The Spyderco Lil' Native Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

[@TheHumanFlag]

This is actually my favorite knife that I own. And I think it just boils down to how it feels in my hands. It fits absolutely perfectly like a true extension of my body. Spydie flicking it is more satisfying than on any other knife. Idk why but it just feels right. And sometimes that’s all you need

[@oleksandrhr3949]

agree

[@patrick6935]

How are you feeling about it five years later? I’m really close to ordering one.

[@TheHumanFlag]

@@patrick6935 I definitely still really like it! After growing my collection to some of the TRM knives like the neutron and the nerd it does feel a little chunky and not quite as slicey. Which does make me curious about the new lightweight version. But still I love my lil native. It does still fit my hand like no other and feels more solid yet smooth than any comparably sized knife. Compression lock is also still my favorite of all like types

[@patrick6935]

@@TheHumanFlag Thanks for the update! I did order one, although it’s not here yet. I’ve got a PM2 and love the compression lock, so I thought I’d try a compact version as well.

[@petergalione9704]

Lil’ Native is actually Sal’s stage name when he competes in rap battles.

[@g1b1000]

Ahh, "The Three Little Jimps", that classic children's fable we all know and love

[@8686joedog]

😆😆😆😭

[@TheOfficialCaseMade]

I think about this comment every time I see jimping on a knife. I don't know why.

[@fatpromdate]

I've used this knife for about a month. Love it. I like the beefiness of it. It feels up your hand decently and gives you the confidence to use it hard. These frn handled knives just don't give that hand feel. I also love the blade length. I live in KS and our knife laws are non-existent, which is great, but I find myself wanting a short blade for most tasks. I understand the compression lock issue, not a deal breaker for me, just have to use the front corner with your nail. Buy it and use it, everyone, you'll love it.

[@AverageDE]

it's Shaboy, son of the Shaman

[@rodrigoteresa7944]

I've seen pictures of gangs carrying Kalashnikovs in Chicago and they're worried about 3" knives. It's ridiculous.

[@richardkev3077]

They’re worried about 3-inch knives and AKs, but only if law-abiding citizens have them. It’s clear by the way the inJustice system works they do not care about gangs roving the streets with any kind of weapons.

[@nonope4390]

Hey Nick, when are we getting a "Nick Shabazz hand review"? Exact dimensions of the hands operating the reviewed gear might add some extra perspective

[@rcrehab9623]

I bought it simply because it is a smaller knife in g10 with the comp lock.. and capable of harder use.. a must for me

[@scottbutler1561]

Great review. I just picked one up for the very reason that you highlighted, and one more. This is one of Spyderco's made in USA knives. That was important to me on this purchase.

[@ElliotDrinksWater]

I wish they'd just make a normal native with a compression lock. Like this is cool and all but at this size I'd rather have a Dragonfly or the Pilar.

[@CapFlipGaming]

I have a dragonly but I hate the handle texture.

[@gobot90]

The Pilar costs a lot less but the build quality is basically garbage compared to this knife

[@KurdishHypercurve]

@@CapFlipGaming get yourself the Knife Center Exclusive version with tekwood scales and metal liners, top knife!

[@VectorAero]

I didn't know this knife existed until my local knife store salesman recommended it to me and I instantly fell in love. My Dragonfly was my go-to EDC but I always wanted a small compression lock knife. I'm glad your review confirmed my impulse buy was a good decision.

[@kerryrwac]

Now if it had the Smock button release ? Or better yet , a G10 compression lock Native 5 with the Smock button release.

[@andyrichardson6188]

I had the same question, and believe your viewer figured it out. Bigger in the hand than DF is good. Fat blade, not so great. Chaparral fits pretty well into this slot for me. Spyderco seems to have about a dozen knives in the 2.0-2.5" range. Sometimes hard to know which one will work best. Not complaining - I appreciate the variety they offer.

[@michiganedge4770]

I tend to prefer a knife this size for at work. I see it as a hard use small utility knife. Realistically on a large knife unless you are fleshing animals or cutting apples you really only use a couple inches of the knife. Much more controllability on a small knife. Thanks for sharing! I like everything about it but the price. Would be nice if it came in under $100 but it looks like the quality is there

[@misscasualty]

Because populated, crime ridden cities should have laws that under arm the average do gooder. Makes sense...

[@jayweast1306]

The inclusion of a slip joint version is a good indicator that this was intended as a heavy duty knife for markets with restrictive knife laws.

[@artemkanarchist]

My girlfriend gave me this knife as a birthday present - and I just love it so much. As well as her. Last year she gifted para3 lightweight to me. I’m astonished by her knife taste - and the whole situation is a solid gem.

[@koga8100]

Nice

[@kozmo7]

Still going strong? I love a good happy ending

[@sjoerdstok1]

Eric Glesser explained at the Amsterdam Meet that there is a rising demand for smaller knives. Was this model much needed? probably not. But at the same time, apparently they are appealing to people. The hype around the Lil Native is quite big so they are doing something right. I just applaud them for making another edc option and going in great lengths to make new models for the market (Looking at you CRK). And also the fact that they are probably bringing out more lock versions of the lil native really is a Spyderco thing to do. We must also not forget that there are quite a lot of people who dislike FRN. The G10 appeal more to some people. I just wish that they would have choosen more G10 colours since this is quite a nice friendly playfull knife

[@sprinkleddonuts6094]

Yea I know 4years ago etc. One of the reasons that Smaller Knives and Knives in general are becoming more and more popular, is because of KZbin/TikTok. These EDC channels popularizing whatever it is they are showing. People seem to think that EDC is a lifestyle when it is clearly not. It’s just another Trend, which I’m hoping will die down some, cause everything i love, and every brand I love is always sold out. As a blade and everything sharp enthusiast like myself I find it weird. I know some people that never had a desire to own let alone carry a knife until recently. EDC is just abbreviated for something you carry everyday. Depending on your profession, job, situation you may carry more May carry less.

[@thelonerider5644]

I have two regular native5's. Love them its the knife I carry most often but I wanted one in G10. Looked at this and said, that's neat it is also a little smaller. I personally think 3 to 3.5 inches is the ideal general use blade size for most edc but I do like smaller knives also and the lil native (mine's the lockback) is very well built. While I think you're right in that it is an option for those living or working in places with foolish knife rules, I also think that in and of itself it is a great knife, and in keeping with Spyderco's way of offering sprint runs and variations on a lot of their knives. There are already so many native variations -- why not a variation in size? If I could I'd carry a pm 2 every day and while there's no legal reason i can't, ever tried that while hiking or biking in lightweight shorts? It's not heavy but it is way bulkier than a smaller knife such as the delica, dragonfly native or the lil native. In short outside of places with restrictive laws there may not be a need for this knife, but that doesn't mean it isn't a cool option to have. I love mine.

[@yungun8677]

Agreed Lone. I have a PM2 and a Manix2. Both are very well made, great knives. But I use the Lil Native (S30V, lock-back, G10) as my EDC. It stays razor sharp. I am right handed and it is clipped on my right front pocket. I also keep change, chapstick, etc. in my right pocket. The smaller frame just seems easier when reaching into my pocket, especially when sitting. Just my 2 cents.

[@davidcannella]

"There are people who are able to be scared by anything, politicians just love that." 😂👏

[@brucemcintyre2383]

I like my Mini Native a lot. I’m glad they left out the lanyard hole.

[@dbwell9779]

Great details Nick. Appreciate the work you put in and are the best knife reviewer, if not overall reviewer in my opinion.

[@DaveAlkema]

I can speak for why I bought this knife. The Chaparral is the perfect sized knife for me. I don't have any restrictive laws other than double-sided blades must be under 3", but I still prefer a smaller knife, even with large hands. The one thing I hate about the Chaparral is the back lock. I love to flick my knives open using front or reverse flicks, but the back lock makes that nearly impossible. The Lil Native is just about the right size for me, and has the compression lock like my beloved Para 3. I ordered one from ebay earlier this week and it should be to me by Saturday.

[@nick_t7467]

Don't understand why the wire clip isn't used more. I'd really like one on the delica/endura.

[@BaconBeast11]

Nick Ypoo On Spydercos facebook profile people were shitting on the wire pocket clip left and right. A lot of the criticism came from the fact that its not durable and some people have had them snap. I myself had a wire pocket clip that completely snapped on me, but I still love them. I think die hard knife people love it, and the sorta everyday person thinks it looks weak.

[@nick_t7467]

Ah... that makes sense. I didn't like the way the customer base changed the Gayle Bradley either. From a super well thought out working blade to something kinda like every other tactical liner lock. And the lanyard tube on the pm3... popular opinion is a cruel mistress.

[@antoinedoinell]

same. the spoon clips are terrible.

[@deanalbertson7203]

The Little Native looks like a good little knife. I like your analysis of the niche use case in Boston. I will stick with my Delica, however. I still think that the Delica is the best EDC knife on the market. One thing about the compression lock, is that on my Para Military 2, every time I open it, the compression lock pinches my finger.

[@dandildarious4849]

Practice opening it with your middle finger instead of your thumb.

[@midwest1228]

I'm going to chime in years after this post. I think most of us buy knives because we like the way they look. I have a whole drawer full of them! I love all my knives or I wouldn't keep buying them. So I have all these really cool knives.. At least I think they are... But I honestly only have a couple that I carry on a regular... The lil native is one of them. It's not the sharpest, best cutting, lightest, best anything.. But it's one I enjoy having in my pocket. I live in a great state that doesn't care how big a blade you carry.. So I can carry what I want in my pocket or strapped on my belt in a sheath if I want ( Red State). I carry the lil native a lot.. No reason other than I just like it!!

[@BurnDuration]

To be fair, comparing it to the delica and dragonfly isn't quite fair, as there has been multiple iterations of these two over the years. Ergos generally improve over time through field usage and feedback.

[@NoelKunz]

Still on the fence if I want one or not. It fits the parameters of my work (right now I'm using a Dragonfly) but I'm just unsure. I have a Native 5, love it, and like this but unsure if it is worth the price.

[@Demanufactur3]

Noel Kunz I'm in the same place. Especially since it's over 200 euros here.

[@jdub3999]

If you pocket carry, 2A, this may be a great knife. I currently carry the Chaparral but thinking the lil Native with the compression lock may be more forgiving on my arthritic hands. The Chaparral is a great carry but not very fun to play with. The Para3 is my favorite pocket carry but difficult when you have a .380 pocket carry.

[@SavageBalls]

I bought this recently to throw into my skate bag and just as general EDC. Love the size, holds a really good edge, great construction.

[@Stahlwerk88]

It’s absolutely adorable. I want one, purely for that reason.

[@ToillettenCheefs]

i just ordered mine yesterday. im from germany and we have utterly dumb "weapon" -laws. its insane really. im so glad that companies like spyderco are there to help us out. in germany you can decide between a knife you can open with one hand and does not lock OR a knife that locks but you have to open it with both hands.. why? i have no clue. but i know that i love spyderco for the slipjoint version of this little badass. cheers from germany! ⚔

[@akapabs108]

Hey Nick, thanks for this review. The Sage 5 is currently my favorite EDC knife though I do like the action on the PM3 better. My question is how does the Lil Native compare to the Sage 5.. they look very similar to me though the Lil Native is a little smaller. I know that you are not a fan of the g-10 carbon fiber laminate handle which this knife doesn't have but the Sage 5 does and I happen to love the feel in hand. I bought a Delica and an R2D2 hoping to get a smaller less assuming EDC.. both knives are good but I still haven't found the perfect knife to fill my EDC needs.. right now I'm up in the air with the Lil Native and the Chapparal w/cf handle in search of a smaller than Sage5 EDC knife.. any input from you or other viewers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[@hondasaki900]

Pablo Rodriguez the lil native quite a bit smaller than the sage 5. I have both and carry the lil native way more often. I like the size for office environment and it's fun to fidget with.

[@criSOME1]

Good vid. I think a better comparison would be the chaparral. They both have Similar blade and handle profiles except more blade in the chaparral while being very sleak and thin.

[@yankee2yankee]

I will probably get one. I collect and customize Para 3s, as a hobby, and I like Spydercos and compression locks. I live outside Cambridge/Boston, where the limit is 2 1/2”. I like to comply with the law, whenever possible! As long as I can carry a knife, I ‘ll be fine!

[@sputumtube]

Just remove the pocket clip and drop it into your pocket (Re: Hickock45 Delica review) - job done.

[@justinpatrickhoffman]

Is this comparable in size to the cat?

[@jesseallen4184]

Justin Hoffman yes it is. Also very comparable to the size of the Ambitious. I really those 2 models and I love the Lil Native. It’s a more higher quality Cat with a compression lock. I definitely recommend it.

[@svir4U]

one of the best things about spyderco is that they DONT put the stuped "sharpening choil" that loves to grab and tear things up instead of cutting them

[@TheEmiliodiaz]

Love your videos Nick, Thank you for the information and teaching. In your opinion would you rather get a little native or chaparrala?

[@Oshianis]

While i like the blade shape, the compression lock, and the overall size of the lil' Native; i have to agree with Nick here, the blade stock is just too thick for my daily slicing task. This is why boring back lock knives like the delica and the dragon fly have such a cult following, because the blade stock thickness allows them to be great slicers regardless of what steel spyderco uses. So while i enjoy the compression lock for fidgeting, it is difficult to find an offering from spyderco in a blade stock thickness that i personally prefer. I already own a para3 in s45vn with a a blade that is too thick, which i use primarily to fidgeting- i defer all my slicing tasks to my stretch 2 in k390. So why should i buy another fidget toy?

[@matthewshannon6946]

Totally agree on the sharpening choil!

[@CarlosEduardo-qf5gr]

My girlfriend lives in Boston and it's possible I end up there myself, so 2.5" knives are important to me. I love the Dragonfly's and Fox Suru's looks, and the Fox comes in M390! But the compression lock is just so amazing. I just wish the Lil' Native was, as you said, thinner. And I'll be honest, it's a tiny bit ugly to me lol.

[@paulx7620]

I'm lucky enough to still live in a state that that understands freedom is the best thing about America! So no tiny knife for me unless it's a backup...... or a backup to the backup because I've got a sickness. Thanks Nick!

[@mickeymch876]

Just reminded me to look for my Lil Native compression lock knife. It's been missing since the summer.

[@rjallen1613]

I got this one over the DF2 or Delica because I hate back locks.I get what you're saying about the thicker stock but the compression and size sell it.

[@ratride1]

Nick, I own a Spyderco Delica and I love it in the EDC roll. I wish to find a knife in the Li’l Native size to compliment my Delica but with the thinner blade stock. The Chaparral you reviewed would fit my needs but you gave it a poor rating due to the back lock issue. Do you have any other suggestions?

[@deanalbertson7203]

The Spyderco Dragonfly is a small knife with a thin blade. Very nice little knife.

[@scarlettstang1645]

Nick, you should do a video on the Kershaw fraxion, it's a beautiful knife, I love mine and it's got one of the best actions on a cheap small flipper it's very snappy

[@scarlettstang1645]

Not on mine very nice centering out of box and it's a nice build

[@haakonr1]

first time I saw this video I wasn't really into slip joints, so that detail about a slip joint version coming sometime in the future literally "slip'ed" my attention. It's funny cause I only got my first lil'native a few weeks back, and almost imidiately thought a slip joint version would have been a perfect progression of the lil'native line. And then I actually hear that there are plans for that. I'm a little worried though, cause according to my estimation we are very much in the future now, but I've yet to hear much mention of this version elsewhere

[@bryanstone654]

Would be interesting to compare this knee to the new,Techno 2

[@koga8100]

Ah yes compare this the new knee

[@PurpleGhillesuit]

vs Para 3?

[@MrSATism]

Check Paul Manning's channel, he currently has one up right now, and I don't think that Nick will acquire one again in the near future

[@MintVision]

Loving that compression lock tho

[@rickterrance4981]

I just want to see spyderco extend their use of g10 to all of their models. I really want a dragonfly but I also want it in g10 only the vg-10 version is in g10 I'd rather have a super steel so I'm considering this blade.. but now that I've seen how thick it is I'm not sure if I want it.

[@izayus11]

Recently Ben Petersen said his baby banter was designed with female edc in mind. To me, the lil native compression lock is the perfect female edc blade, now that the pro-tech sprint is made out of unobtainium

[@phillipnunya6793]

I don't think the blade thickness is a bad thing. I like that they have some knives of the same length that have different thicknesses. It gives people options. I'm glad you realize the reasoning behind the design.

[@michaelcotini6426]

Chaparral FRN review coming soon??

[@NickShabazz]

Very soon!

[@michaelcotini6426]

Nick Shabazz Thank you, sir for everything you do. Love your videos.

[@void1984]

Backlock option allows to have both Natives with the same lock.

[@mcglothlincutlery725]

Full size g10 s35vn Native has the same blade finish. I love it.

[@Mrplacedcookie]

Really liking it. Looking forward (hopefully) some variations and sprints.

[@bigrube420ify]

I think I'm gonna have to pick this lil knife up

[@s.j.249]

My girlfriend says you sound like Tamone from The Lion King and its getting to the point she knows exactly whose reviews I'm watching about every night before we go to bed lol

[@jeffsmith-lyon7711]

For carrying a knife in a federal building: 18 U.S. Code - 930--(2)The term “dangerous weapon” means a weapon, device, instrument, material, or substance, animate or inanimate, that is used for, or is readily capable of, causing death or serious bodily injury, except that such term does not include a pocket knife with a blade of less than 2½ inches in length.

[@MrSATism]

Sharpening choil will probably not come, but they will probably do something to fix that closing action

[@AverageDE]

FRN lil native lightweight in m390 please

[@jwalz_5737]

D E I don’t think they can make a lightweight compression lock

[@AverageDE]

Slimjim V-5 True. I meant a lightweight backlock just like the native 5 Lightweight. They're coming out with a backlock version so they're halfway there

[@jwalz_5737]

D E yeah that does sound nice

[@NaturalMystic69]

Jimmy_ j_5 they can, check out the new Sage Lightweight with the compression lock.

[@adamelam6385]

One good thing about the clip is it doesn't scratch your car if you bump up against it.

[@csquared4538]

15:01 what happened here?

[@SnwBrdFrvr]

Was thinking about getting the st. Knicks exclusive lil native but it looks a little small and I despise wire clips. Darn, hopefully at Knicks drops another round of red and black pm2's

[@djmay5588]

Compression vs back lock?

[@jskrawz4611]

Here is what I don't get... The Lil' Native in S30V is over $100... I get that the G10 and the compression lock is probably more expensive to produce but still... you can get a Native 5 lightweight with S35VN for less than $90... and I'm pretty sure that it's legal everywhere...

[@mr.crumbles2557]

JS Krawz that makes so little sense to me too... Do we know the backlock Lil native's price?

[@themawsjawz_9491]

JS Krawz Not legal in Boston, Cali, DC...

[@solelyedc]

Difference I guess the native is frn plastic , had a back lock , doesn’t come with any washers so the blade is eating away on the plastic scale with use and no way to replace , also no pm style pivot where the blade glide on so yeah I guess that is the differences cause I compared the 2 and it makes sense .. sorry for the really late comment lol oh and the steal liners of course that the original native don’t have .

[@tonydragon784]

A slipjoint lil native? Oooooooohhhhh baby

[@jayguelfi7522]

It’s a Dragonfly for guys like me with bigger hands. I love this knife

[@jwalz_5737]

Comparison to para 3plzzz

[@Hofology]

Slimjim V-5 was exactly coming to ask the same request. While we’re dreaming what about a Sage 5 x Para 3 x Lil Native comparison @nickshabazz

[@CapFlipGaming]

@@Hofology Sage 5 is a huge let down. Get the Para3

[@buzaldrin8086]

I am a huge fan of small EDC knives. Just my take, a blade this thick seems like mucho overkill. If you need a utility knife, get a Milwaukee. In this size it's not a defensive knife unless you're really desperate. OK, I get it for G10 love. And your lock of choice. As for a guy (or woman) jewel it's perfect. But then I have a Chris Reeve Minandi. Trophy knife? No doubt. So just stay within your budget.

[@jesseallen4184]

Great review. I love my Lil Native. It’s one of my favourite EDC Knives. I’m really looking forward to the sprint runs.

[@haydengutierrez3621]

Can you review a Kershaw launch 4

[@antoinedoinell]

wish they would have just done the Native 5 in Comp lock

[@cheesychester9647]

Richard Cannon I hope they do too

[@mosherogoff1252]

Hmm. Given size and geometry, looks to me like this knife goes up against or cannibalizes from other Spydies: Chicago, Pipsqueak (Squeak?) both come to mind. Especially if they bring one out with a slip joint design. Won't be the first time Spyderco has self cannibalized!

[@ibanez7412]

The hot spot might be gone if you only were able to make the pocket clip tip-down?

[@VINO9411]

Good for personal​ defense where there are strict knife laws

[@IHatchetJack]

"Where the plungeline intersects the spidey hole."

[@sliccvicc7605]

I notice the spydie hole is too close to the spine of the blade. Which looks ugly, spyderco need to fix that. Along with some more jimping

[@100dunkster]

Why does it have liners but not the native 5 lol

[@MrWishihadagibson]

I would love to see a thinner, liner-lock version of this knife. Bring it under 2 oz. I love the size and shape of it.

[@koloec94]

they saw the buskere and the pilar and how good they were received and wanted something new in the size

[@j3o300]

Why it's made? Probably, for those people who needs smaller option but doesn't want to buy overseas made knives.

[@Bloodreign137]

I love my shaman but it’s a little too big so I’m very tempted

[@alanmurray6632]

In the uk this knife is £150 . Thats $212 . Ludicrous. Man do we get royally shafted. 😣

[@g1b1000]

Alan murray that's what you all get for taxing our tea!

[@josephkittay9580]

Also, compression lock.

[@teamhonn]

Love knives about this size. Great for edc

[@calebtermorshuizen3046]

Have you considered that the blade is that thick because of the nature of the compression lock? By that I mean that the lock is designed to move slightly over as it wears over time and that can't happen if the blade is super thin. Just an observation!

[@randMcnally16]

I'm torn between the little native, and sage 5.

[@xDarkPrototypex]

Unpopular opinion: i hate victorinox knives. They feel cheap and plasticy, bad steel, usually way to thick for the tools you get, no pocket clip and the tools you do get are usually a pain to use because of the huge chuncky handle. Anyone who feels the same or am i completely insane?

[@andyrichardson6188]

100% agree. I grew up with them and didn't get it. They never came sharp and gut more dull cutting butter. They seem to be relying on the brand recognition and that they have smaller, safe looking blades. Not practical for every day cutting tasks.

[@nonope4390]

Le Lemon it very much depends on which one you get. My victorinox solider has served me very well and is a good size for use with the tools contained within. I do run it on a lanyard though in leu of a pocket clip

[@8686joedog]

No sharpening choil please! I don't need rope and plastic getting caught up in my choil! (Bugout) It's one of the reasons i love spydeys!

[@flaconaco]

The perfect little knife, just wish it had jimping on the choil and spine

[@mforrest1508]

Would you like to try a fallkniven fh9? I think you might like it

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

Nice blade.... great review....

[@MISTAREDboys]

Please check out the new 2018 ZT knives, they are just great lookin and I think you’d appreciate the hinderer 0393 especially knowing you. 🙂

[@Cujobob]

Thicker blade is for cutting heavier duty material. While thinner blades can slice better, some jobs call for additional toughness. I’d go for a Techno any day of the week, though.

[@MobiuSphere]

WOOO Thanks for the call out! I picked one up on the strength of that initial unboxing alone, and for my particular set of circumstances, it is perfect. I agree, without my restrictions, it might not be the best choice for everyone, but I am personally loving it.

[@mickeypopa]

It takes an inch of blade to cut open a jugular on your neck... so another 3-3.5 inches won't make a substantial difference in the 'murder' department. As long as you don't legally allow freakin' scimitars, long swords, sabres and katanas - you're good to go. Besides, the point of a knife is to cut things, not to be too short to cut things. I don't want man jewelry when I'm out camping or doing handy work, I want a capable tool to make my life easier. At a certain point, laws become hindrance rather than safety. Law also doesn't allow padlocks on the fire escape doors even though thieves might use them, and I believe the same logic applies here. People can hide damn shotguns in their coats and jackets, so what stops them from using 6 inch kitchen knives instead? If I were a raging psychotic bent on murder in a crowded place that's what I'd use, not a goddamn 3.5 inch folding pocket knife that seconds as a fidget toy. 🙄

[@refaiabdeen5943]

Cheers Mate!