Wally World Native VS Native III

S

sean1999

Joined
Sep 28, 2007
Messages
149
Would like some help deciding between the two. I know both are supposed to be excellent knives and there isn't much of a price difference between the two. The only real difference I see in both models is the blade material and ergonomics of handle. Which are the advantages/disadvantages of both models
(s30v, VG-10). Thank you.:)
 
Despite the similar profile, they feel like very different knives. It has to do with more than the handle thickness. The opening hole isn't in the same place, the thumb gooves on the spine are different, as are the clips. I liked the Native better. It was easier to open, easier to close, the thin scales made the semi-obscured hole easier to get to, the jimping was grippy without being so abrasive and the flat clip made it easier to draw. I wouldn't replace the Native III but I would replace the Native I.

Frank
 
Well the walmart Native is
-S30V
-made in the U.S.A
-linerless
-thinner scales
-regular steel clip


Native III
-VG-10
-made in Japan
-has steel liners
-wire clip
-the scales are thicker with lots of pits and grooves which no doubt enhance the grip but probably make cleaning harder.


Bottom line, you cant go wrong with either but I prefer the regular walmart native, it fits better in the pocket and I prefer the clip plus it looks a bit better.

But get whichever one you want, they'r both spyderco's and you can't go wrong with either. One isnt better than the other in terms of quality.
 
I've got one of each and aside from the wire clip on the Native III, I much prefer the Native I. It's currently my EDC, and I really like it. You can't beat 40 bucks, either!
 
I have the Native III. It is one of my favorite EDCs. The VG10 blade gets very sharp and holds that sharpness quite a spell. I found the fit and fiish to be very good. I found that the handle was very friendly to the hand even in hard cutting. I like the wire clip. It is very comfortable in my hand and does not snag upholstery when in my back pocket. Shopping around on the net, I found it for about $45.
 
I was just about to post the same question and read this. From my understanding S30V is a better steel, but I am very new to knives and am not 100% sure. Other then that they do look like pretty much the same knife and I heard they were good (I'm about to buy one) so I think you will be happy with either.
What are the differences in S30V and VG-10?
 
TJR0JAY said:
What are the differences in S30V and VG-10?
Click to expand...
They are both high-end stainless steels that get very sharp and hold up well to hard use. In a small folder, any differences beyond that would be hard to tell.

If you go to our Maintenance forum, you will see at the top of the list, Sticky: Steel FAQ by Joe Talmadge. Real good information on steel of all sorts. Anything by Joe Talmadge is real good information.

I like all the Native models, they seem to me to be among the best compact, reliable, comfortable daily use folders ever made. I particularly like the Native 3D, but I've got a fat hand that likes a good, big handle. They all rock.

Since this is your first, go for the made in USA S30V. You won't be disappointed.
 
Has the FRN handles proved deficient in any way that would make stainless liners worthwhile? Some may say it adds strength, but I don't think a gorilla could break most FRN-gripped knives.

Many people equate weight with quality, or perhaps they like the balance. Others may just like VG-10.

Unless the liners add needed strength, I can't see the advantage to having them. I do like my steel-reinforced COLD STEEL Recon 1, though.
 
Anybody have both? And have some side by side pics?
I'm wanting a new Spyderco but there aren't any around here, so it will be an online buy.
 
I had both, but got rid of the S30V one. I think the ergonomics on the 3D are much better, and I like VG 10 much better than S30V.
 
Confederate, I think there really are distinct areas of use, where an unlined handle gives you a lightweight, convenient smaller knife for ordinary cutting. And then there's circumstances, maybe more out of doors, where the liners enable you to hack away or bear down harder on really tough materials, where the extra strength does make a difference. Some of it is perception or preference, but some of it is the reason I like metal handles or heavy liners on really hard-use knives.

The Spyderco Native is what I look at as a finesse knife, not a brute force knife. It's for clean, accurate cutting in daily utility applications, and doesn't really need the extra mass.
 
So the native 3 has the steel liners?
According to the Spyderco website the Native is 2.65 ounces and the Native 3 is 2.8.
Thats not that much of a difference in weight.
I would love to see a top down pic showing the spine.
I wish Spyderco would put up pics from more than one angle.
 
I just looked at a few youtube videos of the native and native 3.
Can't really see a difference regarding liners.
Don't really see liners on either actually.
I definitely like the look of the Native 3 better than the regular Native.
I generally don't like choils on knives but i may have to pick one up anyway.
 
Native 3 looks and feels more refined in real life.

Walmart Native is a great "beater" for the price. If you break it, it ain't a big deal -but for the money it's the best bargain for a S30V knife out there.

Both are excellent, you can't go wrong with either one. I'd start with the Walmart version. Then you could also get the Native III down the road.
 
both are linerLess and pinned construction to my knowledge...
the Native3 will fit larger hands better....both great knives, try holding them before buying ... ultimately, you can't go wrong w/either ;)
 
I went thru the same question and answer.
And the answers I got were they were very similar.

I went for the Native I as it was thinner both in my smaller hands and in the pocket.
I am really pleased with it as a user.
Very comfortable to use, and as a reverse hold if ...
 
None of the Native models have steel liners. However, the new Native IV Carbon fiber handled model will have liners when it is released.
 
Hmmm while looking at the natives on the Spyderco website i just noticed the new Byrd Wings G-10 model.
I've been hankering for a Dyad-ish Spyderco since i lost my Mini Dyad a few years back.
So now the native has been temporarily demoted to second place on my Spyderco wishlist.
:)
 
pkdmslf said:
None of the Native models have steel liners. However, the new Native IV Carbon fiber handled model will have liners when it is released.
Click to expand...

I might have to agree with you on this. I just looked up both natives and I don't see anywhere that mentions anything about steel liners. The only big difference is the .15oz added and a change in the clip from the normal steel to the wire clip. The added weight appears to just come from a slightly thicker handle.

The FRN itself should hold out fine especially since the native doesn't have a long handle to snap in half.

The spyderco knives that have the steel liners usually say, "skeletonized steel liners are nested in the handle."

If anyone has a Native III to say otherwise please let us know.
 
Im 6'5" and the choiled wal mart Native is perfect for me... Come on now S30V on this size blade? Honestly doubt you are gonna find a better knife for 40 bucks! This is the knife btw that has sold me on all Spydercos...

Oh if you have a wal mart near you (who doesnt) you can have one shipped to you local store for free. That gets rid of shipping charges too...

Let us know what ys think! :)
 
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