Seven years ago I was already in love with a KnifeCenter Exclusive Native. The idea to propose a smooth G10 handle was IMHO a great EDC enhancement as G10 can turn any knife into a pocket shredder.

As you can notice the Native 5 with its OEM clip can perfectly be clipped to a watch pocket.

I was certain I have missed the opportunity to own one of those smooth operators exclusively made for the KCI when, Alex, a fellow member of the Facebook Spyderco Fan Club France has pointed it to me.
They were still in stock ! HERE !!

I know monsieur Howard Korn, the founder of the KCI, since his very beginnings back in the 90’s when he was all alone, and suggested me to design their logo. Howard was the very first reseller to propose knives on a big scale using a very new medium: the world wide web ! What a venture ! And eventually what a success !
It was before Amazon and Howard is one of the pioneers in terms of spreading the cutlery’s culture worldwide. Hence now the great videos which are produced in house.
Again, it has been a smooth transaction from the USA to France thanks to a great customer service for a great exclusive. I may be biased but this is my customer experience for almost 30 years with the Knife Center: flawless and inspiring.

Eventually I have found out I have bought perhaps the very last one of those Native Exclusive as 10 days later my order (June2024) they are now out of stock.

So what do we got here ?

I have written a lot about CPM Cruwear !
But this tough and well balanced alloy which can provide a crispy razor edge is perfect on small or long folders.
This is a workhorse steel and one of the greatest high tech alloy available in modern cutlery. I have even proved how hard it was to get a patina on it. This time with DLC coating no patina or rusting will be feared.
BTW DLC Diamond Like Coating is used from implants. It is not toxic.

This all black version of the Native is ready to be used in all weather conditions.

So here we got a very low profile package with a none threatening design as black knives matter when confronted to sheeples who could point you as a Mall Ninja with a dark saber.

These days I am reluctent to carry in the city a long blade/folder and my search for accepted shorter knives, locking or not locking is evident.
I have previously studied knives which can be used in the city and the Native is one of them. The idea is a maximum of polyvalence for a tool which should raise eyebrows. A friendly not threatening package. The knid of knives my grandfathers and father used to carry without any after thoughts but in planes. 😉
When heading for the countryside, I don’t restrict my self in terms of blade length but for a big city, I play a very low profile game and most of the time I do strictly follow the Law even if I’m not fearing any kind of Police check.
Hence the Native: same cockpit as Hellboy which is used a lot in the kitchen as the Chief as turned into a Chef but shorter.

There is also a swedge or on the blade spine on the Native which is not present on the Chief.

The action is smooth with zero blade play as chute drop is obtain by releasing the lock. I have already written and how those Golden Native are top notch in term of fit and finish, using them since 2011.

This version with no liner is for me the best design and this Exclusive the best of the best. In those years of titanium frame locks and axis locks, the chance to own a great lockback is precious. And this one is for me: the Last of The Mohicans !