First introduced in 1997, the original Spyderco Native quickly established a high standard for affordable, lightweight folding knives that deliver full-service functionality. Designed to showcase American craftsmanship at an exceptionally accessible price point, it also served as the platform for Spyderco's innovative reversible "barrel-bolt" pocket clip.

As the Native garnered a loyal following, some users expressed interest in a larger version that would provide increased blade length and improved ergonomics for those with larger hands. In response to this demand, Spyderco developed a prototype in 1999, named the Native Chief. This design preserved the pocket-friendly width of the Native while extending its overall length by nearly two inches. True to Spyderco's approach, the prototype was showcased at various trade shows and customer events to gather comprehensive feedback. Concurrently, the company continued refining the design in-house to fully unlock its potential.

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, creating longer-bladed knives presents unique challenges. The increased blade length results in a longer leverage arm, which places additional pressure on the lock mechanism. These complexities were eventually overshadowed by other priorities and models, leading to the Native Chief being set aside for several years.

The turning point for the Native Chief came with the development of the Native 5—the fifth-generation evolution of its predecessor. The highly refined Native 5 embodies over two decades of real-world use, extensive customer feedback, and Spyderco's unwavering commitment to Constant Quality Improvement (C.Q.I.). A standout feature of this model is its advanced lockback mechanism, the result of years of meticulous research, development, and testing, along with a significant investment in ultra-high-precision machinery. This lockback redefined the engineering and execution of this seemingly simple mechanism, providing the final piece needed to bring the Native Chief to life.

The Native Chief is an "extended" version of the classic Spyderco Native, increasing the overall length of the original design by approximately one-third while maintaining its slim, pocket-friendly profile. The Native Chief Lightweight continues this evolution by replacing the G10 scales with a lightweight, fiberglass-reinforced nylon (FRN) handle. The injection-molded handle features high-traction Bi-Directional Texturing, and its linerless construction reduces the knife's weight by 21% compared to its predecessor. It retains the same precision-machined lockback mechanism and includes four sets of threaded inserts for fully configurable mounting of the knife's four-position pocket clip. The blade of the Native Chief Lightweight is full-flat ground from CTS-BD1N stainless steel and features a fully accessible Trademark Round Hole, enhancing the knife's symmetrical, ambidextrous design.

**Specifications**
- Blade Length: 4.02" (102 mm)
- Cutting Edge: 3.52" (89 mm)
- Closed Length: 5.08" (129 mm)
- Overall Length: 9.05" (230 mm)
- Blade Thickness: 0.125" (3.2 mm)
- Blade Material: CTS-BD1N Stainless Steel
- Blade Style: Drop Point
- Blade Grind: Full Flat
- Blade Finish: Satin
- Blade Edge: Plain
- Handle Material: Fiberglass-Reinforced Nylon
- Handle Color: Black
- Locking Mechanism: Lockback
- Pocket Clip: Tip-Up/Down, Left/Right Carry
- Model Number: C244PBK
- Model Name: Native Chief Lightweight
- Weight: 3.1 oz. (88 g)
- Made in the USA

Blade Steel: CPM-S30V
Handle:
Blade Length: 3.24”
Weight: 1.8oz.
Open Length: 7.46”

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The Spyderco Native Chief takes the highly refined and time-tested design of our iconic Native model and extends it by approximately one-third, resulting in a longer, even more versatile cutting tool that remains remarkably slim and pocket-friendly. Its full-flat-ground CPM S30V® stainless steel blade features an index-finger choil and a fully accessible Trademark Round Hole, allowing for ambidextrous one-handed opening.

The blade is complemented by a linerless handle that incorporates textured G-10 scales, a stainless steel backspacer, and an ultra-refined, precision-machined back lock mechanism. Four sets of threaded inserts in the scales enable the polished hourglass pocket clip to be configured for either tip-up or tip-down carry on both sides of the handle, while a generously sized lanyard hole easily accommodates fobs and lanyards.

**Specifications:**

- **Overall Length:** 9.08" (231mm)
- **Blade Length:** 4.08" (104mm)
- **Steel:** CPM S30V
- **Closed Length:** 5.08" (129mm)
- **Edge Length:** 3.58" (91mm)
- **Weight:** 3.9oz (111g)
- **Blade Thickness:** 0.125" (3.2mm)
- **Handle Material:** G-10
- **Clip Position:** Ambidextrous
- **Tip Carry Position:** 4-position
- **Lock Type:** Back Lock
- **Grind:** Full-Flat
- **Sheath:** N/A
- **Origin:** United States

Introducing the latest addition to Spyderco's USA-made product line: the Shaman. This exceptional folding knife boasts an impressive lineage and remarkable capabilities.

In essence, the Shaman is an enhanced version of Spyderco's best-selling Native model. Launched in 1997, the Native set a new standard as an affordable, highly ergonomic, and lightweight folder. It played a pivotal role in introducing Spyderco's patented reversible pocket clip, a groundbreaking feature at the time. While stainless steel and carbon fiber variants were briefly produced in Japan, the Native Lightweight emerged as a flagship of Spyderco's American-made offerings, delivering superior quality and craftsmanship at an incredibly competitive price.

Over the years, the Native has evolved through five generations and inspired a diverse range of variations, including models tailored specifically for military, law enforcement, and tactical users. With countless Natives in daily use worldwide, it's no surprise that Spyderco receives extensive feedback from their owners. One of the most frequent requests—particularly from dedicated end users—is for a larger, more robust version of the original design. The Shaman is Spyderco's answer to that demand.

Measuring 8.25 inches overall, the Shaman is approximately 20 percent larger than the Native, making it perfect for individuals with larger hands or those who prefer a bigger blade. Its design retains the refined ergonomics and proven qualities of the Native while introducing several significant enhancements.

At the heart of this impressive design is its CPM S30V stainless steel blade, featuring a high saber (partial flat) grind and a prominent swedge (unsharpened back bevel). This expertly executed grind strikes a balance between strength, low-friction edge geometry, and an acute, utilitarian point, making it well-suited for a variety of cutting tasks. The blade's signature Trademark Round Hole is fully accessible from both sides, allowing for swift, one-handed opening with either hand. It also boasts a stylish, low-maintenance stonewashed finish. For tactical applications where light discipline is crucial, versions with a non-reflective black Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating will be available.

While the Shaman's handle shape and ergonomics are inspired by the Native, its handle construction and locking mechanism are distinctly different. The handle scales are 3D machined from G10 and thoughtfully contoured to ensure a comfortable, secure grip. Skeletonized stainless steel liners, nestled within the smooth, matte-finished scales, enhance the handle's structural integrity and form the foundation of the knife's patented Compression Lock. This high-strength mechanism is positioned in the spine of the handle, where it interacts with the web of the thumb during regular use, providing protection against accidental release. Its placement also allows for safe and easy one-handed blade closure without placing fingers in the path of the edge. To facilitate convenient carry and ensure the knife is always ready for immediate access, the handle features a stonewashed four-position pocket clip, allowing for left or right-side, tip-up or tip-down carry.

The Shaman is a powerful cutting tool, deeply rooted in the success of one of Spyderco's most iconic designs and shaped by the feedback of their loyal customers.

**Specifications:**
- Blade Length: 3.58"
- Closed Length: 4.67"
- Overall Length: 8.25"
- Cutting Edge: 3.12"
- Blade Thickness: 0.145"
- Blade Material: CPM-S30V Stainless Steel
- Blade Style: Spear Point
- Blade Grind: Full-Flat
- Blade Finish: Stonewash
- Blade Edge: Plain
- Handle Material: G10
- Handle Color: Matte Black
- Locking Mechanism: Compression
- Pocket Clip: Tip-Up/Down, Right/Left Carry
- Model Number: C229GPBK
- Model Name: Shaman
- Weight: 5.2 oz.
- Made in the USA

Blade Steel: CPM-S30V
Blade Length: 4.00"
Weight: 5.41oz.
Open Length: 9.30"

Blade Steel: S30V
Handle:
Blade Length:
Weight:
Open Length: