Spyderco Native5 is Now Available!

[dapagco]

:spyder: The much anticipated Spyderco Native5 (http://bit.ly/SPYC41) is now available on Spyderco.com in limited quantities. More will be coming soon.

For info, specs and pics, check out the Spyderco Native 5 Product Page here (http://bit.ly/SPYC41).

http://spyderco.com/pix/products/med/C41G5_M.jpg (http://bit.ly/SPYC41)

[xavierdoc]

Excellent! Hope the Slipit version is available soon...

[razorsharp]

Awesome, maybe the ergos on this one will work with my hands

[5.56]

You might want to fix the clip screw and take another pic. :o

[5.56]

Fixed it for your tech guys.


http://members.cox.net/5.56mm/native.jpg

[1623]

Great news!

Very much looking forward to this one.

[Drkknight614]

So how much better is S35 than S30? Is it absolutely superior, or do they both still have their + and - .

[Tripwire]

Sweet! Like others have said, I am also looking forward to this one.

[ChrisR]

Excellent! Hope the Slipit version is available soon...
+1 ... looking really good ... would be nice to see in orange or blue G10 ... and if it goes well the FRN version should be a sell-out :D

[Evil D]

Nice, i have to pick this one up for nostalgia purposes. The Native was my first Spydie. I do wish the hole had been moved back towards the pivot some though.

Is it too soon to ask if there will be a traditional one piece FRN lightweight verison? I love G10 but my favorite thing about my Native is how simple the design is.

[DeathBySnooSnoo]

So how much better is S35 than S30? Is it absolutely superior, or do they both still have their + and - .

The only real difference is that S35V is a little easier to work with for the people making the knives. Other than being perhaps a slight bit easier to sharpen you and I will probably notice pretty much no difference at all between S30V and S35V.

[DrChimRichalds]

I love the look of the FFG blade (I've always thought the blade on the Natives before this model looked like absolute hell.) however, I almost spit out my drink when I saw the MSRP.

[jackthedog]

Well, there goes some more money. Looks nice.

[bh49]

I cannot wait to get mine. Hopefully Tuesday. :)

[buddy54ck]

I cannot wait to get mine. Hopefully Tuesday. :)

:spyder::spyder:
Hi All,

I also ordered one(Native 5), along with the Junior, which should be delivered to My House Tuesday, also.
While I was in a spending mood, I also ordered another Damascus Delica @ NG for a great price. I think they have 3 left.
HELLLLLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!! LOL!!!:DCharlie
:spyder::spyder:

[Rwb1500]

H.o.l.y crap.
:eek:

I gots to get me one of those!

[JLS]

I really like the Native series (especially with the 4 way clip on the N4 and N5) but the MSRP on the Native 5 does seem a bit high. The MSRP on the Para 2 is lower by $30! I will grant that the knife has a bit more steel overall than a Para 2 due to full liners, but I didn't think it was that much. I hope the planned lightweight Native 5 is a bit closer to the current one.

I love my Native 4 and think it was worth the price I paid for it. I was hoping that the Native 5 would be significantly less than that, not just $20-$25 less.

Either way, thanks to the Spyderco crew for making this happen!

[DeathBySnooSnoo]

I really like the Native series (especially with the 4 way clip on the N4 and N5) but the MSRP on the Native 5 does seem a bit high. The MSRP on the Para 2 is lower by $30! I will grant that the knife has a bit more steel overall than a Para 2 due to full liners, but I didn't think it was that much. I hope the planned lightweight Native 5 is a bit closer to the current one.

I love my Native 4 and think it was worth the price I paid for it. I was hoping that the Native 5 would be significantly less than that, not just $20-$25 less.

Either way, thanks to the Spyderco crew for making this happen!

My guess would be probably more along the lines of the Stretch...so maybe $75 or so.

[rosconey]

if it can be had for 75 i thinks thats awesome-

s-35v:) ,bushing pivot:eek: and g10:D for under a 100 bucks :spyder:

[The Deacon]

if it can be had for 75 i thinks thats awesome-

s-35v:) ,bushing pivot:eek: and g10:D for under a 100 bucks :spyder:I think he's either talking about the future FRN version, or future prices on the BF Exchange, etc. I wouldn't count on a 62.5% discount on any Spyderco unless, perhaps, it was being closed out at fire sale prices.

[DeathBySnooSnoo]

I think he's either talking about the future FRN version, or future prices on the BF Exchange, etc. I wouldn't count on a 62.5% discount on any Spyderco unless, perhaps, it was being closed out at fire sale prices.

Yeah sorry...should have edited the post I was replying to. But yes the future possible FRN Native 5...my guess would be around $75, not the same lower price we have seen on the existing native lightweights.

[jtoler_9]

Just ordered my Native 5 from CS. Can't wait. Busy Spyderco week.

[MountainManJim]

Got to play with the Native 5 today and to compare it to the Junior. The Native is very STOUT; thick blade steel and thick liners. It's a little tank of a knife.

I think they may have been trying to keep the handle thickness at the FRN thickness. Unlike the CF model, which seems to be more sleek and thin.

There appears to a bunch of development work that went into the design. I noticed that the lock spring is different than the FRN model, not sure why.

It's a very nice knife.

Jim

[Chibbi]

Order in ! :D

Waited on this since I fondled the prototype at the Amsterdam mini-meet,,,,

[BAL]

Got to play with the Native 5 today and to compare it to the Junior. The Native is very STOUT; thick blade steel and thick liners. It's a little tank of a knife.

I think they may have been trying to keep the handle thickness at the FRN thickness. Unlike the CF model, which seems to be more sleek and thin.

There appears to a bunch of development work that went into the design. I noticed that the lock spring is different than the FRN model, not sure why.

It's a very nice knife.

Jim
Thanks for the info, it looks like a tough s'ed knife for sure.

[bh49]

Guys, Native5 is a great knife. I love mine. Spyderco did really good job: lock is very smooth, jimping are refined and I like them more than on Native or Native4. Full screw construction will never hurt. No dent is nice. I like it probably more than I like Native4. I cannot wait for more variants of Native5. I hope for few sprints :):D

[1623]

Guys, Native5 is a great knife. I love mine. Spyderco did really good job: lock is very smooth, jimping are refined and I like them more than on Native or Native4. Full screw construction will never hurt. No dent is nice. I like it probably more than I like Native4. I cannot wait for more variants of Native5. I hope for few sprints :):D

Good to hear.

This will be my first introduction to the Native series, and from what I can gather, it will be a pleasant one.

[riverboy]

Just got my tracking number, I've been waiting on this one since the first rumors!

[ronin203]

I'm really looking forward to this one. Great looking knife, and I've really come to like the flat ground blades.:spyder:

[jtoler_9]

Finally got mine. I love this thing. Feels very solid, like a mini Manix 2. Another home run for me. Thanks.

[On Edge]

Got mine this weekend ...

Same "form factor" as previous Natives, but "more" .... very solid - steel liners make it feel more substantial, and it is a bit more upscale ... nice smooth action, locks up like a small vault, jimping begins on the lock bar and extends through the "H" (nice touch), nice grippy G-10, FFG ... this is a whole new Native, but still fits the hand like a glove ...

I think this one is destined to be a long term favorite.

Excellent job. Thank you, Sal!

[riverboy]

Finally got mine. I love this thing. Feels very solid, like a mini Manix 2. Another home run for me. Thanks.

+1

This is the best knife I've seen from Spyderco in recent times. Awesome design, amazing fit and finish for a production. I'm definitely going to pick up at least one more.

Love this thing!

[sal]

Hi Riverboy,

Welcome to the Spyderco forum.

Glad you llike the piece.

sal

[warriorsociologist]

Wow. This is simply an outstanding knife -- it hits the form factor squarely on the nose and if anything, it makes me want to see a sprint run of the old C95 Manix knives again even more. I think with my box of old-timey slippies for most office-days EDC, my Native 5 for "jeans days," and a large C95 Manix for the woods, I'd be able to get rid of most of my other knives. The Native 5 is just perfect, IMO. A C95 is about as close as one can get to a "fixed blade replacement" in a folder. I really hope 2012 is the year I can once again own a C95...

[md8232]

I got to handle / fondle one today, what a great fit in my hand! A Native was my first
Spydie. I'm trying to be strong and wait for a sprint with some super steel (K390), but that may not be possible.
Any word on a 2012 Sprint?

[INFRNL]

I would like to see a sprint on the Native 5 but not so sure they will make one.

[mhasman]

I got one for myself as n/y present, but shipped it back. Sorry to say, but I do not like it at all. Looking for 4/CF for now.

[willydigger]

Can anyone provide some feedback on the opening?

Quick history, I hate lockbacks because they are tough to open (no flick open). I had a Dragonfly 2 G10 and it went back because of how stiff it was to open. With the Native 5 I hear the lockback is less stiff and it has a bushing pivot reducing resistance. Can anyone provide a comparison to say the Sage 1 or Persistence liner series? Can it be flicked open?

[The Deacon]

Can anyone provide some feedback on the opening?

Quick history, I hate lockbacks because they are tough to open (no flick open). I had a Dragonfly 2 G10 and it went back because of how stiff it was to open. With the Native 5 I hear the lockback is less stiff and it has a bushing pivot reducing resistance. Can anyone provide a comparison to say the Sage 1 or Persistence liner series? Can it be flicked open?Lock spring is a bit heavy, but that's the way I like them, so you'd probably hate it. Takes deliberate thumb action to open, closes with a good snap. No chance of accidental in pocket openings.

[Blerv]

I would just stay away from lockbacks then.

[willydigger]

That's too bad. I was looking for a medium USA made knife. Thanks for the feedback.

[The Deacon]

FWIW, the regular FRN C41 Native has the weakest spring of any Spyderco midlock.

[Blerv]

The Leafstorm is mid-size but kinda expensive. The manix2 lightweight might work for you but isn't really medium in dimensions. The P'kal or Native FRN might work.

[INFRNL]

The Native 5 I think is a little easier to open and can be flicked. However it takes some practice because of the extra tension compared to the sage. I typically do not like back locks kind of for the same reason, but i am not going to let that stop me from a great knife.
I tend to like the Native 5 a little more than the sage. A native with liner or compression lock would be ideal

[willydigger]

The Native 5 I think is a little easier to open and can be flicked. However it takes some practice because of the extra tension compared to the sage. I typically do not like back locks kind of for the same reason, but i am not going to let that stop me from a great knife.
I tend to like the Native 5 a little more than the sage. A native with liner or compression lock would be ideal

100% agree with the liner/compression statement. I think I will end up buying one. I did get a Cat that is really nice, but as I buy more Spyderco's I realize none are perfect and each has something to offer.

I actually prefer a little extra tension. The Sage is too "soft" and requires deliberate finger strength, while the Cat and Persistence I own have a stronger detent so the force required to overcome the resistance flings the knife open. The Dragonfly has this same force requirement, but wow was the lockback tight and I would slip off the spydie hole more often than I would get the knife open (maybe an exaggeration, but if you didn't get it completely open look out for it to snap back closed!).

I love LOVE the Native 5 blade shape, choil, and size. G10 IMO is preferred over Carbon Fiber. The only flaw of course being the lockback. I think I will learn to open slow and have a great knife otherwise.

[willydigger]

INFRNL, I just noticed you have the Dragonfly G10 and the Native 5. Is there a noticeable difference? How do the lockbacks compare?

[sal]

Hi Willydigger,

Lockbacks offer the strongest self-close from the farthest out position. This makes it the least likely to accidentally open.....ie: the safest in the closed postion.

sal

[INFRNL]

INFRNL, I just noticed you have the Dragonfly G10 and the Native 5. Is there a noticeable difference? How do the lockbacks compare?

I am not sure how to answer this exactly. This is like comparing apples to oranges:confused: They are both 2 of my favorites that I tend to edc. They both feel great in the hand and work reallly well.

For back locks: I can flick both of them open(Native being easier), they are both smooth, DF being a little smoother. The spring tension on the DF is noticeably stiffer, but that could be because of the smaller platform. If I hold the Native with blade straight out and press the lock, the blade will naturally drop, The DF wont move on its own. Lockup on both are solid. Both have a slight amount of vertical play, but a decent amount of force is needed to make this happen. I think this is common because of the nature of the lock system (the blade and lock work as one).

As I have said, I love both knives. The ergos are great on both. The DF might be little but it acts like a bigger knife. It would be able to handle the common edc jobs.

I hope this helps; let me know if I missed anything you were hoping to hear.

[osodavis]

I just bought a pink Native for a lady friend of mine, & she loves it! I've held it & flipped it a few times & it's pretty smooth, but the handle is just sooooo small. I do have fairly large hands, but they're not ridiculously large. The Native handle is just about 1/2 inch too small. Other than that, I really like it! A Native XL Sprint please!!

[willydigger]

...
For back locks: I can flick both of them open(Native being easier), they are both smooth, DF being a little smoother. The spring tension on the DF is noticeably stiffer, but that could be because of the smaller platform...

I had the Dragonfly 2 for a couple days and it was too small to comfortably deploy the blade. I really liked the shape and blade of the Dragonfly, but for me I wasn't satisfied spending $75 for a knife that didn't outperform my Persistence.

Since then I've gone with the Sage 1 (more comfortable otherwise equal to the Persistence IMO) and then to the Cat. The Cat IMO is more comfortable than the Dragonfly and of course I prefer the liner lock.

Now I'm itching for a USA made knife. The offerings are very slim considering my size, material, and locking preferences. I'm going to have to settle (which is a word I hate to use when talking about a knife over $100).

Thanks for the feedback. I did find a video of a French Native 5 owner using the thumb flick and it seemed easy enough. The bushing pivot has really peeked my interest too. I think my knife interest has evolved from strictly a tool to more of an appreciation of workmanship and concept.

[INFRNL]

I had the Dragonfly 2 for a couple days and it was too small to comfortably deploy the blade. I really liked the shape and blade of the Dragonfly, but for me I wasn't satisfied spending $75 for a knife that didn't outperform my Persistence.

Since then I've gone with the Sage 1 (more comfortable otherwise equal to the Persistence IMO) and then to the Cat. The Cat IMO is more comfortable than the Dragonfly and of course I prefer the liner lock.

Now I'm itching for a USA made knife. The offerings are very slim considering my size, material, and locking preferences. I'm going to have to settle (which is a word I hate to use when talking about a knife over $100).

Thanks for the feedback. I did find a video of a French Native 5 owner using the thumb flick and it seemed easy enough. The bushing pivot has really peeked my interest too. I think my knife interest has evolved from strictly a tool to more of an appreciation of workmanship and concept.
The DF is definitily a little small to be trying to flick it open; however its possible.
The native is very similar to the Sage; so if you like the sage, you should really like the Native with the exception of the back lock. I really like the Cat too. Its a little bigger than the Df, flicks open like a rocket, but has nylon bushings rather than bronze. Not a deal breaker but a great knife for $40
I started off trying not to buy knives with back locks, but that didn't last long. I would rather have a great knife then to worry about the lock. The native is easy to work, one handed. Its not quite as fun as a liner or compression lock, but it works.

Good luck in your next choice

[sal]

Hi Willydigger,

While it is just my opinion, There is a great deal going on in the world of knives. Flickability is such a small part of that vast world. Also "flick" knives are not legal in many parts of America or the world for that matter. By making your decisions on such a small feature, I believe you rob yourself of much that is offered.

sal

[willydigger]

Thanks again to all. I have decided to get the Native. Ultimately I think Sal is right. The sole reason I hate the lock back is the inability to flick it open. I've ended up "settling" for other knives with different flaws (I say flaws perhaps the better word is dislikes). Though the Native is the most expensive knife I've purchased, I'll get that warm and fuzzy feeling every time I read USA Earth.

Of course this will probably mean they will come out with a compression on liner version soon! That would be my luck! :D

[Blerv]

Congrats bud :). I'm sure it will be a great fit. Sometimes having more reasoning behind a design helps justify the nuances.

Just think how strong your thumb will get!

[darkstar29]

The Native 5 is possibly my favorite blade purchased this past year. The ergos are great. I love back locks. Flick is over-rated, IMO. The spydie hole allows very quick deployment while maintaining superior control of the blade.. Plus, the N5 just 'feels' like it could do anything you ask, and then some.. It's a beast of a blade. Love it.

[APS]

I am greatly anticipating the FRN release of this knife!

[willydigger]

Well it finally arrived. The lock back is tight. Tighter than I hoped for and not loose enough to tout that it is easy to manipulate. This is/was my BIGGEST issue, but I knew it going in so I won't harp on it.

The other aspects of the knife outweigh (to some undecided degree) the lock back. My pro list includes in order of value:
1. USA Earth
2. Overall Knife Size
3. Blade Shape
4. G10
5. Blade Steel Quality*

*I understand there is some debate of the value of S35VN, but I'm perfectly happy with 440C and 8cr13mov so having a steel that is iffy is fine by me.

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/willydigger/EDC/Knives/IMAG0565.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e366/willydigger/EDC/Knives/IMAG0567.jpg

A couple other details that I was curious about.
1. The etching is not ground in like the Sage 1. If I decide to polish it the etch will come off. A small bummer.
2. The fit and finish is good, not great, but not enough to take away from the knife. Specifically the spacer at the pommel is not square. It is a hair uneven. The back end of the button is the same way, uneven. I understand it's a production knife so no big deal to me.

[M2P]

Well, even if I prefer this Native 5 to the carbon fiber one, because of the feeling of strong it give off, I still miss the Native 1 blade ...
So much that I'm thinking about buying another C41PBK to get back the blade in S30V and the locking system, and to build a new Native with steel liners (and perhaps orange handle !).

Please Sal, come back to the original blade design for the Native 6 ;)

EDIT : second native5 bought, to carry one and keep one in my collection. I love it in fact !

[Woodsman]

I recently picked up a Native 5 and it suddenly became one of my favorite folders to carry. I already had a soft spot for the Native because it was my first Spyderco I ever bought many years ago. When I found out they had a new model out with a FFG and G10 scales I had to get it. Good job Spyderco, you hit this one out of the park. I hope to see some sprint runs with the Native 5 in the future. :spyder:

[oldschool]

Please Sal, come back to the original blade design for the Native 6 ;)

Indeed. I am not a big fan of the somewhat larger belly on the Native 5. The original looked much meaner.