First Impressions of Spyderco Native Chief Folding Knife by Sal Glesser
The Spyderco Native Chief Folding Knife by Sal Glesser is a compelling offering, extending the familiar Native 5 platform into a larger, more robust tool. Designed by Sal Glesser himself, this knife promises enhanced cutting performance and ergonomics suitable for larger hands, a feature that immediately piqued my interest. Its availability in premium steels like CPM SPY27, CPM CRU-WEAR, and CPM S110V also signaled a commitment to quality and performance, promising edge retention and corrosion resistance tailored to demanding users.
As an experienced outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I was drawn to the Native Chief by a need for a reliable, full-sized folding knife that wouldn’t compromise on packability. Many “tactical” knives I’ve used felt bulky, while EDC knives often lacked the blade length for serious tasks. I received the knife in its standard Spyderco packaging, which is functional and informative.
Upon unboxing, the Native Chief immediately impressed me with its slim profile and lightweight feel, especially considering its extended length. The peel-ply textured G-10 scales provided a secure and confident grip, and the fit and finish were excellent. Compared to other knives I own, such as the Benchmade Griptilian and the Cold Steel Recon 1, the Native Chief felt more refined and purpose-built for precision cutting tasks, despite its overall size being closer to the Recon 1.
My initial excitement stemmed from the Native Chief’s potential to bridge the gap between a dedicated EDC and a more substantial field knife. The design promised a blend of cutting power and portability I hadn’t yet experienced in a folding knife.
Real-World Testing: Putting Spyderco Native Chief Folding Knife by Sal Glesser to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Spyderco Native Chief Folding Knife by Sal Glesser was a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. I wanted to evaluate its performance in typical outdoor tasks like food preparation, fire starting, and gear maintenance. The knife performed admirably in dry conditions, slicing through rope, feathering sticks for kindling, and preparing food with ease.
The Native Chief’s full-flat-ground blade made clean, efficient cuts, even when processing tougher materials like seasoned firewood. I did not encounter rain, but a light dew settled overnight. The Native Chief showed no signs of corrosion. Its slim profile and ergonomic handle design allowed for comfortable use even after extended periods, and I experienced no hotspots or discomfort.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, including additional camping trips, range sessions, and general EDC tasks, the Spyderco Native Chief Folding Knife by Sal Glesser has proven to be remarkably durable and reliable. The blade, constructed from CPM S110V steel in my model, still holds a keen edge, requiring only occasional stropping to maintain its sharpness. The G-10 scales have shown no signs of wear and the lock remains solid and secure.
The stainless steel backspacer adds noticeable rigidity to the handle, contributing to the overall feeling of robustness. I’ve found the knife relatively easy to clean, even after processing messy materials like fish or game, with simple soap and water being sufficient to remove any residue. Compared to my previous EDC knives, the Native Chief outperforms them in terms of edge retention and overall cutting performance, making it a clear favorite for demanding tasks.
Breaking Down the Features of Spyderco Native Chief Folding Knife by Sal Glesser
Specifications
The Spyderco Native Chief Folding Knife by Sal Glesser boasts the following specifications:
- Manufacturer: Spyderco, a company renowned for its innovative designs and high-quality materials.
- Closed Length: 5.08 inches, making it a sizable yet still pocketable option.
- Designer: Sal Glesser, ensuring a focus on functionality and ergonomics.
- Blade Finish: Satin, providing a sleek and corrosion-resistant surface.
- Blade Thickness: 0.13 inches, striking a balance between cutting performance and durability.
- Lock Type: Back Lock, offering a robust and reliable locking mechanism.
- Opening Method: Round Hole, a signature Spyderco feature for ambidextrous and easy one-handed opening.
These specifications translate directly into the knife’s performance and user experience. The blade thickness provides enough strength for tougher tasks, while the full-flat grind ensures efficient slicing. The back lock offers exceptional security, and the Spyderco Round Hole allows for effortless deployment, even with gloved hands.
Performance & Functionality
The Spyderco Native Chief Folding Knife by Sal Glesser excels in its primary function: cutting. The CPM S110V steel on my variant maintains an exceptionally sharp edge for extended periods, reducing the need for frequent sharpening. The blade geometry allows for clean, precise cuts, whether I’m processing food, carving wood, or performing delicate tasks.
The knife’s strengths lie in its excellent edge retention, comfortable ergonomics, and secure locking mechanism. A minor weakness is that the back lock can be slightly stiff to disengage initially, although it loosens with use. Overall, the Native Chief meets and exceeds my expectations for a high-performance folding knife.
Design & Ergonomics
The Native Chief’s design prioritizes both functionality and ergonomics. The linerless G-10 handle provides a secure and comfortable grip, even in wet conditions, thanks to its peel-ply texture. The knife feels well-balanced in hand, and the slim profile makes it surprisingly easy to carry despite its size.
The Spyderco Round Hole allows for ambidextrous one-handed opening, a crucial feature for tactical and outdoor applications. The Native Chief has a minimal learning curve. Its intuitive design and reliable lock make it user-friendly for both experienced knife users and those new to the Spyderco brand.
Durability & Maintenance
The Spyderco Native Chief Folding Knife by Sal Glesser is built to last. Its high-quality materials and robust construction ensure excellent durability even under demanding use. The CPM S110V blade is highly resistant to wear and corrosion, and the G-10 handle can withstand significant abuse.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning and sharpening to keep the knife in optimal condition. The knife’s simple design and minimal parts make disassembly and cleaning easy.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Spyderco Native Chief Folding Knife by Sal Glesser comes standard with a polished four-position pocket clip, allowing for versatile carry options (left or right-side, tip-up or tip-down). Aftermarket customization options are limited. However, the knife is compatible with some aftermarket pocket clips designed for other Spyderco models.
While there aren’t specific aftermarket scales designed specifically for the Native Chief, some users have successfully modified scales from similar Spyderco models to fit. The knife’s design emphasizes practical functionality over extensive customization.
Pros and Cons of Spyderco Native Chief Folding Knife by Sal Glesser
Pros
- Exceptional Edge Retention: The CPM S110V (or other steel variants) provides long-lasting sharpness, reducing the need for frequent sharpening.
- Ergonomic Design: The comfortable G-10 handle ensures a secure grip and reduces hand fatigue during extended use.
- Robust Back Lock: The reliable back lock mechanism provides a secure and confident blade lockup.
- Slim Profile: Despite its extended length, the knife’s slim profile makes it relatively easy to carry.
- Versatile Carry Options: The four-position pocket clip allows for customized carry based on user preference.
Cons
- The back lock can be initially stiff and require some break-in.
- Limited aftermarket customization options compared to some other folding knives.
Who Should Buy Spyderco Native Chief Folding Knife by Sal Glesser?
The Spyderco Native Chief Folding Knife by Sal Glesser is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and anyone who needs a reliable, full-sized folding knife for demanding tasks. Its ergonomic design and excellent cutting performance make it ideal for extended use in the field. Those who appreciate high-quality materials and a robust locking mechanism will also find this knife appealing.
Someone who prefers a smaller, more compact EDC knife might find the Native Chief too large. Those seeking extensive customization options may be disappointed by the limited aftermarket support. A sharpening stone or strop is a must-have accessory to maintain the blade’s keen edge.
Conclusion on Spyderco Native Chief Folding Knife by Sal Glesser
The Spyderco Native Chief Folding Knife by Sal Glesser is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a high-performance, full-sized folding knife that balances cutting power with portability. The price is justified by the knife’s exceptional materials, robust construction, and overall performance. I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile tool for outdoor adventures, everyday carry, or tactical applications.
If you’re ready to upgrade your folding knife game, the Spyderco Native Chief is a worthwhile investment that will not disappoint. Experience the difference a well-designed and expertly crafted knife can make – get your Spyderco Native Chief Folding Knife by Sal Glesser today!