C41 Native
The C41 Native is a mid-sized knife with a drop point blade and a deep finger cutout in the handle that was introduced in 1997.
Generations
Four Native generations can be differentiated:
- Generation 1: Native Lightweight, FRN and G-10 handles, available since 1997, produced in Golden, U.S.A.
- Generation 2: Native SS, Stainless Steel handle variant, available from 1997-2007, produced in Seki-City, Japan.
- Generation 3: Native 3, thicker, ergonomic 3-D FRN handle, wire clip, and VG-10 blade. The 3rd generation of the Native is not further described in this article as Spyderco has assigned it the C78 SKU, see C78 Native III.
- Generation 4: Native 4, features a screw together construction, VG-10 blade, and is produced in Seki-City, Japan.
- Generation 5: Native5, the latest generation features a screw together construction, CPM-S35VN Full Flat grind blade, and is produced in Golden, CO.
Appearance in catalogs
The C41 Native appeared in the following catalogs (older, newer):
- 1997 Spyderco Products (C41BK with 440A steel type listed)
- 1998 Spyderco Products (C41BK)
- 1999-2001 Spyderco Products (C41BK, C41)
- 2002 Spyderco Products (C41BK, C41, also a non-existing C41BK with VG-10 is shown, released as C78)
- 2003-2005 Spyderco Products (C41BK, C41)
- 2006-2007 Spyderco Products (C41BK, C41BBK, C41)
- 2008 Spyderco Products (C41BK, C41BBK)
- 2008 Spyderco Mid-Year Product Supplement (C41CFP)
- 2009 Spyderco Products (C41BK, C41BBK, C41PPN, C41CFP)
- 2011 Spyderco Products (C41G5)
Designer
Sal Glesser [1]
History, mentionings from the forums etc.
On the Spyderco forums:
- History info by Sal.
- "BEWARE Native BRK not made by Spyderco" thread. Discussion about the "BRK First Generation" Native.
- Introducing by Sal of the G-10 with shell inlay Natives in 2000.
- "Native vs. Native III" thread.
- The Spyderco Forum Knife 2009 thread.
Others:
- Go here for detailed Native history notes by "The Deacon" on his site.
Information from the Spyderco catalog on the web
C41BK:
"Engineered for the human hand, the Native's ergonomic design maximizes cutting ability while minimizing discomfort and fatigue. This model is all about combining performance and comfort. Since the portion of the knife most in contact with the user is the handle, that became key while the model was in initial development on the drawing table. We've created a handle pattern with two separate finger choils. The first choil (where the blade and handle meet) allow positioning the index finger closer to the knife's sharpened edge for control over the cutting surface. Behind the first choil, the second positions the hand farther back on the folder for dexterous cutting while pushing the blade away from you. Bi-Directional Texturing molded into the FRN handle form varying levels of steps minimizing forward or backward sliding. Carved out of the locking lever is a David Boye Dent insuring the lock remains safely engaged even when gripping the handle forcefully. A section of non-sharpened serrations line the blade's spine yield an additional slip resistant point for the thumb. The blade itself is hollow-ground CPM-S30V steel with a weight reducing swedge ground from the spine. A black steel tip-up clip can be placed ambidextrously on both sides of the handle via a barrel-shaped screw that doubles as a lanyard."[2]
See also: C41BBK[3], C41PN[4], C41TN[5], C41[6], C41CF[7], C41PPR[8], C41G5[9].
C41BK5 (5th Generation FRN):
"Since its original release in 1997, the Native has been a mainstay of the Spyderco product line and a flagship of our American-made stable of knives. The design has evolved steadily over the years, reaching its current state of the art in 2012 with the release of the Native 5. The latest addition to the Native lineage is the Native5 Lightweight, which combines the Native5’s engineering refinements with the weight-saving advantages of an injection-molded fiberglass-reinforced-nylon (FRN) handle.
Proudly manufactured in our factory in Golden, Colorado, the Native5 features a spear point blade made from premium CPM S35VN stainless steel. Its full-flat grind, distal taper, textured index-finger choil and thumb ramp, and understated swedge collectively offer a distinctive appearance and outstanding edge geometry and point utility. The blade is supported by a highly refined back lock mechanism that takes this time-tested lock design and elevates it to a new standard of engineering and manufacturing excellence.
The linerless FRN handle features Bi-Directional Texturing™ for an ultra-secure grip and reduces the overall weight of the knife to a scant 2.5 ounces. The handle also houses four sets of threaded inserts molded directly into the FRN. These allow the improved hourglass clip to be positioned for left or right-side tip-up or tip-down carry. A generously sized lanyard hole also provides a handy attachment point for lanyards, fobs, and safety lines.
A highly advanced evolution of a time-honored design, the Native5 Lightweight is an incredibly capable, pocket-sized cutting tool and a shining example of Spyderco’s commitment to making even our best products consistently better.
The C41BK5 Native in Spyderco's online catalog
Variations
All C41 Natives have a
- Back Lock locking mechanism
- Drop Point Blade
- 50/50 choil
- deep finger cutout in the handle behind the choil
Variations of the Native Lightweight (Generation 1)
All Native Lightweights are made in Golden, U.S.A.
| SKU | Handle | Edge(s) | Steel | From/To | MSRP | Note | Number made | Grind | Clip | Clip positions | Collectors club |
| C41BK | Black FRN | PE PS | GIN-1/G-2 | 1997-1999 | ? | N/A | Hollow | Black Metal, Barrel bolt | LH/RH, TU | ||
| C41BK | Black FRN | PE PS | CPM-440V | 2000-2003 | ? | Boye dent introduced in last batches | N/A | Hollow | Black Metal, Barrel bolt | LH/RH, TU | |
| C41BK | Black FRN | PE PS | CPM-S30V | 2004-2014 | 83.95$ (2004), 99.95$ (2009) | N/A | Hollow | Black Metal, Barrel bolt | LH/RH, TU | ||
| C41BBK | Black FRN | PS | CPM-S30V black | 2005-2014 | 109.95$ (2009) | N/A | Hollow | Black Metal, Barrel bolt | LH/RH, TU | ||
| C41BBK | Black FRN | PE | CPM-S30V black | 2006 | N/A | Hollow | Black Metal, Barrel bolt | LH/RH, TU | |||
| C41PSTN | Tan FRN | PS | CPM-S30V | 2006-2014 | 74.95$ (2006) | Multiple variations of engraving on blade, including: "Operation Iraqi Freedom", "Operation Enduring Freedom" (see C41TN2), and "Operation New Dawn". Also engraved on all, "We pray for your safe return". Not available to dealers or distributors, Active Duty Soldiers in Iraq or Afghanistan may enter to win one or may purchase through AAFEES, the local TFE, or their stateside MCSS. As individual phases of military operations wound down, the engraving changed to reflect current combat operations. As the Iraqi conflict drew to a close, the "Operation Iraqi Freedom" and "Operation New Dawn" versions were discontinued. This SKU was changed presumably changed to C41TN2 to reflect the continuing "Operation Enduring Freedom" conflict occurring in Afghanistan. | limited | Hollow | Silver Metal, Barrel bolt | LH/RH, TU | |
| C41PPN | Pink FRN | PE | CPM-S30V | 2008-2014 | 109.95$ (2009) | N/A | Hollow | Chrome Metal, Barrel bolt | LH/RH, TU | ||
| C41PPR | Purple FRN | PE | CPM-S30V | 2009 | 109.95$ (2009) | Sprintrun, Spyderco Forum Knife 2009 | 300 | Full Flat | Chrome Metal, Barrel bolt | LH/RH, TU | |
| C41TN2 | Tan FRN | PS | CPM-S30V | 20??-2014 | 119.95$ (2013) | "Operation Enduring Freedom" (engraved on blade). Also engraved on blade, "We pray for your safe return". Not available to dealers or distributors, Active Duty Soldiers in Afghanistan may enter to win one or may purchase through AAFEES, the local TFE, or their stateside MCSS.[10] | limited | Hollow | Silver Metal, Barrel bolt | LH/RH, TU | |
| C41PBN | Brown FRN | PE | CTS-XHP | Nov. 2013 | 129.95$ (2013) | Knife Center Exclusive | N/A | Hollow with Swedge | Chrome Hourglass, Barrel bolt | LH/RH, TU |
Variations of the Native SS (Generation 2)
All Native SSs are made in Seki-City, Japan.
| SKU | Handle | Edge(s) | Steel | From/To | MSRP | Note | Number made | Grind | Clip | Clip positions | Collectors club |
| C41 | Stainless Steel | PE PS | AUS-10 | 1998-2007: PS, 2002: PE | 94.95$ (2004) | N/A | Hollow | Metal, Barrel bolt | LH/RH, TU |
Variations of the Native 4 (Generation 4)
All Native 4s are made in Seki-City, Japan.
| SKU | Handle | Edge(s) | Steel | From/To | MSRP | Note | Number made | Grind | Clip | Clip positions | Collectors club |
| C41CFP | Black CF | PE | VG-10 | 2008-2009 | 259.95$ (2009) | N/A | Hollow | Metal, 4-way | LH/RH, TD/TU |
Variations of the Native 5 (Generation 5)
All Native 5s are made in Golden, Colorado. They feature a refined Back Lock mechanism.
The FRN versions are considered the "Native 5 lightweight" and have no liners, with four sets of threaded stainless steel inserts for the clip positions.
The March 2018 Spyderco Byte newsletter said that Spyderco would be rolling out some CQI changes, namely: S35VN would be replaced with S30V; the G-10 models would be going linerless (except the S110V version due to "special production requirements with midnight blue G-10"); and -as part of going linerless- will use threaded inserts for the clip holes. These changes will take place as current inventory is exhausted.
| SKU | Handle | Edge(s) | Steel | From/To | MSRP | Note | Number made | Grind | Clip | Clip positions | Collectors club |
| C41G5 | Black G-10 | PE | CPM-S35VN | 2011- | 199.95$ (2011), 224.95$ (2018) | Regular production | Full Flat | Chrome, 4-way | LH/RH, TD/TU | Main | |
| C41MP5 | Moonglow | PE | CPM-S35VN | Feb. 2013 | 229.95$ (2013) | EDC Forums Exclusive with EDCF logo on blade | 600-750[11] | Full Flat | Chrome, 4-way | LH/RH, TD/TU | Variant |
| C41TIFP | Fluted Ti | PE | CPM-S35VN | Mar. 2013-2017 | 399.95$ (2013) | Won Blade Show's American Made Knife of the Year in 2011, but wasn't released until almost two years later. | Limited production | Full Flat | Chrome, 4-way | LH/RH, TD/TU | Variant |
| C41GPGR5 | Dark Green Diamond-Cut texture G-10 | PE | CPM-S110V | July 2013 | 249.95$ (2013) | Spyderco Forum Knife 2013 laser-engraved on reverse side of blade. 40% off discount for forum members with code. Sold out in about 3 hours. Hardness of the S110V tested to an average of Rc 63[12] | 750-800[13] | Full Flat | Chrome, 4-way hourglass | LH/RH, TD/TU | Variant |
| C41CFP5 | Peel ply CF | PE | CPM-S110V | Aug 2014 | 319.95$ (2013) | Sprintrun | 800 | Full Flat | Chrome, 4-way hourglass | LH/RH, TD/TU | Variant |
| C41PBK5 | Black bi-directional FRN | PE | CPM-S35VN | Oct 2014- | 139.95$ (2014), 144.95$ (2018) | Regular production | Full Flat | Chrome, 4-way hourglass | LH/RH, TD/TU | Variant | |
| C41SBK5 | Black bi-directional FRN | SE | CPM-S35VN | Apr 2015- | 139.95$ (2015) | Regular production | Full Flat | Chrome, 4-way hourglass | LH/RH, TD/TU | Variant | |
| C41PSBK5 | Black bi-directional FRN | 50/50 CE | CPM-S35VN | Dec 2015- | 139.95$ (2015) | Regular production | Full Flat | Chrome, 4-way hourglass | LH/RH, TD/TU | Variant | |
| C41PSBK5 | Black bi-directional FRN | 50/50 CE | CPM-S35VN | Dec 2015- | 139.95$ (2015) | All black coated hardware. | Regular production | Full Flat | Chrome, 4-way hourglass | LH/RH, TD/TU | Variant |
| C41MR5 | Maroon bi-directional FRN | PE | CPM-S90V | July 2015 | 159.95$ (2015) | Spyderco Forum Knife 2015 engraved on blade beneath the bug logo. 40% off discount for forum members with code. | 800-1200 (est.) | Full Flat | Chrome, 4-way hourglass | LH/RH, TD/TU | Variant |
| C41PPN5 | Pink bi-directional FRN | PE | CPM-S35VN | Oct 2015- | 139.95$ (2015), 154.95$ (2018) | Portion of all sales donated to Guardians of the Ribbon, a charity supporting women battling all forms of cancer. | Regular production | Full Flat | Chrome, 4-way hourglass | LH/RH, TD/TU | Variant |
| C41GPDBL5 | Dark Blue G-10 | PE | CPM-S110V | 2016- | 249.95$ (2016) | Regular production | Full Flat | Chrome, 4-way hourglass | LH/RH, TD/TU | Variant | |
| C41PDBL5 | Dark Blue FRN | PE | CPM-S110V | Dec 2015- | 184.95$ (2016) | Regular production | Full Flat | Chrome, 4-way hourglass | LH/RH, TD/TU | Variant | |
| C41SBBK5 | Black bi-directional FRN | SE | Black DLC coated CPM-S35VN | 2016- | 159.95$ (2016) | All black coated hardware. | Regular production | Full Flat | Black 4-way hourglass | LH/RH, TD/TU | Variant |
| C41CF40TH | Black fluted CF | PE | DS93X Thor Damascus | Sept. 2016 | 599.95$ (2016) | 40th Anniversary. Large "1976-2016 40 Years" laser engraved into center of blade. | ~1200 | Full Flat | Chrome Hourglass | LH/RH TD/TU | Variant |
| C41NSPSRD5 | Red bi-directional FRN | PS | Black DLC coated LC200N | Dec. 2016 | $179.95 (MSRP) $100 (retail) | Never Summer exclusive. Only available to firefighters. Black hardware. Never Summer logo engraved on front, with "Never Summer" text engraved on the ricasso (right above the "LC200N" engraving), National Fallen Firefighters Foundation logo engraved on the rear. No bug logo. Sales will benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Collector's club numbers on back side of blade. Spyderco did make a very limited quantity available to non-firefighters through the SFO. | 500 | Full Flat | Black, 4-way hourglass | LH/RH, TD/TU | Variant |
| C41PGY5 | Slate gray bi-directional FRN | PE | Maxamet | Apr. 2017- | 239,95$ (2017) | Stonewashed blade and clip | Regular production | Full Flat | Chrome, 4-way hourglass | LH/RH, TD/TU | Variant |
| C41CFFP5 | Black fluted CF | PE | CPM-S90V | Aug. 2017- | $419.95 (2016), $359.95 (2017) | This model was originally cancelled and the fluted CF handles were instead rolled into the 40th Anniversary release. Then Spyderco decided to "uncancel" it as part of their "Signature Series". | Regular production | Full Flat | 4-way hourglass | LH/RH, TD/TU | Variant |
| C41POR5 | Orange FRN | PE | Satin CPM-S90V | Aug. 2017- | $159.95 (MSRP), $95.97 (street) | Cutlery Shoppe Exclusive | Limited | Full Flat | Chrome, 4-way hourglass | LH/RH, TD/TU | Variant |
| C41GPFGR5 | Dark Green smooth matte G-10 | PE | CPM-S90V | Oct. 2017 | $249.95 (MSRP), $149.97 (street) | KnifeCenter Exclusive, lightweight linerless handle | Limited | Full Flat | Black 4-way hourglass | LH/RH, TD/TU | Variant |
| C41PORBK5 | Orange FRN | PE | Black DLC CPM-S90V | Nov. 2017- | $179.95 (MSRP), $107.97 (street) | Cutlery Shoppe Exclusive, DLC coated lock bar | Limited | Full Flat | Black 4-way hourglass | LH/RH, TD/TU | Variant |
| C41CFPE5 | Black CF | PE | CPM-154/CPM-S90V | Dec. 2017 | $359.95 | Sprintrun. Composite blade, with CPM-S90V core between CPM-154 cladding | Limited | Hollow sabre grind | 4-way hourglass | LH/RH, TD/TU | Variant |
| C41PBBK5 | Black bi-directional FRN | PE | Black DLC coated CPM-S35VN | May 2018- | 164.95$ (2018) | All black coated hardware. | Regular production | Full Flat | Black 4-way hourglass | LH/RH, TD/TU | Variant |
| C41GM4P5 | Jade G-10 | PE | CPM-M4 | May 21, 2018- | $224.95 (MSRP), $154.95 (street) | BladeHQ Exclusive, linerless | Limited | Full Flat | Chrome silver 4-way hourglass | LH/RH, TD/TU | Variant |
| C41PYL5 | Yellow FRN | PE | Satin LC200N | Not yet released | $179.95 (2018) | Salt series, black screws, backlock spring, and hardware | N/A | Full Flat | Black 4-way hourglass | LH/RH, TD/TU | Variant |
Other variations
The following variations are all made in Golden, U.S.A.
| SKU | Handle | Edge(s) | Steel | From/To | MSRP | Note | Number made | Grind | Clip | Clip positions | Collectors club |
| C41GBL | Blue G-10 | PE PS | CPM-440V | 1999-? | 139.95$ | 700 total?; 300 special for BladeForum-numbered, 200 for collectors, 200 to dealers | Hollow | Blue coated Metal, Barrel bolt | LH/RH, TU | ||
| C41GPI | Black G-10 with Blue Mosaic Inlay | PE | CPM-440V | 2000 | 139.95$ (2000) | Sprintrun | 500, numbered | Hollow | Metal, Barrel bolt | RH, TU | |
| C41GPSI | Black G-10 with Root Beer Inlay | PS | CPM-440V | 2000 | 139.95$ (2000) | Sprintrun | 500, numbered | Hollow | Metal, Barrel bolt | RH, TU |
Most collectible variation
Questions regarding collecting the C41
Some interesting questions we are looking for an answer to:
Are the early Native SS made in Golden, U.S.A., as indicated in 1999 catalog? If yes, till when?
Questions with an answer:
Technical information
Measurements (mm and grams) of the C41 Native:
| Variation | Length overall | Length closed | Length blade | Length edge | Hole Ø | Blade thickness | Weight |
| C41 FRN (1997-2003), 1st generation | 178mm | 97mm | 80mm | 64mm | 12mm | 3mm | 68g |
| C41 FRN (2004-), 1st generation | 180mm | 101mm | 79mm | 65mm | 11.7mm | 3.1mm | 77g |
| C41, 2nd generation | 178mm | 97mm | 80mm | 64mm | 12mm | 3mm | 131g |
| C41 CF, 4th generation | 178mm | 100mm | 76mm | 64mm | 12mm | 3mm | 89g |
| C41G5, 5th generation | 177mm | 102mm | 75mm | 61mm | 12.7mm | 3.2mm | 105g |
| C41G5, 5th generation linerless | 177mm | 102mm | 75mm | 61mm | 12.7mm | 3.2mm | 85g |
| C41TIFP, 5th generation | 177mm | 102mm | 75mm | 61mm | 12.6mm | 3.2mm | 117g |
| C41BK5, 5th generation | 177mm | 102mm | 75mm | 61mm | 12.7mm | 3.2mm | 71g |
Measurements (inches and ounces) of the C41 Native:
| Variation | Length overall | Length closed | Length blade | Length edge | Hole Ø | Blade thickness | Weight |
| C41 FRN (1997-2003), 1st generation | 7" | 3 7/8" | 3 1/8" | 2 1/2" | 15/32" | 1/8" | 2.4oz |
| C41 FRN (2004-), 1st generation | 7.07" | 3.97" | 3.10" | 2.57" | 0.46" | 0.121" | 2.7oz |
| C41, 2nd generation | 7" | 3 7/8" | 3 1/8" | 2 1/2" | 15/32" | 1/8" | 4.6oz |
| C41 CF, 4th generation | 7" | 3 15/16" | 3" | 2 1/2" | 15/32" | 1/8" | 3.2oz |
| C41G5, 5th generation | 6.95" | 4.00" | 2.95" | 2.42" | 0.50" | 0.125" | 3.7oz |
| C41G5, 5th generation linerless | 6.95" | 4.00" | 2.95" | 2.42" | 0.50" | 0.125" | 3.0oz |
| C41TIFP, 5th generation | 6.95" | 4.00" | 2.95" | 2.41" | 0.50" | 0.125" | 4.1oz |
| C41BK5, 5th generation | 6.95" | 4.00" | 2.95" | 2.42" | 0.50" | 0.125" | 2.5oz |
References
- ↑ Sal Glesser's original comment can be found on Spyderco-Forums [1]
- ↑ The C41BK Native in Spyderco's online catalog
- ↑ The C41BBK Native in Spyderco's online catalog
- ↑ The C41PN Native in Spyderco's online catalog
- ↑ The C41TN Native in Spyderco's online catalog
- ↑ The C41 Native Stainless Steel in Spyderco's online catalog
- ↑ The C41CF Native 4 in Spyderco's online catalog
- ↑ The C41PPR Native Forum 2009 in Spyderco's online catalog
- ↑ The C41G5 Native5 in Spyderco's online catalog
- ↑ http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=182
- ↑ Quantity of EDC Forums Native depends on scrape rate[2]
- ↑ CPM-S110V Forum Native Rc hardness[3]
- ↑ Quantity of 2013 Spyderco Forum Natives[4]
Pictures
See e.g. the "Native appreciation" thread on the Spyderco forums.
C41PPR Native Forum 2009
C41 Native 5 Forum 2013
C41 Native 5 Forum 2013
2015 Spyderco Forum Native
C41PSS Native
C41GPI Native blue abalone shell inlay
C41 GPSI Native burnt orange-root-beer shell inlay
C41TIFP5 Native 5 Ti fluted
