Spyderco Native 4 Carbon Fiber: Flat Cool

I have never warmed up to the rakish grind on the regular Spyderco Native. However this Carbon Fiber (CF) Native4 version, as noted last year in the catalog, is much more intriguing to me. It is a showpiece edition of the Native, featuring very thin CF scales which improve visual presentation. These scales also make the Native CF extremely FLAT and comfortable in carry, aided by the typically well-executed Spyderco clip design (properly blackened for the theme). But expect no traction on these scales: they are disappointingly slick and provide zero purchase. A textured and matte finished CF along the lines of the "Buck Mayo TNT" (250 pc limited edition) would have been preferred. The jimping on the underside choil is perfect but it is glaringly absent on the upper spine; an incomplete execution of the design. The lack of traction not withstanding, the CF ergos as are good but would be improved by the addition of some jimping topside (or you can add a thin strip of skateboard traction tape as Ive shown before). The carry weight of 3.4 ounces is unimpressive for a CF knife (should be feather light) and can be attributed to the skeletonized stainless steel frame of this knife. At this price point and design goal, a titanium frame would have been superior. Deployment speed and lockup are superb as is the 2.9" full flat ground, bright finished VG10 steel blade. It is very functional and perfectly sized for EDC. Fit and finish are impressive and the knife could be a crowd pleaser... for sure no one else around you will have one of these. However the Native4 CF is a low value knife at around $140 (I was incorrect in the videoit is more than I stated!) and its asking price is somewhat outlandish in my estimation. The Native CF would make an excellent EDC blade but some understandably have a hard time thrashing such a blade when so many great sub-$50 options abound. A more likely role might be acquiring the Native4 CF as an impressive Spyderco collectible for diehard fans of the company. /////////////////////// Nutnfancy Likeability Scale: 6.5 of 10 (hurt by high cost)