what do you guys think of the Navaja?

M

mixologist

Joined
Apr 19, 2011
Messages
5
Hello....first post.

Bad-ass or gimmicky?

http://www.thespydercostore.com/Spyderco-Navaja-Carbon-Fiber-Plain-Edge-Knife-p/c147cfp.htm

I am having such a hard time chosing a new spyderco to purchase. I lost my knife on a long hike and camp in W.Va last week. Now looking for a new one, am willing to drop up to $150. Want a strong/light folder that is about 3.5"- on the upwards size.

Going back and forth looking at para 2, military (like the reason it was made), superleaf, and Caly 3.5. Saw this one.... it's different...not sure what to make of it.
 
For a replacement I'd go with the Para2. You did say lightweight and the Navaja is not what I consider lightweight, especially compared to the Para2. If you can get one, go for the new Grey G-10 Para2 with Carpenter CTS-20CP steel. Just my .02.

p.s. Badass and a little tiny bit gimmicky ;)
 
I just got one in a trade and I love it. Very well made knife with a unique and useful shape.

I wouldn't say the noise is gimmicky. Not everything has to be 100% function and it doesn't detract from the knife so I think its pretty cool.
 
It looks beautifully finished but I find it too "busy" and too much of the blade is not part of the cutting edge. I prefer a nicely shaped flat ground blade with some belly and clean lines like the blade on the Para 2. If I ask myself which would I rather have . . . a Navaja or a Para 2 (or another Para 2 since I already have 2 of them), it's no competition, I would go with the Para 2 without hesitation. Love the relatively light weight, ergos, compression lock, as well as the blade shape. But that's just my personal preference/opinion of course.
 
thanks everybody for the insight/opinions. I think I'm gonna go para 2. The other option is their Military knives, but 4" seems long and 5.5" closed big. Course there is no size limit in Va...

I'm liking the reviews of the locking mechanism with the para
 
idaho said:
Ugly, gimmick and not very Navaja. I don't like it at all.
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Seriously? If you find it ugly, that's fine. If you don't like it, that is also fine, but I've seen several posts about the the navaja not looking anything like a navaja because someone has one image of one specific style of navaja in his mind. Also, the knife is inspired by ethnic knife styles and is not supposed to be an exact replica. I hate my spyderco khukuri, btw, because it doesn't chop worth a damn. Pft. I'm getting a Himalayan Imports khuk next time.
 
mixologist said:
thanks everybody for the insight/opinions. I think I'm gonna go para 2. The other option is their Military knives, but 4" seems long and 5.5" closed big. Course there is no size limit in Va...

I'm liking the reviews of the locking mechanism with the para
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It will seem huuuuge at first and everyone says this about the military, but it does carry very small for a knife of its size. It will never seem as big as when you frst saw/handled/bought one. I find it perfect and edc my m4 millie and a spyder edge millie as well when at work.
 
KNaB said:
It will seem huuuuge at first and everyone says this about the military, but it does carry very small for a knife of its size. It will never seem as big as when you frst saw/handled/bought one. I find it perfect and edc my m4 millie and a spyder edge millie as well when at work.
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Man....I just can't decide between the two.
 
navaja is a great knife but i find myself sitting here looking at it saying... "will i ever really carry this"
 
I returned mine because it was NOT as sharp as I expected and exhibited average performance (as compared to the Manix2 in s30v). The design and construction were EXCELLENT. Looks GREAT with a lanyard.

The caracca is a nice attribute, and introduces some spice into your typical rotation. However, I have a CF Protech Godfather with a 4" Mirror Polished blade that fills the "gentlemans carry" slot. Despite it's dramatic blade, the Navaja could not unseat the Godfather (despite the far more versatile blade geometry). I also found the throw to extend the blade was too long for my small hand (so I resorted to the tip down ring finger flick), awkward.

Unfortunately, I've developed a Manix2 fetish, as they outperform ANY other knife I own. Before I sold it, I promised myself I WOULD NEVER attempt to explain the Navaja lineage or caracca "intimidation feature" to anyone, lest I be thought a hopeless knife geek.
 
I am really close to ordering a Navaja. I have a Military and a Para Military so I want something different. I take that back I just ordered one.
 
No its not like caly 3 smooth, but it isn't peel ply grippy either. I love the navaja, came shaving sharp too
 
The Navaja looks ugly, and it i think i would not be good for EDC because of the carraca mechanism. Too much dirt gets in, and that's it. Navaja's blade shape isn't very easy to sharpen as well and is pretty heavy when compared with Para2. I would recommend a Para2 and Superleaf.
P.s, my Navaja is on the way to me :D
 
Love it or hate it, either way I'll know in a few days. Ordered on from Jeff @ CS around lunch time today and it's already in the mail! When you think about it I really had no choice, I haven't gotten a new Spyderco since December!
 
Yeah I also had to get one my last Spyderco was last year some time, it was my Military. Had to of been about a year ago so the Navaja was calling me.
 
bitter1 said:
Does CS give a shipping number? I have not received one.
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Yes. My order confirmation email had the USPS delivery confirmation #. It shows it is enroute but from past experience it may or may not do much good as far as tracking goes. Sometimes they show updates along the way other times I'll actually have the package for a day or two before it changes from "enroute" to "delivered". I'm in VA and most of my orders from Jeff take about 3 days to get here. HTH
 
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