I honestly don't think the comp lock worked on the Lil Native and I'm pretty certain it's not the best lock for the Native either. The backlock on the Native and Native LW are probably the best in the lineup (aside from the lack of a boye dent). I feel like Sal said that Eric worked on refining the lock for something crazy like 8 years before the Native LW was released.
I love seeing new models and people getting what they want, but with capacity at Golden limited as it is, I'd rather see increased production of popular models like the Cru-Carta Shaman and the development of other Cru-Carta models and Salt models like a Manix LW Salt, PM2 Salt, Military Salt, etc. In my opinion Spyderco would be better served taking the amazing Golden lineup they have and building out these Cru-Carta and Salt variations rather than spending tons of time and money on R&D to change the lock on models that already have the ideal lock to appease people who like to fidget with their knives.
CRU-CARTA THE SEKI MODELS! AND BRING US THE DODO-FLY!
I honestly don't think the comp lock worked on the Lil Native.
It might not work for everyone but it sure seems like it sells well. 4 production models plus 1 sprint and 1 exclusive so far. I hope we do get to see the Lil Native backlock salt lightweight
I love the idea and have thought about it often. I have (I believe at last count) 5 Native 5's. I also have a Sage 5 both peel ply and lightweight. I would say they're not the equivalent of each other. A Native 5 with a compression lock would take up less room in the pocket given the blade doesn't have the pronounced hump that the Sage and the Para 3 do. Really as far as slim Spidy's go I can't think of any with a compression lock except the lil native (which is a great knife).
Yes I want this! For me it is mainly an aesthetic preference. I love the uninterrupted line from the tip to end. If this ever comes out I will sell my para3 in a heartbeat.
The Native 5 LW has a lot of drag from the lock bar, something all back locks naturally have if the spring is decent. The compression lock is one of the smoothest locks I've ever felt. So I like the idea of having both the back lock and compression lock just like the lil Native.
Until they expand the Golden production facility, I have a hard time seeing the benefit of investing in something like this when the existing backlock model is perfectly fine.
After getting a Lil Native (which I thought was for trade bait only) and unexpectedly falling in love with the design (and ending up keeping it), I can't help but think "what if the Lil Native had a little bit more handle space"? I think this idea would be awesome.
I am all for more native designs, a comp lock would be cool. I think a lil native chief would be cool too.
Which would be kind of a Native 5 plus or XL ?!
Top three going by pocket-time (update March 24):
- EDC: Endura thin red line ffg combo edge (VG10); Wayne Goddard PE (4V), Endela SE (VG10)
-Mountains/outdoors: Pac.Salt 1 SE (H1), Salt 2 SE (LC200N), and also Wayne Goddard PE (4V)
Compression lock Native 5, yes.
My N5's are great, but I've had surgery on my thumb and pressing the lock bar hurts my thumb.
A compression lock Native 5 would be greatly appreciated.
I'm NOT a big fan of the Native 5 (I own 2 of them), but I have to admit that the Native 5's back lock itself is outstanding. Better than it would be with a comp lock, IMO. The big negative about comp locks is that the whole system depends on a tiny detent ball, which I've heard instances of wearing out, or even being lost.
CRU-CARTA THE SEKI MODELS! 
...
