C41 Native

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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:

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

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, Nov. 2019 $179.95/$200.00 (MSRP 2017/2019), $107.97/$140.00 (street 2017/2019) Cutlery Shoppe exclusive, black coated hardware (lock bar and screws). Released another 250 in Nov. 2019. 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 Dec. 2018- $179.95 (2018) Salt series, black screws, backlock spring, and hardware N/A Full Flat Black 4-way hourglass LH/RH, TD/TU Variant
C41SYL5 Yellow FRN SE Satin LC200N Dec. 2018- $179.95 (2018) Salt series, black screws, backlock spring, and hardware N/A Full Flat Black 4-way hourglass LH/RH, TD/TU Variant
C41ALPBT Brown Trout pattern Aluminum PE Satin LC200N Feb. 2019- $495.00 (2019) Abel Reels exclusive, not available through Spyderco's distribution network. Hand painted anodizing on handle, Abel logo laser engraved on blade next to the bug. Very limited Full Flat Chrome 4-way hourglass LH/RH, TD/TU
C41ALPRT Rainbow Trout pattern Aluminum PE Satin LC200N Feb. 2019- $495.00 (2019) Abel Reels exclusive, not available through Spyderco's distribution network. Hand painted anodizing on handle, Abel logo laser engraved on blade next to the bug. Very limited Full Flat Chrome 4-way hourglass LH/RH, TD/TU
C41ALPBF Bonefish pattern Aluminum PE Satin LC200N Feb. 2019- $495.00 (2019) Abel Reels exclusive, not available through Spyderco's distribution network. Hand painted anodizing on handle, Abel logo laser engraved on blade next to the bug. Very limited Full Flat Chrome 4-way hourglass LH/RH, TD/TU
C41GM4PBK5 Jade G-10 PE Black DLC coated CPM-M4 Mar. 8, 2019 @ 12PM EST $234.95 (MSRP), $164.95 (street) BladeHQ exclusive, linerless. Black hardware (screws and lock bar). Sold out in just over 4 hours. Limited Full Flat Black 4-way hourglass LH/RH, TD/TU Variant
C41GPCW5 Smooth black G-10 PE Satin Cru-Wear Aug. 2019 $230.00 (MSRP), $149.50 (street) KnifeCenter exclusive, linerless. Limited Full Flat Chrome silver 4-way hourglass LH/RH, TD/TU Variant
C41GBORE5 Burnt-orange G-10 PE CPM REX 45 Mar. 2020 $235.00 (2020)) Sprintrun 1200 Full Flat Chrome silver 4-way hourglass LH/RH, TD/TU Variant
C41PBORE5 Burnt-orange FRN PE CPM REX 45 2020 $160.00 (2020) Sprintrun 1200 Full Flat Chrome silver 4-way hourglass LH/RH, TD/TU Variant
C41PCBL5 Cobalt blue FRN PE CPM SPY27 2020- $180.00 (2020) Uses new steel designed specifically for Spyderco. Regular production Full Flat Chrome silver 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
C41ALP**, 5th generation 177mm 102mm 75mm 62mm 12.5mm 3.2mm 94g

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
C41ALP**, 5th generation 6.95" 4.00" 2.95" 2.45" 0.50" 0.126" 3.3oz

References

  1. Sal Glesser's original comment can be found on Spyderco-Forums [1]
  2. The C41BK Native in Spyderco's online catalog
  3. The C41BBK Native in Spyderco's online catalog
  4. The C41PN Native in Spyderco's online catalog
  5. The C41TN Native in Spyderco's online catalog
  6. The C41 Native Stainless Steel in Spyderco's online catalog
  7. The C41CF Native 4 in Spyderco's online catalog
  8. The C41PPR Native Forum 2009 in Spyderco's online catalog
  9. The C41G5 Native5 in Spyderco's online catalog
  10. http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=182
  11. Quantity of EDC Forums Native depends on scrape rate[2]
  12. CPM-S110V Forum Native Rc hardness[3]
  13. Quantity of 2013 Spyderco Forum Natives[4]

Pictures

See e.g. the "Native appreciation" thread on the Spyderco forums.

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