The Spyderco Native 5 Lightweight Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

The Spyderco Native 5 is a great EDC knife, with a great steel, and great ergonomics, and it's a beautiful half-way point between the ergonomic greatness and size of the Manix, and the disappears-in-the-pocket carryability of the Delica. And it's only $80.
It's a gem. Flat out, 100%, solid, gem. Go buy one.

[@philipjanes]

I want one. The only thing I wish Spydie would do on all these lightweight FRN knives, is use the wire pocket clip. Lighter and less visible.

[@MichaelWebber]

I find the rounded end of a wire pocket clip is also easier on the sofa and car seat than the solid clips (rear right pocket carry). However I don't like the way the wire clip open end screws into the body. I works loose.

[@AB-lx8cf]

Have a manix 2 lightweight. I don't carry it anymore. The wire clip came loose and got lost. Luckily my manix just feel in the pocket. Carried the manix 2 for about 2 years before the clip got lost.

[@foxw2253]

Hopefully wire clip, no liners and comp lock

[@AMS0532]

the wire clip is so dainty, it constantly moves around and does not have nearly the same tension as the solid ones.

[@gilbertrios5283]

Agreed! Wire pocket clip all the way!

[@BrentonCarr]

got one based on your review. you were pretty much spot on with your evaluation. thanks a lot. I really appreciate your videos.

[@andyrichardson6188]

Nice overview of the knife, but for me it really adds a lot of value in helping me figure out which Spydie I may want and why. The time you spent on comparisons to the Manix and Delia was very helpful.

[@antramirez28]

I've been eyeballing the native for a while now, but with your review I'm finally gonna pull the trigger and grab one!

[@backwoods_barbarian4134]

I've watched this video before but I had to come back and like and leave a comment because this is my favorite knife I've owned. I've got the pm2, just got the para3, and I have a few other decent knives, but I know that this one will eventually find it's way back into my pocket somehow. Great video. Also I feel like Spydercos s35vn never goes dull, like ever. And it's hard to beat the combination of value, weight, and ergos.

[@donnymac575]

great review as always. I've put the Native 5 on my to buy list. btw, I carried around my Manix 2 Lightweight all this past week. I didn't even notice it there.

[@elmardx1517]

Just got my pink Native in the mail today. Love it.

[@suhs622]

Amazing every time to hear and learn from the knowledge you share

[@DavidLowry1]

Well said. I agree. I have the same model Native 5 and love it. Perfect knife.

[@bringbackbigshot]

glad you did this knife justice with a great review. its my favorite edc

[@CanadianCuttingEdge]

Thanks for sharing that knife with us. I think it is a very nice choice for a discrete carry, I would not want to carry a blade that is much smaller than that one. You did a great job of describing and reviewing it for us. I appreciate it.

[@bulbhorn]

Great review thank you. I picked one up. Pink handle.

[@FTA4evr]

Even though I own quite a few Spydercos, I wouldn't say I'm a true fanboy, but the lightweight Native 5 is one of my favorite, most carried knives ever.

[@codyholland2660]

Got a native 5 lw two weeks ago. Extremely solid knife. No blade play in any direction, none. Came very sharp. I like it so much I havent even used it yet so, cant say anything about edge retention or sharpenability. Extremely light too.

[@darrellguillory6078]

I have several different Spyderco Knives so you can say I have a Spyderco knife family and I love every one of them.

[@jacobmanalang8162]

after selling my native i went with a manix 2. really liked that knife

[@thomaspiccolo4596]

Nick, I really like your knife reviews, especially the Spyderco ones.

[@rong.2457]

This video just showed up in my feed…6.5 years later. I just picked up a special run of the Native 5 lightweight from Blade HQ. It has a DLC coated CPM-M4 blade and mint green scales. It was on sale for $99. I love it…except for the pocket clip.

[@jasperlyons9908]

Get an MXG deep carry!

[@HorsepowerHeaven]

Mr. SHABAZZ I just picked up a native 5 grey frn scales and maxamet blade steel! Haven’t carried it yet I’m still stuck between my demko 20.5 & my mini adamas. But I know I’ll fall in love with the native 5 when I start to use and carry it!

[@mr.crumbles2557]

Hi thanks so much for the review! I bought a native 5 based on this review and it's sort of become my end-all-be-all EDC knife. Between my EDC knives like the Delica, PM2, Native 5 lightweight, and the Kershaw Skyline (that slim profile) the N5 is easily carried the most. But then the ergos fit my hand PERFECTLY. I agree with the clip issue tho; the pocket carry could be nicer. I have a deep carry clip on the way so hopefully that'll help. Again thanks for the review! without it I wouldn't have eyed this model and missed out on maaaaybe my favorite folder. Thanks and subbed! :)

[@I_snort_radium]

Thanks Nick for spending my money!!!! Just ordered one!

[@ronaldroberts1992]

I'm looking to get the native as I just got the efficient. Thanks for the review.

[@MichaelWebber]

I prefer the Delica but I can see why this is in the line-up - the Delica has the original huge Spyderco "hump" for the opening hole, but the same-blade length Native doesn't have a hump. Also, the Native has "slide forward onto the blade" protection plus a way to choke up on the blade. My main objection to the Native (I have the very early edition with spear point blade) is that for its length it has very little usable blade (although what is usable, is _very_ usable). I like the lighter, thinner Delica for front dress shirt carry, with the blade point down against the left pocket edge - and deep carry pocket clip. The weight makes all the difference. Thank you for your reviews, just discovered you channel and working way through a lot of your old stuff.

[@natebowman9102]

Thanks for the review Nick. I just picked one up new. I'm looking forward to its arrival. also scored a used dragonfly. its gonna be a great mailcall indeed

[@yamaharaptor01able]

I LOVE running to the mailbox for new knife arrivals👍

[@lukeskywalker1840]

Not $80.00 in 2022. Oh well.

[@Skidrowhardpointp2]

Yeah in my country is 150$ atm.

[@lukeskywalker1840]

It’s about US$120.00 now.

[@esoteric5277]

As Spyderco's go, the Native 5's looks are absolutely stellar🔊🎇👍 Just my opinion😎

[@anthonythudium5279]

Best bang for your buck. Just purchased the Native in S30V with FRN scales. Unparalleled value.

[@jayweast1306]

For me, this sits at the optimal point on the curve of diminishing returns for an EDC knife. It has a premium steel at a very reasonable price without comprising in other areas. There may be features you don't like on the Native 5 or it may lack features you want but objectively there's nothing bad to say about it. In terms of blade performance, you can't do much better no matter how much you spend, unless you need a larger blade or different blade shape for your tasks. And if you pay less, you'll get a noticeable drop in performance.

[@gregwalker4236]

i occasionally use a folding knife for food prep, but this is really more of a novelty since washing a folding knife means water and careful drying that begins to be a lot like unnecessary work, plus i am going to lightly oil the knife which i don't relish in the food. i have several native fives with different blade steels which is often the motive for acquiring the same model. awaiting a new one in spy27 and eventually one in lc200.

[@jimyocum9556]

just picked up the native 5 today and figured I'd see what the Nick had to say about it.. the s35vn made in USA beat out the delica 4 vg10 in my final decision.. the delica felt good and as much as I hear good about it I've been wanting one.. everything was spot on with my native 5 but she's a little stiff but will break in soon enough.. maybe next time the delica will come home with me..

[@tdorty64]

great knife and made in the USA is a bonus in my book

[@vearheart42]

I have this, I got it from a massdrop bluebox and that wasn't the best deal I could have gotten. Still good knife overall. I'm not a huge fan of the back lock but I'm sure the lefties of us love it.

[@steelbaron81]

What's the clip you have on the delica? It looks like a nice deep carry that also uses all three screws? I haven't seen one like that before and I'd love to know where you got it.

[@81ghale]

this will be my next knife. I handled one when I bought my mini griptilian. I almost chose the native, but like you said, with the lock back it wasn't even close to the smoothness of the axis lock. But, now that I have the griptilian, I'm going after the native as a backup/second edc. in the hand it really does feel phenomenal.

[@ericdavid199]

Hi, does anyone know what the main difference is between the steel on this one (s35vn) and the steel on another version that had a blue body and was s110v? Thinking about buying one. Thanks!

[@koga8100]

Funny how they did a steel downgrade and a price hike

[@aaronbenns9051]

i love mine the way you hold it is perfect the shape of the blade is so usefull

[@brantsonhyde8313]

Where do you buy your knives? Particularly a delica for 60$? Anyone know?

[@depfknr9211]

Love it, can I put a Sage 5 clip holder on the Native?

[@mroilcat]

I've got a spyderco native, first generation, and it has no torx adjustment on pivot, appears to be some sort of rivet. Does anyone have idea of how to adjust opening tension? I've had it for over 25 years and just as tight now as when new. Appreciate any help as I'm getting old and difficult to open. Thanks...

[@therealsoulfly69]

Thank you for validating my opinion.

[@knifenoob5411]

Titanium fluted one any good? Only spydies I like don't use the hole. Shap holes I can't even use.

[@yamaharaptor01able]

Just ordered a teal native 5 w/s90v. I hope I like it,it was $115 shipped 🙄

[@PeetSneekes]

Thanks Nick, I totally concur with your conclusion. It is a gem. I have one and enjoy the heck out of it. I did however found the 'flickability' a bit less because of the strength of the backlock. I never had this problem with the Delica. Finally, if only it was available in orange :-)

[@davidaxman]

Cutlery Shoppe has an orange special version!

[@ccooper8040]

Native 5 G10. I will carry edc until the end. Very practical, very sharp.

[@BirdShotIV]

That's one we still need to get. Really enjoying your knife reviews!

[@jameshinrichsen9238]

BirdShot IV yours are just as good!

[@juanvielma7817]

Yep

[@djd7seven]

I agree this knife is a gem in all the ways you described except that the pivot is extremely stiff. I tend to flick open all my Spydercos with the middle finger and this knife deploys in that way only 50-60% of the time. Even if I loosen the pivot screws to the point that the blade will fall out of the knife, it's still stiff. I know it's a lockback and not conducent to flicking, but I don't have this problem with my Delicas, Enduras, or Salt 1. There are no washers in this knife and maybe that's the reason. Great knife, just a little disappointing to me in that way, otherwise....Joy!

[@rafiqkatana]

What's the difference between CPM S30V and the CPM S35VN blade? Which the knife both comes in.

[@benisben25]

Agreed that it’s a gem. Have you carried the titanium version? I’d love to hear your thoughts on that knife.

[@dreadjavapirate]

My Native was really stiff at first but wore in nicely. It is probably the best value; agreed. The handle is more block-like than the Delica, and that makes it feel like Lego plastic. But I till like it.

[@trustmeimfromaustria]

this, or the s35vn, g10 version?

[@jonahjonah000]

"But, gem. Just... It's a gem. No... no complaints. Ergonomic gem, value gem, construction gem. Gem. Just a gem." Love this guy

[@Smaug1]

Great review; I wound up getting one in Maxamet. To me, it carries about the same in the pocket as the Delica. It doesn't have that protruding hump that's jimped up to tear up my pants. It's narrower in the pocket, right at that area, if a bit wider elsewhere. The Delica feels as though it has more usable blade. The ergonomics aren't quite as good, though.

[@tcdahn7]

Best knife I've ever carried. Carry it every day.

[@neverstoplearning2]

Very helpful! Thanks!

[@JimmyRnj]

Great video, I picked up a Native 5 LW when they first came out. I love Natives and have 6 variations, but I usually end up carrying my 5 LW or LW with XHP the most if I'm in a Native kind of mood.

[@AirborneSapper82]

Good video. Thanks

[@flyguy7836]

They should have went with the wire pocket clip on the n5

[@HaesslichG]

The S110V LW Native 5 is a fun knife - it's my go to for serious work (or cardboard), while my more genteel Damascus Titanium Delica is a better fruit slicer and unimposing EDC. Tried that one? It's more expensive, but S110V is like S90V, but better IMO.

[@khleatherworks4525]

My Native 5 in S110V is maybeee my favorite Spyderco. Not sure why they just came out with the Native 5 (with british racing green scales) in S90V instead of S110V but S90V is still a great steel.

[@BigShay1977]

Another difference is that the Delica 4 has steel liners embedded in the FRN, while Native 5 doesn't.

[@mountman5386]

Yeah I wondered about Nick saying that the Native was built to be used lots vs the Delica occasionally. I'm knife newbie but had assumed that the steel liners would make the Delica a bit more robust?

[@DEATHMETALRUST]

My wife has and carries a Native and I have a Delica (which gets less pocket time more these days as I typically carry my pm2). Having handled both and put them both through a ton of work. I wouldn't worry about the lack on liners on the Native. They are both totally capable knives. The Native is substantially more robust feeling in the hand despite not having liners.

[@NickShabazz]

The blade is less robust, but the handle is more so. And the Ergos are better for me on the Native.

[@BigShay1977]

I definitely agree on all points.

[@1marcko11]

I've had my Native 5 for about 2 years. I haven't missed the steel liners and I use it a lot. Mine was closer to $100. It's been a wonderful folder.

[@artemkanarchist]

All right, you got me, I’m ordering myself a pink native 5

[@artemkanarchist]

I bought me self a pink native 5 more than a year ago and I still regret nothing

[@davidgray4138]

The standard pocket clip works great for a work knife that’s easily accessible.

[@MPerry-ox9qb]

The Native is not a newer Spyderco. The update on it is.

[@saodavi6267]

I'd be interested in your thoughts on the fluted Ti version of this knife. It's 3x the cost but it looks good.

[@NickShabazz]

+SaoDavi Never owned one, but at almost twice the weight with the same steel, I'm probably not going to own one, either. I'm sure it's a great knife, but a heavier, expensive Native is kind of missing the point of the Native.

[@plamen2110]

I really enjoyed this review and might just start a native collection of the different steels hehehe

[@bsly137]

Nick, I'm considering buying a native 5. Torn between the s35vn frn, s35vn g10, or the new s110v version. I'm leaning toward the g10 version. Any thoughts on these? I have a delica 4 which has steel inserts. I'm a little concerned about the frn version not having inserts for stability.

[@NickShabazz]

Haven't actually gotten to handle one in G10. But I suspect you'll be happy regardless!

[@jackdillon4467]

Just ordered a sprint in an aqua color!

[@toddlinebaugh195]

please compare something to a parimilitary 2 and call it the comparamilitary

[@ganymedeaerospace4580]

Todd Linebaugh If he does it with a knife he got for free, he can call it the complimentary comparamilitary

[@beaupoopoo7542]

GanymedeAerospace Aw man and if we could get Cedric to be the person who donates a knife to compare to the paramilitary it could be an intercontinental complimentary comparamilitary

[@landonblazer3417]

PLEASE POST THIS ON HIS NEW VIDEOS AND SEE IF HE DOES IT!!!😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@_krakra_]

@Nick : if you would have to select just one knife which one would be: -native g10, sv35n -para3, g10, s30v I will be using a knife for outdoor activities as always in pocket knife. To carry it with me all the time. Thx

[@NickShabazz]

Native.

[@tangoyankee7521]

Spyderco Native 5 simply beautiful...

[@AGC828]

As I commented on another one of your Syderco video...maybe on the Manx 2? this knife has metal spacers at the pivot on the spine and i beliee at the butt of the knife ...though I didn't see it in this video...I'm assuming it's there. Again...this DOES MATTER for rigitity and to keep the knife from looking cheap (e.g. Benchmadess)....though very expsnive for knives that feel like toys).

[@gubourn]

native 5 salt for the working week, para 3 for the weekend. that's me as of late

[@volodymyrpetrov9677]

I would like to hear what you think of Spyderco Stretch (ZDP-189 or with other steel)... I think you would like it... Thought, i don't have any knife. I just happen to watch a lot of videos but managing myself to stick with a victorinox i almost don't use... Anyway, i watched quite a few knife reviews all over youtube, but I really like your reasonability or just logic you use... You find right words to express, you talk not only good things but bad also, and you do tell some information. Also, when you mention that you have small hands, you might mention what size of gloves you wear (some popular gloves manufacturer, that might give a better idea of how small the arm really is). Really interesting to hear you on Stretch. Somehow, i think you might like it.

[@rhonda837]

I have that knife one of my favorites and love the zdp 189.

[@sreilly688]

native 5 vs chaparral would be an interesting comparison.

[@BPF80MCar-vi1pg]

I've got a carbon fiber one and I love it

[@stevenaustin367]

Very interesting. S35VN is you favorite steel? Some of my favorites are S35VN but I'm not sure I can tell the difference between the modern super steals. They are all better than 440A or whatever. Are you sure it won't be as good a slicer? It may be thicker than the delica but it's also much wider so I wonder if the primary bevel may, in fact, be more acute.

[@JediJunkie247]

Which Spyderco lightweight: Native 5 in S35VN or Manix 2 in BD-1?

[@esoteric5277]

Get both! You won't regret it🤩

[@jojojaykay]

Nick's got a soft spot for titanium and I've got a soft spot on the back of my head!

[@blanebiondolillo430]

hey nick,its one of spyderco's older designs,think the native dates back to mid 80's,sold by walmart,i own about six of them and always seem to carry one in my pocket,this new lighweight is one strong little knife though for its size,good video,thank you.

[@diegol2364]

Welp it’s 2021 I just bought mine for 115$, price has gone up

[@natethekidd9355]

Welp it’s 2022 and the native went up 5 more dollars

[@johnwallace6763]

Nice review but I'd still use the manix2 lightweight. The manix fills the hand much better

[@graysonmounts563]

I'm looking at getting this or the pm2 which would recommend

[@bicimn]

Native much better for carry, better blade steel, and all around better IMO

[@pizzamilf]

Get the pm3

[@darrellguillory6078]

All of my Spyderco Knives.

[@Zaine30]

Got one today

[@DSilvergun]

Yo love the review! I have an older Native I purchased from Wal Mart - great budget Spyderco.

[@tomasoprioritore7217]

This is my next Spyderco, but i pay 129 Euro. Its realy crazy here in europe Vienna , they are double expensive like in the US. And if i want to buy one in the US, for less money, i have to pay a lot of cash to transver it to the Bank Account of my Dealer in the US. The same thing is with Watches on Chrono24, the Watches are cheaper in the US then in Europe.

[@WyrmWarrior2]

Check out Pop's Custom Clips at Etsy; he made a nice deep carry clip for my Spyderco Tuff, which had the same clip as the Native 5.

[@Beanjuice]

I heard that lockback spydercos were kind of impossible to "spyderflick"...is that true? I'm planning on getting this soon and not being able to flick it open is kind of a major factor for me.

[@sarachen6149]

I prefer to get the bad news first so when I'm depressed by bad news I can listen to good news and feel happy

[@NickShabazz]

+Sara Chen Not a bad idea! But that's why I film the conclusions bit. Yeah, there's always some bad and ugly. But the conclusions distill it down into excellence or failure!

[@sarachen6149]

+Nick Shabazz XD

[@turtled4202]

The hell did you do to it nick? Part of the blade looks like a rainbow

[@dylanthered24]

Nick, what makes the s35vn your favorite steel? Just curious. Trying to learn more about different knife steels.

[@bicimn]

He did a video comparing steels, check it out

[@bamabladez]

Not a knive guy but do knives go up in price!!? I'm looking for a good pocket knife and hear good things about this particular knife and have watched few videos on this knife and all of them say this is a great knife under $100. Lowest price I've seen is $110. Average is 120 130. Usually things go down in price unless limited. I'm already struggling with paying over $60 for a pocket knife much less 100..

[@NickShabazz]

They do, often.

[@anthonythornton8478]

After sitting on a possible delica wave purchase I found this review and this knife seemed far more appealing for my needs so I ordered right away. I've got a dragon fly salt which I love but I just found it a little small for somethings, great little knife though! The Native came this morning and It's lived up to my expectations. Looking forward to carrying this knife for sometime. Thanks for the review.

[@NickShabazz]

+Anthony Thornton Glad you're loving it.

[@anthonythornton8478]

+Nick Shabazz I've subscribed my good sir. Love the videos. Do you know what degree this knife is sharpened at by any chance?

[@NickShabazz]

Nope, sorry!

[@dlaka]

Hey Nick. What about blade play? I know it doesnt have washers. Is that problem?

[@dfailsthemost]

Is s35vn for $80 weird or am I crazy?

[@dfailsthemost]

Nevermind. Got excited and jumped the gun.

[@TheTuneAce]

Yah we wish it was still 80 and the delica was still 60. and then you find out it's linerless and washerless.... bruh

[@ReticentSparrow]

Silly Nick. Knife people invent reasons to cut things...which justifies future knife purchases. Can't wait for the Paramilitary 3.

[@koga8100]

Looking back on this I can’t believe the para 3 was not realized back in 2017

[@spike05]

@@koga8100 its kinda weird

[@mikepalma8083]

Great knife, the handle is a little small for large sized hands.

[@Alex_Stark]

Does anyone know if this knife is legal to carry in New Jersey? Thanks so much

[@ChrisInJersey]

Sure is. I carry the blue s110v version everyday. Check your municipal laws. State says good to go. Your town may have additional laws.

[@Alex_Stark]

Chris In Jersey Thanks so much Chris that helped me out big time. I sure will, and thank you for your reply I appreciate it brother. Great carry you have also.