Mark, The Florida Cracker—November 16, 2025
Trying to round out my collection of Spyderco knives, I really wanted the Native 5 lightweight as another option for my EDC rotation, and I wasn’t disappointed. Sharp out of the box, easily carried, and the CPM S30V steel is easy to resharpen after being close to being abused. It’s a hard knife to pass up if you’re on the fence for a quality, lightweight, and durable blade that you’ve been looking for. I know, I’ve been carrying a less expensive knife for a long time, for cutting boxes and stuff, but once I got this, it helped me understand why value isn’t always a lower price, it’s also how much time you spend fixing something that you shouldn’t have to fix every week or so. Read more
JOHN—November 29, 2025
The media could not be loaded. The only thing that held me back from getting a Native 5 was the fact that it has a back lock. I’m a huge fan of Spyderco compression locks and I have a dozen of them with it. But the blade shape and size of the Native 5 is what made me take the plunge. First thing I did was to add lube then played with the action for a while to help break it in. After just a half hour of that I’m able 1-finger flick it open already. The back lock is super stable and with a firm press the blade drops well where you can single-finger close it. And, I immediately replaced the clip with a Lynch deep carry which is so much better than the stock one. This is also my second Maxamet blade (the other is a sage 5) and this one is mind bending sharp! You can shave hairs right off your arm. My only regret is that I took so long to get a Native 5. Can already see this becoming my favorite! Read more
Andy B.—May 5, 2019
I didva ton of research and wanted a premium steel made in the USA knife that I could carry. Based on the knives I have and use most, a 3” blade and overall near 7” works best and this or Benchmades mini grip fit the bill. $100 is more than enough for a knife and more seemed like overkill. I have another Spyderco that has really grown on me and just love the more interesting and symmetrical shape. I was worried that the FRN would feel cheap but it doesn’t. The texture is great, the knife is amazing. Razor sharp, awesome finish and great point on it. I really love the made in golden, Colorado, USA, earth on the back. Ergonomics are perfect and has the forward Choil for bigger hands, but I can use the knife without. I bought this pink one so that I could dye it, probably a deep blue or red. I must say the Pink is actually a pretty nice and vibrant color and for a good cause. Love that Spyderco hole too, but it will take time to break in the action with the back lock. This thing is sturdy, light, and super functional. Sadly, my fiancée, who isn’t into knives one bit, grabbed it from me about 10 seconds after i opened it and claimed it for herself. Had no idea how much it was or anything about it, but as picky as she is that should tell you everything you need to know. She loves it and fiddled with it all night during a movie. To address other reviews, yes the picture is dated. Spyderco went from s35 to sv30. I had to do a tad bit of research to know that there’s not a human in earth that can distinguish between the two for using it. They’re both great steels and unless you for some reason need a touch up on toughness, then I guess pay $40 more for something else. Kinda silly to give zero stars for since it’s NOT a fake, and not really inferior in any way. Read more
Crow—January 1, 2026
very good knife....steel is excellent.....size and weight is great for overall use Read more
Elvis Peng—December 17, 2025
Good size, light weight and nice salt series! Read more
Sassafras—January 21, 2025
I have only recently been turned into Spyderco knives, but this is one of the few I already own and carry regularly. It really comes down to this knife, the ‘Native 5’, and my ‘lil Native’. When I want a small knife or one with a flick capability, I go with the lil native but when I want a more common sized blade but with lightweight forefront, I go with the Native 5. Solid, quality steel. Durable and lightweight handle material. Does not allow for the notorious flick open technique, BUT with the huge signature spyderco thumb hole, it’s actually rather easy to manipulate with just one hand. It really doesn’t take much used to getting to on mastering closing it one hand either. SV30 steel is durable and tough but also takes more attention to detail and patience in sharpening. Great Spyderco model for sure. Read more