I bought a standard S30V with black G10 scales (08/13/2022) just because I love the way it looks. I have used it very sparingly. I guess I'm really getting up there in age. Where I used to enjoy doing the Spydie flick, now I find pleasure in rolling the blade open and letting it drop with my index finger on the front part of the scale so as not to allow the blade to close on my fingers. Very easy to disassemble and to put back together. Love the Native Chief.
Rob, I can’t tell you how much I enjoy watching this video and appreciate your kind words. Your channel and knowledge were a significant influence on my starting my channel and Knife Thoughts. It was a treat every time you stopped by my table! I particularly enjoyed hearing the story of the Native, as I knew it had been made for Walmart but didn’t know that was why it didn’t have the classic Spyderco hump. A Native FRN (though not the Walmart one, as we discussed) was one of my first quality modern knives and what brought me into the online knife community initially. I was looking for a bigger version and found the story of the Native Chief prototype that never came to production. So I was very excited when they announced the Native Chief was finally coming to fruition. I’m adjusting my Orange and black CTS-XHP Cutlery Shoppe version that is now my user as I watch your video. I agree with all your points on the ergonomics and design. I’m not knowledgeable on steels, though I try to learn from Knife Steel Nerds and channels like yours, but I was really impressed with this steel. I used it to cut some cardboard and food prep (being careful not to hit any staples, and using a soft wood cutting board) and it basically showed no wear from that that I could tell, and no patina. That’s why I made sure to point out that it was in fact used, because it didn’t show it much. Your point about the red hardness is insightful, maybe that’s why the factory edge has done so well. I’m considering giving my current user to my brother, who also has always wanted a larger Native, and getting the solid carbon fiber version you mention James having. It was incredibly light and fancy feeling.... but that’s a hefty price increase from the $172 that the Rex version cost from dealers. Thanks again for talking with me at the Rendezvous, and I’m so glad you’re enjoying the Knife. I hope you don’t mind if I share this video on my social. P.s. so many of my knives have those same marks from falling out of my car 🤦♂️
Thanks for the context on how you used it, Logan. That steel is amazing! I really enjoyed getting to spend some time with you over the weekend as well. Please feel free to share this video, by all means.
The native family is hugely under appreciated, imo. Every one of them has been a winner for me…including this and especially the shaman. I think it’s lack of a thumb ramp plus the finger choil that really does it for me because the amalgam ticks similar boxes and I love that model, too.
I must be missing something. I just bought this knife in carbon fibre with CPM S90V steel a new condition for $200 Canadian. No one seems to appreciate these and the second hand market agrees with that. I love it and it’s a real knife not a fidget toy.
I like the Manix 2 XL, but I got a much better example than you did from what I remember. It's held up amazingly, a few hundred thousand opens and it's not developed side to side or up and down blade play, opening is smooth and it drops free on unlocking, and the DLC coating on mine has held up amazingly, it looks nearly new after running through probably miles of cardboard.
Hey I know this has nothing to do with this native, but do you have any experience with Enrique Pena knives? I just picked up a X series Pena Apache in burlap micarta and absolutely LOVE IT! Trying to now score a Pena Trapper! They ALL always sell out immediately and are sometimes tricky to find... It’s the perfect mix of classic slip joint style and modern materials(m390, titanium, flipper, front flipper, nail nick) including a pocket clip! Think it might be right up your alley, don’t remember any being on your channel...
Hi Rob. So, if you had to choose... would you buy the Spyderco Native Chief, or Benchmade 940 Osborne? Plot twist, the Spyderco is in M390, DLC, the Osborne is the original S30v. I currently face such a dilemma 😁
Two completely different knives, obviously. If you want a super pocketable all around performer, the 940. If you can comfortably carry something broader and longer, and a superb slicer, then the Native Chief. M390 is a marginally better steel than S30V, but only marginally. All modern powdered super stainless steels are very good. The latest “amazing super stainless” of the month isn’t really about performance - it’s about selling more of the same model that was previously available only in last month’s “amazing super stainless.”
@TheApostleP Thanks for your response! I agree with you on the steel topic. It's kinda hard to keep up with the latest flavor of the week sometimes! I think I'm leaning towards the Chief because I love the whole package. Steel, size, slicing capability, and just the overall look of it generally. Or... I could get both, but my wife would probably frown on that option 😆
Hand Jive= handling, presentation, fondling, caressing, occasional blade wipe (just to feel that cold Spidey steel more than actually cleaning it for the camera.) I know I know… me to.
The Manix 2 XL is missing the assembly screws forward of the ball lock, which are present in the normal Manix 2. In the XL there is just a floating pin in that location, which does not fasten the liners and scales together.
I just bought my 1st Spyderco in February. Police 4 lw. Great knife but I wish they would try and strengthen the lock. I've been carrying Cold Steel for the past 15 years, so I really dig large folders. This knife is freaking beautiful, I'd pay 250 for it all day. I'm curious to how much cash that set you back. I'm a Texas Longhorn fan to top it off.
HAP40…. Idk what to say about it… I have a Endura HAP40, reprofiled it to 17deg and sharpened to hair whittling on wicked edge, then I let it sit a bit, the keen edge seems to just poof and vanished… I lately got a set of Venav stone, it doesn’t seem to get the HAP40 sharp at all maybe I just suck at it.
One piece of advice… a hair whittling edge is good for one thing: whittling hair. It usually includes a burr remnant, or flimsy wire edge, which will always go poof. Try some stropping after you finish on the stones. This will refine your edge slightly and give you a micro convex for strength. I think I sharpened my HAP40 Delica about 2 years ago. Still push cuts phonebook paper. Check out my HAP40/CPM-M4 video. I’m literally slamming both blades into a piece of pine repeatedly with no edge damage.
@@TheApostleP thanks! I’m a bit lazy on strops… I hit it with 14/10n a few times and yup I’m done…. Don’t have the patience… should I bring it back a bit say 18-19 deg?
Try having one of those and see it for yourself. Also middle-finger flicking it is one of the most fun I have out of any knife. What a sound. But mostly for ergonomics and the blade itself, what a knife. Almost a kitchen knife in some regards, nothing else in won't do, what a thing.
@@manifestgtr Just personal prefetence. I like one handed operation, and the compression lock is plenty strong enough for anything I'm likeiy to be working on.
I have this exact model and notice a bit of blade wiggle side to side. Anyone else have this with the native chief Rex 45? Curious if it’s just mine or if the native chief tends to do that.
Rob can’t find a reason to sharpen a knife? Now, that must be a tough position for him to be in. Like Arnold Schwarzenegger walking past a barbell and not having a reason to lift it.
I bought a standard S30V with black G10 scales (08/13/2022) just because I love the way it looks. I have used it very sparingly. I guess I'm really getting up there in age. Where I used to enjoy doing the Spydie flick, now I find pleasure in rolling the blade open and letting it drop with my index finger on the front part of the scale so as not to allow the blade to close on my fingers. Very easy to disassemble and to put back together. Love the Native Chief.
Rob, I can’t tell you how much I enjoy watching this video and appreciate your kind words. Your channel and knowledge were a significant influence on my starting my channel and Knife Thoughts. It was a treat every time you stopped by my table! I particularly enjoyed hearing the story of the Native, as I knew it had been made for Walmart but didn’t know that was why it didn’t have the classic Spyderco hump. A Native FRN (though not the Walmart one, as we discussed) was one of my first quality modern knives and what brought me into the online knife community initially. I was looking for a bigger version and found the story of the Native Chief prototype that never came to production. So I was very excited when they announced the Native Chief was finally coming to fruition. I’m adjusting my Orange and black CTS-XHP Cutlery Shoppe version that is now my user as I watch your video. I agree with all your points on the ergonomics and design. I’m not knowledgeable on steels, though I try to learn from Knife Steel Nerds and channels like yours, but I was really impressed with this steel. I used it to cut some cardboard and food prep (being careful not to hit any staples, and using a soft wood cutting board) and it basically showed no wear from that that I could tell, and no patina. That’s why I made sure to point out that it was in fact used, because it didn’t show it much. Your point about the red hardness is insightful, maybe that’s why the factory edge has done so well. I’m considering giving my current user to my brother, who also has always wanted a larger Native, and getting the solid carbon fiber version you mention James having. It was incredibly light and fancy feeling.... but that’s a hefty price increase from the $172 that the Rex version cost from dealers. Thanks again for talking with me at the Rendezvous, and I’m so glad you’re enjoying the Knife. I hope you don’t mind if I share this video on my social.
P.s. so many of my knives have those same marks from falling out of my car 🤦♂️
Thanks for the context on how you used it, Logan. That steel is amazing! I really enjoyed getting to spend some time with you over the weekend as well. Please feel free to share this video, by all means.
The native family is hugely under appreciated, imo. Every one of them has been a winner for me…including this and especially the shaman. I think it’s lack of a thumb ramp plus the finger choil that really does it for me because the amalgam ticks similar boxes and I love that model, too.
I must be missing something. I just bought this knife in carbon fibre with CPM S90V steel a new condition for $200 Canadian. No one seems to appreciate these and the second hand market agrees with that. I love it and it’s a real knife not a fidget toy.
I just acquired a BHQ M4 version. I love it. If they had made it a compression lock knife, it'd be among my all time favorites.
I got the new Native Chief BladeHQ exclusive with M4 and Jade G10; it’s such a cool knife
FANTASTIC Video......bravo Sir.
That model and blade steel is one I'm sorry me and my son's missed picking up great review I appreciate the information
Can't wait for my cutlery shoppe exclusive to show up.
I like the Manix 2 XL, but I got a much better example than you did from what I remember. It's held up amazingly, a few hundred thousand opens and it's not developed side to side or up and down blade play, opening is smooth and it drops free on unlocking, and the DLC coating on mine has held up amazingly, it looks nearly new after running through probably miles of cardboard.
I love this one too! Great video!
I own a rex45 millitairy, and i love it, rex45 is a nice steel indeed.
It could be the ALL TIME BEST Spidey Steel IMHO
As always a great review that covers all the info someone would need to make a purchase! I prefer over the Military also Rob, Thanks for video.
I just bought one based on your review. Brand new, $171 from National Knives.
Was thinking about pulling the trigger on one of these, more so now after watching this video.
Hey I know this has nothing to do with this native, but do you have any experience with Enrique Pena knives? I just picked up a X series Pena Apache in burlap micarta and absolutely LOVE IT! Trying to now score a Pena Trapper! They ALL always sell out immediately and are sometimes tricky to find... It’s the perfect mix of classic slip joint style and modern materials(m390, titanium, flipper, front flipper, nail nick) including a pocket clip! Think it might be right up your alley, don’t remember any being on your channel...
Hi Rob. So, if you had to choose... would you buy the Spyderco Native Chief, or Benchmade 940 Osborne? Plot twist, the Spyderco is in M390, DLC, the Osborne is the original S30v. I currently face such a dilemma 😁
Two completely different knives, obviously. If you want a super pocketable all around performer, the 940. If you can comfortably carry something broader and longer, and a superb slicer, then the Native Chief. M390 is a marginally better steel than S30V, but only marginally. All modern powdered super stainless steels are very good. The latest “amazing super stainless” of the month isn’t really about performance - it’s about selling more of the same model that was previously available only in last month’s “amazing super stainless.”
@TheApostleP Thanks for your response! I agree with you on the steel topic. It's kinda hard to keep up with the latest flavor of the week sometimes! I think I'm leaning towards the Chief because I love the whole package. Steel, size, slicing capability, and just the overall look of it generally. Or... I could get both, but my wife would probably frown on that option 😆
Funny I just picked one up this weekend too. I dig it
I’m waiting for the frn version 😃
You got the best hand jive out of all you tube presenters, I’m fairly certain you know it ;)
Hand Jive= handling, presentation, fondling, caressing, occasional blade wipe (just to feel that cold Spidey steel more than actually cleaning it for the camera.) I know I know… me to.
I’ve done the knife sin with a brand new SHIRO before hehe ….
Why you say manix xl is not as strong as manix 2, is something done different with the lock
The Manix 2 XL is missing the assembly screws forward of the ball lock, which are present in the normal Manix 2. In the XL there is just a floating pin in that location, which does not fasten the liners and scales together.
I just bought my 1st Spyderco in February. Police 4 lw. Great knife but I wish they would try and strengthen the lock. I've been carrying Cold Steel for the past 15 years, so I really dig large folders. This knife is freaking beautiful, I'd pay 250 for it all day. I'm curious to how much cash that set you back. I'm a Texas Longhorn fan to top it off.
160 is great price but the issues you mentioned with the steel is a no go.
I highly doubt that you will run into anything that will make that lock back fail. They hold up like Champs
HAP40…. Idk what to say about it… I have a Endura HAP40, reprofiled it to 17deg and sharpened to hair whittling on wicked edge, then I let it sit a bit, the keen edge seems to just poof and vanished… I lately got a set of Venav stone, it doesn’t seem to get the HAP40 sharp at all maybe I just suck at it.
One piece of advice… a hair whittling edge is good for one thing: whittling hair. It usually includes a burr remnant, or flimsy wire edge, which will always go poof. Try some stropping after you finish on the stones. This will refine your edge slightly and give you a micro convex for strength.
I think I sharpened my HAP40 Delica about 2 years ago. Still push cuts phonebook paper. Check out my HAP40/CPM-M4 video. I’m literally slamming both blades into a piece of pine repeatedly with no edge damage.
@@TheApostleP thanks! I’m a bit lazy on strops… I hit it with 14/10n a few times and yup I’m done…. Don’t have the patience… should I bring it back a bit say 18-19 deg?
@@pittwm It generally does fine at 17 in my experience. I’m betting it’s your apex finishing causing the problem.
@@TheApostleP thanks!
For me, a compression lock would seal the deal.
love the compression lock but i wanted a back lock on my big knife
Try having one of those and see it for yourself. Also middle-finger flicking it is one of the most fun I have out of any knife. What a sound. But mostly for ergonomics and the blade itself, what a knife. Almost a kitchen knife in some regards, nothing else in won't do, what a thing.
Why a compression lock over the back lock. In this configuration, a back lock is almost certainly stronger and more sturdy…
@@manifestgtr Just personal prefetence. I like one handed operation, and the compression lock is plenty strong enough for anything I'm likeiy to be working on.
Thanks to ZT, Elmax never did get a fair shake. Its actually a great steel given a proper heat treat.
I have this exact model and notice a bit of blade wiggle side to side. Anyone else have this with the native chief Rex 45? Curious if it’s just mine or if the native chief tends to do that.
Regular S30V here, hyper solid.
Got the rex 45, rock solid side to side
Lucky you 👍
Always put the knife in your center console, not on your seat.
I can flick my lockback native 5 with extreme ease... 🤔
Same here, middle finger flicks work fine on the Native 5, you just gotta know where to put your hand
Where is the bomb ass deal
Rob can’t find a reason to sharpen a knife? Now, that must be a tough position for him to be in. Like Arnold Schwarzenegger walking past a barbell and not having a reason to lift it.
I can flick all my native’s. G10 lw chief etc 👍🏻