Nicely done review! I own no pocketknives. The “if I could only have one” assessment is obviously a serious thing with a guy like me, and yet the argument for the Native here wasn’t as persuasive to me as I'd expected. I’d already been leaning towards the Chaparral, and after watching this review video twice (taking notes!), still am. Using your review criteria, my perspective is bolstered by my previous understanding that Taichung does it better than Golden, that S35VN is not actually better than XHP, and because you literally said the Chaparral’s ergonomics were “just as good.” Priorities are what make the difference I suppose. I appreciate you taking the time to do these videos.
I have both and both are great knives. Don’t think I could pick a winner but agree that one is a box cutter and the other is more heavy duty. City Chapparel and country Native 5
Waiting on yellow myself -- the LC200N 'Salt' version. Love my safety orange Spy-DK in N690Co for hot "sweaty summer" conditions and coastal boating activities, BTW. I'm wary of S90V (as on yours?) on practical grounds, though that could be the Nervous Nellie in me talking...
If Native 5 had deep carry wire clip, then there would be no reason for any other blade, because Native 5 comes in S30V, S35VN, LC200N and CPM Magnacut.
Yep. Did that myself (original 2011-12 S30V version -- brighter, finer blade finish). But as an all around compact EDC workin' beast, I much prefer and love my K390 Urban. *It's* 'Slip-it' action is a clear plus, not a liability, for ease of use and fast in & out (deployment & return to trousers or jeans) for any task at hand [insert your own joke here]. Thoroughly secure in operation, with improved safety features vs. the non sprint run version. FYI.
I've been wanting a Native 5 again for the longest time. I'm going to have to just get one. You and a couple others spoke highly of the American Lawman so I have one coming Friday. Love the death match.
Yep, bp69, I'll try probably go that route myself... but now I am on the fence about selling off my excellently operating S35VN Native, now that this blade alloy is discontinued on Native 5's! ??? -- I know I feel more secure with regard to chipping resistance and ease of maintenance with S35VN vs. Spyderco's S30V.
...And don't forget the great LW 'Slip-it' models -- Urban, Spy-DK, and the new BD-1N version of the UKPK ('not your father's' BD-1 by some margin, I surmise. FYI. Man, do I want to see an updated Mannix 2 LW in BD-1N, BTW!).
My Native 5 LW is surprisingly smooth, especially on the close. When I disengage the backlock firmly the blade drops freely. That's without any blade play either.
Matt K my g10 version with liners and my titanium are as smooth as you describe. The native 5 is a great design. The chaparral is also great but the backlock can be hard on your thumb.
I went with the Chaparral, the deep carry pocket clip and 2 ounces. This goes into rotation with FF Massdrop Gent and the Kershaw Dividend M390. On the budget workday choice is R2D2 or Cutjack mini. I got rid of all knifes over 3 inches as never carried carried. However my main blade used more than any other is the pruner (hawkbill) on the discontinued SAK Harvester. Always in right pocket next to keys. Most of my cutting tasks involve draw cuts that the hawkbill styled blade exceeds at. Need a 2.5 inch spyderco hawkbill slightly larger than the dragonfly.
Hawkbill, eh? Hmm, interesting. Could you list your uses for a non gardening type (educate me)? I'm shopping SAK as I write. THANKS! P.S.- I am waiting (and waiting) for delivery my own new Gent with the rosewood scales from Massdump, yogililly1! [My Fire tablet's Spellf**ker-from-Hell made that "firewood scales" -- let's hope not!]
I've been looking for a smaller spyderco for sometime now, and I've pretty much narrowed it down to these two suspects. I agree, if I were to own but one knife, the Native 5 might be my choice. But, because I already own a few folders in larger sizes, will probably end up with the Chaparral. Mainly want it as a travel knife and small EDC. 👍👍👍😛
Try the Urban, especially the sprint run K390 version, if you can find one. In less than 30 seconds, you'll start to understand. Travels more places, and it's just a usefully better all-'round design & execution, IMO. I own both, and a Native 5, as well. FYI.
Such a relief ... I already own the Native 5LW but have had my eyes on the Chaparral for quite a while, wondering whether I should've got that instead, and up'til now still thinking I might should buy a Chaparral in place of a Para 3LW. Wish I'd seen this review a long time ago😅
I'm a LW knife nut, but I'm bugged by the regular Bugout scales and bugged by feeling the add-on co$t of the very nice Rogue Knifeworks CF upgrade scales would be almost a mandatory purchase... for me and my tastes, anyway. Thus, I remain Spyderco-centric for ultralight models.
Can you comment on the FRN of the Chaparral? Would it be more comparable to the Native, or say a Delica/Endura? IMO the Seki City FRN feels completely different than that of the Native5 Lightweight.
Hmm, I keep hearing the chaparral is "light duty" only. But what can't it do that the native (or anything similar) can? Unless "heavy duty" is a euphemism for abuse it'll handle any legit edc cutting or piercing task. Try it, put your chappy to the test and unless your using it as a pry bar or something it'll take it like any other knife would.
I wouldn't routinely stab into four-layer cardboard that I do on a weekly basis with the Chaparral. There are better choices. One happens to be the Native 5 LW.
@@SliceyDicey Probably easier to stab into four-layer cardboard with the chaparral +1. Unless you're extreamly unstable and sloppy I don't see the blade taking any more or less damage than the native 5... it'll take it.
sorry but XHP is equal than S35VN at least it must be a Tie not a loos for XHP also value i think should be a tie, to much personal in this fight :) the first im not on your side , but its fine :)
One thing I love about the Native 5 is how it looks closed. It feels like such a smooth and sleek package when folded up.
Nicely done review! I own no pocketknives. The “if I could only have one” assessment is obviously a serious thing with a guy like me, and yet the argument for the Native here wasn’t as persuasive to me as I'd expected. I’d already been leaning towards the Chaparral, and after watching this review video twice (taking notes!), still am.
Using your review criteria, my perspective is bolstered by my previous understanding that Taichung does it better than Golden, that S35VN is not actually better than XHP, and because you literally said the Chaparral’s ergonomics were “just as good.” Priorities are what make the difference I suppose.
I appreciate you taking the time to do these videos.
I have both and both are great knives. Don’t think I could pick a winner but agree that one is a box cutter and the other is more heavy duty. City Chapparel and country Native 5
Thanks Bryan. I did just order a Chaparral, before this video, as my first Spyderco. I am still excited about getting it.
Thank you guys who asked for it . I was in between these
Love these type of vids. It's like death battle but with knives.
Aha! I've been awaiting this video.
I ordered the Native 5LW with orange handles yesterday. Oh the wait is killing me!! Love your reviews and channel.
Waiting on yellow myself -- the LC200N 'Salt' version. Love my safety orange Spy-DK in N690Co for hot "sweaty summer" conditions and coastal boating activities, BTW. I'm wary of S90V (as on yours?) on practical grounds, though that could be the Nervous Nellie in me talking...
Frederick J. I got my LC200n native. How’s yours holding up? Mine holds an edge forever
If Native 5 had deep carry wire clip, then there would be no reason for any other blade, because Native 5 comes in S30V, S35VN, LC200N and CPM Magnacut.
Chaparral makes more sense to me as a gentleman's folder in the CF trim. Two great knives tho!
Yep. Did that myself (original 2011-12 S30V version -- brighter, finer blade finish). But as an all around compact EDC workin' beast, I much prefer and love my K390 Urban. *It's* 'Slip-it' action is a clear plus, not a liability, for ease of use and fast in & out (deployment & return to trousers or jeans) for any task at hand [insert your own joke here]. Thoroughly secure in operation, with improved safety features vs. the non sprint run version. FYI.
I've been wanting a Native 5 again for the longest time. I'm going to have to just get one. You and a couple others spoke highly of the American Lawman so I have one coming Friday. Love the death match.
Just give the American Lawman some break-in time before you judge it. Singing the song helps. ;)
I would go for the lc200n native when it comes out
Yep, bp69, I'll try probably go that route myself... but now I am on the fence about selling off my excellently operating S35VN Native, now that this blade alloy is discontinued on Native 5's! ??? -- I know I feel more secure with regard to chipping resistance and ease of maintenance with S35VN vs. Spyderco's S30V.
Nice review. The Manix 2 LW, Native 5, Chapparal, Lil Native space is crowded indeed with lots of good options.
...And don't forget the great LW 'Slip-it' models -- Urban, Spy-DK, and the new BD-1N version of the UKPK ('not your father's' BD-1 by some margin, I surmise. FYI. Man, do I want to see an updated Mannix 2 LW in BD-1N, BTW!).
I have an original Native & 5 Native 5's (1 of them in G-10). It's just one of my favorite designs from the Boys in Golden.
It's the width that makes the difference for EDC, and or course the deep carry clip of the Chaparral, perfect for social environments.
I got to go with the Chaparral. I Love the Native 5 but can't hang with the frn versions without steel liners.
Great video! How about a Chaparral vs Banter battle?
My Native 5 LW is surprisingly smooth, especially on the close. When I disengage the backlock firmly the blade drops freely. That's without any blade play either.
Mine is fine. Smoother than my Delica. Just not as smooth as the Chaparral is.
Matt K my g10 version with liners and my titanium are as smooth as you describe. The native 5 is a great design. The chaparral is also great but the backlock can be hard on your thumb.
Exactly my experience, Matt. Not a Spydie hole flicker, though...
Nice comparison... love the death matches.... !! 👍👍👍
I have the chaparral and love the knife..I ordered a dragonfly and hope that's a plus. Cool video SD.
I went with the Chaparral, the deep carry pocket clip and 2 ounces.
This goes into rotation with FF Massdrop Gent and the Kershaw Dividend M390.
On the budget workday choice is R2D2 or Cutjack mini. I got rid of all knifes over 3 inches as never carried carried.
However my main blade used more than any other is the pruner (hawkbill) on the discontinued SAK Harvester. Always in right pocket next to keys. Most of my cutting tasks involve draw cuts that the hawkbill styled blade exceeds at. Need a 2.5 inch spyderco hawkbill slightly larger than the dragonfly.
Hawkbill, eh? Hmm, interesting. Could you list your uses for a non gardening type (educate me)? I'm shopping SAK as I write. THANKS!
P.S.- I am waiting (and waiting) for delivery my own new Gent with the rosewood scales from Massdump, yogililly1! [My Fire tablet's Spellf**ker-from-Hell made that "firewood scales" -- let's hope not!]
Harvester is not discontinued, although there have been rumours. It is now sold as Victorinox Swiss Army 7.
CTS-XHP is a much better all round steel than S35VN everyday of the week.
I've been looking for a smaller spyderco for sometime now, and I've pretty much narrowed it down to these two suspects. I agree, if I were to own but one knife, the Native 5 might be my choice. But, because I already own a few folders in larger sizes, will probably end up with the Chaparral. Mainly want it as a travel knife and small EDC. 👍👍👍😛
Try the Urban, especially the sprint run K390 version, if you can find one. In less than 30 seconds, you'll start to understand. Travels more places, and it's just a usefully better all-'round design & execution, IMO. I own both, and a Native 5, as well. FYI.
Such a relief ... I already own the Native 5LW but have had my eyes on the Chaparral for quite a while, wondering whether I should've got that instead, and up'til now still thinking I might should buy a Chaparral in place of a Para 3LW. Wish I'd seen this review a long time ago😅
Where can we find a list of the different knives made at each factory?
Cheers pal another interesting comparison atb paddy😀👍☘
Great comparison
What pocket clip do you recommend for the Native 5???
What would you get native 5, manix 2, or chapparel
manix 2 :)
Suh-weet!!! Thanks!!
It would be neat to see Spyderco's top light weight Vs the Bugout. A light weight battle.
Did that. That's where I got so many requests for this one.
I'm a LW knife nut, but I'm bugged by the regular Bugout scales and bugged by feeling the add-on co$t of the very nice Rogue Knifeworks CF upgrade scales would be almost a mandatory purchase... for me and my tastes, anyway. Thus, I remain Spyderco-centric for ultralight models.
Can you comment on the FRN of the Chaparral? Would it be more comparable to the Native, or say a Delica/Endura? IMO the Seki City FRN feels completely different than that of the Native5 Lightweight.
Closer to the Delica but still a bit different than that. A little harder.
Chaparral all day for me.
Better quality in all ways pretty much and I prefer the size.
No washers on the native LW is a dealbreaker for me.
Hmm, I keep hearing the chaparral is "light duty" only. But what can't it do that the native (or anything similar) can? Unless "heavy duty" is a euphemism for abuse it'll handle any legit edc cutting or piercing task. Try it, put your chappy to the test and unless your using it as a pry bar or something it'll take it like any other knife would.
I wouldn't routinely stab into four-layer cardboard that I do on a weekly basis with the Chaparral. There are better choices. One happens to be the Native 5 LW.
@@SliceyDicey Probably easier to stab into four-layer cardboard with the chaparral +1. Unless you're extreamly unstable and sloppy I don't see the blade taking any more or less damage than the native 5... it'll take it.
Seems like the Sage 5 lightweight is a perfect blend. Can’t wait to hear your review.
Compression lock not as good.
I can flick open my native lightweight. It's actually rather trivial to do
👍
sorry but XHP is equal than S35VN at least it must be a Tie not a loos for XHP also value i think should be a tie, to much personal in this fight :) the first im not on your side , but its fine :)
Not sure about this.
"Steel experts often describe CTS-XHP as equivalent to a stainless D2"
I thought I was listening to Seth Rogan review these knives at first.
I'm choosing to take that as a compliment.
How wrong can you get.