JDEE
10-16-2004, 06:46 PM
As I said in another thread I bought a Native III and as I already had a Native Lightweight (S30V) I thought I would put together a bit of a comparison between the 2 knives.
Firstly, the Native III is Japan made with VG10 steel and the Native L/W is US made with S30V this probably is the reason for the price difference (about $14US at RRP). As far as the 2 steels go there appears to be no difference in cutting ability. The S30V should have better edge retention but only time will tell if it is significant.
Secondly, the first difference you notice is the different handle styles the Native III is thicker esp at the blade end of the handle where it has what I call a thumb print/grip on either side. It also has serrations on the heel of the handle and a different texture. I found that once you had handled the III for a while it is in IMO more comfortable.
Thirdly, the III has the wire clip, which I don't like and have in fact removed, Vs the flat steel clip of the Native L/W.
Other differences of note are: The OAL of the III is 3mms longer. The blade width (at the ricasso) of the III is 2mms wider - this is easily apparent when comparing the two. The III is "chunkier" all round and it weighs .4oz more. The Swedge on the III is full lenght to the "hole" whilst the L/W is about 2/3rds. The thumb grip on the blade is completely different being the raised type. Another significant difference is the III has a wider choil (about 2mms) and is definately more comfortable in my hands.
In conclusion, I might be wrong, but the III definately appears more robust, I supposed time will tell but I intend to consign my L/W to the leather work bench for a while and use the III when I need and EDC for "rough" work. Don't get me wrong I have not been disappointed with the L/W version of the Native it is just that I was looking for that "extra" knife and I have been handling the III for a while and its ergonomics grew on me. It will be interesting to see if there is a difference in edge rentention - I will pass on a report after further use.
Firstly, the Native III is Japan made with VG10 steel and the Native L/W is US made with S30V this probably is the reason for the price difference (about $14US at RRP). As far as the 2 steels go there appears to be no difference in cutting ability. The S30V should have better edge retention but only time will tell if it is significant.
Secondly, the first difference you notice is the different handle styles the Native III is thicker esp at the blade end of the handle where it has what I call a thumb print/grip on either side. It also has serrations on the heel of the handle and a different texture. I found that once you had handled the III for a while it is in IMO more comfortable.
Thirdly, the III has the wire clip, which I don't like and have in fact removed, Vs the flat steel clip of the Native L/W.
Other differences of note are: The OAL of the III is 3mms longer. The blade width (at the ricasso) of the III is 2mms wider - this is easily apparent when comparing the two. The III is "chunkier" all round and it weighs .4oz more. The Swedge on the III is full lenght to the "hole" whilst the L/W is about 2/3rds. The thumb grip on the blade is completely different being the raised type. Another significant difference is the III has a wider choil (about 2mms) and is definately more comfortable in my hands.
In conclusion, I might be wrong, but the III definately appears more robust, I supposed time will tell but I intend to consign my L/W to the leather work bench for a while and use the III when I need and EDC for "rough" work. Don't get me wrong I have not been disappointed with the L/W version of the Native it is just that I was looking for that "extra" knife and I have been handling the III for a while and its ergonomics grew on me. It will be interesting to see if there is a difference in edge rentention - I will pass on a report after further use.