SandRaven
08-01-2005, 04:47 PM
I got my Native CPMS30V/FRN back in December, and I thought I'd give a report on it. I'm gearing this towards somebody in the position like I was in, looking for a durable EDC.
Before this knife, I would just be $5 gas station type knives, and this was / is my only expensive knife.
I am happy to report, that I am still pleased with my purchase. I use this knife everyday, and put it through a lot of abuse. Mostly I open boxes, and cut zip ties and such, but this knife is stout enough to also cut small branches, and garden hose.
Steel: CPMS30V
This steel holds a very good edge, but is a little brittle. I managed to chip about 1/32" off the tip de-buring a piece of copper tubing. Also, you can cut copper wire (multi-strand) without putting a ding in the edge. I have even used it to cut a few shingles when I forgot to carry up my cutters (I just built a shed) . This did mess up the blade a little, and require some re-sharpening, but it no worse for wear.
Handle: FRN works great. I know the G10 is the premium handle, but I don't see wearing out the handle before the blade. The blade is still very tight, with no play in the blade. I probably sharpen it twice a week with a Red/Blue diamond stone.
I work in a ceramics plant, so the finish has been worn off the clip, but this is expected, as the ceramic dust has also taken the titaanium finish off my watch.
That all for now, but feel free to ask any questions you may have.
http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/3813/native0fg.th.jpg (http://img294.imageshack.us/my.php?image=native0fg.jpg)
Before this knife, I would just be $5 gas station type knives, and this was / is my only expensive knife.
I am happy to report, that I am still pleased with my purchase. I use this knife everyday, and put it through a lot of abuse. Mostly I open boxes, and cut zip ties and such, but this knife is stout enough to also cut small branches, and garden hose.
Steel: CPMS30V
This steel holds a very good edge, but is a little brittle. I managed to chip about 1/32" off the tip de-buring a piece of copper tubing. Also, you can cut copper wire (multi-strand) without putting a ding in the edge. I have even used it to cut a few shingles when I forgot to carry up my cutters (I just built a shed) . This did mess up the blade a little, and require some re-sharpening, but it no worse for wear.
Handle: FRN works great. I know the G10 is the premium handle, but I don't see wearing out the handle before the blade. The blade is still very tight, with no play in the blade. I probably sharpen it twice a week with a Red/Blue diamond stone.
I work in a ceramics plant, so the finish has been worn off the clip, but this is expected, as the ceramic dust has also taken the titaanium finish off my watch.
That all for now, but feel free to ask any questions you may have.
http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/3813/native0fg.th.jpg (http://img294.imageshack.us/my.php?image=native0fg.jpg)