This is a very good comparison of knives of roughly similar format and size, yet quite different. I was also choosing between these three models from Spyderco. Used a Delica for a while, but later replaced it with a Para 3 LW. Thanks for the video 👍
I only know one knive and it is my Delica 4. I carry it at the bottom of my pocket, so light and thin I sometimes forget that I have it...I never understood why it always feels so solid ?
Native 5 lightweight is such an awesome edc knife. Waiting for it to come in k390.. Many people always start with an para 3 but i didn’t liked the para 3 that much. The native 5 is way better in my eyes for edc. The backlock is really really good.
I may be weird but I actually prefer the wire style pocket clip to the bulkier ones that the regular para 3 and 2 come with. Those clips you have on yours look nice though.
I have 2 of the 3 (sorta).....except my Para 3 is in CruWear with smooth G10 handles. It's a great knife that I paid around $124 for 6 years ago and has been my most-used single bladed folder (although I do prefer SAK's for carrying around). Fast forward to this year, picked up a Native 5 LW in SPY27....while I love the knife, the $160 price tag for cheap plastic handles and barely any hardware on a really small knife is a little ridiculous, but unfortunately that's the world we've moved into the last few years. That being said, I want the Native 5 in CruWear w/ micarta handles - waiting to see if there's any Black Friday deals before ordering.
nah, compression lock is to liner lock what cold steels TriAd lock is to backlocks. The tang of the blade doesn't interface with just liner, instead the special cutout in the tang of the blade "crushes" the liner against a stop pin. That's why its harder lock. Linerlock can disengage easier, because liner may wear out and slip out from under the blade tang, but it cant slip out of being pinched between tang and stop pin- unless you break out a pin, scales or piwot itself. Look up the locking mechanisms schematics on spydercos homepage, you'll get what the difference is.
Yes, observer, I looked at the mechanics… the compression has three points of contact similar to a triad just not as thick or durable. The triad s still the GOAT of knife locks.
Omg I really really want a compression lock native 5 as well. The shaman is way to big for me, I have the compression lock lil native and it’s fantastic, if there was a comp lock native 5 I might even like it more than the para 3!
I have all three. The Native LW is my preferred EDC most of the time. While I understand your opinion about the handle feeling “cheap” compared to the other two, inversely the Native seems to also have the strongest lock-up. It locks with a deep, confidence-inspiring ‘click’… the same sound you get from a full-linered version. I feel I can rely on it never to accidentally close on me. Admittedly, I don’t get that from ANY of these, just like the “walk-n-talk” of the Native best. The Delica is a great EDC in it’s own rite, and I carried one for years. The downfall for me is no forward choil. I want to at least have the option of choking-up. My Para 3 LW has fidget-factor, but it feels ‘cheap’, especially over a G10/liner version, or a PM2. There’s a fine-line between blade-play and drop-shut performance. I feel like I’m constantly tweeking the screws to get it right. And honestly, it’s just not as fun to play with as a PM2 or Manix2. They are ALL great knives though. Thanks for the video.
It’s a good question! I think for me it was aesthetics and the feel in the hand. It offered some slight differences from the Delica, and it is quite different from the Manix given it’s size. I also felt the blade shape might give a slight edge in EDC tasks. To be completely honest though, it’s hard to put much reason to why we as knife collectors purchase certain knives. We could have 5 knives that are practically the same, however for some reason we feel the need to keep all of them for one reason or another. It doesn’t always make much sense lol. Thanks for the comments!
I have all 3 and they all have different uses. Para 3 lw gets the most pocket time. Lynch clips on all my spydies except my native 5 lw. Had to go mxg.
This is a very good comparison of knives of roughly similar format and size, yet quite different.
I was also choosing between these three models from Spyderco. Used a Delica for a while, but later replaced it with a Para 3 LW.
Thanks for the video 👍
Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching!
The Native 5 Salt is my favorite beach knife. The LWs knives are a blessing during shorts' weather here in the south. ☀️😎✌️
I would love to get a salt version!
I only know one knive and it is my Delica 4. I carry it at the bottom of my pocket, so light and thin I sometimes forget that I have it...I never understood why it always feels so solid ?
I’d say it’s the metal liners, they definitely give it a robust feel eliminating any flex, or hollow feeling
I feel like the Sage 5 fills the niche of a compression lock version of the Native 5 that you mentioned you were looking for no?
Yes! I will definitely give one a shot in the future
Native 5 lightweight is such an awesome edc knife. Waiting for it to come in k390..
Many people always start with an para 3 but i didn’t liked the para 3 that much. The native 5 is way better in my eyes for edc. The backlock is really really good.
I’m interested in trying one out!
I may be weird but I actually prefer the wire style pocket clip to the bulkier ones that the regular para 3 and 2 come with. Those clips you have on yours look nice though.
I have 2 of the 3 (sorta).....except my Para 3 is in CruWear with smooth G10 handles. It's a great knife that I paid around $124 for 6 years ago and has been my most-used single bladed folder (although I do prefer SAK's for carrying around). Fast forward to this year, picked up a Native 5 LW in SPY27....while I love the knife, the $160 price tag for cheap plastic handles and barely any hardware on a really small knife is a little ridiculous, but unfortunately that's the world we've moved into the last few years. That being said, I want the Native 5 in CruWear w/ micarta handles - waiting to see if there's any Black Friday deals before ordering.
I agree, prices are a bit high.. but excellent knives.. thanks for watching!
Compression lock is more figity but is not as durable as the back lock. The compression lock is just a reverse liner lock.
nah, compression lock is to liner lock what cold steels TriAd lock is to backlocks.
The tang of the blade doesn't interface with just liner,
instead the special cutout in the tang of the blade "crushes" the liner against a stop pin. That's why its harder lock.
Linerlock can disengage easier, because liner may wear out and slip out from under the blade tang,
but it cant slip out of being pinched between tang and stop pin- unless you break out a pin, scales or piwot itself.
Look up the locking mechanisms schematics on spydercos homepage, you'll get what the difference is.
Yes, observer, I looked at the mechanics… the compression has three points of contact similar to a triad just not as thick or durable. The triad s still the GOAT of knife locks.
Like Observer413 said it's much stronger than a liner lock but yeah, the backlock is still king.
Omg I really really want a compression lock native 5 as well. The shaman is way to big for me, I have the compression lock lil native and it’s fantastic, if there was a comp lock native 5 I might even like it more than the para 3!
That’s basically what the Sage 5 is.
While blade shapes are a bit diffrent, the "Sage 5" model is a "native 5 with compression lock".
Still would love to try one! May snag one second hand or on sale someday
I have all three. The Native LW is my preferred EDC most of the time. While I understand your opinion about the handle feeling “cheap” compared to the other two, inversely the Native seems to also have the strongest lock-up. It locks with a deep, confidence-inspiring ‘click’… the same sound you get from a full-linered version. I feel I can rely on it never to accidentally close on me. Admittedly, I don’t get that from ANY of these, just like the “walk-n-talk” of the Native best. The Delica is a great EDC in it’s own rite, and I carried one for years. The downfall for me is no forward choil. I want to at least have the option of choking-up. My Para 3 LW has fidget-factor, but it feels ‘cheap’, especially over a G10/liner version, or a PM2. There’s a fine-line between blade-play and drop-shut performance. I feel like I’m constantly tweeking the screws to get it right. And honestly, it’s just not as fun to play with as a PM2 or Manix2. They are ALL great knives though. Thanks for the video.
I agree with every point! And they are all great knives, each with their own unique character. Thanks for watching!
Serious question, what's the native for? I mean if you want a backlock you get the Delica if you want a compression lock you get the manix
It’s a good question! I think for me it was aesthetics and the feel in the hand. It offered some slight differences from the Delica, and it is quite different from the Manix given it’s size. I also felt the blade shape might give a slight edge in EDC tasks. To be completely honest though, it’s hard to put much reason to why we as knife collectors purchase certain knives. We could have 5 knives that are practically the same, however for some reason we feel the need to keep all of them for one reason or another. It doesn’t always make much sense lol. Thanks for the comments!
Why would you pick a delica since it has no finger choil ?
I have all 3 and they all have different uses. Para 3 lw gets the most pocket time. Lynch clips on all my spydies except my native 5 lw. Had to go mxg.
The Native all day long.
Making me miss my para 2 lol😂. I just sold mine., like an idiot Maybe I’ll get the Para 3