Native 5...why did it take me so long?

[Doc Dan]

GronK said that, not me :)

I did not buy the Southard because it has no protection. I prefer having a finger guard, myself. But, that N5 is certainly tempting. The pictures posted by Johnnie1801 clearly show that the Delica has a larger gripping surface behind the guard than the N5. Therefore, I assume the N5 will be too small for my hand unless I use the choil. It is one of Spydercos best looking knives, however.

[glbpro]

The pictures posted by Johnnie1801 clearly show that the Delica has a larger gripping surface behind the guard than the N5. Therefore, I assume the N5 will be too small for my hand unless I use the choil.

That was exactly my experience - the Delica handle is absolutely perfect for my hand, and the Native handle was about one finger too small! Having said that, the design of the knife seems to suggest that the choil is meant to be used all the time. In videos from Shotshow 2015 where Eric handles the knife you can see him putting his finger in the choil pretty much every time he picks up the knife.

The next time I go back to my local shop I'm going to try handling the 5 alongside my Sage 1, which is a similar type of 'choil all the time' knife.

[senorsquare]

I have wanted a N5 for a while, but, as I have been informed, if I do not elect to use the choil it might be too small for my hand. I use a Delica nicely, but I have been informed on this forum that the N5 would be a tad small. I find the BM Mini Grip too small, for example. The Delica is just right. If this is not the case, someone with large hands please correct me.

I think the Native 5 is designed so that you use the front choil all the time. I have fairly large hands and using the front choil on the Native 5 gives better ergos and cutting performance than just about any other knife I have owned. Putting the index finger behind the choil just never felt right.

Using the front choil is how I like to grip the knife so it works well for me. If you are a person who does not like to place your index finger in the front choil then I'd say the N5 is probably not the model for you, as that is where this knife really shines ergonomically IMHO.

[APS]

I use the choil unless I am holding the knife in a hammer grip then I grip behind the choil. My medium size hand fits there. Actually I'd be ok if the Native was choil-less and had a single guard like the Delica (but with less gap between edge and guard) and I prefer the wider handle over the Delica.

[Johnnie1801]

GronK said that, not me :)

I did not buy the Southard because it has no protection. I prefer having a finger guard, myself. But, that N5 is certainly tempting. The pictures posted by Johnnie1801 clearly show that the Delica has a larger gripping surface behind the guard than the N5. Therefore, I assume the N5 will be too small for my hand unless I use the choil. It is one of Spydercos best looking knives, however.

Hi Dan, if you are not sure about the N5 then wait for the Shaman = bigger Native + Comp lock :D

[bh49]

Ah, Roman will be proud. :) .

yes, I am. it is very nice to see growing number of N5 fans. The great knife, which was kind of underapriciated for a while.

Excellent review and great pics! Nicely done.

+1

[Uke]

GronK said that, not me :)

Oops! Sorry about that mate...it must have got jumbled up when I was juggling multiple quotes!

[Uke]

With all the 'gripping behind the choil' talk I just snapped a couple of quick dodgy phone pics to show how my hands fit in both positions. I use both grips often and find both really comfortable. I take a 'Medium' glove size...

Behind the choil:


In the choil:

[GronK]

GronK said that, not me :)

Oops! Sorry about that mate...it must have got jumbled up when I was juggling multiple quotes!

Careful! If attacked by circus tigers they always go for the juggler!