Hi all,
I am currently in the market for my first "real" knife and have a couple of questions.
(1) I have done a fair amount of research over the past two weeks, comparison shopping on the Internet and visiting stores to actually feel the knives and test them out. I love the Spyderco round hole, and have decided on either the Native or Delica as my first knife. I am not trolling here, but my impression is that the Delica 50/50 is probably better suited for my needs (just general-purpose cutting) than the Native, but the Native sure does look nice. Could I get comments from those who own both regarding use, abuse, and preference?
(2) I am finding that there are several online sites that offer both of these knives for well below what I can find them in the store for. However, when I check the specs listed by these online sites, they usually vary somewhat from that listed by Spyderco's web site. I guess what I'm asking is, is the product offered by, say Skylands Cutlery the same as that listed on Spyderco's web site?
Thanks for any and all help!
Matthew
Newbie questions
The Delica and the Native are both great knives. The Native would be my first choice for:
1. Slightly thicker blade of premium CPM440V steel, and;
2. Slightly better handle ergonomics.
Rest assured that you won't find "seconds" at a quality dealer like Greg at Skylands. I've known him and dealt with him for years. He's honest and forthright, as well as a good businessman.
You'll be well served by any Spyderco product and a great dealer like Skylands.
1. Slightly thicker blade of premium CPM440V steel, and;
2. Slightly better handle ergonomics.
Rest assured that you won't find "seconds" at a quality dealer like Greg at Skylands. I've known him and dealt with him for years. He's honest and forthright, as well as a good businessman.
You'll be well served by any Spyderco product and a great dealer like Skylands.
Thanks for the response! The things I liked most about the Native are the things you pointed out plus I liked the heft of the knife. It has a much more solid feel to it to my inexperienced hands.
Some other questions:
(1) I plan to use this knife for everyday carry, to handle tasks from cutting cardboard boxes to cutting cable ties and as a potential self-defense tool. Which edge would be the best choice for a wide range of cutting needs? Plain, or 35/65 combo?
(2) I read in the other forum that the CPM-440V steel is prone to chipping. Has that been the case for other Native users?
Thanks!
Some other questions:
(1) I plan to use this knife for everyday carry, to handle tasks from cutting cardboard boxes to cutting cable ties and as a potential self-defense tool. Which edge would be the best choice for a wide range of cutting needs? Plain, or 35/65 combo?
(2) I read in the other forum that the CPM-440V steel is prone to chipping. Has that been the case for other Native users?
Thanks!
Personally I prefer the combo edge, but there are some considerations here:
1. I think the plain edge is easier to keep sharp,
2. The plain edge is "sheeple" and airline friendly (seems a lot of airlines won't allow serrated edges on their planes or into their terminals),
3. If the knife will be used for game dressing or skinning, the unserrated portion of the combo edge may not be sufficient for that task.
I have several 3" (give or take a few 8ths) blades that are plain edged only, for the sheeple and airline friendly days. I have a couple >3" blades with combo edges for those times when I just don't care whether or not I'm sheeple friendly and may be called to do some heavy duty cutting.
My best advise to you is to evaluate your own needs and likes closely, then follow your heart.
I have not had any problems with any of my Spyderco blades chipping, whether they be AUS-8, ATS-34 or 55, CPM440V, or VG-10. In one instance I did manage to break the tip of a Delica model in extremely cold weather, but Spyderco graciously took care of that problem post haste. I really don't think you can go wrong with their products.
1. I think the plain edge is easier to keep sharp,
2. The plain edge is "sheeple" and airline friendly (seems a lot of airlines won't allow serrated edges on their planes or into their terminals),
3. If the knife will be used for game dressing or skinning, the unserrated portion of the combo edge may not be sufficient for that task.
I have several 3" (give or take a few 8ths) blades that are plain edged only, for the sheeple and airline friendly days. I have a couple >3" blades with combo edges for those times when I just don't care whether or not I'm sheeple friendly and may be called to do some heavy duty cutting.
My best advise to you is to evaluate your own needs and likes closely, then follow your heart.
I have not had any problems with any of my Spyderco blades chipping, whether they be AUS-8, ATS-34 or 55, CPM440V, or VG-10. In one instance I did manage to break the tip of a Delica model in extremely cold weather, but Spyderco graciously took care of that problem post haste. I really don't think you can go wrong with their products.
Thanks for your help. I've pretty much decided on the plain edge Native, in part due to it's less "menacing" appearance, and in part because I have never sharpened a knife before and I would think that plain edges are easier to sharpen. On the other hand, the Native seems to be legendary for keeping a sharp edge, so that may be moot point... I do have to say, though, that if a 50/50 comboedge were available, I would have definitely chosen that over the plainedge.
Thanks for your words!
Thanks for your words!
You're very welcome and good luck with your new knife. BTW, I couldn't sharpen a knife to save my a** until I tried Spyderco's Sharpmaker and watched Sal's video. Now my arm is as bald as my head. It keeps my knives scary sharp, so much so that the hair on my arm surrenders and falls off on it's own at the sight of a Spyderco blade coming towards it. lol
Hi Mac,
Yep, I saw the 50/50 on the Native II - actually, I saw a picture of a Native (plain) and a Native II (50/50) side by side, and assumed that the partially serrated Native was also 50/50. Somewhat disappointed to find out otherwise.
I'm not sure how I feel about stainless steel handles yet. This is my first "real" knife, and I was looking specifically for an everyday carry knife; I had handled (no pun intended) a Delica II, and felt like that was a bit heavy for the intended purpose. It's a bit unfortunate, though, since the store where I handled the Delica II was going out of business and they had the knife for 50% off (30 USD)!!! I probably should have bought it anyway....
I think I'm going to be pretty happy with the plain edge though. After all, if the Native lives up to its reputation, it is going to be scary sharp anyway and for a beginner like me, easy to keep sharp!
Matthew
Yep, I saw the 50/50 on the Native II - actually, I saw a picture of a Native (plain) and a Native II (50/50) side by side, and assumed that the partially serrated Native was also 50/50. Somewhat disappointed to find out otherwise.
I'm not sure how I feel about stainless steel handles yet. This is my first "real" knife, and I was looking specifically for an everyday carry knife; I had handled (no pun intended) a Delica II, and felt like that was a bit heavy for the intended purpose. It's a bit unfortunate, though, since the store where I handled the Delica II was going out of business and they had the knife for 50% off (30 USD)!!! I probably should have bought it anyway....
I think I'm going to be pretty happy with the plain edge though. After all, if the Native lives up to its reputation, it is going to be scary sharp anyway and for a beginner like me, easy to keep sharp!
Matthew
Congratulations on your Native!<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> You have bought, IMO, the best everyday carry at any price. I also think you will be more than happy with the plain edge. I'm just not a fan of serrations (sorry, Sal).
The Delica and Calypso Jr. are two more models to keep in mind for future purchases. Both are great knives.
Paul
The Delica and Calypso Jr. are two more models to keep in mind for future purchases. Both are great knives.
Paul