Yep, another set of Native Questions

D

dliske

Joined
Dec 11, 2000
Messages
9
Have spent a long time here lurking and enjoying much of the information that is passed along in BF. I am new to knives, but it seems my interest is geared toward folders...no specific type or make (yet). I am, however, interested in the Native, as it seems to be a good utilitarian blade for everyday carry. Not to mention, I think it is a very handsome piece.

That said, my questions are these: Other than blade steel, are there any other significant differences between the Native and Native II? If there is a short answer, is 440V superior to the blade steel on the Native II? (Just to let you know, I am leaning toward a Native with 440V based upon what I have read in the archives).

I believe I read that the Native (with 440V) is available in a stainless handle, but I have not found one yet with a search of some on-line dealers. Any suggestions?

I have seen the G-10 inlaid Natives and was wondering if there are any plans for other types of handles and/or variations? Are they readily available? Other than here, what is the best way to find out about these special releases?

Lastly, if a BF Native can be found, what is (typically) the market price?

I know I have asked alot, but I would appreciate any answers and/or insight you may have about the Native (vs. Native II). And, if there downsides to the knife, I would appreciate that information too.

Thank you in advance and regards.

David Liske





[This message has been edited by dliske (edited 12-13-2000).]
 
As far as the blade steels go, both 440V and VG-10 are excellent steels. Either is a good choice. The major diference is in the handles. The FRN (zytel) handle is, IMO, more secure in the hand than the stainless. It is also much lighter and better balanced. If possible, handle both and see which feels best to YOU.

Paul
 
Hi and welcome aboard.
I believe that it is two different steels in the native and stainless native. The 440 steel is great, holds a good edge, stain resistant. The FRN makes a good carry knife, Price vs. weight vs. materials. Prices on a blade forums native go anywhere from $100 to $140 each, depends on how many are out when you look.

Jey
 
Hey, you have picket what is IMO the best Spyderco knife out there!

To answer your questions:

Other than blade steel, are there any other significant differences between the Native and Native II?

Yes, the Native has an FRN handle, which is very lightweight and comfortable, plus it has a web-pattern that eliminates slippery conditions. The Native II sports a steel handle which is considered slippery and prone to scratching. Plus, it's heavier. Also, the FRN Native is considerably cheaper AND has a more expensive/better quality blade in CPM 440V, plus it's manufactured in the USA. The Native II has an AUS-8 blade and is manufactured in Asia (or Japan?).

I believe I read that the Native (with 440V) is available in a stainless handle, but I have not found one yet with a search of some on-line dealers. Any suggestions?

Keep searching, you'll find someone for sure. I've dealt with Brian over at discountknives.com and he has always delivered great service, but I don;t know whether he has this piece available. Keep searching and I'm sure you'll find someone.

I have seen the G-10 inlaid Natives and was wondering if there are any plans for other types of handles and/or variations? Are they readily available? Other than here, what is the best way to find out about these special releases?

As to plans for other variations, I don't think so. Sal knows best, so ask him. As to whether there exist other variations...the only ones out there are the FRN Native, the Native II, the BF Native with blue G-10 handle (only 500 made, 250 plain and 250 serrated) and the shell-inlay Native with black G-10 handle (1000 made, 500 plain with blue shell and 500 serrated with red shell).

Lastly, if a BF Native can be found, what is (typically) the market price?

I bought my two BF Native plain pieces for $125 each, plus I got two Mike Sastre sheaths with para-cord and two steel clips for a small additional amount. I was VERY lucky. I suggest you post in the forums in the Knives:Wanted to Buy section. Most likely someone will want to part with theirs and offer you a deal. From what I've heard, $125 is the standard price, NO HIGHER (you could get lucky and find a used piece for $100 or so).

And, if there downsides to the knife, I would appreciate that information too.

None that I can come up with, EXCEPT that the tip of my FRN Native broke recently. However, I doubt that this happened due to manufaturing problems regarding the blade.

Good luck! You have picked an awesome knife!

-Flood
 
The NAtive II has AUS 10 blade, at least the two Native IIs I own are AUS 10, and I just bought one them this fall. AUS 10 is a step up from AUS 8 and is probably on par with ATS 55. CPM 440V has superior numbers in carbon content and vandium I believe.
 
I have carried LOTS of different knives and the FRN Native remains my daily carry.

------------------
Brian
AKTI# A000991
Signature not available at this time. Please check back later.
 
My mistake. The Native II is AUS-10, not VG-10. Sorry if I caused any confusion.

Paul


------------------

Trust no one...
 
But Paul, what if it was?....
biggrin.gif
 
I have been carrying a FRN Native with the CPM 440V blade for about 2 months.

The FRN Native is slightly different from the stainless native(which I have handled). What was impt to me is that the hole of the stainless is partially covered by the handle in the closed position, making it hard to put my thumb fast in it compared to the FRN native, where the hole is more exposed.

Also, the FRN native has a "milder" spring tension in the lock than the stainless one(in my opinion-I could be wrong here), making the FRN one smoother to open. Some may feel that this makes it not as secure as the stainless(ie:easier to open accidentally), but as long as you carry it properly, I see no problem. Some people like the smoother opening action a lot.

Compared to the tip-up delica, I find the FRN Native much easier to open faster(when you move your thumb down, it naturally finds the hole, whereas in the tip-up delica, my thumb sometimes skids off the blade), smoother in action and easier to manipulate, because I can hold it closer to the edge, with its reasonably deep, secure finger choil.

To me, this choil also has "tactical" benefits, because if you swing hard at something and hit it with the knuckles of your index finger, the choil is deep enough to probably stop your finger from sliding up onto the blade. Many of the spyderco designs don't have such a deep choil, probably because they are not designed for "tactical".

Lastly, the FRN Native compared to many other similarly-sized spyderco FRN knives, may seem a bit thicker and more robust. I guess that's why it is supposed to be more "heavy duty".

If you want a low-cost, tip-up FRN spyderco folder, that is a good user, but can also be used a bit for emergencies, I think it's OK.

Best wishes from SYK
 
I would really like to thank you all for your responses. Although I was somewhat hesitant to "jump right in" with a bunch of questions, I am very glad that I did. Thanks again for the information. BTW, I have been convinced, both publicly and privately that the FRN Native with the 440V blade is a fine choice, and that is the knife I will look to buy. Unfortunately, I think I will have to wait until after Xmas...the gift money budget has already been spent.

David Liske
 
Steve, you're right. But, this year I decided to do something special for my wife (translated = more than I should have spent!), and because of it, I didn't ask for anything. I'm sure you know how it goes, since her spending budget is also part of my budget, and visa-versa. In the future, I'll own the knife, but for now, I'll simply have to wait. Hopefully, not too long
smile.gif
.

David Liske
 
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