Spyderco Native 5 Review

First Impression of Spyderco Native 5 C41GPDBL5

The knife came in the Spyderco standard packaging as most of its knives. It had the model number, barcode, specs and origin mentioned, authenticating the knife. Inside the box, there was a manual and warranty card. The knife itself was bubble wrapped for safe shipment. So it was in its original factory production form.

When opened, it seemed like a standard pocketknife in size, shape and profile.

This is how it looked like straight out of the package. The scales were in their original color. Although Dark Blue G10 handle scales hardly visible wear and tear after some use.

Therefore, getting it in black would probably be a better idea.

The knife was smooth with a seamless opening and closing action, and was devoid of any scratches on its blade. So that’s a good thing.

This is what the backside of the handle looks like with the pocket clip and the screws. The finishing seems fine, with secure screws keeping the knife in perfect alignment.

I especially like the enclosed steel liners inside this Native 5 because they are closely aligned with the G10 scales leaving no space in between. This makes the knife easy to hold and offers a comfortable grip without the handle slicing through the hand. Although G10 handle scales are quite smooth, the skeletonized steel liners may give way to rust and dirt deposit between the spaces.

The classic lock back design never disappoints. That’s what I like most about the back lock mechanism. It works perfectly and smoothly without any blade play whatsoever, especially because it is at the back of the knife. You can operate the back lock with one hand, just like you can do with the thumb hole. The Spyder Hole or the Spydie Hole can always be relied on, even if any locking mechanism doesn’t work. And it works just as well on Native 5 as well.

Blade of Spyderco Native 5 Lightweight G10 Dark Blue CPM S110V

The CPM S110V stainless tool steel blade is probably the best thing about this knife. It is a superior quality high-performance blade with exceptional wear and corrosion resistance. It contains 2.8% alloy content along with high contents of chromium, vanadium, and niobium.

The leaf-shaped full-flat ground blade with a curved cutting edge provides it a sturdy utilitarian point. It also comes with a forefinger choil with a thumb ramp jimping that allows holding the knife from the bottom of the blade without cutting yourself for precision cuts. The cutting edge and length of the blade is also ideal for precise EDC tasks. You can use it to cut straight lines through paper or cardboard for example. The blade thickness of 0.125” also makes it perfect for small EDC tasks around the house or the office. It is a standard thickness, also useful for food preparation tasks in the kitchen. As a pocketknife, it is better utilized in outdoor kitchens or when going hunting or camping.

However, it can be very challenging to sharpen the S110V blade, even with a diamond stone. It is because of the high carbide content, the metal alloy. It is also not as tough as it may seem, but has a high edge retention.

The CPM S110V is the one component of the knife that is expensive, hence adds to the cost of the knife. But the price is not very unreasonable, and the blade is totally worth it. It also comes highly recommended by knife experts and enthusiasts.

Although the FRN is one of the most common in Spyderco Knives but G10 handle scales are comfortable and long lasting material, the dark blue scales are not as superior in quality as compared to FRN, or compatible enough for a superior S110V blade. However, it does compensate on the price of the knife.

Spyderco Native 5 Review – Deployment & Locking Mechanism Review

The back lock is easy to operate with as simple a functionality as with the thumb-hole. Even if you have never used a Spyderco knife before, you can instantly get used to the back lock. It works by flicking it in the opening or closing position from the back of the knife, away from the blade. It disengages the blade, and you can fully close it with one hand.

It is also easier with quick opening and closing between tasks without getting stuck. The blade also locks in position perfectly in the steel liners, maintaining its sharpness.

The spine of the back lock and the knife is well-finished. So I have no complaints with the locking mechanism or the deployment.

My Experience with Spyderco Native 5

I used Spyderco Native 5 knife in the field for over two weeks to see how it actually performs? I carried out regular EDC tasks like cutting ropes, opening cardboard and paper boxes and packages, food preparation and prying.

I can say with confidence that the leaf shape of the blade did not disappoint. It was also able to provide precision cuts as analyzed, and the full-flat ground was able to grind though 3” of holes in thick packing materials. The everyday tasks were as smooth as ever with this Native 5.

It also cut all sorts of fruits and vegetables, and was a pretty good substitute as a paring knife for food preps. Vegetables like thinly sliced garlic and ginger are commonly needed in the when cooking food, but not the easiest to carry out. However, with Native 5, it was a breeze.

The G10 handle scales also did not give way, even when it got wet, mixed up with acidic foods, or used with sweaty hands.

Comparisons

Comparing Spyderco Native 5 with Spyderco Sage 1

Spyderco Sage 1 and Native 5 look a lot similar, yet they are different in many aspects. The blade shapes and grinds are similar on both the knives. Yet, the Native 5 is smaller, and weighs lesser. The Sage 1 comes with Maxamet steel blade, which is superior to S110V, thereby making it pricier. The Sage also has G10 scales, its common factor.

Instead of the back lock, the Sage 1 comes with a Liner Lock. Both have different locking mechanisms, different prices and even makes are different. Spyderco Sage 1 is Made in Taiwan whereas Spyderco Native 5 which is under review is made in USA.

Spyderco Sage is bigger, its blade thickness is less than that of Native 5. It is because of the Maxamet, which does not need high thickness for EDC tasks. However, its length is 0.95” more than the Native 5, with a superior cutting edge.

When deciding between the two knives, although both are equally good, it basically comes down to the price and size. I would choose Native 5 over Spyderco Sage 1 mainly because of this reason.

Another draw back of Spyderco Sage 1 is having just one variant. You cannot change its handle material or pocket clip, unlike that of Native 5. Therefore, preference is given to Native 5. Currently there are almost 25 plus models of Spyderco Native 5 with different offers.

Comparing Spyderco Native 5 with Spyderco  Para 3

We have extensively reviewed Spyderco Para 3 previously. So we can easily compare and contrast the two knives. The Para 3 we reviewed was also dark blue with CPM S110V blade. However, it came with G10 handles with compression lock. However, both the knives are made in the US with ambidextrous pocket clip.

However, there is a difference between size, weight and price. The Para 3 weighs 3.4 oz., is 7.24” long and has a thicker beefier blade. It also costs more than $300. However, it is a perfectly good knife for EDC tasks, and highly recommended by frequent Spyderco knife users.

When it comes down to it, the Native 5 Vs Para 3 are both equally good knives. However, the final choice depends on the user’s priorities and preferences. If you want a slightly higher end knife with superior performance, than go for Para 3. But if you want a standard EDC knife that performs just as good, then Native 5 could be a better choice.