Why are Native 5's so hard to find for sale?

E

EDCanAdamas

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Sep 8, 2013
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Would anyone care to comment as to why the Native 5 is so hard to find on the primary market (I am not interested in buying used knives). I would love to buy one, and have been checking retailers since July. None of them have one. I understand how supply and demand work, so i don't need an economics lesson here, but where is the supply? Does Spyderco only produce a severely limited amount of Native 5's each year?
 
Spyderco's Golden plant has been working at capacity for a number of years now, at least since 2010 with the introduction of the Para2 (and the Native5 came out in 2011). Last I heard they were still working on additions to the plant. Probably anything coming out of there from now on with a decent demand attached to it will run low on supply until the additions are finished (and perhaps even past that--but let's hope not)
 
Keep a eye on the exchange here. I sold 3 natives this month. 2 G-10s and an S110V forum. 2 were brand new.
 
Hopefully they will be able to make twice as many Native 5's (and others) once their factory additions are finished.
 
Don't know about twice as many. We're making as many as we can and shipping each month. The addition is still a ways from being finished and it will take a while after that for additional equipment placed and crew trained. We think we're making slow progress and catching up. the new Native 5 Light weight will grab some of the demand and it's easier to make. Less finishing on the handle.

My apologies. Our knifemakers in Golden are working hard. They are very meticulous, and they're making more knives each month.

sal
 
Sal Glesser said:
Don't know about twice as many. We're making as many as we can and shipping each month. The addition is still a ways from being finished and it will take a while after that for additional equipment placed and crew trained. We think we're making slow progress and catching up. the new Native 5 Light weight will grab some of the demand and it's easier to make. Less finishing on the handle.

My apologies. Our knifemakers in Golden are working hard. They are very meticulous, and they're making more knives each month.

sal
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Hi Sal,

I was wondering, since you mentioned the Native 5 Lightweight coming into production. Is there any ETA on this? I am highly interested in this as I already like the regular production models of the Native 5 and own 2 different variations of it. Thanks.

Lionesser
 
Hi Lionesser,

We're trying to squeeze it into a production schedule now. It's a very nice piece and I carry the proto quite regularly. I'd like to see it in production in 2014. It will depend on Eric and Tom if we can pull it off.

sal
 
Sal Glesser said:
Hi Lionesser,

We're trying to squeeze it into a production schedule now. It's a very nice piece and I carry the proto quite regularly. I'd like to see it in production in 2014. It will depend on Eric and Tom if we can pull it off.

sal
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Thank you Sal, Tom, and Eric for all the hard work put forth in this. I will be looking forward to the Lightweight's release!

Lionesser
 
I think the problems are (1) it's a great knife and (2) some people like me who bought the Native 5 forum knife for the S110V blade liked the knife so much that we went out and bought an S30V regular model. :)
 
JNewell said:
some people like me who bought the Native 5 forum knife for the S110V blade liked the knife so much that we went out and bought an S30V regular model. :)
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John,
Where did you get S30V model? All four of mine have S35N:D:)
 
Also, Roman, by the way, reading your comments on the Native over the past few years was also a part of the whole decision process! :thumbup:
 
JNewell said:
Also, Roman, by the way, reading your comments on the Native over the past few years was also a part of the whole decision process! :thumbup:
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Are you trying to say that this is my fault that people cannot find Native5?
I bought only five (counting two Forum knives) and was was gifted to me. :)
So how do you like it so far?
 
bh49 said:
Are you trying to say that this is my fault that people cannot find Native5?
I bought only five (counting two Forum knives) and was was gifted to me. :)
So how do you like it so far?
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Yes, partly. ;)

I like it a lot. I am a very long-time believer in Spyderco lockbacks but in general they don't really provide the same sort of feeling that a well-done framelock or compression lock knife does. The Native 5 does give me a feeling of "nice tool" pleasure in using it. I think the handle shape, blade shape and length and other general ergonomics are very nicely balanced. It's a great example of US design and manufacturing. :thumbup:
 
JNewell said:
Yes, partly. ;)

I like it a lot. I am a very long-time believer in Spyderco lockbacks but in general they don't really provide the same sort of feeling that a well-done framelock or compression lock knife does. The Native 5 does give me a feeling of "nice tool" pleasure in using it. I think the handle shape, blade shape and length and other general ergonomics are very nicely balanced. It's a great example of US design and manufacturing. :thumbup:
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The handle and blade profile of the Native 5 is probably my favorite among Spydercos. I love the way the back of the knife and the spine of the blade make one continuous arc when it is open and the choils and contours of the handle are perfect. Having said that, I am not a huge fan of lockback knives and I would love love love to see a knife with the N5 profile and either an RIL, liner lock or compression lock. That would probably be my dream EDC knife.

I do have the S110V Forum Native in my pocket to day. The Native 5 is probably the only blade that gets me to overlook my distaste for lockbacks.
 
Just had to comment again how awesome it is that Mr. Glesser himself comes on the forum and talks stuff out with us layfolk :D

The Native remains one of my favorite Spyderco designs ever.
 
grownstar said:
Just had to comment again how awesome it is that Mr. Glesser himself comes on the forum and talks stuff out with us layfolk :D

The Native remains one of my favorite Spyderco designs ever.
Click to expand...

I agree that Sal s participation in these threads makes me like and respect the company even moree than i already do ( it s my favorite knife company overall).
I got the forum Native 5 with s110v. I really like the fit and finish and the ergonomics but I do think the knife is a bit heavy for the blade size. I believe the lightweight model is a good idea. I look forward to seeing it.
 
I'm owning a Native 5 (2013 forum) and Native 3.
They are both my best folders.
The stone age look of the 3's serrated blade is just amazing. The only bad thing are the weak scales and unadjustable pivot.
The 5 doesnt look as primal but I prefer its steel reinforced handles :thumbup:

The 2013forum 5 seemed rushed a bit. The factory grind wasn't even (easy fix) and the ricasso on one side was 2mm higher towards the spine than on the other side (purely cosmetic and no biggie for me, still surprising for a Spydy. :eek:

Both folders have the highest locks I've seen so far. That's good because there is no space for pocket dust and fibers to settle between lock and blade which makes it open securely all the time. This cant be said about my endura (super blue) which has scales extend a whole 3/8th of an inch above the lock. About once or twice a week it doesnt open all the way since there had some stuff build up above the lock...
(yes I wash my pants regularly :) )

The Native is my ideal size edc. Not too small even for my big hands and not unnecessary big.

I can see why the 5 is in such high demand. Wouldn't mind to get more Native 5's for myself.
 
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