M4 Native Chief - Impressions, reviews, etc.
M4 Native Chief - Impressions, reviews, etc.
M4 Native Chiefs are arriving today.
This thread is for reporting on fit and finish, sharpness, how they work for you after carrying them etc.
I got multiples today and immediately stuck one in my pocket.
Sharpness is excellent. Entire edge is evenly ground and hair popping sharp.
Pivot is smooth but stiffer than my Rex45's, which is typical when comparing DLC vs satin of the same model.
Fit and finish on this one seems perfect except for one little flaw. The scales are a bit proud of the backspacer. Small enough of a difference I didn't notice when I visually inspected it, but enough I feel it when I reach in my pocket.
I plan to take the scales off to contour and dye them, so I can fix that at the same time.
The G10 feels a touch grippier than my rex45 did when new. I like it.
Really enthusiastic about this combo. I already loved the Chief and I love M4. The DLC blade & hardware with no liners should prove very corrosion resistant for an M4 folder. This will see a ton of carry.
This thread is for reporting on fit and finish, sharpness, how they work for you after carrying them etc.
I got multiples today and immediately stuck one in my pocket.
Sharpness is excellent. Entire edge is evenly ground and hair popping sharp.
Pivot is smooth but stiffer than my Rex45's, which is typical when comparing DLC vs satin of the same model.
Fit and finish on this one seems perfect except for one little flaw. The scales are a bit proud of the backspacer. Small enough of a difference I didn't notice when I visually inspected it, but enough I feel it when I reach in my pocket.
I plan to take the scales off to contour and dye them, so I can fix that at the same time.
The G10 feels a touch grippier than my rex45 did when new. I like it.
Really enthusiastic about this combo. I already loved the Chief and I love M4. The DLC blade & hardware with no liners should prove very corrosion resistant for an M4 folder. This will see a ton of carry.
Re: M4 Native Chief - Impressions, reviews, etc.
I can't wait to see how your dye job goes with the RIT. I hate copying others, but if I like how it looks I may go the same route. A forest green type color with DLC blade and hardware is going to look amazing!
15 's in 10 different steels
1 - Bradford Guardian 3 / Vanadis 4E Wharnie
1 - Monterey Bay Knives Slayback Flipper / ZDP 189
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31/Macassar Ebony Inlays
1 - CRK Large Inkosi Insingo/ Black Micarta Inlays
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31 Insingo/Magnacut
-Rick
1 - Bradford Guardian 3 / Vanadis 4E Wharnie
1 - Monterey Bay Knives Slayback Flipper / ZDP 189
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31/Macassar Ebony Inlays
1 - CRK Large Inkosi Insingo/ Black Micarta Inlays
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31 Insingo/Magnacut
-Rick
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- Location: Unfashionable West End of the Galaxy (SE USA)
Re: M4 Native Chief - Impressions, reviews, etc.
Why am I even thinking about it? Subscribed! I like vivi's projects. Maybe some other vendor will have a coated tool steel exclusive Chief so I can haz one too!
"...it costs nothing to be polite." - Winston Churchill
“Maybe the cheese in the mousetrap is an artificially created cheaper price?” -Sal
Friends call me Jim. As do my foes.
M.N.O.S.D. 0001
Re: M4 Native Chief - Impressions, reviews, etc.
That backspacer/lockbar assembly can shift slightly upon assembly. Try loosening the screws and pushing the bar to align it with the scales. I had to do that on both sprints I have. They’re nice and smoothly even now.
Re: M4 Native Chief - Impressions, reviews, etc.
I've heard from a bird that the St Nicks 4V version could be coming along at some point here in the future!
15 's in 10 different steels
1 - Bradford Guardian 3 / Vanadis 4E Wharnie
1 - Monterey Bay Knives Slayback Flipper / ZDP 189
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31/Macassar Ebony Inlays
1 - CRK Large Inkosi Insingo/ Black Micarta Inlays
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31 Insingo/Magnacut
-Rick
1 - Bradford Guardian 3 / Vanadis 4E Wharnie
1 - Monterey Bay Knives Slayback Flipper / ZDP 189
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31/Macassar Ebony Inlays
1 - CRK Large Inkosi Insingo/ Black Micarta Inlays
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31 Insingo/Magnacut
-Rick
Re: M4 Native Chief - Impressions, reviews, etc.
If that happens I plan to buy two and dye one black. Blacked out 4V would be pretty slick.
I'll have pictures of the dyed M4 chief scales in a few hours.
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- Member
- Posts: 6147
- Joined: Wed Nov 18, 2015 10:30 am
- Location: Unfashionable West End of the Galaxy (SE USA)
Re: M4 Native Chief - Impressions, reviews, etc.
St Nicks would be cool, but I've never been able to get through on drop day so I no longer try. Hoping for a Knife Works exclusive in Cru-Wear and green scales. Now I jinxed myself.
Sorry vivi for going off topic.
Sorry vivi for going off topic.
"...it costs nothing to be polite." - Winston Churchill
“Maybe the cheese in the mousetrap is an artificially created cheaper price?” -Sal
Friends call me Jim. As do my foes.
M.N.O.S.D. 0001
Re: M4 Native Chief - Impressions, reviews, etc.
I kind of regret not grabbing the M4. I have the S90c CF. I think 52100 might be interesting for taking a screaming edge with little effort. A DLC coated 52100 in grey would be alright in my book. I know the M4 is a great grab.
- eventhorizon
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- Posts: 156
- Joined: Fri Nov 13, 2020 3:50 am
- Location: center of Europe
Re: M4 Native Chief - Impressions, reviews, etc.
There was no way I was only getting one of these
This was so much easier to take apart than the Rex45. Just a small amount of blue loctite, no gobs of white. The stop pin was easy to work free with my hands, the rex required pliers.
I was surprised at how old the blade was.
Got the scales contoured.
Now they're getting dyed.
This was so much easier to take apart than the Rex45. Just a small amount of blue loctite, no gobs of white. The stop pin was easy to work free with my hands, the rex required pliers.
I was surprised at how old the blade was.
Got the scales contoured.
Now they're getting dyed.
- eventhorizon
- Member
- Posts: 156
- Joined: Fri Nov 13, 2020 3:50 am
- Location: center of Europe
Re: M4 Native Chief - Impressions, reviews, etc.
I'm sure there wasn't. But what "multiple" numbers are we talking? Double digits? :rolleyes:
notorious fidgeteer
Re: M4 Native Chief - Impressions, reviews, etc.
Vivi wasting no time at all with the mods, I like it!
Meanwhile there are people probably handling theirs with white gloves haha.
Meanwhile there are people probably handling theirs with white gloves haha.
15 's in 10 different steels
1 - Bradford Guardian 3 / Vanadis 4E Wharnie
1 - Monterey Bay Knives Slayback Flipper / ZDP 189
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31/Macassar Ebony Inlays
1 - CRK Large Inkosi Insingo/ Black Micarta Inlays
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31 Insingo/Magnacut
-Rick
1 - Bradford Guardian 3 / Vanadis 4E Wharnie
1 - Monterey Bay Knives Slayback Flipper / ZDP 189
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31/Macassar Ebony Inlays
1 - CRK Large Inkosi Insingo/ Black Micarta Inlays
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31 Insingo/Magnacut
-Rick
Re: M4 Native Chief - Impressions, reviews, etc.
Hi Vivi,
Mine arrived today ... same as yours - a very slight unevenness with the scales/backspacer toward the rear. Bevel on mine is very even all along the blade and both sides. Pivot screws mostly flush and not strong. Dry, grippy, and slightly stiff ... now starting break in. Wonderful knife, wish my initial interest and funds would have allowed allow for multiple copies. :D
Cool beans!!!
CG
Mine arrived today ... same as yours - a very slight unevenness with the scales/backspacer toward the rear. Bevel on mine is very even all along the blade and both sides. Pivot screws mostly flush and not strong. Dry, grippy, and slightly stiff ... now starting break in. Wonderful knife, wish my initial interest and funds would have allowed allow for multiple copies. :D
Cool beans!!!
CG
So many knives - so little funds!!!
Re: M4 Native Chief - Impressions, reviews, etc.
This is one of those knives like the Police 3 that as soon as I saw it I wanted it in my pocket. I love M4, DLC everything for corrosion resistance, the natural scales could be dyed the exact color I wanted, and the Chief may just be Sal's best folder yet.
THIS is the color combo I've been asking for. A nice dark green set of scales paired with DLC tool steel. I think it looks amazing. Couldn't be happier with this Chief.
Here it is next to a stock a M4 Chief and the Rex on a few different background colors for comparison:
Tried to shoot a video showing the difference between the contouring on the stock scales and modded scales.
https://streamable.com/befkr3
Last edited by vivi on Mon Jun 07, 2021 9:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: M4 Native Chief - Impressions, reviews, etc.
I’m starting to agree the more I carry and use it. But I won’t say that until it becomes available with a fully serrated edge
- Shannon
MNOSD 0006
MNOSD 0006
Re: M4 Native Chief - Impressions, reviews, etc.
How are the edges of the scales on these? I like how my Manix 2 scales are chamfered. These seem just slightly rounded. I can chamfer myself I guess but the screws are pretty close to the edge. Is it comfortable in hand or does it feel a little sharp?
Re: M4 Native Chief - Impressions, reviews, etc.
I'm not normally one that prefers long folders, but I have to agree with both of you. It's really a great design that hides it's size well while carrying it in pocket, and seems like it has an endless amount of edge with a fairly thin blade stock and tip.
I originally grabbed the Rex45 version a few weeks back because the deal was too good to pass up ($154). I figured I'd end up selling it, but that's not happening anytime soon! Really love the combo of the Rex45 and M4. This is the first knife to take me by surprise like this since the Shaman when the St Nick's exclusive dropped.
Vivi, that looks great! Of you left it in a little longer, would the scales have turned out darker? I've never used RIT dye, not sure how that all works!
15 's in 10 different steels
1 - Bradford Guardian 3 / Vanadis 4E Wharnie
1 - Monterey Bay Knives Slayback Flipper / ZDP 189
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31/Macassar Ebony Inlays
1 - CRK Large Inkosi Insingo/ Black Micarta Inlays
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31 Insingo/Magnacut
-Rick
1 - Bradford Guardian 3 / Vanadis 4E Wharnie
1 - Monterey Bay Knives Slayback Flipper / ZDP 189
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31/Macassar Ebony Inlays
1 - CRK Large Inkosi Insingo/ Black Micarta Inlays
1 - CRK Small Sebenza 31 Insingo/Magnacut
-Rick