Spyderco Native 5 Salt Folding Knife Review

Let’s Talk About Spyderco Native 5 Salt Folding Knife

The Spyderco Native 5 Salt Folding Knife isn’t just another folding knife; it’s a purpose-built tool designed to thrive in the harshest marine environments. Spyderco has taken their popular Native 5 Lightweight platform and supercharged it with extreme corrosion resistance, making it a go-to for anyone who works or plays around saltwater.

My search for the ultimate fishing knife led me to the Native 5 Salt. I needed a blade that could withstand constant exposure to saltwater without succumbing to rust or corrosion, a problem I’ve battled with other knives.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the vibrant yellow FRN handle and the lightweight feel. The construction felt solid and the blade action was incredibly smooth right out of the box, hinting at the quality I’ve come to expect from Spyderco.

Compared to my trusty Benchmade Bugout and the CRKT Pilar, the Native 5 Salt stood out with its focus on corrosion resistance. While both of those knives are excellent EDC options, neither boasts the same level of saltwater-specific protection, making the Native 5 Salt a clear winner for my needs.

My first impression was excitement tempered with a bit of caution. I was eager to test its corrosion resistance, but also skeptical of whether such a lightweight knife could handle the tougher tasks often encountered during fishing trips.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Spyderco Native 5 Salt Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Spyderco Native 5 Salt Folding Knife extensively on a week-long offshore fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico. The knife was used for everything from cutting bait and leader line to cleaning fish and preparing meals onboard.

The Native 5 Salt performed admirably in the challenging conditions. Even after constant exposure to saltwater spray and fish slime, the blade showed no signs of rust or corrosion. The bright yellow handle provided excellent visibility, even in low light conditions. The ergonomics allowed me to maintain a secure grip even with wet, slippery hands.

The knife felt natural in my hand and required no real adjustment period. The finger choil provided excellent control for detailed work, and the smooth blade action made one-handed opening and closing effortless.

Initially, I noticed the blade seemed a bit short for some of the larger fish I was cleaning, but the sharpness and edge retention more than compensated for it.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Native 5 Salt continues to impress. Despite being subjected to frequent saltwater exposure, the LC200N blade remains rust-free.

The FRN handle shows no signs of fading or cracking and the lockup remains solid and secure.

Maintenance is incredibly simple: a quick rinse with fresh water and occasional lubrication of the pivot point is all that’s needed. This knife significantly outperforms any other knife I’ve used in a marine environment. Its combination of corrosion resistance, light weight, and ergonomic design makes it a top performer.

Breaking Down the Features of Spyderco Native 5 Salt Folding Knife

Specifications

• The Spyderco Native 5 Salt Folding Knife boasts a blade length of 75 mm, making it a compact yet capable tool for various tasks. This length balances maneuverability with sufficient cutting surface.
• With a closed length of 102 mm, the knife is easily pocketable and doesn’t take up excessive space. Its compact size makes it an ideal EDC option.
• The blade is crafted from CPM MagnaCut Stainless Steel, renowned for its exceptional corrosion resistance and edge retention. This is the defining feature that sets the Salt series apart, ensuring reliable performance in harsh environments.
• Classified as a Folding Blade, the knife offers convenient and safe carry. The folding design also protects the blade when not in use.
• The overall length of 177 mm provides a comfortable and secure grip for most users. This extended length improves control during use.
• Featuring a Spyderco Blade Shape, the blade offers excellent versatility for slicing, piercing, and general utility tasks. The unique shape also enhances cutting performance.
• The handle has a Satin Finish, providing a smooth and comfortable feel in hand. The finish adds to the knife’s overall aesthetic appeal.
• A Blade Thickness of 3.2 mm offers a good balance between strength and slicing ability. This thickness ensures the blade can handle demanding tasks without being too bulky.
• Utilizing a Back Lock, the knife offers a strong and reliable locking mechanism. This lock type provides added security during use.
• The Full-Flat Blade Grind enhances slicing performance and reduces cutting resistance. This grind type is highly regarded for its efficiency.
• The knife does not include a sheath, relying on the pocket clip for carry. The four-position pocket clip allows for versatile carry options.
• The handle features a high-visibility Yellow Handle Color, making it easy to locate in low-light conditions. The bright color also enhances safety.
• Weighing in at just 2.4 oz, the knife is incredibly lightweight and comfortable to carry. This is crucial for extended use and minimizes fatigue.

These specifications combine to create a knife that is lightweight, durable, and highly functional, making it well-suited for demanding environments and everyday carry.

Performance & Functionality

The Spyderco Native 5 Salt Folding Knife excels at its primary function: providing a reliable cutting tool that resists corrosion. The LC200N blade holds an edge exceptionally well, even after prolonged use.

Its strengths lie in its corrosion resistance, lightweight design, and comfortable ergonomics. The only minor weakness is the blade length, which might be slightly short for some tasks requiring a larger blade.

It exceeds my expectations for a saltwater knife. It’s rare to find a knife that combines this level of corrosion resistance with such a comfortable and functional design.

Design & Ergonomics

The Spyderco Native 5 Salt Folding Knife features a lightweight yet durable FRN handle with Spyderco’s signature Bi-Directional Texture, offering a secure grip even in wet conditions. The knife’s ergonomics are excellent, fitting comfortably in the hand and providing good control during use.

The design is user-friendly, with a smooth blade action and easy-to-operate lock. There is virtually no learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The LC200N blade is incredibly corrosion-resistant, promising a long lifespan even with frequent saltwater exposure. The FRN handle is also highly durable and resistant to wear and tear.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only a rinse with fresh water and occasional lubrication.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Spyderco Native 5 Salt Folding Knife does not come with any additional accessories beyond the standard four-position pocket clip. There aren’t many readily available aftermarket accessories specifically designed for the Native 5 Salt, but the pocket clip can be swapped for different carry options. However, the knife is perfectly functional and highly effective in its stock configuration.

Pros and Cons of Spyderco Native 5 Salt Folding Knife