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Spyderco Native
The Native series represents Spyderco's commitment to the principles that built the company: thoughtful ergonomics, efficient cutting geometry, and reliable mechanisms executed without compromise. Where other Spyderco models push innovation with patented locks and exotic constructions, the Native embraces the refined simplicity of a traditional back lock—elevated through five generations of continuous improvement.
Every knife in the Native family is manufactured in Golden, Colorado, giving Spyderco direct control over quality and allowing rapid iteration on design refinements. The current Native 5 reflects decades of user feedback distilled into a platform that simply works.
Blade and Ergonomics
The Native's blade profile balances utility and precision. A full-flat grind creates thin cutting geometry that slices efficiently, while the leaf-shaped profile provides enough belly for general work and a refined tip for detail tasks. Spyderco's signature Round Hole enables fast, ambidextrous one-handed deployment.
The ergonomic handle features a pronounced finger choil that serves dual purposes: choke up on the blade for precise cutting control, or use it as a safety guard that gives your finger somewhere to rest when closing one-handed. This thoughtful detail prevents the common lockback issue of fingers slipping toward the edge during closure. Textured FRN or G-10 scales provide secure grip, and the four-position pocket clip accommodates any carry preference.
Back Lock
The Native employs a refined back lock mechanism—one of the oldest and most proven folding knife locks. A spring-loaded rocker arm engages a notch in the blade tang, locking it firmly open. Press the rocker to release and close. This mechanism has demonstrated its reliability across countless knives and decades of hard use. The Native's execution of this classic lock is precise, with solid engagement and smooth operation.
The Native Family
The Native 5 represents the standard configuration: a 3" blade in an ergonomic package weighing around 2.5 ounces in FRN or 3.4 ounces in G-10. This size hits the sweet spot for everyday carry—substantial enough for real work, compact enough to disappear in a pocket.
The Lil' Native scales down the platform for users who prefer maximum compactness. Despite the reduced dimensions, it retains the full ergonomic handle shape and maintains comfortable grip. Available with Compression Lock or back lock mechanisms.
The Native Chief scales up for users who want more blade. The extended 4" cutting edge handles larger tasks while maintaining the Native's characteristic ergonomics and balance.
Lightweight versions eliminate steel liners and use injection-molded FRN scales to minimize weight without sacrificing the knife's essential character.
Why the Native
The Native appeals to users who value execution over novelty. The back lock mechanism requires no learning curve—anyone who has used a traditional folding knife understands it immediately. The ergonomics feel natural in hand, the blade geometry performs efficiently, and the USA manufacturing ensures consistent quality.
This is often the Spyderco that experienced users recommend to newcomers, and the one that veterans keep returning to after cycling through more complex designs. It does nothing to draw attention to itself, which is precisely the point.
Sprint Runs and Exclusives
The Native platform regularly hosts limited-production variants featuring premium blade steels and unique handle configurations. These sprint runs and dealer exclusives sell quickly—sign up for notifications to catch the next release.
Spyderco Native Specs
| Specification | Native 5 | Lil' Native | Native Chief |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blade Length | 3.0" | 2.44" | 4.0" |
| Overall Length | 7.0" | 5.94" | 9.13" |
| Closed Length | 4.0" | 3.5" | 5.13" |
| Weight | 2.5 oz (FRN) / 3.4 oz (G-10) | 2.0 oz (FRN) / 2.6 oz (G-10) | 3.25 oz (FRN) / 4.4 oz (G-10) |
| Handle Material | FRN or G-10 | FRN or G-10 | FRN or G-10 |
| Lock Type | Back Lock | Compression Lock or Back Lock | Back Lock |
| Pocket Clip | Four-position | Four-position | Four-position |
| Made in USA | Golden, Colorado | Golden, Colorado | Golden, Colorado |