than the Native III. The ergonomics are pretty good and it carries well. The blade shape is a little different than most Spydercos and doesn't appeal to everyone, but I like it. However, if I could only have one spyderco I would choose either a Delica or Endura as those models are classics and represent the essence of Spyderco.

My Native
Native1.jpg
 
I understand the delica and enduras place in spyderco and am looking for a waved endura for a good price as well. However the Native greatly appeals to me with its design. Also, what steel is better to get it in? I don't have any blades in s30v or vg-10
 
I would recommend picking up the Native in CPM S30V. I've used both VG10 and CPM S30V and find that I prefer the latter.

If you do decide to pick up the Delica/Endura or Native in VG10, don't be concerned. VG10 is a great steel and performs excellently.
 
Much of it will be based on your personal preferences. I would suggest avoiding the first generation BRK Native, as they were something of a disaster. To identify one, look for the steel mark. As far as I know, it is the only "Spyderco" knife that ever used 440A for the blade.

The second generation has stainless steel handles. If you like those, there is your answer. Personally, I don't care much for metal handles, so I avoid the second gen Native as well.

The newer C41 Native, while very similar in appearance to the BRK will have much better steel in the blade. If you are buying new stock from a dealer rather than picking up one from the secondary market, it will most probably be S30V. I like S30V and find it stands up to rough use better than VG-10. It will also be made here in the US if that is important to you.

The C78 Native III is made in Seki City, Japan. The blade steel is VG-10 which many prefer to S30V for its ease of sharpening while still maintaining good edge retention. The FRN handle is molded with a more rounded, sculpted look and feel than the flatter C41.

The Native 4 is a departure in a couple of ways. Rather that retaining the hollow saber grind of all the previous Natives, the 4 has a flat-ground blade which gives it better slicing ability for deep cuts. It also has steel liners and carbon fiber scales, which makes it theoretically stronger than the FRN models and keeps the weight within reason. It also makes it cost a lot more. Steel is VG-10 and the model is made in Japan. Another departure from previous models is the use of screw construction, making it possible (although not recommended) to take the knife apart.

Edge type preference, handle material preference, color preference to some degree, budget and intended use are all factors that can likely be accommodated by the Native, but no one can decide those things for you.
 
Yeah, avoid the BRK Native by all means. Good call Yab. I would also stay away from the C78 Native III. The early ones were very stiff and hard to open and the later ones claimed to be "fixed" but I've never personally handled a Native III that was truly easy to open. Put it this way, there's no way Canadian customs could claim it as a gravity knife.

A few years ago Spyderco put the C41 Native in almost all Walmarts. WM has since took them out of the showcase in most locations but if your local WM hasn't remodeled yet you could be in luck. They sell for 39.90. A steal for what you are getting. Not sure if they're still on walmart.com at that price but it would be worth a look.

I've never handled the new Native IV so I can't comment but any time you can go with a full flat grind, especially with a Spydie, you do it.

Lots of options in the Native lineup. Do your research. Let us know what you end up with. Cheers. :cool:
 
Thanks guys, I think i will try for the native 3. The prices I see for the S30V ones are around $55 at the lowest, and abit less for the VG-10 ones. I will keep looking around though
 
thantos1858 said:
Thanks guys, I think i will try for the native 3. The prices I see for the S30V ones are around $55 at the lowest, and abit less for the VG-10 ones. I will keep looking around though
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Where are you seeing these prices? The lowest I've found for a Native in S30V is about $65. Not a big difference, but hey if I can save 10 bucks, why not? :D
 
seniordep2010 said:
Where are you seeing these prices? The lowest I've found for a Native in S30V is about $65. Not a big difference, but hey if I can save 10 bucks, why not? :D
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Well mostly ebay stores have it for the cheapest, but yourcornerstore.com has decent pricing on them
 
thantos1858 said:
Thanks guys, I think i will try for the native 3. The prices I see for the S30V ones are around $55 at the lowest, and abit less for the VG-10 ones. I will keep looking around though
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Found some old BF threads that might be of interest to you in deciding which Native to get.

This link has a side by side picture of the Native 3 w/ VG10 & the s30v model.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=681821

Two other threads that also dealt w/ the Native
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=682494

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=686829

Figure out which knife you want and which will best serve your needs. Don't let money alone be the determining factor. The Native 3 and the newer model w/ s30v have more differences than just the blade steel. Both are fine knives. Just be sure you know what you are getting so you don't have any regrets later.
 
I do like S30V better than VG-10, and I do have the S30V Native. It is a very good cutter, and it holds its edge very well. S30V is probably my favorite steel, although steel is not a deal breaker for me.

You should really hold the knife before you go out and buy it, though. The Native's grip requires that you use the choil. Personally, I quite dislike choils, and if you don't use the choil on the Native, it is very uncomfortable to use. Also, I dislike the lack of liners.

If the Native had liners + screw construction and a better handle shape, it would definitely be one of my "ultimate knives."

It's a great knife, though; I'm sure you'll be very happy with it.
 
THG said:
I do like S30V better than VG-10, and I do have the S30V Native. It is a very good cutter, and it holds its edge very well. S30V is probably my favorite steel, although steel is not a deal breaker for me.

You should really hold the knife before you go out and buy it, though. The Native's grip requires that you use the choil. Personally, I quite dislike choils, and if you don't use the choil on the Native, it is very uncomfortable to use. Also, I dislike the lack of liners.

If the Native had liners + screw construction and a better handle shape, it would definitely be one of my "ultimate knives."

It's a great knife, though; I'm sure you'll be very happy with it.
Click to expand...

I've got to echo these sentiments. Handle one first!
Unlike THG I love 50/50 finger choils, and every knife I carry uses them. Having said that though, the FRN Native's ergos have never worked for me. It really doesn't suit my hands or style of cutting.

My 2cents
Bo.
 
If it appeals to you, any Native would be a great first Spyderco. The C41 Wally World Native was one of my first Spydercos and was a heck of a deal at $40 out the door. Since then, I briefly had the C78 Native III as well. I thought I'd like the fatter handle and wire clip of the Native III, and I did, but the flat C41 carries really well. I prefer the high hollow saber grind of either Native to the obtuse wedge-like saber grind of my Delica 4 and Endura 4.

I sold two off cases of NIB Native III's for a friend and found all of them to have a somewhat stiff action. Since it's pinned, no manual adjustment is possible. I don't know if it will loosen up appreciably over time.

I've since sold off both Natives. The handles and blade shape were just not for me. The difference in steel was not a factor for me. Being USA-made is a big positive for the s30V Native, IMHO. :thumbup:

Although it would be best to handle both, Deacon's pics do a great job of showing the differences if you cannot find them locally. (I know that none of my local places stock Native IIIs).

The Native 4 looks like a winner with the FFG and CF. However, for a VG-10/Seki knife it is spendy compared to the Native III and s30V Native.
 
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