The Spyderco Knives Native Chief Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

Today, we'll take a look at a very big knife from Spyderco, the Native Chief.

[@carmelotansengco4605]

In never thought backlocks were ever going to be a thing for me, that is until I saw, handled and bought my Native Chief last year. I love everything about it. What first attracted me to it was the size. I love big knives. I asked the saleslady if I could take a look at it so she brought it out and handed it to me. It's such a beautiful piece and I absolutely love the ergonomics. Right there and then I decided to go for it and not once have I regretted buying this knife. It's not only an excellent piercing tool, It's a heck of a slicer too. I tried it on thick cardboard and it sailed through like it wasn't even there. To those thinking about getting a Native Chief, stop thinking and go out and get one. You won't regret it.

[@dudestoneking]

'm glad they make this knife, being fond of larger knives and not being fond of the usual Spyderco blade shape, this knife fits my 2xl hands perfectly.

[@giangdoan91]

Thanks for the vid. I hope they make this in a salt model with LC200N.

[@monkeyfaceII]

lc200n sounds good in any knife tho haha

[@jakewelsh903]

It sounds great but it better not have some lemon yellow g-10 scales those are butt ugly

[@monkeyfaceII]

@@jakewelsh903 easy to dye

[@kylecollins851]

Nick, thank you for always pointing out when knives are completely ambidextrous! As a lefty, it can be really frustrating when I see excellent knife designs that make no concessions for left-handed opening, use, closing, or carry. Sure, they’re still usable, and it’s not a huge deal, but it is still a deal. Ideally, I’d love to see more makers make folders that are usable for wrong-handed folks as well!

[@mjc7778]

As a lefty I totally agree and thanks to Nick for pointing it out.

[@StevenGlandsburg5]

This one really Connects with Me, I love it ! I would buy it, but the only thing is, i wish it was a compression lock. =/

[@olannakprasitno.5312]

Yeah same to me compression lock pls ....spyderco

[@krislong9338]

They made the Lil' Native in backlock and comp lock. Maybe they'll try it with the Chief.

[@everydayadventure7512]

Nice looking knife, I really like the back lock for winter or motorcycle riding. I find it easier to manipulate while wearing gloves.

[@michaelmarsh4013]

I don't know, Nick. Criticizing a big knife for being big?

[@monkeyfaceII]

classic nick

[@michaelmarsh4013]

@@monkeyfaceII Yeah, I didn't mean it to sound as snarky as it did. Nick does great reviews which is why I watch them (and subscribe). But I don't always agree!

[@monkeyfaceII]

@@michaelmarsh4013 didn't sounds snarky at all my apologies i was just making conversation ha

[@SeemsLogical]

For the viewership size does play a factor. While he does give size comparisons in the video sometimes just "seeing" it does not do it justice. You never realize how big a knife is until you struggle to fit your phone in the same pocket or how heavy it is until you notice you need a belt before you walk out the door as your pants are sagging heavily due to the extra 5.5 ounces in your right pocket. While it may come off as redundant, Nick restating that this is a big knife is to drive home the fact that these factors will come into play when you EDC this knife.

[@thsbulldawg82]

Exactly. Seems that variety is a good thing. I'm so glad I don't have to deal with these people who are afraid of every damn thing. Very few here in Ga would care. Well, other than some in/around Atlanta possibly. Most people I'm around are more "wow! That's awesome. Let me see that"... Thankful for that.

[@iamgroot4080]

Great review, really it was. I didn't sense any BS from You and I like that. I can also feel the passion, never change Sir, never change!

[@liquidcobra1450]

Gotta disagree with a lot of the criticisms here. Sorry nick. I get that you like smaller knives, but this was designed to be larger deliberately. And yeah I know you know that, but still dinged it as being bad simply because it’s too big for you. Speed of deployment and close is very quick once you get used to it as well. Well thought out review as always though. Thanks for posting. This is easily knife of the year for me, so maybe I’m biased. Lol.

[@monkeyfaceII]

Liquid Cobra interesting I thought you were more into high end knives

[@petersusia1]

I have to agree with this comment. Being larger was a core concept in the chief’s design. Big fan of nick’s reviews tho

[@ponchowizard5182]

Hoplophobia is a pejorative to describe an "irrational aversion to weapons." It is also used to describe the "fear of firearms" or the "fear of armed citizens." I like how its based on the word "hoplite." It's also why I like AZ. When you're standing in line at circle k behind the guy with a 1911 on his hip, a big ol' kabar looks a lot less intimidating.

[@Robert5hw]

"A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." Dr. Sigmund Freud

[@Plus_P_Plus]

@@Robert5hw “Cocaine is good.” -Sig Freud

[@Freakmaster480]

@@Robert5hw My favorite theory of his is that a boy feared a horse because he wanted to fuck his mother.

[@stillshot2]

😂

[@Booper2021]

It doesn't make sense that you call the size a bad thing nick. That's what it is, a big knife. Everyone knows it before they buy it. That's like buying a sports car and saying it's too fast.

[@scs6757]

Or like buying a full size truck or SUV and then complaining that it's too big for city driving and parking.

[@NickShabazz]

It's one thing to say "They shouldn't do this", but another to say "Before you buy, realize it's going to be too big for a lot of situations". You're welcome to disagree that X is a bad thing, but it doesn't mean it's not worth saying.

[@williamwrye5632]

Absolutely love this knife Nick, for a huge knife it’s light and maneuverable and it compliments the native 5 and delica nicely

[@soulzzplaysgames]

Is it bad that for me this is a "reasonably sized" knife and it could totally be more ?

[@thsbulldawg82]

No. It certainly isn't. But what you like, need, and simply want.

[@jonathanbailey1086]

Sounds like you might need to track down a Tetanka. www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=901

[@rogerlyonsjr9302]

Soul Rhythm No. I also prefer a knife with a longer blade. People forget that many paring knives are 4 or more inches long, and paring knives are the smaller kitchen knives.

[@Robert5hw]

I like to follow Advanced Knife Bro's EDC specs ... 3 inch blade (or more) and under 4 oz. So the Native Chief fits that.

[@ScentitarFragrance]

I agree, by no means is this a huge knife.

[@mosherogoff1252]

Wish you had put it up against an Endura when you showed comparative sizes. That was the first knife that came to mind when I first saw a pic of this thing some time ago....

[@SHADOW-ke6xz]

Really want this one but I have enough back locks, hope they run this with the compression lock.

[@krislong9338]

I love backlocks because I love spydies, but I'm just not as excited by those or liner locks these days.

[@readyme]

I like this as a foldable paring knife. I tried to like the Native 5 LW, but had too many little things that bugged me.

[@krislong9338]

I appreciate that you mentioned the size as being a little much for many people, but didn't really count off so much as let people know that it is larger than many folks are comfortable with. I have two of these, exclusives in REX45 and M4, and it's a great design, kind of like a folding Arkansas Toothpick in my eyes. It was a great idea from the Glessers and friends to make variants on the Native. Will check for those sharper edges - they're fine users so I think I won't mind lightly sanding anything sharp other than the spine (hoping I can strike a firesteel with it). You doing the Stretch 2XL soon? It is one of the lightest knives I've ever held in that size and more solid than I expected with that lightness. Guess it's going to be EDC soon, thoguh I have some nice fallback/followup carry blades.

[@guitarzarfun]

Love a thinnish blade and full flat grind. Got one on the way!

[@Renaldo135]

people will be diving under the table in the lunch room" LOL....PERFECT ACTUALLY. Where do I sign up?

[@northernninety7]

I have no problem flicking this out with my thumb and wrist.

[@bigpoppa578]

Minnesota Guy same. I can flick it open with thumb or finger with no wrist.

[@tuhitukare8672]

Ditto. Took some breaking in but now flicks open with ease. Nick should work that wrist out a bit more 🖐🍆🤣🤣🤣

[@ScentitarFragrance]

We all need to vote out these knife laws and all involved.

[@stoneblue1795]

It would be cool if a guy could order it specific in the carry pattern or style you intend on using, and not have 3 other random sets of holes to live with the rest of it's life.

[@lo_que3827]

Custom scales my friend 😁 Just had a set made for my Shaman, all extra holes deleted.

[@gregmccormack5709]

I had always thought the blade length was in reference to the usable edge...... Interesting.

[@graeme13]

Would love a Knife Center pakkawood version, but I’m not holding my breath.

[@martinmiller1087]

@Graeme Thompson ... You're probably aware that a Sprint Run in S90V and carbon fiber is about to drop @ $245/.

[@doctoruttley]

M390 with wood scales...🤤

[@patrickg8744]

did u get the pakkawood police?

[@joe_a_photo]

I like how thin the scales are.

[@Darksjeik]

I realize I may be alone here but I feel that pocketclip hurts the otherwise classy look on this thing. Gives it a cheaper look like it’s part of the Tenacious family. Since the knife is so light I would have preferred the Spyderco wireclip on there.

[@ScentitarFragrance]

This is perfection for me. Size, strength and looks. I just need burlap micarta and Damascus m390 to make it legendary.

[@jOhNDoE-rz4kr]

Scentitar Fragrance I was on a similar fantasy. Mine was with m4 though.

[@tidge879]

In the UK we still use miles on our road signs and inches in our knife laws!

[@monkeyfaceII]

Watched this video and didn’t think much about this knife... but somehow I can’t stop thinking about it... oh god

[@AlohaBlade]

This one is sleek! Got 3 sprints. Best Spyderco for me.

[@matchesburn]

1:32 "I think the price is... fine." It's interesting, just like Spyderco's pricing methods, that you neglect to compare this to the most comparable knife in terms of quality and size... the Spyderco Shaman. Which is also made of S30V and G-10. And is smaller, using less materials... And costs $50 more than the Native Chief - a newly released knife at that. Just saying, if price was a sticking point, you didn't knock the Shaman for that when you otherwise should have if this is an indication. I really do not see the Shaman as being a $190 knife when the same company makes knives that use the same materials and more of it that somehow cost less.

[@monkeyfaceII]

matchesburn the shaman was competing too much with the para 2 so they upped the price. Many companies do this to their product line ups. It sucks for consumers I know am just saying

[@jackdillon4467]

Fantastic review! I just ordered one! Thanks Nick!

[@monkeyfaceII]

Sprint run in micarta and k390 or m4!

[@mr.crumbles2557]

Do we know if they have the frn molds made for a lightweight (and salt) version of this knife??

[@guillem]

Fortunately in Spain the maximum permitted blade length for folders is 11cm which is a hair above 4.33" so this one is fine. Of course if you do stupid things with it, the stupid things themselves might be illegal. But that applies to all knives. The thing is that the lenght of this one, per se, is within the limit :)

[@monkeyfaceII]

Nice are you grabbing one?

[@alcodie1558]

Hello . I was wondering since the Native Chief doesn't have stainless steel liners , does that give this knife a huge disadvantage ? Or are the G10 scales strong enough to maintain integrity from long use ? I read a comment on a video that said this guy had stripped out one of his clip screw holes .

[@LAG3]

I think they are screwed into steel inserts.

[@Jmon808]

The G10 is thick and sturdy. The backlock mechanism is all steel plus the steel backspacer supports the entire structure and makes it very strong and lightweight. It is well designed and my daily carry 🤙

[@rogerlyonsjr9302]

Spyderco perplexes me. I bought a Dragonfly 2 in ZDP-189. The specs on this steel give a Rockwell range of 64 to 71. I called them to find out what hardness they made it to and was informed that they do not release hardness information on their knives to the public. I don’t expect them to do what Rockstead does and give a certificate with the precise hardness of each knife, but a two point range is standard. If they can’t control the heat treating process well enough to be confident of it, they shouldn’t be selling quality knives. Other companies don’t seem to have any problem doing so.

[@BradGryphonn]

Depends on where you're using that 4 inches I guess.

[@monkeyfaceII]

Brad Griffin lmao

[@YanDoroshenko]

IDK, I've had Endura and Code 4 (both backlocks) for ages and have no problem flicking them open and closing them with one hand relatively quickly.

[@John..18]

Nice one Nick,, any chance you could do a video on removing links from the latest Omega Seamaster bracelet, ?? Please,,,,,

[@monkeyfaceII]

anybody edc'ing a 4inch blade?

[@monkeyfaceII]

i been carrying a kwaiback lately but am in AZ

[@Savage.Doomer]

Yes, most days.

[@monkeyfaceII]

Corpse Grinder which one ?

[@bigpoppa578]

All the time.

[@monkeyfaceII]

bigpoppa578 what knife/s ?

[@stephenshanebeaty]

I'm not sure how you can put the size as a negative. If somebody is buying a knife that size, they obviously want the knife to be that size.

[@robojimtv]

This is it chief

[@Karbouchard]

As always, great review. Received mine today, very happy with it. Now I’ll stop watching your reviews my budget can’t handle your reviews 😉

[@tempofugo168]

Hi Nick, quick question : you often talk about balance point on a knife, but as far I know you never really dwelve into why balance point matters ? Could you make a video about it or just a comment ? I'm sure that would be interesting.

[@billruber2861]

Very informative as usual , I think ill be getting this .

[@alexanderbertallo1995]

Sweet piece...

[@sagepini9844]

Great review. Looking forward to your Parata review too! Have a good one Nick

[@J-Bibble]

Just bought one of these! One good thing about Canada - no laws for the length of knife you can carry!

[@Buckeyes216]

Is there a folding knife you recommend for camp cook/cutting vegetables and meat etc?

[@kaliberconsulting5884]

Nick, thanks for your review. You provided great information that I used to pass on this knife, I will stick with the Shaman.

[@Apex_grind562]

"That's alot of blade and I need that!" But I do have a police in k390.

[@Chinookman]

Awesome review! A speed talking gem. Spyderco: Even in firearms and knife friendly FL you're skirting with problems for people without CCW. I carry, and I'm permitted. but you should knock off a millimeter for people. FLORIDA KNIFE LAWS REGARDING LENGTH The only law regulating length is related to pocket knives. Ordinary pocket knives, ones able to be carried in a concealed manner without a permit, must be less than 4 inches in length. Anything of this length or longer will require a permit in order to carry concealed. I don't usually purchase back locks, but I do have an affinity as my first knife as a little kid in the 70's was a Buck 110!

[@LAG3]

If you use a knife in self-defense the type of knife will be a minor charge tacked onto a Felony Assault charge. IMHO, based on experts that I've posed this question to its much less an issue than how it is perceived. If it was legitimate self-defense and not ego-fighting, you will be okay. P.S. I'm not an attorney. But I have friends who teach sell-defense and that is their opinion based on training and experience.

[@SeanJohnson-qm4pu]

Already have a military so can't see a reason to get this but I do like it.

[@wiliamwidlacki7459]

Thanks Nick, this is now on my gotta have list.

[@calebgreen4150]

Kinda reminds me of an al mar knife with a spydie hole

[@kylevanwinkle2081]

Wish you wouldve did a size comparison to an endura.

[@The4cp]

I love this . Same size as the military and way less in price.

[@SeanJohnson-qm4pu]

Literally the same price

[@koljag5]

I'd love to see it with a compression lock.

[@monkeyfaceII]

Nathan Plummer Id say that about 99% of knives haha

[@JerryLoffelbein]

They gotta have some sort of problem with longer blades and compression locks. People have been asking for the Military model to adopt the compression lock for years, and they just won't.

[@waltv6385]

@@JerryLoffelbein They did make a PM2 with a left handed compression lock. Bought one, lost it and had to buy another, then found the first one... now I have a spare! There’s just not enough of us lefties to warrant the expense of production to rework their perfectly serviceable back locks, I guess.

[@JerryLoffelbein]

@ABL69 Neat of you to look through necro posts 'n all, and I assume it's because Spyderco has finally made some Military models with the compression lock? I haven't got ahold of one to take a look at, so I'm not sure if they made any changes to the lock to improve it's performance with longer blades... It still took them about 20 years worth of people asking them for it for them to finally bring it to market.

[@timyoungnc]

They need to offer deep carry clips.

[@FoxSolomon1]

Yeah no they don’t. They don’t do it for the simple fact they don’t want to hurt small businesses that make deep carry clips for their knives

[@abc456f]

Mxg gear or Lynch clips.

[@easyki84]

@@FoxSolomon1 wow, didn't knew. Respect.

[@randallkelley3599]

I hear the FBI is looking for Nick the Slasher!

[@matthewreynolds1989]

i was excited for this but being in florida we are only allowed 4 inch blades -_-

[@matthewspear1624]

After watching Spyderco videos all day I went with this one. Sprint run with s90v and carbon fiber scales. 🕷 💀

[@microtechthumb6670]

$156 a few years ago, now I find it for around $184,

[@jcb6713]

excellent ! love this knife....have a great weekend ...

[@andeeaye]

Please do a review on the Benchmade Foray.

[@Suit_and_tie_reptile_guy]

Small (6inch total length) size fixed blades

[@aaronwolfe9640]

Thank you sir. Always great content!

[@donnymac575]

Don't really need it, but like it, and bought it anyway.

[@smokedogg19821]

In Alabama only knife we can't carry is a bowie

[@dude28405]

I like it and I'm not even a Spyderco fan

[@nickkazarian3334]

Peter I’m also not a Spyderco fan. Thought I was the only one.

[@dude28405]

Castle Bravo I certainly agree but they work

[@rafaeldelvalle4501]

I don't know why but I seriously can not carry back locks, if they made this I'm a compression or even a loner lock I'd definitely buy it but the backlock makes it a no from me :(

[@landonblazer3417]

Only thing I would change is to take out the finger choil

[@cookiecook4099]

A chief and a showman are 2 different people

[@dmontes4192]

Great review ! I’m gonna get it as soon as a M4 or s90v sprint comes out.

[@E.L.RipleyAtNostromo]

Just FYI, Blade HQ has them today in their M4 / Jade G-10 variant. About a $15 premium. Not my usual flavor, but I picked one up just to have a longer blade utility knife for camping and food prep.

[@northernninety7]

This is my biggest knife

[@dmw3086]

Knife blades over a legal limit are kinda like windows tinted to dark the cop won’t say anything unless you give them a bigger reason to

[@FindersKeepers88]

Good, thx

[@Klara_Marius]

Please review the police 4!

[@kerryrwac]

And there'll be sprint runs .

[@AP_Thailand]

Nice review as usual but surprising that you don't link the blade length with the cutting food ability as far as it is named "Chief" knife, would have been interesting to know if the knife is doing well for this purpose or not (not to replace a fixed Chief blade of course, but as an alternative on the go).

[@alpine1600s]

You heard it here. Nick cares if you can flick it out, but Nick does not like the length of the tip. 😂

[@BrentonCarr]

Can't image Spyderco won't make a knife in-between the chief and the native. That would be perfect...like the endela.

[@hammerhi]

Isn't that the Shaman?

[@DavidNefelimSlayer]

But she said less than four inches is a definite no go.

[@eddieking2976]

I like all my knives to be intimidating. Loud, proud, and can disburse a crowd🤘🤨

[@jskrawz4611]

"Perception is reality"... I work in a public environment and I can't even take out my Native 5 Lightweight without someone thinking I'm the next serial killer... So I gave up on carrying a knife to work to avoid the HR headache or being tased by some over zealous cop... Instead, I carry my Leatherman Surge instead... Which has two blades around 3"... No one has a problem with that... Just a multi-tool... Whatever... The Native Chief is another nice knife I can't use... Guess that's just the world we live in now...

[@The4cp]

Very sad we live in a world like this. I really just don't care and carry mine anyway. I won't be intimidated.

[@elevationmoto6208]

I carry a Spyderco Lil Native at work to avoid "scary knife" trouble.

[@acrocanthosaurus4]

I'm scared of the thin tip not because it isn't capable but I had my trusty spyderco resilience with me once, A knife I find very comparable, and dropped it open with the tip facing down at a ceramic tile floor...

[@theodorequakins2636]

I'm praying this gets the FluTi treatment

[@easyki84]

Take a shot everytime Nick says "um".

[@mcrn12]

Hilarious! Well done!

[@peter-zs4ml]

Like your videos Nick. But everytime I hear you note that something is big, or just over some leagal limit, both of which make it fall into your 'bad' category, I cringe.

[@clintonlewis1663]

Nice, but a little big.

[@xvaldez3284]

Ok I think most spyderco knives are ugly af but I actually like the blade shape and handles of this one. I will admit they designed them with function before form in mind so that may be why a lot of people buy them

[@DeadEyeRabbit]

Make it a flipper

[@saltysmurfyourass]

My name is REX

[@TheSpectre12]

I like the native but this one likely wont be for me.

[@devilsadvocate783]

Take a breath!

[@Robert5hw]

Very "stabby" knife there...

[@johnbarnesNnaptown]

When in doubt I whip it out

[@bigpoppa578]

Slow close? Oh man, there’s a thread on fast lock back closing you might want to check out on the forum. Hahaha. Controversial!