I have never warmed up to the rakish grind on the regular Spyderco Native. However this Carbon Fiber (CF) Native4 version, as noted last year in the catalog, is much more intriguing to me. It is a showpiece edition of the Native, featuring very thin CF scales which improve visual presentation. These scales also make the Native CF extremely FLAT and comfortable in carry, aided by the typically well-executed Spyderco clip design (properly blackened for the theme). But expect no traction on these scales: they are disappointingly slick and provide zero purchase. A textured and matte finished CF along the lines of the “Buck Mayo TNT” (250 pc limited edition) would have been preferred. The jimping on the underside choil is perfect but it is glaringly absent on the upper spine; an incomplete execution of the design. The lack of traction not withstanding, the CF ergos as are good but would be improved by the addition of some jimping topside (or you can add a thin strip of skateboard traction tape as Ive shown before). The carry weight of 3.4 ounces is unimpressive for a CF knife (should be feather light) and can be attributed to the skeletonized stainless steel frame of this knife. At this price point and design goal, a titanium frame would have been superior. Deployment speed and lockup are superb as is the 2.9″ full flat ground, bright finished VG10 steel blade. It is very functional and perfectly sized for EDC. Fit and finish are impressive and the knife could be a crowd …
July 18th, 2010 at 7:09 pm
Great review however… If you don’t want jimping then it’s a + that it doesn’t have it because you CAN”T take it away yet it can be added on either personally or by a knifemaker at a very affordable price. I’d actually rather have it as is.
July 18th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
@MrKwanlee most series knife guys don’t even consider 100 dollar knives expenive like my caly 3 I use the hell out of it.
July 18th, 2010 at 8:19 pm
wait… what do you do with your 100dollar knives?
July 18th, 2010 at 9:12 pm
@nutnfancyfan01 i litterally ws just about to write that
July 18th, 2010 at 9:17 pm
I appreciate that Nutnfancy says what it cost him when he bought his knife. It puts it in a realm of perspective. If that makes sense,
July 18th, 2010 at 9:35 pm
I think this knife is more jewelry than a tool The smooth handle scales, the plain ground, sleek, full flat grind blade with understated swedge and lack of jimping is simple elegance. If you see it as a dress knife, then the price comes more into line. It’s bling. Carry it for bragging rights.
July 18th, 2010 at 10:31 pm
i have a spyderco native 2. i actually love it alot. it does everything i need. but i gotta agree, the serrations on spydercos do suck. so that’s why i got a spyderco native 2 without serrations. i’ve never experienced the original model, the 3rd, or the 4th, but the Native 4 looks awesome.
July 18th, 2010 at 10:50 pm
Dam i want that knife!!!
too bad the cheepest i could find is $150
July 18th, 2010 at 11:15 pm
this knife can be had for 99 shipped.
July 18th, 2010 at 11:26 pm
how about €260,- (that’s $372)
American brand knives are No fun in Europe
July 18th, 2010 at 11:54 pm
its possible, Nutnfancy has done it once or twice.
July 19th, 2010 at 12:48 am
No, you could do it yourself with a metal grinder. Those kinds of machinery are expensive though.
July 19th, 2010 at 1:02 am
is it possible to jimp aftermarket ?
July 19th, 2010 at 1:41 am
A quick comment on your vid regarding the carbon fiber cost. 5.6oz/sq yd plain weave carbon fiber in 1″ wide tape is $5.50 CDN per yard. How thick are the handle pieces? I measured out some flat laminate at about .025″ thick per ply (layer). The handle would be very easy to mass-produce if they just had a pre-laminated board and water-jet cut the pieces out of it. Cheap to custom produce too, could add texture easily as well. Ideas for anyone wanting to make custom handle pieces…
July 19th, 2010 at 2:25 am
Carbon fibre scales are expensive, however it is usually very consistent. There are only one kind of carbon fibre, however there could be many types of G10 scales. Carbon fibre isn’t very grippy, G10, when done right is usually the very best kind of grip out there.
July 19th, 2010 at 2:52 am
how does G10 compare to carbon fiber.I’m getting my first folder can’t decide.Which is more durable?
July 19th, 2010 at 3:27 am
hey nutnfancy I am looking for another EDC knife that I can actually use and not be afraid of damaging it. But I have sweaty hands and I have a kershaw leek it has 1660 marked on the blade and it is rusting, Would the steel on the tenacious rust like that
July 19th, 2010 at 3:42 am
First, $140 for the carbon fiber Native? Ridiculous. For that price you could pick up the superior Military or, if you want something smaller, the Para-Military.
I don’t have the carbon fiber version of the Native, but I do own the standard production knife.
While not horrible, it certainly is my least favorite Spyderco blade. My biggest complaint being that the thumb hole is not fully exposed which makes for a relatively uncomfortable deployment.
July 19th, 2010 at 4:22 am
i actually prefer knives made in seki city than in america, theybe been making blades in seki city for about 700 years.
July 19th, 2010 at 4:42 am
Check out the Spydy Carbon Sage. Textured scales and jimping on the thumb ramp, I think.
July 19th, 2010 at 4:50 am
I really like my CF Native… nearly perfect.
I like it enough that its horning in on my Sebenza’s EDC time. Partially due to the Natives far-cheaper price, and also because its smaller/lighter. Its high enough quality to satisfy – very nicely made in fact – but not scary expensive enough to cause constant concern about losing it.
The screws on mine go all the way into the steel liners.
July 19th, 2010 at 4:57 am
American made knives are expensive… This is made in Seki city which is a good place for making knives. Spyderco actually has a factory in Golden Colorado which is awesome!
P.S.
American stuff is good but we need to compete with other companies prices.
July 19th, 2010 at 5:17 am
VG-10 better or worse than old Native steel??
July 19th, 2010 at 5:26 am
its made in japan which still isnt good btu is better than china lol but spyderco is out of colerado
July 19th, 2010 at 6:25 am
Is this one Made-in-China too? Not copasetic. Let the commies keep their stinking child-made products and toxic tainted food. No reason to buy a chinese knife with so many American made (the way God intended) choices, like Kershaw and Benchmade.